When <a href="wionews.com/topics/imran-khan">Imran Khan </a>became prime minister of Pakistan in 2018, he promised of creating a 'Naya Pakistan' or a 'New Pakistan'.&nbsp;

Khan said Pakistan will become an Islamic welfare state, provide jobs to 10 million people and restore nation's tattered image abroad.&nbsp;

Watch |&nbsp;

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Now is the time to understand what happened to these promises.&nbsp;

The cricketer-turned-politician first gave in to the whims and fancies of the Pakistani military. He was then accused of being a puppet in the hands of the Chinese government. The welfare state that he vowed was never built.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-tens-of-thousands-mourners-gather-for-funeral-of-cleric-who-endorsed-blasphemy-terrorised-minorities-344517">Pak: Tens of thousands mourners gather for funeral of cleric who endorsed blasphemy, terrorised minorities</a>

However, when things were seen that they couldn't get any worse, Khan decided to surrender to the nation's religious extremists.&nbsp;

Let's go back to 2018 when Pakistan's top court acquitted Asia Bibi of blasphemy charges.&nbsp;

Bibi, who was arrested in June 2009, should have been free after the Supreme Court's order, but she was kept in protective custody.&nbsp;

This was because religious hardliners took to the streets of Pakistan, organised violent protests and some even threatened to kill her. The protests paralysed Pakistan for three days.&nbsp;

The Christian woman had to wait another year to fly out to Canada, reunite with her family and finally feel freedom.

Fast forward to November 2020. Pakistan is once again held hostage by religious hardliners and the government again seems helpless.&nbsp;

Last weekend, extremist religious cleric, Khadim Hussain Rizvi organised a protest against the republication of the Prophet's cartoons in France.&nbsp;

His followers first assembled at Rawalpindi and then reached Islamabad border.&nbsp;

In a moments time, both the cities were virtually besieged, not just for hours, but for two days, with communication services shut down.&nbsp;

The helpless government instead signed an agreement with Rizvi's party.&nbsp;

Last week, the Pakistani government bowed down to hardlines who had taken to streets against French President Emmanuel Macron.&nbsp;

Khan was compelled to sign a deal with hardliners to cut diplomatic ties with Paris.&nbsp;

The government promised to enact legislation which would ultimately lead to the expulsion of the French Ambassador from Pakistan.&nbsp;

It also promised to have French products boycotted at a government level.&nbsp;

Can Pakistan snap ties with France?

France is one of the most important members of the European Union and Pakistan's top trade partners.&nbsp;

A 2016 study showed that Pakistan's import from France amounts to about 9 per cent of its total import from EU.

Several critical military equipment of Pakistan comes from France, which include Mirage fighter jet, Agosta-90B submarines, Minehunters, among others.&nbsp;

Pakistan gave in to the demands of a religious extremist and this explains the country's priorities at a time when troubles inside the country keep on rising.&nbsp;

Some of these include intensifying Covid-19 crisis, the biggest decline in Pakistan's stock exchange in 10 years, food inflation, and unemployment, among others.

The country also faces the risk of getting blacklisted in the terror financing issue.&nbsp;

Let's take a look at some of the figures.&nbsp;

According to the World Bank, Pakistan's real GDP growth is estimated to have declined from 1.9 per cent in FY 2019 to -1.5 per cent in FY20.&nbsp;

Pakistan rupee has depreciated 13.8 per cent against the US dollar in FY20.&nbsp;

Its export values contracted 7.5 per cent and external debt has grown to 38.2 per cent of the GDP.&nbsp;

Instead of addressing these worrisome figures, Khan is busy allowing fundamentalists to set its agenda.&nbsp;

There have been protests against France in other countries, but those countries' leaders did not bow down to these invisible forces as Khan did.&nbsp;

In which part of the world, a democratically elected party has struck a deal with extremists on the country's foreign policies.&nbsp;

By putting military, then China and now extremists first, the Imran Khan govt is betraying those people because of whom he came to power.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

When Imran Khan became prime minister of Pakistan in 2018, he promised of creating a 'Naya Pakistan' or a 'New Pakistan'. Khan said Pakistan will become an Islamic welfare state, provide jobs to 10 million people and restore nation's tattered image abroad.

