The Forensics Department of Khyber Medical College University has proposed a plan to charge rape victims Pakistani Rs 25,000 for medical examination and Rs 5,000 for an autopsy for the local residents of Peshawar, The Express Tribune said.

The decision was taken at a meeting of the Management Committee held on February 14 in which 17 new charges were approved.

Police Department already has a limited investigation budget and the introduction of such high charges will likely force local police stations to ask the victims` families to pay for not only autopsy but also DNA tests and medical examination of rape victims.

"When you go to a police station they often ask you to pay for the diesel for police vehicles. Now they will ask the general public to pay the charges of autopsy and even medical examination of rape victims. So the decision is not a welcome one," a rights activist Tamur Kamal told The Express Tribune.

The proposed plan also suggested charges for keeping corpses in the cold storage to Rs 1,500 per 24 hours. For DNA testing Rs 18,000 has been fixed.

"For the district Peshawar autopsy cases the department will charge Rs 5,000 per case while for the cases referred from other districts the charges will be Rs 25,000 per post-mortem," said an official of the department, adding that for kinship and paternity test Rs 20,000 fee has been proposed.

"For drug abuse analysis Rs 3,000 charges have to be paid. Urine tests and alcohol analysis will cost Rs 2,000. Test for poison detection to cost Rs 4,000 while freezer charges for dead bodies will be Rs 1,500 per 24 hours," he informed The Express Tribune.

The unclaimed bodies are sent to the Khyber Medical College University for cold storage by the local police where they are stored sometimes for months till their identification and retrieval by the family.

The Express Tribune reported that the decision to introduce 17 new charges was taken to meet the operational expenditures of the Forensic Department.

The Forensics Department of Khyber Medical College University has proposed a plan to charge rape victims Pakistani Rs 25,000 for medical examination and Rs 5,000 for an autopsy for the local residents of Peshawar, The Express Tribune said.

The Forensics Department of Khyber Medical College University has proposed a plan to charge rape victims Pakistani Rs 25,000 for medical examination and Rs 5,000 for an autopsy for the local residents of Peshawar, The Express Tribune said. The decision was taken at a meeting of the Management Committee held on February 14 in which 17 new charges were approved. Police Department already has a limited investigation budget and the introduction of such high charges will likely force local police stations to ask the victims` families to pay for not only autopsy but also DNA tests and medical examination of rape victims. "When you go to a police station they often ask you to pay for the diesel for police vehicles. Now they will ask the general public to pay the charges of autopsy and even medical examination of rape victims. So the decision is not a welcome one," a rights activist Tamur Kamal told The Express Tribune. The proposed plan also suggested charges for keeping corpses in the cold storage to Rs 1,500 per 24 hours. For DNA testing Rs 18,000 has been fixed. "For the district Peshawar autopsy cases the department will charge Rs 5,000 per case while for the cases referred from other districts the charges will be Rs 25,000 per post-mortem," said an official of the department, adding that for kinship and paternity test Rs 20,000 fee has been proposed. "For drug abuse analysis Rs 3,000 charges have to be paid. Urine tests and alcohol analysis will cost Rs 2,000. Test for poison detection to cost Rs 4,000 while freezer charges for dead bodies will be Rs 1,500 per 24 hours," he informed The Express Tribune. The unclaimed bodies are sent to the Khyber Medical College University for cold storage by the local police where they are stored sometimes for months till their identification and retrieval by the family. The Express Tribune reported that the decision to introduce 17 new charges was taken to meet the operational expenditures of the Forensic Department.

Pakistan to charge rape victims Rs 25,000 for medical examination

Pakistan faced a profound diplomatic embarrassment when the Government of Sri Lanka cancelled (Feb 17) the much-hyped Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan’s address to the Sri Lankan Parliament. It was originally scheduled for February 24. &nbsp;

This is seen as a major setback to the Pakistani establishment as Imran’s visit commencing on February 20, was seen in Pakistan as a significant move to further befriend Sri Lanka. It is also assessed by the diplomatic circles that it was a triumph of&nbsp;the Indian policymakers because the proposed Sri Lanka visit, more specifically the Parliament address was largely at China’s behest.

Now, Pakistan will have to recover with immense difficulty with the shock it received by the last-minute cancellation. Meanwhile, knowledgeable sources also say that the Parliament address was sabotaged to prevent Imran Khan for raking up the Kashmir issue on foreign soil, thus trying to cause a wedge between Indo-Sri Lanka warm ties. This has also left China red-faced as China was intently watching the upcoming visit for geopolitical reasons.&nbsp;

The cancellation has been officially confirmed now by Sri Lanka Foreign Minister Gunawardena. Although the Sri Lanka Parliament Speaker reckons that the address has been called off due to Covid-19 related precautionary measures, this explanation seems faint and far from convincing.

In the meantime, credible reports trickling in from Colombo indicate that there is no possibility of Sri Lanka signing any defence agreements with Pakistan during the visit of Imran Khan. Sri Lanka Foreign Secretary Admiral Prof. Jayanth Colombage did disclose that a number of agreements on economic cooperation, culture and other issues are on the cards but nothing on defence. &nbsp;

However, grounds for strong defence cooperation between Sri Lanka and Pakistan do exist. &nbsp;From 2000 to 2009, Pak-Sri Lanka military cooperation was exceptionally strong. During the operations against the LTTE in its last phase in 2009, Sri Lanka had sought Multi-Barrel Rocket Launchers (MBRLs) which Pakistan had readily obliged. It is also pertinent to point out that the LTTE had tried to assassinate the Pakistani High Commissioner in Colombo, Bashir Wali Mohmand in 2009 as he was assisting the Sri Lankan forces’ efforts to exterminate the LTTE.

In a development linked to Prime Minister Imran Khan’s visit, the Sri Lankan Muslim community leaders are preparing to meet the visiting Pak PM to hand over their list of grievances by involving Imran Khan whom they described as a great Muslim leader. &nbsp;It is likely that the section of Muslims in Sri Lanka would highlight the human rights violations against the 9 per cent Muslim minority in Sri Lanka and alleged social discrimination. &nbsp;

Reacting to the cancellation of the Parliament address, Rauf Hakeem, opposition MP and leader of the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress said (Feb. 17) that the Sri Lanka government had embarrassed the PM of a foreign country. Muslims in Sri Lanka are also believed to be agitated over the controversy of the government’s decision to allow only cremation and not the burial of all the COVID casualties. On his part, Imran Khan is expected to give a patient hearing to the ‘aggrieved’ Muslims. &nbsp;It could, in case, be interesting to Pakistan and Sri Lanka watchers to see how Imran’s forthcoming Colombo visit unfolds.

While the cancellation of the Parliament address by Imran Khan is dampening for Pakistan and its PM, it is also seen as a loss of face amid a slew of problems Pakistan is already grappling with. &nbsp; 
However, a more serious problem that Pakistan is facing at this juncture is the assessment by the experts that Pakistan is unlikely to exit the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) ‘grey’ list until June this year, despite its efforts to gather support from the member nations ahead of the plenary meet of the FATF slated in Paris from Feb 21 to 26. &nbsp;

This is yet another critical setback for Pakistan. It also means Pakistan has not done enough to improve its track record on terror funding despite repeated warnings by the FATF. Compounded with this, the latest report of denial of an address by PM Imran Khan to the Sri Lankan Parliament exposes Pakistan’s hollowed foreign policy bereft of any maturity or seen as an incorrigible nation, howsoever harsh it may sound.

Pakistan doesn’t seem to be learning any lesson and instead it continues to bask on India bashing and most of such reactions emanating from a deep sense of insecurity from India.&nbsp;

Let us dwell upon a couple of illustrations to prove our point. The Chief of the Army Staff General Qamar Ahmad Bajwa, while addressing the cadets of the Air War College Institution ( AWCI), at the 34th Air War course at Karachi, under the aegis of the Pakistan Air Force ( PAF), warned ( Feb 17) that Pakistan was ready to give a befitting reply to any misadventure posed by its adversary.&nbsp; 
The tenor and syntax were aggressive and reminiscent of his similar speech earlier this month, again at a PAF function. In both cases, the army chief insinuated his warning towards India.&nbsp;

It was indeed unprovoked and avoidable and but the contents rob away any chances of toning down a sense of hostility in letter and spirit .&nbsp;

Army chief apart, the Foreign Minister of Pakistan Shah Mehmood Qureshi, while addressing the participants of the Ninth International Maritime Conference in Karachi on Feb 15, accused India of taking recourse to what he termed belligerent and aggressive policies raising the chances of a conflict in the Indian Ocean. Crossing all limits of decency, Foreign Minister Qureshi also charged India for being driven by "extreme Hindutva ideology".

Again, such remarks coming from a senior minister against a sovereign country were totally uncalled for. It’s clearly evident that such manifestations are the result of a great sense of insecurity felt by Pakistan. This seems to have heightened following the perceived armament build-up by India, as assessed by media house Al-Jazeera. It further analyses that being in the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue group, Pakistan is apprehensive with security concerns.

Though the well-known commentator and security analyst Zahid Hussain feels that India’s military preparedness is against China, Pakistan feels threatened by India . Pakistan recently hosted a naval exercise with the US, the UK, Russia participating.&nbsp;

Reeling under such massive level of apprehensions from perceived Indian threats, Pakistan first needs to tone down its rhetoric, address its domestic concerns, rein in the various terror groups bred in Pakistan and also straighten up its foreign policy creases so as not to face embarrassment as in Sri Lanka. It would then augur well with it to exaggerate concerns from India.

(Writer is a retired IPS officer, a security analyst and a former National Security Advisor to the Prime Minister of Mauritius. Views are personal)

(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.)

Pakistan faced a profound diplomatic embarrassment when the Government of Sri Lanka cancelled (Feb 17) the much-hyped Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan’s address to the Sri Lankan Parliament.

