Chinese video sharing app TikTok has promised to put more resources in Pakistan to improve its services after the authorities here blocked it over "indecent content", a media report said on Sunday.

ByteDance, the Chinese company that owns TikTok, regretted that its services remain suspended in Pakistan more than a week after the country's telecommunication authority banned it over its contents, the Express Tribune reported.

"TikTok's mission is to inspire creativity and joy, and that's just what we've done in Pakistan. We've built a community whose creativity and passion has brought joy to households across Pakistan and opened vital economic opportunities to incredibly talented creators,? the company said on Saturday.

It said that though the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) acknowledged and appreciated these efforts, TikTok's services remain blocked in the country and the PTA had not communicated with the company about how to resolve the issue.

"We continue to hope that our productive dialogue with the PTA can bring assurance of the government's commitment to a stable, enabling environment whereby we can explore investing further in the market, including in the inspiring talent we've seen thrive on TikTok," it said.

It promised to reallocate resources to improve its system. "If the government of Pakistan decides to reopen access to our services in the future, we can assess our allocation of resources to this market,? the company said.

The company said its users and creators in Pakistan are still unable to access TikTok, more than one week after our services were blocked by the PTA.

"After TikTok was blocked in Pakistan, we continued to engage with the PTA to demonstrate our commitment to comply with local laws and further enhance our content moderation capacity,? ByteDance further said.

The company said it made concerted efforts over the last one year to address questions from the government of Pakistan around the content moderation process, including significantly increasing the capacity of the local language content moderation team.

ByteDance regretted that it's unfortunate that Pakistan's vibrant online community is still unable to showcase their talent and creativity to our hundreds of millions of users worldwide.

The popular platform allows users to create short music, lip-sync, dance, comedy and talent videos of 3 to 15 seconds, and short looping videos of 3 to 60 seconds.&nbsp;

Chinese video sharing app TikTok has promised to put more resources in Pakistan to improve its services after the authorities here blocked it over "indecent content", a media report said on Sunday.

Chinese video sharing app TikTok has promised to put more resources in Pakistan to improve its services after the authorities here blocked it over "indecent content", a media report said on Sunday. ByteDance, the Chinese company that owns TikTok, regretted that its services remain suspended in Pakistan more than a week after the country's telecommunication authority banned it over its contents, the Express Tribune reported. "TikTok's mission is to inspire creativity and joy, and that's just what we've done in Pakistan. We've built a community whose creativity and passion has brought joy to households across Pakistan and opened vital economic opportunities to incredibly talented creators,? the company said on Saturday. It said that though the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority (PTA) acknowledged and appreciated these efforts, TikTok's services remain blocked in the country and the PTA had not communicated with the company about how to resolve the issue. "We continue to hope that our productive dialogue with the PTA can bring assurance of the government's commitment to a stable, enabling environment whereby we can explore investing further in the market, including in the inspiring talent we've seen thrive on TikTok," it said. It promised to reallocate resources to improve its system. "If the government of Pakistan decides to reopen access to our services in the future, we can assess our allocation of resources to this market,? the company said. The company said its users and creators in Pakistan are still unable to access TikTok, more than one week after our services were blocked by the PTA. "After TikTok was blocked in Pakistan, we continued to engage with the PTA to demonstrate our commitment to comply with local laws and further enhance our content moderation capacity,? ByteDance further said. The company said it made concerted efforts over the last one year to address questions from the government of Pakistan around the content moderation process, including significantly increasing the capacity of the local language content moderation team. ByteDance regretted that it's unfortunate that Pakistan's vibrant online community is still unable to showcase their talent and creativity to our hundreds of millions of users worldwide. The popular platform allows users to create short music, lip-sync, dance, comedy and talent videos of 3 to 15 seconds, and short looping videos of 3 to 60 seconds.