When Imran Khan became prime minister of Pakistan in 2018, he promised of creating a 'Naya Pakistan' or a 'New Pakistan'. Khan said Pakistan will become an Islamic welfare state, provide jobs to 10 million people and restore nation's tattered image abroad. Watch | Now is the time to understand what happened to these promises. The cricketer-turned-politician first gave in to the whims and fancies of the Pakistani military. He was then accused of being a puppet in the hands of the Chinese government. The welfare state that he vowed was never built. Also read | Pak: Tens of thousands mourners gather for funeral of cleric who endorsed blasphemy, terrorised minorities However, when things were seen that they couldn't get any worse, Khan decided to surrender to the nation's religious extremists. Let's go back to 2018 when Pakistan's top court acquitted Asia Bibi of blasphemy charges. Bibi, who was arrested in June 2009, should have been free after the Supreme Court's order, but she was kept in protective custody. This was because religious hardliners took to the streets of Pakistan, organised violent protests and some even threatened to kill her. The protests paralysed Pakistan for three days. The Christian woman had to wait another year to fly out to Canada, reunite with her family and finally feel freedom. Fast forward to November 2020. Pakistan is once again held hostage by religious hardliners and the government again seems helpless. Last weekend, extremist religious cleric, Khadim Hussain Rizvi organised a protest against the republication of the Prophet's cartoons in France. His followers first assembled at Rawalpindi and then reached Islamabad border. In a moments time, both the cities were virtually besieged, not just for hours, but for two days, with communication services shut down. The helpless government instead signed an agreement with Rizvi's party. Last week, the Pakistani government bowed down to hardlines who had taken to streets against French President Emmanuel Macron. Khan was compelled to sign a deal with hardliners to cut diplomatic ties with Paris. The government promised to enact legislation which would ultimately lead to the expulsion of the French Ambassador from Pakistan. It also promised to have French products boycotted at a government level. Can Pakistan snap ties with France? France is one of the most important members of the European Union and Pakistan's top trade partners. A 2016 study showed that Pakistan's import from France amounts to about 9 per cent of its total import from EU. Several critical military equipment of Pakistan comes from France, which include Mirage fighter jet, Agosta-90B submarines, Minehunters, among others. Pakistan gave in to the demands of a religious extremist and this explains the country's priorities at a time when troubles inside the country keep on rising. Some of these include intensifying Covid-19 crisis, the biggest decline in Pakistan's stock exchange in 10 years, food inflation, and unemployment, among others. The country also faces the risk of getting blacklisted in the terror financing issue. Let's take a look at some of the figures. According to the World Bank, Pakistan's real GDP growth is estimated to have declined from 1.9 per cent in FY 2019 to -1.5 per cent in FY20. Pakistan rupee has depreciated 13.8 per cent against the US dollar in FY20. Its export values contracted 7.5 per cent and external debt has grown to 38.2 per cent of the GDP. Instead of addressing these worrisome figures, Khan is busy allowing fundamentalists to set its agenda. There have been protests against France in other countries, but those countries' leaders did not bow down to these invisible forces as Khan did. In which part of the world, a democratically elected party has struck a deal with extremists on the country's foreign policies. By putting military, then China and now extremists first, the Imran Khan govt is betraying those people because of whom he came to power.

After military and China, Imran Khan government now surrenders to extremists

From Khadim Hussain Rizvi to Hafiz Saeed - radicals have contested elections in Pakistan and built a base of loyal supporters. WION's Molly Gambhir tells you how the hardliners have spread their tentacles in the mainstream politics of Pakistan.

Gravitas: How extremists found a place in Pakistan's mainstream politics

Tens of thousands of Islamist supporters gathered in Lahore without a mask for the funeral of Khadim Hussain Rizvi - the radical cleric who created the Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan.

Gravitas: Imran Khan helpless before Islamists: Radicals take over the streets of Lahore

After dancing to the tunes of Pakistan's military and China, Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan is now bowing down to religious hardliners. Pakistan's foreign policies are now being shaped by extremists.

Gravitas: Imran Khan is helpless before hardliners

Pakistan's plot to infiltrate through drones on the LoC has failed. Indian security agencies have become more alert since Pakistani drones appeared in Mendhar sector of Poonch district.

Pakistan drone spotted flying near Poonch's Mendhar sector

With the population of 20 million people Karachi is Pakistan's largest city, A short distance from Karachi is the world's largest arid Mangroves forest. Pakistani government wants to build a mega housing project on an island on the outskirts of the city, but environment activists say the real estate project threaten the very existence of arid Mangroves forest.

Wion Dispatch: Leaders of Sindh take on Imran Khan over mangroves forest

The newly-formed Pakistan Democratic Movement, an alliance of 11 Opposition parties, will hold its anti-government rally here on Sunday

Pakistan Opposition parties hold massive anti-government rally despite COVID surge

France's foreign ministry has asked Pakistan to withdraw comments made by one of its ministers which accused President Emmanuel Macron of treating Muslims the way Germany's Nazis used to treat Jews during the Second World War.&nbsp;

Pakistan's Federal Minister for Human Rights Shireen Mazari on Saturday compared Macron to Jews, adding that Muslim children will get "ID numbers" in France just as Jews were forced to wear "yellow star".