Pakistan faced a profound diplomatic embarrassment when the Government of Sri Lanka cancelled (Feb 17) the much-hyped Prime Minister of Pakistan, Imran Khan’s address to the Sri Lankan Parliament. It was originally scheduled for February 24. This is seen as a major setback to the Pakistani establishment as Imran’s visit commencing on February 20, was seen in Pakistan as a significant move to further befriend Sri Lanka. It is also assessed by the diplomatic circles that it was a triumph of the Indian policymakers because the proposed Sri Lanka visit, more specifically the Parliament address was largely at China’s behest. Now, Pakistan will have to recover with immense difficulty with the shock it received by the last-minute cancellation. Meanwhile, knowledgeable sources also say that the Parliament address was sabotaged to prevent Imran Khan for raking up the Kashmir issue on foreign soil, thus trying to cause a wedge between Indo-Sri Lanka warm ties. This has also left China red-faced as China was intently watching the upcoming visit for geopolitical reasons. The cancellation has been officially confirmed now by Sri Lanka Foreign Minister Gunawardena. Although the Sri Lanka Parliament Speaker reckons that the address has been called off due to Covid-19 related precautionary measures, this explanation seems faint and far from convincing. In the meantime, credible reports trickling in from Colombo indicate that there is no possibility of Sri Lanka signing any defence agreements with Pakistan during the visit of Imran Khan. Sri Lanka Foreign Secretary Admiral Prof. Jayanth Colombage did disclose that a number of agreements on economic cooperation, culture and other issues are on the cards but nothing on defence. However, grounds for strong defence cooperation between Sri Lanka and Pakistan do exist. From 2000 to 2009, Pak-Sri Lanka military cooperation was exceptionally strong. During the operations against the LTTE in its last phase in 2009, Sri Lanka had sought Multi-Barrel Rocket Launchers (MBRLs) which Pakistan had readily obliged. It is also pertinent to point out that the LTTE had tried to assassinate the Pakistani High Commissioner in Colombo, Bashir Wali Mohmand in 2009 as he was assisting the Sri Lankan forces’ efforts to exterminate the LTTE. In a development linked to Prime Minister Imran Khan’s visit, the Sri Lankan Muslim community leaders are preparing to meet the visiting Pak PM to hand over their list of grievances by involving Imran Khan whom they described as a great Muslim leader. It is likely that the section of Muslims in Sri Lanka would highlight the human rights violations against the 9 per cent Muslim minority in Sri Lanka and alleged social discrimination. Reacting to the cancellation of the Parliament address, Rauf Hakeem, opposition MP and leader of the Sri Lanka Muslim Congress said (Feb. 17) that the Sri Lanka government had embarrassed the PM of a foreign country. Muslims in Sri Lanka are also believed to be agitated over the controversy of the government’s decision to allow only cremation and not the burial of all the COVID casualties. On his part, Imran Khan is expected to give a patient hearing to the ‘aggrieved’ Muslims. It could, in case, be interesting to Pakistan and Sri Lanka watchers to see how Imran’s forthcoming Colombo visit unfolds. While the cancellation of the Parliament address by Imran Khan is dampening for Pakistan and its PM, it is also seen as a loss of face amid a slew of problems Pakistan is already grappling with. However, a more serious problem that Pakistan is facing at this juncture is the assessment by the experts that Pakistan is unlikely to exit the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) ‘grey’ list until June this year, despite its efforts to gather support from the member nations ahead of the plenary meet of the FATF slated in Paris from Feb 21 to 26. This is yet another critical setback for Pakistan. It also means Pakistan has not done enough to improve its track record on terror funding despite repeated warnings by the FATF. Compounded with this, the latest report of denial of an address by PM Imran Khan to the Sri Lankan Parliament exposes Pakistan’s hollowed foreign policy bereft of any maturity or seen as an incorrigible nation, howsoever harsh it may sound. Pakistan doesn’t seem to be learning any lesson and instead it continues to bask on India bashing and most of such reactions emanating from a deep sense of insecurity from India. Let us dwell upon a couple of illustrations to prove our point. The Chief of the Army Staff General Qamar Ahmad Bajwa, while addressing the cadets of the Air War College Institution ( AWCI), at the 34th Air War course at Karachi, under the aegis of the Pakistan Air Force ( PAF), warned ( Feb 17) that Pakistan was ready to give a befitting reply to any misadventure posed by its adversary. The tenor and syntax were aggressive and reminiscent of his similar speech earlier this month, again at a PAF function. In both cases, the army chief insinuated his warning towards India. It was indeed unprovoked and avoidable and but the contents rob away any chances of toning down a sense of hostility in letter and spirit . Army chief apart, the Foreign Minister of Pakistan Shah Mehmood Qureshi, while addressing the participants of the Ninth International Maritime Conference in Karachi on Feb 15, accused India of taking recourse to what he termed belligerent and aggressive policies raising the chances of a conflict in the Indian Ocean. Crossing all limits of decency, Foreign Minister Qureshi also charged India for being driven by "extreme Hindutva ideology". Again, such remarks coming from a senior minister against a sovereign country were totally uncalled for. It’s clearly evident that such manifestations are the result of a great sense of insecurity felt by Pakistan. This seems to have heightened following the perceived armament build-up by India, as assessed by media house Al-Jazeera. It further analyses that being in the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue group, Pakistan is apprehensive with security concerns. Though the well-known commentator and security analyst Zahid Hussain feels that India’s military preparedness is against China, Pakistan feels threatened by India . Pakistan recently hosted a naval exercise with the US, the UK, Russia participating. Reeling under such massive level of apprehensions from perceived Indian threats, Pakistan first needs to tone down its rhetoric, address its domestic concerns, rein in the various terror groups bred in Pakistan and also straighten up its foreign policy creases so as not to face embarrassment as in Sri Lanka. It would then augur well with it to exaggerate concerns from India. (Writer is a retired IPS officer, a security analyst and a former National Security Advisor to the Prime Minister of Mauritius. Views are personal) (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's embarrassment is a spanner in Imran Khan's Colombo visit

Prime Minister Imran Khan will be the first Head of Government to visit Sri Lanka after President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa assumed office last year. The Prime Minister will visit Sri Lanka on February 23 and 24.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement confirming the visit of the Prime Minister saying that bilateral talks would cover issues of trade and investment, health and education, agriculture and science and technology, defence and security, and culture and tourism. Key regional and international issues would also be discussed.

“During the visit, the reconstitution of the Sri Lanka-Pakistan Parliamentary Friendship Association will be announced to further promote parliamentary exchanges between the two countries,” the statement said.

Mr Khan will also participate in a joint ‘Trade and Investment Conference’.

A number of memorandums of understanding to enhance bilateral cooperation will also be signed during the visit.

The prime minister was earlier scheduled to address the Sri Lankan parliament but the event was cancelled last night.&nbsp;The Sri Lankan government and the Pakistani government both maintained that the visit will undertake with the necessary Covid-19 protocols.

The prime minister will be holding delegation-level talks with the president and prime minister&nbsp;of Sri Lanka.&nbsp;During the visit, PM Khan will also be inaugurating a sports complex in Colombo.

Accompanying him in his high-level delegation would be the Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Advisor on Trade and Commerce Razzaq Dawood.&nbsp;The prime mnister during his visit to Sri Lanka would be focusing on cultural tourism.

President Rajapaksa is familiar with Pakistan where he attended courses in military training institutions.

In a tweet, Sri Lankan President said that he looks forward to welcoming Pakistani Prime Minister and said that, “this visit will further reinforce our bilateral relationship and pave way for joint ventures that mutually benefit both our nations”.

Khan’s visit comes at a time when Sri Lanka has been balancing its act with immediate neighbours India &amp; China and Pakistan known to be an all-weather China ally

 
&nbsp;

Prime Minister Imran Khan will be the first Head of Government to visit Sri Lanka after President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa assumed office last year.

Prime Minister Imran Khan will be the first Head of Government to visit Sri Lanka after President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa assumed office last year. The Prime Minister will visit Sri Lanka on February 23 and 24. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a statement confirming the visit of the Prime Minister saying that bilateral talks would cover issues of trade and investment, health and education, agriculture and science and technology, defence and security, and culture and tourism. Key regional and international issues would also be discussed. “During the visit, the reconstitution of the Sri Lanka-Pakistan Parliamentary Friendship Association will be announced to further promote parliamentary exchanges between the two countries,” the statement said. Mr Khan will also participate in a joint ‘Trade and Investment Conference’. A number of memorandums of understanding to enhance bilateral cooperation will also be signed during the visit. The prime minister was earlier scheduled to address the Sri Lankan parliament but the event was cancelled last night. The Sri Lankan government and the Pakistani government both maintained that the visit will undertake with the necessary Covid-19 protocols. The prime minister will be holding delegation-level talks with the president and prime minister of Sri Lanka. During the visit, PM Khan will also be inaugurating a sports complex in Colombo. Accompanying him in his high-level delegation would be the Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Advisor on Trade and Commerce Razzaq Dawood. The prime mnister during his visit to Sri Lanka would be focusing on cultural tourism. President Rajapaksa is familiar with Pakistan where he attended courses in military training institutions. In a tweet, Sri Lankan President said that he looks forward to welcoming Pakistani Prime Minister and said that, “this visit will further reinforce our bilateral relationship and pave way for joint ventures that mutually benefit both our nations”. Khan’s visit comes at a time when Sri Lanka has been balancing its act with immediate neighbours India & China and Pakistan known to be an all-weather China ally

Prime Minister Imran Khan to visit Sri Lanka

India has invited Pakistan for a virtual SAARC meeting on the Wuhan virus. Will Pakistan stick to the agenda or try to derail the proceedings again? WION's Palki Sharma brings you a report.