Chinese firm ByteDance to reallocate resources if Pakistan unblocks TikTok

Pakistan's failure to fulfil six key obligations of the FATF, including action against two of India's most wanted terrorists Maulana Masood Azhar and Hafiz Saeed, and the sudden disappearance of more than 4,000 terrorists from its official list will most likely lead to its continuation in the 'grey list' of the Global money laundering and terrorist financing watchdog, officials said on Sunday.

The virtual plenary of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), to be held on October 21-23, will take the final call on Pakistan's continuation on its grey list after a thorough review of Islamabad's performance in fulfilling the global commitments and standards in the fight against money laundering and terror financing.

The FATF had given Pakistan a total of 27 action plan obligations for completely checking terror financing of which so far it has cleared 21 but has failed in some of the key tasks, an official privy to the developments said.

The mandates which Pakistan has failed include action against all UN-designated terrorists like Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Azhar, Lashker-e-Taiba (LeT) founder Seed and the outfit's operational commander Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi. 
Besides, FATF has strongly noted the fact that there was sudden disappearance of the names of more than 4,000 terrorists from its original list of 7,600 under Schedule IV of its Anti Terrorism Act.

"Under these circumstances, it is almost certain that Pakistan will continue in the FATF grey list," the official said.

Also, the four nominating countries -- the United States, Britain, France and Germany -- are also not satisfied with Islamabad's commitment to taking strong action against the terror groups operating from its soil.

Azhar, Saeed and Lakhvi are most wanted terrorists in India for their involvement in numerous terrorist acts, including the 26/11 Mumbai terror strikes and the bombing of a CRPF bus at Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir last year.

With Pakistan's continuation in the grey list, it is increasingly becoming difficult for Islamabad to get financial aid from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank, Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the European Union, thus further enhancing problems for the neighbouring country which is in a precarious financial situation.

The FATF will also judge if competent authorities in Pakistan were cooperating and taking action to identify and taking enforcement action against illegal money or value transfer services and had proven implementation of cross-border currency and bearer negotiable instruments controls at all ports of entry, including applying effective, proportionate and dissuasive sanctions.

The country's outstanding action areas also include effective implementation of targeted financial sanctions (supported by a comprehensive legal obligation) against all 1,267 and 1,373 designated terrorists and those acting for or on their behalf, including preventing the raising and moving of funds, identifying and freezing assets (movable and immovable), and prohibiting access to funds and financial services, another official said.

The FATF plenary was earlier scheduled in June, but Pakistan got an unexpected breather after the global watchdog against financial crimes temporarily postponed all mutual evaluations and follow-up deadlines in the wake of grave health risk due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

The watchdog also put a general pause in the review process, thus giving additional four months to Pakistan to meet the requirements.

Pakistan needed 12 votes out of 39 to exit the grey list and move to the white list. To avoid the blacklist, it needs the support of three countries. China, Turkey and Malaysia are its consistent supporters.

Currently, North Korea and Iran are on the FATF blacklist.

Pakistan was placed on the grey list by the FATF in June 2018 and was given a plan of action to complete it by October 2019. Since then, the country continues to be on that list due to its failure to comply with the FATF mandates.

The FATF is an inter-governmental body established in 1989 to combat money laundering, terror financing and other related threats to the integrity of the international financial system.

The FATF currently has 39 members, including two regional organisations -- the European Commission and Gulf Cooperation Council.

India is a member of the FATF consultations and its Asia Pacific Group.&nbsp;

Pakistan's failure to fulfil six key obligations of the FATF, including action against two of India's most wanted terrorists Maulana Masood Azhar and Hafiz Saeed, and the sudden disappearance of more than 4,000 terrorists from its official list will most likely lead to its continuation in the 'grey list' of the Global money laundering and terrorist financing watchdog, officials said on Sunday.