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-and-russia-promoting-anti-france-sentiment-says-emmanuel-macron-344353">Turkey and Russia promoting anti-France sentiment, says Emmanuel Macron</a>

"Macron is doing to Muslims what the Nazis did to the Jews - Muslim children will get ID numbers (other children won't) just as Jews were forced to wear the yellow star on their clothing for identification," Mazari wrote in a tweet.&nbsp;

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Read link 4 source of story - if fake then get retraction of story published which I gave as link <a href="https://twitter.com/FranceinPak?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@FranceinPak</a> instead of calling my tweet "fake"! Btw why are nuns allowed to wear their "habit" in public places but Muslim women not their hijab? Discrimination, n'est ce pas? <a href="https://t.co/C7ApMN92EJ">pic.twitter.com/C7ApMN92EJ</a>
— Shireen Mazari (@ShireenMazari1) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShireenMazari1/status/1330431440115396610?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 22, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-gives-ultimatum-to-french-council-of-muslim-faith-344419">France gives ultimatum to French Council of Muslim Faith</a>

France's foreign ministry said that the remarks by the minister were "hateful" and "blatant lies", demanding Pakistan to "rectify" the statements.&nbsp;

"These hateful words are blatant lies, imbued with an ideology of hatred and violence. Such slander is unworthy of this level of responsibility. We reject them with the greatest firmness," said Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Agnes von der Muhll, as reported by news agency Reuters. &nbsp;

"Pakistan must rectify these remarks and return to the path of a dialogue based on respect."

The latest row came at a time when there is strong anti-France sentiment in Pakistan over the publication of Prophet Muhammad's cartoon and Macron's comments on Islamist extremism.&nbsp;

France's foreign ministry has asked Pakistan to withdraw comments made by one of its ministers which accused President Emmanuel Macron of treating Muslims the way Germany's Nazis used to treat Jews during the Second World War.

France's foreign ministry has asked Pakistan to withdraw comments made by one of its ministers which accused President Emmanuel Macron of treating Muslims the way Germany's Nazis used to treat Jews during the Second World War. Pakistan's Federal Minister for Human Rights Shireen Mazari on Saturday compared Macron to Jews, adding that Muslim children will get "ID numbers" in France just as Jews were forced to wear "yellow star". Also read | Turkey and Russia promoting anti-France sentiment, says Emmanuel Macron "Macron is doing to Muslims what the Nazis did to the Jews - Muslim children will get ID numbers (other children won't) just as Jews were forced to wear the yellow star on their clothing for identification," Mazari wrote in a tweet. Read link 4 source of story - if fake then get retraction of story published which I gave as link @FranceinPak instead of calling my tweet "fake"! Btw why are nuns allowed to wear their "habit" in public places but Muslim women not their hijab? Discrimination, n'est ce pas? pic.twitter.com/C7ApMN92EJ — Shireen Mazari (@ShireenMazari1) November 22, 2020 × Also read | France gives ultimatum to French Council of Muslim Faith France's foreign ministry said that the remarks by the minister were "hateful" and "blatant lies", demanding Pakistan to "rectify" the statements. "These hateful words are blatant lies, imbued with an ideology of hatred and violence. Such slander is unworthy of this level of responsibility. We reject them with the greatest firmness," said Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Agnes von der Muhll, as reported by news agency Reuters. "Pakistan must rectify these remarks and return to the path of a dialogue based on respect." The latest row came at a time when there is strong anti-France sentiment in Pakistan over the publication of Prophet Muhammad's cartoon and Macron's comments on Islamist extremism.

'Blatant lies': France asks Pakistan to withdraw comments that compared Macron to Nazis

In a strong statement India has slammed Pakistan at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) for destabilising Afghanistan, saying, "terror flow across Durand Line should stop".

India slams Pakistan at the UNSC for destabilising Afghanistan

Is Ayman Al-Zawahiri dead? A report by Arab news claims the Al-Qaeda chief died of natural causes. Molly Gambhir tells you more.

Gravitas: Is Ayman Al-Zawahiri dead?

The results for Pakistan's sham & void election in Gilgit-Baltistan are out. Thousands have hit the streets saying the mandate has been stolen by Pakistan-Tehreek-I-Insaaf. Molly Gambhir gets you the story.

Gravitas: Pakistan's sham election in Gilgit-Baltistan

Tens of thousands of people in Pakistan gathered in Lahore to mourn the death of hardline Pakistani cleric Khadim Hussain Rizvi.&nbsp;

The cleric is the same who for years terrorised nation's religious minority groups, called for the destruction of European countries and instigated several riots, thereby becoming a leader to be feared across the country. &nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/hardline-pakistani-cleric-khadim-hussain-rizvi-passes-away-344320">Hardline Pakistani cleric Khadim Hussain Rizvi passes away</a>

Pakistan, where the threat of a second wave of coronavirus pandemic looms, saw several people in Lahore without masks and violating social distancing measures as they throng for Rizvi's funeral.&nbsp;

The 54-year-old cleric died on Thursday and his cause of death was not disclosed.

No coronavirus test or autopsy was also conducted to determine the cause of death.&nbsp;

Rizvi was a figure of Pakistan's orthodox religious right and was adept in raising religious resentments and bringing thousands of his fanatical supporters promptly.&nbsp;

The cleric was also responsible for causing violence over the controversial blasphemy and encouraging extremism and radicalism in Punjab.

His Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan party (TLP) held a three-day rally against France over Prophet's cartoons and President Emmanuel Macron.&nbsp;

The protests ended after he claimed to have forced the government to send back the French ambassador.