Gravitas | SAARC Virtual Meet: India invites Pakistan for Wuhan virus workshop

The Sri Lankan Parliament on Thursday has cancelled the planned address of Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan during his upcoming visit to the island nation, reported Dawn.&nbsp;

This is being seen as a move by the Sri Lankan government to maintain ties with India. It was being speculated that Khan would raise the Kashmir issue during his speech, which could have upset Delhi. &nbsp;

Sri Lankan ‘Express’ newspaper stated that giving an opportunity to the Pakistani prime minister could have been implied as giving Khan parity to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, so the planned speech was cancelled.&nbsp;

It is significant to mention that Imran khan’s speech at the Sri Lankan parliament had been included in PM's itinerary on the Pakistan government's request. &nbsp;

Imran Khan is scheduled to travel to Colombo on a two-day trip from February 22. He was to address the Sri Lankan parliament on February 24. He will also meet Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and attend an investors' conference, reported Dawn.&nbsp;

Imran's speech was added at the request of the Pakistan government. However, it was later cancelled, according to Sri Lankan media. Sri Lankan media have cited different reasons for the cancellation of Khan's address. &nbsp;

Sri Lanka's daily ‘Express’ quoted Foreign Secretary Jayanath Colombage as having said that Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena had requested for cancellation on the pretext of Covid-19. However, the same newspaper cited unnamed sources as saying that there were elements within the Sri Lankan government, who did not want the speech to take place as they feared that doing so could further harm ties with India.

But another speculation doing the rounds is that the Sri Lankan government was concerned about Khan speaking about the rights of Muslims in Sri Lanka, who have faced abuses at the hands of the Buddhist majority, rising anti-Muslim sentiments, and biased government actions, reported Dawn.&nbsp;

The Sri Lankan government had, moreover, made its compulsory cremation rule for those dying from Covid-19 applicable to Muslims in the country. The government, however, earlier this month exempted the Muslims from cremation and allowed them to bury their dead after a global outcry over the issue.&nbsp;

The Sri Lankan Parliament on Thursday has cancelled the planned address of Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan during his upcoming visit to the island nation, reported Dawn.

The Sri Lankan Parliament on Thursday has cancelled the planned address of Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan during his upcoming visit to the island nation, reported Dawn. This is being seen as a move by the Sri Lankan government to maintain ties with India. It was being speculated that Khan would raise the Kashmir issue during his speech, which could have upset Delhi. Sri Lankan ‘Express’ newspaper stated that giving an opportunity to the Pakistani prime minister could have been implied as giving Khan parity to Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, so the planned speech was cancelled. It is significant to mention that Imran khan’s speech at the Sri Lankan parliament had been included in PM's itinerary on the Pakistan government's request. Imran Khan is scheduled to travel to Colombo on a two-day trip from February 22. He was to address the Sri Lankan parliament on February 24. He will also meet Sri Lankan President Gotabaya Rajapaksa and Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapaksa and attend an investors' conference, reported Dawn. Imran's speech was added at the request of the Pakistan government. However, it was later cancelled, according to Sri Lankan media. Sri Lankan media have cited different reasons for the cancellation of Khan's address. Sri Lanka's daily ‘Express’ quoted Foreign Secretary Jayanath Colombage as having said that Speaker Mahinda Yapa Abeywardena had requested for cancellation on the pretext of Covid-19. However, the same newspaper cited unnamed sources as saying that there were elements within the Sri Lankan government, who did not want the speech to take place as they feared that doing so could further harm ties with India. But another speculation doing the rounds is that the Sri Lankan government was concerned about Khan speaking about the rights of Muslims in Sri Lanka, who have faced abuses at the hands of the Buddhist majority, rising anti-Muslim sentiments, and biased government actions, reported Dawn. The Sri Lankan government had, moreover, made its compulsory cremation rule for those dying from Covid-19 applicable to Muslims in the country. The government, however, earlier this month exempted the Muslims from cremation and allowed them to bury their dead after a global outcry over the issue.

Sri Lankan government cancels Pak PM Imran Khan's address to Parliament

Does any govt 'test' tear gas on its citizens? Most governments don't, but Pakistan likes to be the exception. Pak's Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed says 'We fired tear gas on protesters because they were sitting idle'. WION's Palki Sharma gets you a report on the outrageous remark.

Gravitas: This Pak Minister 'tested' tear gas on protesters

Pakistan recently ''tested" tear gas on its citizens because it had remained unused for a long time. Most governments don't fire tear gas on their citizens simply because it hadn't been used for a long time, but Pakistan remains an exception.

During protests in Islamabad, federal government employees in Pakistan had hit the streets. They wanted a 40 per cent hike in their salaries. But the Pakistan government responded with several cubic metres of tear gas.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-this-pak-minister-tested-tear-gas-on-protesters-364130/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Many believed that the shelling was done to disperse the protesters. Turns out, it was just for fun.

Sheikh Rasheed Ahmad, the Interior Minister of Pakistan, and Chaudhary Fawad Hussain's main rival claimed that Islamabad police fired a little tear gas on the protesters because the canisters had been unused for a long time, and that they were just trying to test the tear gas.

Watch it below

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Fired a little tear gas on govt employees to test it: Interior minister Sheikh Rasheed. Govt used expired tear gas and several employees were injured in Islamabad protests. 
<a href="https://t.co/G4dTTaRWP0">pic.twitter.com/G4dTTaRWP0</a>
— Naila Inayat (@nailainayat) <a href="https://twitter.com/nailainayat/status/1361035953163362314?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 14, 2021</a></blockquote>
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"Now people have understood, that maybe, we have recently increased salaries by 25 per cent and fired a little tear gas because that's necessary too. Because we had to test the tear gas since it had been lying idle. So we tested it a little, not much, the rest is safe with us", Ahmad was heard saying.

In any other country, a statement like this would cause outrage, and the minister in question would be forced to apologise or resign, but not in Pakistan.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/dont-let-imran-khan-come-to-power-again-says-maryam-nawaz-at-a-rally-364054" hreflang="en">Don't let Imran Khan come to power again, says Maryam Nawaz at a rally</a>

In other news, the passport of Pakistan's former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has expired. Sharif is currently in exile in London where he has been living there since November 2019.

He faces charges of corruption in Pakistan, and won't be issued a new passport or get a renewal on the existing one which means his options are now limited. He will have to stay in the UK if he plans on remaining in exile. And in case London and Islamabad strike a deal and Nawaz Sharif's visa is revoked, he will have no choice but to return to Pakistan. But as of now, Pakistan has no extradition treaty with Britain.

Pakistan recently ''tested" tear gas on its citizens because it had remained unused for a long time. Most governments don't fire tear gas on their citizens simply because it hadn't been used for a long time, but Pakistan remains an exception.

Pakistan recently ''tested" tear gas on its citizens because it had remained unused for a long time. Most governments don't fire tear gas on their citizens simply because it hadn't been used for a long time, but Pakistan remains an exception. During protests in Islamabad, federal government employees in Pakistan had hit the streets. They wanted a 40 per cent hike in their salaries. But the Pakistan government responded with several cubic metres of tear gas. Many believed that the shelling was done to disperse the protesters. Turns out, it was just for fun. Sheikh Rasheed Ahmad, the Interior Minister of Pakistan, and Chaudhary Fawad Hussain's main rival claimed that Islamabad police fired a little tear gas on the protesters because the canisters had been unused for a long time, and that they were just trying to test the tear gas. Watch it below Fired a little tear gas on govt employees to test it: Interior minister Sheikh Rasheed. Govt used expired tear gas and several employees were injured in Islamabad protests. pic.twitter.com/G4dTTaRWP0 — Naila Inayat (@nailainayat) February 14, 2021 × "Now people have understood, that maybe, we have recently increased salaries by 25 per cent and fired a little tear gas because that's necessary too. Because we had to test the tear gas since it had been lying idle. So we tested it a little, not much, the rest is safe with us", Ahmad was heard saying. In any other country, a statement like this would cause outrage, and the minister in question would be forced to apologise or resign, but not in Pakistan. Also read: Don't let Imran Khan come to power again, says Maryam Nawaz at a rally In other news, the passport of Pakistan's former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif has expired. Sharif is currently in exile in London where he has been living there since November 2019. He faces charges of corruption in Pakistan, and won't be issued a new passport or get a renewal on the existing one which means his options are now limited. He will have to stay in the UK if he plans on remaining in exile. And in case London and Islamabad strike a deal and Nawaz Sharif's visa is revoked, he will have no choice but to return to Pakistan. But as of now, Pakistan has no extradition treaty with Britain.

Pakistan fired tear gas on protesters to 'test' it, Interior Minister Ahmad claims

Pakistan will take part in India led initiative on the Covid-19 crisis. The meet at the official level-- primarily health experts will focus on the exchange of good practices to deal with the crisis. Many of the countries who have been invited are members of the SAARC grouping.

In March last year, the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for a SAARC meet on the Covid-19 pandemic. The meet saw all the SAARC heads of govt/state taking part barring Pakistan. Pakistan was present at a junior level at the meeting. One of the key outcomes of the meet was the establishment of the SAARC emergency fund, with India contributing $10 million to it.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-fired-tear-gas-on-protesters-to-test-it-interior-minister-ahmad-claims-364118">Pakistan fired tear gas on protesters to 'test' it, Interior Minister Ahmad claims</a>

Amid the pandemic, India reached out to many countries in the region with medicines and other aid. It sent 75,000 MT of food aid to Afghanistan via Chabahar, medical equipment, and other related things like masks to Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh. Under Mission Sagar 1, while it reached out to 5 countries in the Indian Ocean--Maldives, Mauritius, Madagascar, Comoros, and Seychelles by sending medicines and food aid.

This year, India gifted Covid vaccines to countries in the region. These are --Bangladesh with 20 lakh&nbsp;doses, Myanmar with 17 lakh&nbsp;doses, Nepal with 10 lakh, Bhutan with 1.5 lakh, the Maldives with 1 lakh, Mauritius with 1 lakh, Seychelles with 50000, Sri Lanka with 5 lakhs, and Afghanistan 5 lakh. This is additional to many countries in Latin America, CARICOM that New Delhi reached out. 
&nbsp;

Pakistan will take part in India led initiative on the Covid-19 crisis. The meet at the official level-- primarily health experts will focus on the exchange of good practices to deal with the crisis.