Despite his divisive ideology, Pakistani military regarded him a "great scholar" and PM Imran Khan rushed to pay tributes.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Tens of thousands of people in Pakistan gathered in Lahore to mourn the death of hardline Pakistani cleric Khadim Hussain Rizvi. The cleric is the same who for years terrorised nation's religious minority groups, called for the destruction of European countries and instigated several riots, thereby becoming a leader to be feared across the country.

Tens of thousands of people in Pakistan gathered in Lahore to mourn the death of hardline Pakistani cleric Khadim Hussain Rizvi. The cleric is the same who for years terrorised nation's religious minority groups, called for the destruction of European countries and instigated several riots, thereby becoming a leader to be feared across the country. Also read | Hardline Pakistani cleric Khadim Hussain Rizvi passes away Pakistan, where the threat of a second wave of coronavirus pandemic looms, saw several people in Lahore without masks and violating social distancing measures as they throng for Rizvi's funeral. The 54-year-old cleric died on Thursday and his cause of death was not disclosed. No coronavirus test or autopsy was also conducted to determine the cause of death. Rizvi was a figure of Pakistan's orthodox religious right and was adept in raising religious resentments and bringing thousands of his fanatical supporters promptly. The cleric was also responsible for causing violence over the controversial blasphemy and encouraging extremism and radicalism in Punjab. His Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan party (TLP) held a three-day rally against France over Prophet's cartoons and President Emmanuel Macron. The protests ended after he claimed to have forced the government to send back the French ambassador. Despite his divisive ideology, Pakistani military regarded him a "great scholar" and PM Imran Khan rushed to pay tributes.

Pak: Tens of thousands mourners gather for funeral of cleric who endorsed blasphemy, terrorised minorities

Speaking in Kabul, Imran Khan promised to 'reduce violence' in Afghanistan. WION's Molly Gambhir asks: Will Pakistan reduce violence in Kashmir as well? Is it trying to fool the European Union with such tall promises?

Gravitas: Pak PM promises to reduce violence in Afghanistan

Prime Minister Imran Khan is struggling to save Pakistan's economy, that's on the verge of bankruptcy. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan faces a number of foreign policy challenges. But instead of solving the problems at home, both leaders are fighting France

Gravitas: What did the Islamic Leaders get from their fight with Emmanuel Macron?

Far-right Islamist party Tehreek-e-Labbaik has got its way in Pakistan. Imran Khan govt has struck a deal with the fundamentalists, that calls for the eviction of the French Ambassador to Pakistan.

Gravitas: Imran Khan government bows before fundamentalists

European Parliamentarians have raised concerns over the European Union's financial support to Pakistan despite the country's lack of efforts towards tackling terrorist groups in the country.

EU Parliamentarians raise concerns over financial support to Pak despite inaction on terror

France has called European Union to impose financial & trade sanctions on Turkey & Pakistan. French Member of the European Parliament (MEP) Jordan Bardella has expressed concerns over terrorism emanating from countries like Turkey and Pakistan.

France demands EU sanctions after terror attacks in Paris, Nice & Vienna

An Islamist group on Tuesday called off violent protests over cartoons of Prophet Mohammad saying the Pakistani government has endorsed boycotting French products, a spokesman for the group said.

Thousands of Islamists clashed with police on the main road into Pakistan`s capital Islamabad on Monday following protests over the recent use of cartoons of the Prophet Mohammad in France.

"We are calling off our protests after government signed an agreement that it will officially endorse boycotting the French products," Ejaz Ashrafi, a spokesman for the Tehrik-i-Labaik party, told Reuters by phone.

The government has not yet commented on the agreement, that according to a copy seen by Reuters has been signed by two ministers, a top official and the group`s leaders.

Ashrafi said other conditions included the government working to expel the French envoy through parliament in two to three month time and Pakistan not sending its ambassador to Paris.

All protesters and their leaders arrested would be set free immediately, the spokesman said, shortly after he was released.

The Islamist group that has made blasphemy its rallying cry had sealed one of the main entrances to the capital, demanding the government sever diplomatic ties with France and expel its ambassador.

Protests broke out in several Muslim countries over France`s response to a deadly attack last month on a teacher who showed cartoons mocking the Prophet Mohammad to pupils during a civics lesson.

For Muslims, depictions of the Prophet are blasphemous.

There is a history of violent reaction to alleged incidents of blasphemy in Pakistan, where insulting the Prophet Mohammad carries a mandatory death penalty.

An Islamist group on Tuesday called off violent protests over cartoons of Prophet Mohammad saying the Pakistani government has endorsed boycotting French products, a spokesman for the group said.