Pakistan will take part in India led initiative on the Covid-19 crisis. The meet at the official level-- primarily health experts will focus on the exchange of good practices to deal with the crisis. Many of the countries who have been invited are members of the SAARC grouping. In March last year, the Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi called for a SAARC meet on the Covid-19 pandemic. The meet saw all the SAARC heads of govt/state taking part barring Pakistan. Pakistan was present at a junior level at the meeting. One of the key outcomes of the meet was the establishment of the SAARC emergency fund, with India contributing $10 million to it. Also read | Pakistan fired tear gas on protesters to 'test' it, Interior Minister Ahmad claims Amid the pandemic, India reached out to many countries in the region with medicines and other aid. It sent 75,000 MT of food aid to Afghanistan via Chabahar, medical equipment, and other related things like masks to Bhutan, Nepal, Bangladesh. Under Mission Sagar 1, while it reached out to 5 countries in the Indian Ocean--Maldives, Mauritius, Madagascar, Comoros, and Seychelles by sending medicines and food aid. This year, India gifted Covid vaccines to countries in the region. These are --Bangladesh with 20 lakh doses, Myanmar with 17 lakh doses, Nepal with 10 lakh, Bhutan with 1.5 lakh, the Maldives with 1 lakh, Mauritius with 1 lakh, Seychelles with 50000, Sri Lanka with 5 lakhs, and Afghanistan 5 lakh. This is additional to many countries in Latin America, CARICOM that New Delhi reached out.

Pakistan to take part in India-led initiative on Covid-19 crisis

The Vice President of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Maryam Nawaz criticised Prime Minister Imran Khan, urging voters to ensure that Khan does not return to the post.

While referring to "selectors", Nawaz said that the country has undergone many ordeals under the leadership of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), news agency ANI reported.

"The country has been worn out but my dear selectors, do not do this with Pakistan again...I feel bad when people bad-mouth the selectors because after all, the institution is ours," Nawaz said during an election rally in Wazirabad.

"I say to Wazirabad police and administration... I know that you yourself are frustrated [but] the nation is looking at you; if you instead of serving the country and the people try to serve anyone else, try to steal the vote and make a lost person win, then remember, Imran Khan came once but now at least Punjab will not let him come [to power] again", Nawaz added.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/south-asia/will-live-in-pakistan-wont-go-abroad-says-maryam-nawaz-363839" hreflang="en">Will live in Pakistan, won't go abroad, says Maryam Nawaz</a>

The VP of PML-N, addressing the rally in Urdu added that farmers, labourers, and traders in the country remain frustrated with the Khan-led government and that many workers in the country are unable to afford basic goods.

She also referred to the rising cost of electricity in the country, saying "those financing Imran Khan`s expenses deliberately imported expensive LNG". 
 
"They [government] took loans of Rs 15,000 billion but did not lay a single brick," she added.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/south-asia/maryam-nawaz-slams-pak-pm-imran-khan-after-he-calls-protesting-hazaras-blackmailers-355551" hreflang="en">Maryam Nawaz slams Pak PM Imran Khan after he calls protesting Hazaras 'blackmailers'</a>

Senate elections in the country are set to take place on March 3. The daughter of Pakistan's deposed Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif - Maryam Nawaz on Monday had said that she will not leave the country to join her father in London.

"Even if someone (from the government) comes to my home and offers me to go abroad, I will decline it straight away," she said while talking to reporters on Monday.

The Vice President of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Maryam Nawaz criticised Prime Minister Imran Khan, urging voters to ensure that Khan does not return to the post.

The Vice President of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), Maryam Nawaz criticised Prime Minister Imran Khan, urging voters to ensure that Khan does not return to the post. While referring to "selectors", Nawaz said that the country has undergone many ordeals under the leadership of Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), news agency ANI reported. "The country has been worn out but my dear selectors, do not do this with Pakistan again...I feel bad when people bad-mouth the selectors because after all, the institution is ours," Nawaz said during an election rally in Wazirabad. "I say to Wazirabad police and administration... I know that you yourself are frustrated [but] the nation is looking at you; if you instead of serving the country and the people try to serve anyone else, try to steal the vote and make a lost person win, then remember, Imran Khan came once but now at least Punjab will not let him come [to power] again", Nawaz added. Also read: Will live in Pakistan, won't go abroad, says Maryam Nawaz The VP of PML-N, addressing the rally in Urdu added that farmers, labourers, and traders in the country remain frustrated with the Khan-led government and that many workers in the country are unable to afford basic goods. She also referred to the rising cost of electricity in the country, saying "those financing Imran Khan`s expenses deliberately imported expensive LNG". "They [government] took loans of Rs 15,000 billion but did not lay a single brick," she added. Also read: Maryam Nawaz slams Pak PM Imran Khan after he calls protesting Hazaras 'blackmailers' Senate elections in the country are set to take place on March 3. The daughter of Pakistan's deposed Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif - Maryam Nawaz on Monday had said that she will not leave the country to join her father in London. "Even if someone (from the government) comes to my home and offers me to go abroad, I will decline it straight away," she said while talking to reporters on Monday.

Don't let Imran Khan come to power again, says Maryam Nawaz at a rally

Pakistan's deposed prime minister Nawaz Sharif's daughter Maryam Nawaz said on Monday that she will not leave the country to join her father in London for her treatment despite the Imran Khan government's apparent offer to go abroad.

"Even if someone (from the government) comes to my home and offers me to go abroad, I will decline it straight away," she said while talking to reporters at her Jati Umra Raiwind residence here.

"I know some ministers are saying that if Maryam is allowed to go abroad the opposition's movement (against the government) will fizzle out. But let me make it clear that I will not leave my country come what may, and will not seek the removal of my name from the no-fly list," she said.

The PML-N vice president further said that she had to undergo a 'little surgery' which is not possible in Pakistan. "But despite this, I will not leave Pakistan. I will live and die in my country," she asserted.

Pakistan Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed has said that the PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif's passport will be cancelled on February 16.

Sharif has been living in London since November 2019 after he was allowed to leave the country for medical treatment.

Adviser to the Prime Minister on Accountability and Interior Mirza Shahzad Akbar said that United Kingdom authorities had been asked to deport the convicted former prime minister from their country.

He said Pakistan had written a letter to the UK to cancel the visa of Sharif which was issued for medical treatment after taking an undertaking.

Prime Minister Imran Khan in October said he would contact British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, if needed, to discuss his deportation and his adviser Akbar wrote a letter to British Home Secretary Priti Patel on October 5 urging her to deport the former premier whom he said is responsible for pillaging the state.

Maryam has alleged that the "selectors" (a reference to the army chief Gen Bajwa and others) are being questioned within the institution regarding imposing inept and incompetent Imran Khan on the nation.

"Now voices are being raised within the institution for imposing this incompetent Imran on the nation who made the lives of the people miserable," she said and lamented "inhuman statement" of Sheikh Rashid regarding use of water cannon on protesting government employees.

Rashid had said that the government had tested water cannon on the employees. "Tomorrow, this government will say that it is using the atomic bomb on the masses to test it," Maryam said.

Pakistan's deposed prime minister Nawaz Sharif's daughter Maryam Nawaz said on Monday that she will not leave the country to join her father in London for her treatment despite the Imran Khan government's apparent offer to go abroad.

Pakistan's deposed prime minister Nawaz Sharif's daughter Maryam Nawaz said on Monday that she will not leave the country to join her father in London for her treatment despite the Imran Khan government's apparent offer to go abroad. "Even if someone (from the government) comes to my home and offers me to go abroad, I will decline it straight away," she said while talking to reporters at her Jati Umra Raiwind residence here. "I know some ministers are saying that if Maryam is allowed to go abroad the opposition's movement (against the government) will fizzle out. But let me make it clear that I will not leave my country come what may, and will not seek the removal of my name from the no-fly list," she said. The PML-N vice president further said that she had to undergo a 'little surgery' which is not possible in Pakistan. "But despite this, I will not leave Pakistan. I will live and die in my country," she asserted. Pakistan Interior Minister Sheikh Rashid Ahmed has said that the PML-N supremo Nawaz Sharif's passport will be cancelled on February 16. Sharif has been living in London since November 2019 after he was allowed to leave the country for medical treatment. Adviser to the Prime Minister on Accountability and Interior Mirza Shahzad Akbar said that United Kingdom authorities had been asked to deport the convicted former prime minister from their country. He said Pakistan had written a letter to the UK to cancel the visa of Sharif which was issued for medical treatment after taking an undertaking. Prime Minister Imran Khan in October said he would contact British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, if needed, to discuss his deportation and his adviser Akbar wrote a letter to British Home Secretary Priti Patel on October 5 urging her to deport the former premier whom he said is responsible for pillaging the state. Maryam has alleged that the "selectors" (a reference to the army chief Gen Bajwa and others) are being questioned within the institution regarding imposing inept and incompetent Imran Khan on the nation. "Now voices are being raised within the institution for imposing this incompetent Imran on the nation who made the lives of the people miserable," she said and lamented "inhuman statement" of Sheikh Rashid regarding use of water cannon on protesting government employees. Rashid had said that the government had tested water cannon on the employees. "Tomorrow, this government will say that it is using the atomic bomb on the masses to test it," Maryam said.

Will live in Pakistan, won't go abroad, says Maryam Nawaz

Pakistan started registration of elderly people aged 65 years and above to vaccinate them against the coronavirus on Monday, as the national tally of the Covid-19 cases reached 564,077.&nbsp;

Planning Minister Asad Umar, who is also chief of the anti-corona National Command and Operation Center (NCOC), said that the vaccination of the registered elderly people would begin next month.&nbsp;

Pleased to announce that registration for getting Covid vaccine is now open for all citizens, who are 65 years of age and above. Just write down your computerised national identity card (CNIC) number and send message on 1166. Vaccinations for this age group will start in March, he tweeted.&nbsp;

The vaccination of the frontline healthcare workers in the country started on February 2, a day after China donated 500,000 Sinopharm doses to Pakistan.&nbsp;

According to the Ministry of National Health Services, 1,048 new Covid-19 cases were reported in the last 24 hours, while 26 patients died in the same period, taking the total number of fatalities to 12,333.&nbsp;

A total of 525,997 have recovered from the disease.&nbsp;

The authorities carried out 32,019 tests in the last 24 hours. The positivity rate stood at 3.27 per cent.