An Islamist group on Tuesday called off violent protests over cartoons of Prophet Mohammad saying the Pakistani government has endorsed boycotting French products, a spokesman for the group said. Thousands of Islamists clashed with police on the main road into Pakistan`s capital Islamabad on Monday following protests over the recent use of cartoons of the Prophet Mohammad in France. "We are calling off our protests after government signed an agreement that it will officially endorse boycotting the French products," Ejaz Ashrafi, a spokesman for the Tehrik-i-Labaik party, told Reuters by phone. The government has not yet commented on the agreement, that according to a copy seen by Reuters has been signed by two ministers, a top official and the group`s leaders. Ashrafi said other conditions included the government working to expel the French envoy through parliament in two to three month time and Pakistan not sending its ambassador to Paris. All protesters and their leaders arrested would be set free immediately, the spokesman said, shortly after he was released. The Islamist group that has made blasphemy its rallying cry had sealed one of the main entrances to the capital, demanding the government sever diplomatic ties with France and expel its ambassador. Protests broke out in several Muslim countries over France`s response to a deadly attack last month on a teacher who showed cartoons mocking the Prophet Mohammad to pupils during a civics lesson. For Muslims, depictions of the Prophet are blasphemous. There is a history of violent reaction to alleged incidents of blasphemy in Pakistan, where insulting the Prophet Mohammad carries a mandatory death penalty.

Pakistani Islamist group calls off protests over Mohammad's cartoons

The Darul Uloom Haqqania is known as Pakistan's University of Jihad. Known for preaching a fundamentalist brand of Islam, this 'terror school' is a breeding ground for extremists. WION's Molly Gambhir tells you more.

Gravitas: This 'terror school' in Pakistan churned out Taliban's top brass

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan's anti-France rant has triggered chaos in Pakistan. More than 1,000 protesters have blocked a major highway connecting Rawalpindi and Islamabad. WION's Molly Gambhir tells you how Imran Khan's campaign against France has got out of hand.

Gravitas: Imran Khan's anti-France rant triggers chaos in Pakistan

Amid the growing protest over the emerging election results of the Gilgit Baltistan region, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday announced a ban on rallies and gatherings.

Addressing the country following a meeting of the National Coordination Committee (NCC) on the coronavirus, Imran Khan announced a ban on gatherings and rallies -- particularly ahead of the campaigns during the Gilgit Baltistan polls, Geo News reported.

"We reviewed the rising cases of the COVID-19 and the second wave -- which is being experienced in the entire world, especially Europe and America, where cases are rising rapidly and even more than there were before," Imran Khan said, Geo News quoted.

As the results were seen favouring Imran Khan-led Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in the illegally occupied Gilgit Baltistan, the major political parties have hit the streets claiming the polls are rigged.

The elections were held on Sunday in Gilgit Baltistan in 24 constituencies of the Legislative Assembly. Khan`s PTI won eight seats while PPP three seats and independent candidates seven, according to unofficial results PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari alleged rigging in three constituencies.

Addressing a sit-in in Gilgit, he said rigging was made to snatch the mandate of PPP in Gilgit 1, Ghizer 3 and a constituency in Skardu.Earlier in a tweet, Bilawal Zardari said that the legislative assembly election in Gilgit-Baltistan "has been stolen" and that he will be shortly joining a protest in the region.

"My election has been stolen. I will be joining the people of Gilgit-Baltistan in their protest shortly," Bilawal tweeted.Meanwhile, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Vice President Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Monday claimed that PTI won a few seats in Gilgit Baltistan`s elections through `rigging`, `bullying`, and with the help of turncoats.

India has slammed Islamabad for its decision to hold elections in the illegally occupied region of Gilgit-Baltistan, saying that any action to alter the status of the region has no legal basis.

Amid the growing protest over the emerging election results of the Gilgit Baltistan region, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday announced a ban on rallies and gatherings.

Amid the growing protest over the emerging election results of the Gilgit Baltistan region, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday announced a ban on rallies and gatherings. Addressing the country following a meeting of the National Coordination Committee (NCC) on the coronavirus, Imran Khan announced a ban on gatherings and rallies -- particularly ahead of the campaigns during the Gilgit Baltistan polls, Geo News reported. "We reviewed the rising cases of the COVID-19 and the second wave -- which is being experienced in the entire world, especially Europe and America, where cases are rising rapidly and even more than there were before," Imran Khan said, Geo News quoted. As the results were seen favouring Imran Khan-led Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in the illegally occupied Gilgit Baltistan, the major political parties have hit the streets claiming the polls are rigged. The elections were held on Sunday in Gilgit Baltistan in 24 constituencies of the Legislative Assembly. Khan`s PTI won eight seats while PPP three seats and independent candidates seven, according to unofficial results PPP chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari alleged rigging in three constituencies. Addressing a sit-in in Gilgit, he said rigging was made to snatch the mandate of PPP in Gilgit 1, Ghizer 3 and a constituency in Skardu.Earlier in a tweet, Bilawal Zardari said that the legislative assembly election in Gilgit-Baltistan "has been stolen" and that he will be shortly joining a protest in the region. "My election has been stolen. I will be joining the people of Gilgit-Baltistan in their protest shortly," Bilawal tweeted.Meanwhile, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Vice President Maryam Nawaz Sharif on Monday claimed that PTI won a few seats in Gilgit Baltistan`s elections through `rigging`, `bullying`, and with the help of turncoats. India has slammed Islamabad for its decision to hold elections in the illegally occupied region of Gilgit-Baltistan, saying that any action to alter the status of the region has no legal basis.