Pakistan started registration of elderly people aged 65 years and above to vaccinate them against the coronavirus on Monday, as the national tally of the Covid-19 cases reached 564,077.

Pakistan started registration of elderly people aged 65 years and above to vaccinate them against the coronavirus on Monday, as the national tally of the Covid-19 cases reached 564,077. Planning Minister Asad Umar, who is also chief of the anti-corona National Command and Operation Center (NCOC), said that the vaccination of the registered elderly people would begin next month. Pleased to announce that registration for getting Covid vaccine is now open for all citizens, who are 65 years of age and above. Just write down your computerised national identity card (CNIC) number and send message on 1166. Vaccinations for this age group will start in March, he tweeted. The vaccination of the frontline healthcare workers in the country started on February 2, a day after China donated 500,000 Sinopharm doses to Pakistan. According to the Ministry of National Health Services, 1,048 new Covid-19 cases were reported in the last 24 hours, while 26 patients died in the same period, taking the total number of fatalities to 12,333. A total of 525,997 have recovered from the disease. The authorities carried out 32,019 tests in the last 24 hours. The positivity rate stood at 3.27 per cent.

Pak begins to register elderly for Covid-19 vaccination

Two 11 week old white tiger cubs that died in the Pakistani Zoo last month, are most likely died of COVID-19. An autopsy report found that the cub's lungs were badly damaged.

Two 11 week old white Tiger cubs died due to COVID-19 in Pakistan

Armenian national committee of America has demanded the blacklisted of Pakistan. but the financial action task force(FATF). The association wants Pakistan on FATF's blacklist for financing terrorists in the conflict over Nagorno-Karabakh. The financial action task force (FATF) is scheduled to meet later this month to decide the future status of Pakistan.

Armenian association wants Pakistan on FATF blacklist

The Islamic Republic of Pakistan belongs to those nations who have the world's worst literacy rate, which is the main reason for its slow growth and Cash-strapped economy.

According to a report by the Reform and Support of the Sindh Education and Literacy Department, over 10,000 government schools are non-functional in Pakistan's Sindh province.

The report, titled "Profiting for Government Schools", stated that there are over 4.5 million children enrolled in the province's schools, reported Geo News.Out of 49,103 schools that employ 133,000 teachers, only 36,659 schools are functional.

In 26,260 schools, there is no facility for drinking water, while 19,469 schools lack washroom facilities. The report further revealed that over 31,000 schools do not have electricity.

The desperate situation of Sindh's schools has been detailed further in the report as 21,000 plus schools do not have boundary walls, while over 47,000 schools are deprived of lab schools.&nbsp;

36,000 schools also lack playgrounds, Geo News reported. Furthermore, over 47,000 schools do not have libraries, a key facility for grooming students.

As many as 2,91,9862 students are enrolled in primary, 185,047 in middle, 140,032 in elementary, 918,706 in secondary, and 397,493 in higher secondary schools, according to the report.

Out of all the schools in Sindh, 8,426 schools are weary and 14,977 are in need of repairs.

(With inputs from agencies)

The Islamic Republic of Pakistan belongs to those nations who have the world's worst literacy rate, which is the main reason for its slow growth and Cash-strapped economy.

The Islamic Republic of Pakistan belongs to those nations who have the world's worst literacy rate, which is the main reason for its slow growth and Cash-strapped economy. According to a report by the Reform and Support of the Sindh Education and Literacy Department, over 10,000 government schools are non-functional in Pakistan's Sindh province. The report, titled "Profiting for Government Schools", stated that there are over 4.5 million children enrolled in the province's schools, reported Geo News.Out of 49,103 schools that employ 133,000 teachers, only 36,659 schools are functional. In 26,260 schools, there is no facility for drinking water, while 19,469 schools lack washroom facilities. The report further revealed that over 31,000 schools do not have electricity. The desperate situation of Sindh's schools has been detailed further in the report as 21,000 plus schools do not have boundary walls, while over 47,000 schools are deprived of lab schools. 36,000 schools also lack playgrounds, Geo News reported. Furthermore, over 47,000 schools do not have libraries, a key facility for grooming students. As many as 2,91,9862 students are enrolled in primary, 185,047 in middle, 140,032 in elementary, 918,706 in secondary, and 397,493 in higher secondary schools, according to the report. Out of all the schools in Sindh, 8,426 schools are weary and 14,977 are in need of repairs. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan: Over 10,000 schools non-functional in Sindh province

In Islamabad, govt employees protested to demand a 40% hike in their salaries. Meanwhile in Multan, a cake fight erupted after Pak FM Shah Mehmood Qureshi inaugurated a road.

Gravitas: Pakistanis fight over Cake

India reportedly called out Pakistan's links with terror groups, which is the Al-Qaeda, during the United States Security Council meeting. Indian envoy to the UN said Pak is providing safe heaven to terror organizations.

India at UN Security Council: Pakistan provides safe heaven to Al-Qaeda

The Apex court of Pakistan has ordered the government to immediately construct the vandalised Hindu temple. The court also ordered the provincial authorities to propose a timeline for the completion.

Pakistan Supreme Court orders immediate rebuilding of vandalised Hindu temple

After a lull of about a month, the Progressive Democratic Movement (PDM), has decided to step up its activities to pin down the Imran Khan government. In furthering its aim, PDM chief, Maulana Fazlur Rehman, in the presence of Maryam Nawaz of Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) and Bilawal Bhutto Zardari of Pakistan People's Party (PPP), held a press conference on February 4 in Islamabad.&nbsp;

As per the latest plans, the PDM will organize a long march towards Islamabad. This anti-government alliance with the blessings of former Prime Minister, Nawaz Sharif, has also decided that all parties will contest state elections together, rejecting the open ballot method. This is in complete defiance of the government decision as the proposed constitutional amendment had endorsed for the open ballot system in the Senate Polls. The PDM has also described this march as the Mehngai March (March against inflation). This assumes significance as the electricity, gas and petroleum costs have skyrocketed in Pakistan in the recent past.

Meanwhile, opposition parties in Pakistan continue to be in a non-cooperation mode during the proceedings of the parliament. Also, there is no let up in the cases of corruption in government circles and Prime Minister Imran Khan remains under criticism for heading a corrupt government though his party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), had pledged an honest and clean governance during the election campaign of 2018.&nbsp;

Earlier, political commentators in Pakistan had assessed that PDM had run out of steam and was no longer force to reckon with. However, with the recent renewed plans by the PDM which comprises all the principal opposition parties, Imran Khan is expected to be under mounting pressure. Therefore, March 26 and run up to that date, remains crucial meriting close watch.

In a separate development, Prime Minister Imran Khan was castigated by well known military veteran, Lt Gen (retd) Talat Masood for the prime minister’s generous showering of praise and yearning for the Chinese political system of governance. In a writeup in a popular newspaper, The Express Tribune, dated February 3, 2021, Gen Masood finds PM’s opinion on Chinese governance as worrisome as it needs clarity which needs to be addressed to the general public.&nbsp;

Coming down heavily on the Pakistani Prime Minister, Gen Masood, charges his PM for being disillusioned with democracy and finds the role of the Opposition and the checks and balances in it frustrating.

The commentator also questions that if left to himself, PM Imran Khan would probably adopt a quasi-Chinese model with a token Opposition and greater freedom of action. Gen Masood, with vast political and military experience finds the Chinese communist system as harsh curbing individual freedom.

No doubt, Chinese leaders including Deng Xiaoping have brought about some elementary changes by partially opening the economy to generate wealth, yet this was at the cost of immense political and religious freedom.

This point is of particular importance in Pakistan and the leadership has to sensitise itself to the aspirations and expectations of the people of the four provinces and give them due representation. Even the mention of a presidential system or a quasi-Chinese model would invite a serious backlash. Pakistani military rulers had all the power at their command, similar to Imran Khan’s dream scenario, yet they failed miserably and left behind legacies the consequences of which Pakistan is still suffering.

The PM should realise as warned by Gen Talat Masood that at times he is setting aside key requirements of democratic governance by bypassing institutions. His reliance on the military may give him the confidence to bypass constitutional and legal obligations but these have a downside of weakening democracy and undermining his own role and that of the cabinet.

Gen Talat Masood further writes that good leadership demands they leave in their wake, legacies that place the country on a stable trajectory and not get embroiled in endless controversies. Their main aim should be to build the edifices of the country and create new ones where necessary.&nbsp;

For Pakistani leadership, high priority should be placed on strengthening parliament, correcting courses in civil-military relations, building a firm foundation for the economy, and expanding and deepening relations with friendly countries. Pakistan also needs to develop capabilities to deal with challenges like climate change and cybersecurity and maintain a hard focus on improving health and education facilities.&nbsp;

A country where 44% of the population is illiterate and a very high percentage of children are challenged, and is drowned by the burden of multiple problems, has to seriously rethink its priorities. For it is easier to take out processions but difficult to plan, address its weaknesses and rebuild the country.&nbsp;

By the observations of this war veteran in China, it can be easily surmised that the Pakistani think-tanks generally are averse to the Chinese system of economy and governance. Prime Minister Imran Khan going overboard to warm up to China, as seen currently, does not seem to have the endorsement of a large section of the Pakistani polity.

In the meantime, the Pakistan National Assembly witnessed an unprecedented and nasty chaos in its session of February 4. Many members engaged in physical scuffles which many say was perhaps the first time in Pakistan’s parliamentary history.&nbsp;

The Speaker, having failed to control the rowdiness, had to be provided a security ring by his protection team as the atmosphere inside the National Assembly was charged. The opposition staged a walkout registering their protest due to what they alleged the bullish behaviour of the ruling PTI.&nbsp;

In another significant statement emanating from the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa, while addressing at the graduation ceremony at the Pakistan Air Force Academy on Feb 2, called upon India and Pakistan to resolve the longstanding “issue” of Jammu and Kashmir in a dignified and peaceful manner.&nbsp;

He claimed that Pakistan was a peace-loving country and wanted to co-exist. However, he also said that the Armed Forces of Pakistan are fully capable and prepared to thwart any threat.&nbsp;

In view of this statement, India being a non-aggressor in all the previous wars with Pakistan might walk an extra mile to reciprocate in the larger interest of peace and tranquil between the two countries.&nbsp;

Yet, India in likelihood, will wait and weigh about the sincerity of Gen Bajwa’s statement which, on the face of it, has raised “hopes” of a reconciliation.