Pakistan PM Imran Khan announces ban on rallies and gatherings

Thousands took to streets in Pakistan on Monday as far-right protests against France continued, forcing authorities to shut down a major road leading to Islamabad for a second day.&nbsp;

Several supporters of hardline Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) on Sunday marched from Liaquat Bagh Rawalpindi to Faizabad in Islamabad to demonstrate against the publication of Prophet Muhamad's cartoons in France.

In Rawalpindi, about 5,000 people participated in the protests and thousands found roadblock preventing them from entering the capital.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/legitimising-violence-emmanuel-macron-slams-reports-calling-france-islamophobic-343406">'Legitimising violence': Emmanuel Macron slams reports calling France islamophobic</a>&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

People in Islamabad faced long delays at alternative routes into the city as they were crowded.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/is-it-not-too-hard-right-now-former-french-president-hollande-asks-macron-342432">'Is it not too hard right now?', former French President Hollande asks Macron</a>

After more than 24 hours, mobile phone services were restored around lunchtime on Monday.&nbsp;

Pakistan has seen small but scattered protests in the last few weeks over French President Emmanuel Macron's recent remarks on Islam and publication of Prophet's cartoons in the country.&nbsp;

Macron lashed out at Islamic extremists post the beheading of a French teacher, saying he was killed "because Islamists want our future".

Several Muslim countries have protested against Macron's remarks and Prophet's cartoons with some even boycotting French goods.&nbsp;

Pakistan has filed a complaint with France over what it described a "systematic Islamophobic campaign" in the nation. 
&nbsp;

Thousands took to streets in Pakistan on Monday as far-right protests against France continued, forcing authorities to shut down a major road leading to Islamabad for a second day.

Thousands took to streets in Pakistan on Monday as far-right protests against France continued, forcing authorities to shut down a major road leading to Islamabad for a second day. Several supporters of hardline Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) on Sunday marched from Liaquat Bagh Rawalpindi to Faizabad in Islamabad to demonstrate against the publication of Prophet Muhamad's cartoons in France. In Rawalpindi, about 5,000 people participated in the protests and thousands found roadblock preventing them from entering the capital. Also read | 'Legitimising violence': Emmanuel Macron slams reports calling France islamophobic People in Islamabad faced long delays at alternative routes into the city as they were crowded. Also read | 'Is it not too hard right now?', former French President Hollande asks Macron After more than 24 hours, mobile phone services were restored around lunchtime on Monday. Pakistan has seen small but scattered protests in the last few weeks over French President Emmanuel Macron's recent remarks on Islam and publication of Prophet's cartoons in the country. Macron lashed out at Islamic extremists post the beheading of a French teacher, saying he was killed "because Islamists want our future". Several Muslim countries have protested against Macron's remarks and Prophet's cartoons with some even boycotting French goods. Pakistan has filed a complaint with France over what it described a "systematic Islamophobic campaign" in the nation.

Pakistan: Major road into Islamabad closed as anti-France protests continue

It is no surprise that several educational institutions in Pakistan give birth to extremism and radicalism, which eventually lead to terrorism.&nbsp;

And one such institution is Darul Uloom Haqqania seminary in Akora Khattak, about 60 kilometres (35 miles) east of Peshawar, which is dubbed as "university of jihad" by critics.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-strongly-rejects-claims-of-its-territory-being-used-for-terror-acts-against-pakistan-343314">Afghanistan 'strongly' rejects claims of its territory being used for terror acts against Pakistan</a>

Maulana Yousaf Shah, a known cleric of Haqqania, proudly shares the list of former students of the seminary that later joined Taliban and reached its top brass.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sharif-committed-highest-treason-by-targeting-military-leadership-pm-imran-khan-342918">Sharif committed 'highest treason' by targeting military leadership: PM Imran Khan</a>

"Russia was broken into pieces by the students and graduates of Darul Uloom Haqqania and America was also sent packing," said Shah to news agency AFP. &nbsp;

"We are proud."

About 4,000 students are currently admitted in this seminary, which gives them free food and education.&nbsp;

Several Pakistani and Afghan refugees have also been given education in this seminary, where they are taught to initiate war against the Russians and Americans or spread jihad.

Despite, the links with terrorism, it has been given state support.&nbsp;

Darul Uloom Haqqania's leaders this month proudly acknowledged supporting the Taliban insurgency in Afghanistan in a video shared online, inviting the wrath of government in Kabul.&nbsp;

These institutions "give birth to radical jihadism, produce Taliban and are threatening our country", said Sediq Sediqqi, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani's spokesman, demanding their shut down.&nbsp;

It is no surprise that several educational institutions in Pakistan give birth to extremism and radicalism, which eventually lead to terrorism. And one such institution is Darul Uloom Haqqania seminary in Akora Khattak, about 60 kilometres (35 miles) east of Peshawar, which is dubbed as "university of jihad" by critics.

It is no surprise that several educational institutions in Pakistan give birth to extremism and radicalism, which eventually lead to terrorism. And one such institution is Darul Uloom Haqqania seminary in Akora Khattak, about 60 kilometres (35 miles) east of Peshawar, which is dubbed as "university of jihad" by critics. Also read | Afghanistan 'strongly' rejects claims of its territory being used for terror acts against Pakistan Maulana Yousaf Shah, a known cleric of Haqqania, proudly shares the list of former students of the seminary that later joined Taliban and reached its top brass. Also read | Sharif committed 'highest treason' by targeting military leadership: PM Imran Khan "Russia was broken into pieces by the students and graduates of Darul Uloom Haqqania and America was also sent packing," said Shah to news agency AFP. "We are proud." About 4,000 students are currently admitted in this seminary, which gives them free food and education. Several Pakistani and Afghan refugees have also been given education in this seminary, where they are taught to initiate war against the Russians and Americans or spread jihad. Despite, the links with terrorism, it has been given state support. Darul Uloom Haqqania's leaders this month proudly acknowledged supporting the Taliban insurgency in Afghanistan in a video shared online, inviting the wrath of government in Kabul. These institutions "give birth to radical jihadism, produce Taliban and are threatening our country", said Sediq Sediqqi, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani's spokesman, demanding their shut down.

A look at Pakistan's 'university of jihad' which is proud of Taliban alumni

Police in Pakistan have arrested two members of a Jirga, a council of elderly people, for sentencing a woman in Punjab province to death by stoning for allegedly eloping with a man and bearing his child out of wedlock.

According to the FIR, the council of elderly people comprising six persons held a meeting sometime back and sentenced the woman, a mother of nine, to death under the old custom of 'karo kari' in Muzaffargarh, some 400kms from Lahore.

Under this custom, a woman is stoned to death in the name of family honour. Police arrested two of the members and are on a look out for the remaining.

Police official Mehar Riaz Hussain said that the woman had eloped with Noor Shah, a man of her locality, and bore a child out of wedlock.

He said Shah was captured by some elders of the village who brought him back in June last year. The council awarded him a death sentence and he was subsequently killed.

Later, the woman was captured and the council declared that she would be stoned to death after giving birth to the child, the police official said.

The FIR against the Jirga members is registered under sections 310-A, 506-B (punishment for criminal intimidation, if threat be to cause death or grievous hurt, etc), 148 (rioting, armed with deadly weapon) and 149 (every member of unlawful assembly guilty of offence committed in prosecution of common object) of the Pakistan Penal Code.

Hussain said the woman has been provided protection.

Honour killing, locally known as 'karo kari' is an act of murder due to the belief that the victim has brought dishonour upon the family. Often women are killed in the name of ?karo kari' which is believed to restore honour and reputation of a family.

Police in Pakistan have arrested two members of a Jirga, a council of elderly people, for sentencing a woman in Punjab province to death by stoning for allegedly eloping with a man and bearing his child out of wedlock.

Police in Pakistan have arrested two members of a Jirga, a council of elderly people, for sentencing a woman in Punjab province to death by stoning for allegedly eloping with a man and bearing his child out of wedlock. According to the FIR, the council of elderly people comprising six persons held a meeting sometime back and sentenced the woman, a mother of nine, to death under the old custom of 'karo kari' in Muzaffargarh, some 400kms from Lahore. Under this custom, a woman is stoned to death in the name of family honour. Police arrested two of the members and are on a look out for the remaining. Police official Mehar Riaz Hussain said that the woman had eloped with Noor Shah, a man of her locality, and bore a child out of wedlock. He said Shah was captured by some elders of the village who brought him back in June last year. The council awarded him a death sentence and he was subsequently killed. Later, the woman was captured and the council declared that she would be stoned to death after giving birth to the child, the police official said. The FIR against the Jirga members is registered under sections 310-A, 506-B (punishment for criminal intimidation, if threat be to cause death or grievous hurt, etc), 148 (rioting, armed with deadly weapon) and 149 (every member of unlawful assembly guilty of offence committed in prosecution of common object) of the Pakistan Penal Code. Hussain said the woman has been provided protection. Honour killing, locally known as 'karo kari' is an act of murder due to the belief that the victim has brought dishonour upon the family. Often women are killed in the name of ?karo kari' which is believed to restore honour and reputation of a family.

Two Jirga members arrested in Pak for sentencing woman to death by stoning

After Pakistani PM Imran Khan said, 'India is organizing terrorism', Indian government has reacted sharply and put the facts and evidence that were widely known in International communities.

India reacts sharply when pakistan PM said 'India produce terrorism'

Major General S B Asthana (Retd) analyses India's response to Pakistan FM and DG ISPR who put up propaganda material to press trying to prove India was helping terror activities in his country.

Video analysis: India trashes Pakistan's claims of New Delhi sponsoring terrorism

Afghanistan on Saturday "strongly" rejected Islamabad's claims that its territory was used to carry out terror activities against Pakistan.&nbsp;

"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan strongly rejects the allegations of the spokesperson of the Pakistani Army claiming the use of Afghan territory against that country," a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-troops-are-still-leaving-but-afghans-hope-biden-will-help-342948">US troops are still leaving, but Afghans hope Biden will help</a>

It further said that its territory has been a "major victim" of terrorism and therefore it is committed to combating all forms of terrorism "without discrimination" and would not let its territory "used for destructive activities against other countries".