(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.)

After a lull of about a month, the Progressive Democratic Movement (PDM), has decided to step up its activities to pin down the Imran Khan government. In furthering its aim, PDM chief, Maulana Fazlur Rehman, in the presence of Maryam Nawaz of Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) and Bilawal Bhutto Zardari of Pakistan People's Party (PPP), held a press conference on February 4 in Islamabad.

After a lull of about a month, the Progressive Democratic Movement (PDM), has decided to step up its activities to pin down the Imran Khan government. In furthering its aim, PDM chief, Maulana Fazlur Rehman, in the presence of Maryam Nawaz of Pakistan Muslim League (PML-N) and Bilawal Bhutto Zardari of Pakistan People's Party (PPP), held a press conference on February 4 in Islamabad. As per the latest plans, the PDM will organize a long march towards Islamabad. This anti-government alliance with the blessings of former Prime Minister, Nawaz Sharif, has also decided that all parties will contest state elections together, rejecting the open ballot method. This is in complete defiance of the government decision as the proposed constitutional amendment had endorsed for the open ballot system in the Senate Polls. The PDM has also described this march as the Mehngai March (March against inflation). This assumes significance as the electricity, gas and petroleum costs have skyrocketed in Pakistan in the recent past. Meanwhile, opposition parties in Pakistan continue to be in a non-cooperation mode during the proceedings of the parliament. Also, there is no let up in the cases of corruption in government circles and Prime Minister Imran Khan remains under criticism for heading a corrupt government though his party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), had pledged an honest and clean governance during the election campaign of 2018. Earlier, political commentators in Pakistan had assessed that PDM had run out of steam and was no longer force to reckon with. However, with the recent renewed plans by the PDM which comprises all the principal opposition parties, Imran Khan is expected to be under mounting pressure. Therefore, March 26 and run up to that date, remains crucial meriting close watch. In a separate development, Prime Minister Imran Khan was castigated by well known military veteran, Lt Gen (retd) Talat Masood for the prime minister’s generous showering of praise and yearning for the Chinese political system of governance. In a writeup in a popular newspaper, The Express Tribune, dated February 3, 2021, Gen Masood finds PM’s opinion on Chinese governance as worrisome as it needs clarity which needs to be addressed to the general public. Coming down heavily on the Pakistani Prime Minister, Gen Masood, charges his PM for being disillusioned with democracy and finds the role of the Opposition and the checks and balances in it frustrating. The commentator also questions that if left to himself, PM Imran Khan would probably adopt a quasi-Chinese model with a token Opposition and greater freedom of action. Gen Masood, with vast political and military experience finds the Chinese communist system as harsh curbing individual freedom. No doubt, Chinese leaders including Deng Xiaoping have brought about some elementary changes by partially opening the economy to generate wealth, yet this was at the cost of immense political and religious freedom. This point is of particular importance in Pakistan and the leadership has to sensitise itself to the aspirations and expectations of the people of the four provinces and give them due representation. Even the mention of a presidential system or a quasi-Chinese model would invite a serious backlash. Pakistani military rulers had all the power at their command, similar to Imran Khan’s dream scenario, yet they failed miserably and left behind legacies the consequences of which Pakistan is still suffering. The PM should realise as warned by Gen Talat Masood that at times he is setting aside key requirements of democratic governance by bypassing institutions. His reliance on the military may give him the confidence to bypass constitutional and legal obligations but these have a downside of weakening democracy and undermining his own role and that of the cabinet. Gen Talat Masood further writes that good leadership demands they leave in their wake, legacies that place the country on a stable trajectory and not get embroiled in endless controversies. Their main aim should be to build the edifices of the country and create new ones where necessary. For Pakistani leadership, high priority should be placed on strengthening parliament, correcting courses in civil-military relations, building a firm foundation for the economy, and expanding and deepening relations with friendly countries. Pakistan also needs to develop capabilities to deal with challenges like climate change and cybersecurity and maintain a hard focus on improving health and education facilities. A country where 44% of the population is illiterate and a very high percentage of children are challenged, and is drowned by the burden of multiple problems, has to seriously rethink its priorities. For it is easier to take out processions but difficult to plan, address its weaknesses and rebuild the country. By the observations of this war veteran in China, it can be easily surmised that the Pakistani think-tanks generally are averse to the Chinese system of economy and governance. Prime Minister Imran Khan going overboard to warm up to China, as seen currently, does not seem to have the endorsement of a large section of the Pakistani polity. In the meantime, the Pakistan National Assembly witnessed an unprecedented and nasty chaos in its session of February 4. Many members engaged in physical scuffles which many say was perhaps the first time in Pakistan’s parliamentary history. The Speaker, having failed to control the rowdiness, had to be provided a security ring by his protection team as the atmosphere inside the National Assembly was charged. The opposition staged a walkout registering their protest due to what they alleged the bullish behaviour of the ruling PTI. In another significant statement emanating from the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa, while addressing at the graduation ceremony at the Pakistan Air Force Academy on Feb 2, called upon India and Pakistan to resolve the longstanding “issue” of Jammu and Kashmir in a dignified and peaceful manner. He claimed that Pakistan was a peace-loving country and wanted to co-exist. However, he also said that the Armed Forces of Pakistan are fully capable and prepared to thwart any threat. In view of this statement, India being a non-aggressor in all the previous wars with Pakistan might walk an extra mile to reciprocate in the larger interest of peace and tranquil between the two countries. Yet, India in likelihood, will wait and weigh about the sincerity of Gen Bajwa’s statement which, on the face of it, has raised “hopes” of a reconciliation. (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: PDM renews plans to corner Imran Khan

The Pakistan Bar Council(PBC) condemned Prime Minister Imran Khan's government decision to hold Senate elections via an open ballot and said that it was based on 'malicious intent'.

Pak Bar Council condemns 'malicious' bid behind holding Senate polls via open ballot

A report submitted to the Supreme Court of Pakistan on February 5 has revealed that most of the Hindu holy sites across the country were in a state of decay.

The seventh report of the one-man Dr Shoaib Suddle commission submitted to the Apex Court has depicted a dismal picture of most revered Hindu sites in the country. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/five-historical-hindu-temples-of-pakistan-33163">Also read | Five historical Hindu temples of Pakistan</a> 
 
The Commission was set up by the apex court in 2019 to oversee implementation of its judgement on minority rights.

It regretted that the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) "failed to maintain most of the ancient and holy sites of the minority Hindu community".

Dr Shoaib Suddle's one-man commission has been established by the Supreme Court but it has three supporting members, Dr Ramesh Vankwani, Saqib Jillani and the attorney general for Pakistan, who has nominated the deputy attorney general to participate in fact-finding activities of the commission, the report said.

Some of the major Hindu temples in Pakistan include Shri Hinglaj Mata temple (Balochistan), Shri Ramdev Pir temple (Sindh), Umarkot Shiv Mandir (Sindh), and the Churrio Jabal Durga Mata temple (Sindh).

In December last year, a temple in Terri village in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Karak district was torched by members of radical Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam party (Fazal ur Rehman group).

The attack on the temple drew strong condemnation from human rights activists and the minority Hindu community leaders, prompting the Supreme Court to order its reconstruction.

The Supreme Court in its order of January 5 directed the ETPB "to submit a detailed report of all temples, Gurdwaras and other religious sites all over Pakistan which come under the purview of ETPB".

According to the ETPB letter, out of 365 temples, only 13 were being managed by them, leaving responsibility of 65 with the Hindu community, and practically abandoning the rest of 287 to the land mafias, the report said.

The commission said that the ETPB, with its staff spread across the country and boasting huge paraphernalia, was managing 31 places of worship out of a total of 470.

However, according to the community, over 90 lakh Hindus are living in the country.

The majority of Pakistan's Hindu population is settled in Sindh province where they share culture, traditions and language with Muslim residents.

They often complain of harassment by the extremists.

(With inputs from agencies)

A report submitted to the Supreme Court of Pakistan on February 5 has revealed that most of the Hindu holy sites across the country were in a state of decay. The seventh report of the one-man Dr Shoaib Suddle commission submitted to the Apex Court has depicted a dismal picture of most revered Hindu sites in the country.

A report submitted to the Supreme Court of Pakistan on February 5 has revealed that most of the Hindu holy sites across the country were in a state of decay. The seventh report of the one-man Dr Shoaib Suddle commission submitted to the Apex Court has depicted a dismal picture of most revered Hindu sites in the country. Also read | Five historical Hindu temples of Pakistan The Commission was set up by the apex court in 2019 to oversee implementation of its judgement on minority rights. It regretted that the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) "failed to maintain most of the ancient and holy sites of the minority Hindu community". Dr Shoaib Suddle's one-man commission has been established by the Supreme Court but it has three supporting members, Dr Ramesh Vankwani, Saqib Jillani and the attorney general for Pakistan, who has nominated the deputy attorney general to participate in fact-finding activities of the commission, the report said. Some of the major Hindu temples in Pakistan include Shri Hinglaj Mata temple (Balochistan), Shri Ramdev Pir temple (Sindh), Umarkot Shiv Mandir (Sindh), and the Churrio Jabal Durga Mata temple (Sindh). In December last year, a temple in Terri village in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Karak district was torched by members of radical Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam party (Fazal ur Rehman group). The attack on the temple drew strong condemnation from human rights activists and the minority Hindu community leaders, prompting the Supreme Court to order its reconstruction. The Supreme Court in its order of January 5 directed the ETPB "to submit a detailed report of all temples, Gurdwaras and other religious sites all over Pakistan which come under the purview of ETPB". According to the ETPB letter, out of 365 temples, only 13 were being managed by them, leaving responsibility of 65 with the Hindu community, and practically abandoning the rest of 287 to the land mafias, the report said. The commission said that the ETPB, with its staff spread across the country and boasting huge paraphernalia, was managing 31 places of worship out of a total of 470. However, according to the community, over 90 lakh Hindus are living in the country. The majority of Pakistan's Hindu population is settled in Sindh province where they share culture, traditions and language with Muslim residents. They often complain of harassment by the extremists. (With inputs from agencies)

‘Most Hindu temples in poor conditions’: Pakistan Supreme Court Commission

Three climbers have gone missing attempting to summit the world's second-highest mountain, K2.