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-will-give-befitting-reply-if-provoked-indian-pm-modi-at-longewala-post-343136">India will give befitting reply if provoked: Indian PM Modi at Longewala Post</a>

This comes a day after Pakistan accused India of using Afghanistan to carry out terrorist activities against Pakistan at a joint press conference led by Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi and army spokesman Major-General Babar Iftikhar.&nbsp;

Weeks ago, Pakistan failed to convince the United Nations Financial Action Task Force (FATF) to strike off its name from the terror-financing grey list.&nbsp;

FATF, a global terror financing watchdog, has said in its latest meeting that Pakistan has made little progress to establish the mechanism to tackle terror financing and money laundering. &nbsp;

Afghanistan on Saturday "strongly" rejected Islamabad's claims that its territory was used to carry out terror activities against Pakistan. "The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan strongly rejects the allegations of the spokesperson of the Pakistani Army claiming the use of Afghan territory against that country," a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

Afghanistan on Saturday "strongly" rejected Islamabad's claims that its territory was used to carry out terror activities against Pakistan. "The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Government of the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan strongly rejects the allegations of the spokesperson of the Pakistani Army claiming the use of Afghan territory against that country," a statement from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said. Also read | US troops are still leaving, but Afghans hope Biden will help It further said that its territory has been a "major victim" of terrorism and therefore it is committed to combating all forms of terrorism "without discrimination" and would not let its territory "used for destructive activities against other countries". Also read | India will give befitting reply if provoked: Indian PM Modi at Longewala Post This comes a day after Pakistan accused India of using Afghanistan to carry out terrorist activities against Pakistan at a joint press conference led by Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi and army spokesman Major-General Babar Iftikhar. Weeks ago, Pakistan failed to convince the United Nations Financial Action Task Force (FATF) to strike off its name from the terror-financing grey list. FATF, a global terror financing watchdog, has said in its latest meeting that Pakistan has made little progress to establish the mechanism to tackle terror financing and money laundering.

Afghanistan 'strongly' rejects claims of its territory being used for terror acts against Pakistan

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday extended his greetings to the country's minority Hindu community on the occasion of Diwali, the festival of lights.

Khan conveyed his wishes with a simple message on Twitter.

"Wishing all our Hindu citizens a happy Diwali," he wrote.

Pakistani Hindus are celebrating Diwali across the country with zeal and fervour, with families decorating their houses and temples with colourful lights.

Special poojas will be held in temples while sweets will also be distributed among the people, Geo News reported.

The Hindu community lit earthen lamps in the night and burst firecrackers to celebrate the festival.

Apart from Karachi, Lahore, and other major cities, festivities will also be held in Matiari, Tando Allahyar, Tando Muhammad Khan, Jamshoro, Badin, Sanghar, Hala, Tando Adam, and Shahdadpur, the report said.

Hindus form the biggest minority community in Pakistan. According to official estimates, 75 lakh Hindus live in Pakistan.

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 their Muslim fellows.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday extended his greetings to the country's minority Hindu community on the occasion of Diwali, the festival of lights.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday extended his greetings to the country's minority Hindu community on the occasion of Diwali, the festival of lights. Khan conveyed his wishes with a simple message on Twitter. "Wishing all our Hindu citizens a happy Diwali," he wrote. Pakistani Hindus are celebrating Diwali across the country with zeal and fervour, with families decorating their houses and temples with colourful lights. Special poojas will be held in temples while sweets will also be distributed among the people, Geo News reported. The Hindu community lit earthen lamps in the night and burst firecrackers to celebrate the festival. Apart from Karachi, Lahore, and other major cities, festivities will also be held in Matiari, Tando Allahyar, Tando Muhammad Khan, Jamshoro, Badin, Sanghar, Hala, Tando Adam, and Shahdadpur, the report said. Hindus form the biggest minority community in Pakistan. According to official estimates, 75 lakh Hindus live in Pakistan. 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 their Muslim fellows.

Pakistan PM Imran Khan wishes Hindus on Diwali

From France to Austria, European Nations are proposing laws to fight political Islam and counter the terror threat, but is Europe missing the root cause of the problem? Why is it not cracking down on terror exporters like Pakistan? WION's Palki Sharma makes a case.

Gravitas: Austria proposes sweeping laws against Radical Islam

The 'war of words' between Maryam Nawaz, Pakistan's former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's daughter, and Pakistan's present Prime Minister Imran Khan has intensified as she threatened to expose the Pakistani police.

Pakistan: Nawaz Sharif's daughter Maryam Nawaz threatens to expose Pakistan police

Pakistan troops opened fire along the Line of Control (LoC) in Gurez sector on Friday, including in Uri in Jammu and Kashmir(J&K). Indian Army retaliated destroying Pakistan Armies bunkers along the LoC.

Indian Army hits back at Pakistan, 7-8 Pak Army soldiers killed near LoC

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A look at Pakistan's 'university of jihad' which is proud of Taliban alumni