Their expedition manager and the Alpine Club of Pakistan said Saturday that climbers John Snorri from Iceland, Juan Pablo Mohr from Chile and Muhammad Ali Sadpara from Pakistan reportedly lost contact with base camp on Friday.

"It's already been more than 30 hours, we (at basecamp) have received no news of John Snorri, Ali Sadpara, and Juan Pablo Mohr, since none of the GPS trackers seem to be working," Chhang Dawa Sherpa, their expedition manager, said in a statement.

An army helicopter has conducted a search flight for the missing climbers.

Karrar Haidri, Secretary of the Alpine Club of Pakistan, also told AFP that the climbers had gone missing on the mountain.

News of the missing men comes a day after a Bulgarian mountaineer was confirmed to have died on K2. He is the third mountaineer to die on K2's slopes this year, after a Spanish climber fell to his death last month.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Russian-American Alex Goldfarb also died on a nearby mountain during an acclimatising mission in January.

At the peak of K2, conditions can be a little harsh for human survival. Winds can blow at more than 200 kilometres per hour (125 miles per hour) and temperatures can drop to minus 60 degrees Celsius (minus 76 Fahrenheit).&nbsp;

Three climbers have gone missing attempting to summit the world's second-highest mountain, K2. Their expedition manager and the Alpine Club of Pakistan said Saturday that climbers John Snorri from Iceland, Juan Pablo Mohr from Chile and Muhammad Ali Sadpara from Pakistan reportedly lost contact with base camp on Friday.

Three climbers have gone missing attempting to summit the world's second-highest mountain, K2. Their expedition manager and the Alpine Club of Pakistan said Saturday that climbers John Snorri from Iceland, Juan Pablo Mohr from Chile and Muhammad Ali Sadpara from Pakistan reportedly lost contact with base camp on Friday. "It's already been more than 30 hours, we (at basecamp) have received no news of John Snorri, Ali Sadpara, and Juan Pablo Mohr, since none of the GPS trackers seem to be working," Chhang Dawa Sherpa, their expedition manager, said in a statement. An army helicopter has conducted a search flight for the missing climbers. Karrar Haidri, Secretary of the Alpine Club of Pakistan, also told AFP that the climbers had gone missing on the mountain. News of the missing men comes a day after a Bulgarian mountaineer was confirmed to have died on K2. He is the third mountaineer to die on K2's slopes this year, after a Spanish climber fell to his death last month. Russian-American Alex Goldfarb also died on a nearby mountain during an acclimatising mission in January. At the peak of K2, conditions can be a little harsh for human survival. Winds can blow at more than 200 kilometres per hour (125 miles per hour) and temperatures can drop to minus 60 degrees Celsius (minus 76 Fahrenheit).

Three climbers go missing attempting to summit Pakistan's K2 mountain

Acquitted by the Pakistan court, killers of American journalist Daniel Pearl are set to be shifted to a government safe house within prison complex but Omar Sheikh will remain under watch.

Daniel Pearl Case: Omar Sheikh to be moved to govt safe house within prison complex

Pakistan has unveiled a statue of Allama Iqbal in Lahore. The 'astounding' craftsmanship has triggered a meme fest. WION's Palki Sharma gets you a report.

Gravitas: This statue has sparked outrage in Pakistan

After receiving half a million Sinopharm <a href="https://www.wionews.com/topics/coronavirus-vaccine">coronavirus vaccine </a>doses&nbsp;as a gift from China, Pakistan on Thursday said that the shots are not effective for people over 60 years of age.&nbsp;

After conducting preliminary analysis by an expert committee, the vaccine has been recommended only for people aged 18-60 years, Faisal Sultan, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Health said.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pakistan-secures-17-million-doses-of-astrazenecas-vaccine-360376/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

He added that currently the vaccine has not been recommended for people above the age of 60, but a decision would be taken when more data would be available.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-launches-covid-19-vaccine-campaign-360934">Pakistan launches COVID-19 vaccine campaign</a>

China gifted 500,000 Sinopharm vaccines to Pakistan which sent a special flight to bring the shots on Monday.&nbsp;

Pakistan began its nationwide immunisation programme on Wednesday, and the first shots were administered simultaneously in all four provinces.&nbsp;

On Tuesday, Prime Minister Imran Khan launched the inoculation drive in capital Islamabad.

Khan has said that frontline workers will be vaccinated first followed by elderly people, but with the latest development suggests that such people have to wait to get inoculated.&nbsp;

Pakistan has so far approved three Covid-19 vaccines: China's Sinopharm vaccine, Russia's Sputnik V vaccine and the Covishield vaccine developed by Oxford University-AstraZeneca and manufactured by India's Serum Institute.

After receiving half a million Sinopharm coronavirus vaccine doses as a gift from China, Pakistan on Thursday said that the shots are not effective for people over 60 years of age.

After receiving half a million Sinopharm coronavirus vaccine doses as a gift from China, Pakistan on Thursday said that the shots are not effective for people over 60 years of age. After conducting preliminary analysis by an expert committee, the vaccine has been recommended only for people aged 18-60 years, Faisal Sultan, Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Health said. Watch | He added that currently the vaccine has not been recommended for people above the age of 60, but a decision would be taken when more data would be available. Also read | Pakistan launches COVID-19 vaccine campaign China gifted 500,000 Sinopharm vaccines to Pakistan which sent a special flight to bring the shots on Monday. Pakistan began its nationwide immunisation programme on Wednesday, and the first shots were administered simultaneously in all four provinces. On Tuesday, Prime Minister Imran Khan launched the inoculation drive in capital Islamabad. Khan has said that frontline workers will be vaccinated first followed by elderly people, but with the latest development suggests that such people have to wait to get inoculated. Pakistan has so far approved three Covid-19 vaccines: China's Sinopharm vaccine, Russia's Sputnik V vaccine and the Covishield vaccine developed by Oxford University-AstraZeneca and manufactured by India's Serum Institute.

After receiving Chinese vaccine as gift, Pakistan says drug not effective for elderly

Is it time to reboot the Neighbourhood First policy? WION's Palki Sharma tells you more.

Gravitas: India's neighbourhood in a state of flux

A famed Pakistani activist on Wednesday voiced fear for the life of her father, claiming the authorities are seeking revenge after she managed to flee from the country.&nbsp;

Gulalai Ismail, who won global praise for her campaigns for girls, said her father who recently battled coronavirus was denied bail on fraudulent charges.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pakistan-supreme-court-rejects-plea-to-halt-omar-sheikhs-release-360806/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"I managed to escape Pakistan and I think it has hurt the ego of the people who run the system very badly. Now they are taking revenge," Ismail told news agency AFP from New York.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/36-us-lawmakers-ask-pak-for-review-of-acquittal-in-daniel-pearls-murder-case-361053">36 US lawmakers ask Pak for review of acquittal in Daniel Pearl's murder case</a>

She added that her parents were kept as "hostages" to "pressurise and blackmail" her as after her arrival into the US, she has been vocal on human rights issues.&nbsp;

The activist said during her father's previous jail stint he was forced to sleep on the floor on a cell that was occupied by some 60 people, including drug addicts.&nbsp;

"His life is at risk and I am very afraid as a daughter that he will not survive this detention," Gulalai said.&nbsp;

She said that her father Mohammed Ismail, 65, is a retired professor and has been involved in activism.&nbsp;

He also faces kidney, heart, and back problems and had only just recovered by Covid-19 after a month of treatment.&nbsp;

Gulalai said her mother, who was also suffering from coronavirus, was granted bail, but her father was denied of it in a hearing on Tuesday.&nbsp;

The activist's parents face terrorism charges on grounds that they sent support including weapons to perpetrators of a suicide attack on a church in Peshawar in 2013 that killed 82 people and an assault on a Shiite mosque in 2015.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

A famed Pakistani activist on Wednesday voiced fear for the life of her father, claiming the authorities are seeking revenge after she managed to flee from the country.

A famed Pakistani activist on Wednesday voiced fear for the life of her father, claiming the authorities are seeking revenge after she managed to flee from the country. Gulalai Ismail, who won global praise for her campaigns for girls, said her father who recently battled coronavirus was denied bail on fraudulent charges. Watch | "I managed to escape Pakistan and I think it has hurt the ego of the people who run the system very badly. Now they are taking revenge," Ismail told news agency AFP from New York. Also read | 36 US lawmakers ask Pak for review of acquittal in Daniel Pearl's murder case She added that her parents were kept as "hostages" to "pressurise and blackmail" her as after her arrival into the US, she has been vocal on human rights issues. The activist said during her father's previous jail stint he was forced to sleep on the floor on a cell that was occupied by some 60 people, including drug addicts. "His life is at risk and I am very afraid as a daughter that he will not survive this detention," Gulalai said. She said that her father Mohammed Ismail, 65, is a retired professor and has been involved in activism. He also faces kidney, heart, and back problems and had only just recovered by Covid-19 after a month of treatment. Gulalai said her mother, who was also suffering from coronavirus, was granted bail, but her father was denied of it in a hearing on Tuesday. The activist's parents face terrorism charges on grounds that they sent support including weapons to perpetrators of a suicide attack on a church in Peshawar in 2013 that killed 82 people and an assault on a Shiite mosque in 2015.

Renowned Pakistan activist fears death of her father

A lot has been happening in and around India -- Pakistan wants to talk peace; China remains aggressive; Myanmar has seen a coup. And Sri Lanka has scrapped a key project with India.

The neighbourhood first policy will hence need a reboot.

Let's take a look.

PAKISTAN

The Pakistani army chief is talking peace. General Qamar Javed Bajwa has said, "It is time to extend a hand of peace in all directions."

The message is not lost on anyone.

General Bajwa is talking about India here. You may wonder why this is significant.

Pakistan has offered to talk many times. And India has declined every invitation, citing its zero tolerance policy against terrorism.

What's different this time? It's the tone of the general.

Bajwa was at the graduation ceremony of Pakistan Air Force cadets.

He chose this opportunity to tone down the rhetoric.

"We stand firmly committed to the ideal of mutual respect and peaceful co-existence. Pakistan and India must also resolve &nbsp;the long-standing issue of Jammu and Kashmir in a dignified and peaceful manner as per the aspirations of people of Jammu and Kashmir and bring this human tragedy to its logical conclusion."

Pakistan follows a military doctrine of "bleeding India with a thousand cuts". Now its army chief is talking about "peaceful co-existence".

This could be an outreach.

Or simply an attempt to make the right noises before the FATF, or the financial action task force, sits down to review terror financing in Pakistan.

It is too soon to make any assessment. But with his words, the general has certainly caught New Delhi's attention. It may be time to review the stand.

India has tried everything with Pakistan.

The prime minister began his first term with his Pakistani counterpart in attendance -- the first of its kind invite. But we know how things went downhill from there.

Seven years on, it may be time to engage, and see what kind of pressure India can put on Pakistan to deliver.

It's a gamble. But India isn't spoilt for choice here.

MYANMAR

Min Aung La-ing is now saying the coup is legal and was inevitable. And the Western powers are in no mood to forgive.

The United States has classified the takeover as a coup. But China seems to be blocking any efforts to reinstate democracy in Myanmar.

Yesterday the United Nations Security Council failed to condemn the coup. Because China vetoed the statement.

At the same time, Beijing took offence when journalists asked if China had supported the coup. Or if it gave a tacit consent to military rule.

Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin to this end said, "Relevant theories are not true. As Myanmar's friendly neighbouring country, we wish that all sides in Myanmar can appropriately resolve their differences, and uphold political and social stability."

China rejects the suggestion that it supported the military takeover. But it still won't call what happened in Myanmar a coup. And it continues to cast a shadow over India's ties with its neighbours. Like Sri Lanka.

Colombo has now gone back on a deal it made with India and Japan.

The east container terminal deal agreement has been scrapped. It was signed in 2019.

India and Japan had joined hands with Sri Lanka. They had agreed to develop a strategic terminal at the colombo port.

India and Japan would have owned 49 per cent of the shares in the terminal.

The Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka issued a statement reminding Colombo that this was a trilateral agreement. The statement asks "all sides to abide by existing understandings and commitment".

But the Rajapaksas are unlikely to relent.

At the same time, a compensatory offer has been made. Reports say Sri Lanka's cabinet has approved another proposal -- to develop the western terminal at the Colombo port.

It remains to be seen how India will respond. And then there's one more neighbour orchestrating most of this trouble -- China.

It remains as difficult as ever.

Next time someone says 'love thy neighbour', think of India's lot.

A lot has been happening in and around India -- Pakistan wants to talk peace; China remains aggressive; Myanmar has seen a coup. And Sri Lanka has scrapped a key project with India.

A lot has been happening in and around India -- Pakistan wants to talk peace; China remains aggressive; Myanmar has seen a coup. And Sri Lanka has scrapped a key project with India. The neighbourhood first policy will hence need a reboot. Let's take a look. PAKISTAN The Pakistani army chief is talking peace. General Qamar Javed Bajwa has said, "It is time to extend a hand of peace in all directions." The message is not lost on anyone. General Bajwa is talking about India here. You may wonder why this is significant. Pakistan has offered to talk many times. And India has declined every invitation, citing its zero tolerance policy against terrorism. What's different this time? It's the tone of the general. Bajwa was at the graduation ceremony of Pakistan Air Force cadets. He chose this opportunity to tone down the rhetoric. "We stand firmly committed to the ideal of mutual respect and peaceful co-existence. Pakistan and India must also resolve the long-standing issue of Jammu and Kashmir in a dignified and peaceful manner as per the aspirations of people of Jammu and Kashmir and bring this human tragedy to its logical conclusion." Pakistan follows a military doctrine of "bleeding India with a thousand cuts". Now its army chief is talking about "peaceful co-existence". This could be an outreach. Or simply an attempt to make the right noises before the FATF, or the financial action task force, sits down to review terror financing in Pakistan. It is too soon to make any assessment. But with his words, the general has certainly caught New Delhi's attention. It may be time to review the stand. India has tried everything with Pakistan. The prime minister began his first term with his Pakistani counterpart in attendance -- the first of its kind invite. But we know how things went downhill from there. Seven years on, it may be time to engage, and see what kind of pressure India can put on Pakistan to deliver. It's a gamble. But India isn't spoilt for choice here. MYANMAR Min Aung La-ing is now saying the coup is legal and was inevitable. And the Western powers are in no mood to forgive. The United States has classified the takeover as a coup. But China seems to be blocking any efforts to reinstate democracy in Myanmar. Yesterday the United Nations Security Council failed to condemn the coup. Because China vetoed the statement. At the same time, Beijing took offence when journalists asked if China had supported the coup. Or if it gave a tacit consent to military rule. Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin to this end said, "Relevant theories are not true. As Myanmar's friendly neighbouring country, we wish that all sides in Myanmar can appropriately resolve their differences, and uphold political and social stability." China rejects the suggestion that it supported the military takeover. But it still won't call what happened in Myanmar a coup. And it continues to cast a shadow over India's ties with its neighbours. Like Sri Lanka. Colombo has now gone back on a deal it made with India and Japan. The east container terminal deal agreement has been scrapped. It was signed in 2019. India and Japan had joined hands with Sri Lanka. They had agreed to develop a strategic terminal at the colombo port. India and Japan would have owned 49 per cent of the shares in the terminal. The Indian High Commission in Sri Lanka issued a statement reminding Colombo that this was a trilateral agreement. The statement asks "all sides to abide by existing understandings and commitment". But the Rajapaksas are unlikely to relent. At the same time, a compensatory offer has been made. Reports say Sri Lanka's cabinet has approved another proposal -- to develop the western terminal at the Colombo port. It remains to be seen how India will respond. And then there's one more neighbour orchestrating most of this trouble -- China. It remains as difficult as ever. Next time someone says 'love thy neighbour', think of India's lot.

Love thy neighbour? Think of India's lot

After acquitting Ahmed Omar Saeed Sheikh who is accused of killing American journalist Daniel Pearl in 2002, the Pakistan Supreme Court said the London-based terrorist should be kept in an easy environment in jail.

Pakistan Supreme Court rejects plea to halt Omar Sheikh's release

Pakistan launched its COVID-19 vaccine drive on Tuesday at a ceremony in the capital attended by Prime Minister Imran Khan in which a doctor was the first in the country to receive the shot.

Around 500,000 doses of vaccine produced by Sinopharm and donated by China had arrived in Pakistan on a military flight on Monday, allowing authorities to kickstart a nationwide inoculation campaign starting with health workers.

"I congratulate my team...I will tell all the health workers that it is necessary for them to get vaccinated because they are the ones who are most exposed to risk," Khan said in an address during the televised ceremony.

Vaccines were being transported around the South Asian country and will begin to be administered in areas outside the capital Islamabad on Wednesday, according to the federal agency overseeing the pandemic response.

Pakistan has also been pledged 17 million doses of AstraZeneca`s COVID-19 vaccine under a global scheme to deliver coronavirus treatments to developing nations.

About 6 million doses will arrive by the end of March under the COVAX scheme, with the remainder due by mid-year, the government`s main health adviser said last week.

Pakistan, a country of 220 million people, reported 1,220 new infections and 63 deaths over the latest 24 hours, taking the total number of cases to 547,648, with 11,746 deaths.

Pakistan launched its COVID-19 vaccine drive on Tuesday at a ceremony in the capital attended by Prime Minister Imran Khan in which a doctor was the first in the country to receive the shot.

Pakistan launched its COVID-19 vaccine drive on Tuesday at a ceremony in the capital attended by Prime Minister Imran Khan in which a doctor was the first in the country to receive the shot. Around 500,000 doses of vaccine produced by Sinopharm and donated by China had arrived in Pakistan on a military flight on Monday, allowing authorities to kickstart a nationwide inoculation campaign starting with health workers. "I congratulate my team...I will tell all the health workers that it is necessary for them to get vaccinated because they are the ones who are most exposed to risk," Khan said in an address during the televised ceremony. Vaccines were being transported around the South Asian country and will begin to be administered in areas outside the capital Islamabad on Wednesday, according to the federal agency overseeing the pandemic response. Pakistan has also been pledged 17 million doses of AstraZeneca`s COVID-19 vaccine under a global scheme to deliver coronavirus treatments to developing nations. About 6 million doses will arrive by the end of March under the COVAX scheme, with the remainder due by mid-year, the government`s main health adviser said last week. Pakistan, a country of 220 million people, reported 1,220 new infections and 63 deaths over the latest 24 hours, taking the total number of cases to 547,648, with 11,746 deaths.

Pakistan launches COVID-19 vaccine campaign

With a black bowler on his head, a walking stick in one hand and an alarmed look on his face, Usman Khan dodges between speeding cars and rickshaws on the streets of Pakistan's western city of Peshawar, mimicking Charlie Chaplin.

Meet Pakistan's 'Charlie Chaplin' -- bringing smiles to Pakistan amid bleak times

Pakistan is gearing up to begin an inoculation drive. The county has secured 17 million doses of Oxford university and Astrazeneca's COVID-19 vaccine.

Pakistan secures 17 million doses of Astrazeneca's vaccine

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