Pakistan's failure to fulfil six key obligations of the FATF, including action against two of India's most wanted terrorists Maulana Masood Azhar and Hafiz Saeed, and the sudden disappearance of more than 4,000 terrorists from its official list will most likely lead to its continuation in the 'grey list' of the Global money laundering and terrorist financing watchdog, officials said on Sunday. The virtual plenary of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), to be held on October 21-23, will take the final call on Pakistan's continuation on its grey list after a thorough review of Islamabad's performance in fulfilling the global commitments and standards in the fight against money laundering and terror financing. The FATF had given Pakistan a total of 27 action plan obligations for completely checking terror financing of which so far it has cleared 21 but has failed in some of the key tasks, an official privy to the developments said. The mandates which Pakistan has failed include action against all UN-designated terrorists like Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Azhar, Lashker-e-Taiba (LeT) founder Seed and the outfit's operational commander Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi. Besides, FATF has strongly noted the fact that there was sudden disappearance of the names of more than 4,000 terrorists from its original list of 7,600 under Schedule IV of its Anti Terrorism Act. "Under these circumstances, it is almost certain that Pakistan will continue in the FATF grey list," the official said. Also, the four nominating countries -- the United States, Britain, France and Germany -- are also not satisfied with Islamabad's commitment to taking strong action against the terror groups operating from its soil. Azhar, Saeed and Lakhvi are most wanted terrorists in India for their involvement in numerous terrorist acts, including the 26/11 Mumbai terror strikes and the bombing of a CRPF bus at Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir last year. With Pakistan's continuation in the grey list, it is increasingly becoming difficult for Islamabad to get financial aid from the International Monetary Fund (IMF), World Bank, Asian Development Bank (ADB) and the European Union, thus further enhancing problems for the neighbouring country which is in a precarious financial situation. The FATF will also judge if competent authorities in Pakistan were cooperating and taking action to identify and taking enforcement action against illegal money or value transfer services and had proven implementation of cross-border currency and bearer negotiable instruments controls at all ports of entry, including applying effective, proportionate and dissuasive sanctions. The country's outstanding action areas also include effective implementation of targeted financial sanctions (supported by a comprehensive legal obligation) against all 1,267 and 1,373 designated terrorists and those acting for or on their behalf, including preventing the raising and moving of funds, identifying and freezing assets (movable and immovable), and prohibiting access to funds and financial services, another official said. The FATF plenary was earlier scheduled in June, but Pakistan got an unexpected breather after the global watchdog against financial crimes temporarily postponed all mutual evaluations and follow-up deadlines in the wake of grave health risk due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The watchdog also put a general pause in the review process, thus giving additional four months to Pakistan to meet the requirements. Pakistan needed 12 votes out of 39 to exit the grey list and move to the white list. To avoid the blacklist, it needs the support of three countries. China, Turkey and Malaysia are its consistent supporters. Currently, North Korea and Iran are on the FATF blacklist. Pakistan was placed on the grey list by the FATF in June 2018 and was given a plan of action to complete it by October 2019. Since then, the country continues to be on that list due to its failure to comply with the FATF mandates. The FATF is an inter-governmental body established in 1989 to combat money laundering, terror financing and other related threats to the integrity of the international financial system. The FATF currently has 39 members, including two regional organisations -- the European Commission and Gulf Cooperation Council. India is a member of the FATF consultations and its Asia Pacific Group.

Pak fails to fulfil six key mandates of FATF; no action against Hafiz Saeed

Pakistan authorities have removed the names of over 5,000 individuals from the travel blacklist after the government took note of the problems faced by them.

According to a media report on Sunday, Interior Minister Ijaz Shah, in a meeting held recently, directed the review committee of the Directorate General of Immigration and Passports to meet biannually to review cases of blacklisted individuals.

The meeting was held after a gap of almost four years. The previous meeting was held in December 2016.

According to a report in the Dawn newspaper, the minister directed the Immigration and Passports director general to immediately convene a meeting of the periodical review committee to consider cases on merit and remove names from the blacklist after the due process.

There are two main blacklist categories- Category 'A' includes names of those involved in serious crimes like terrorism, money laundering and anti-state activities, whereas the 'B' category mainly has names of deportees who had either travelled abroad on forged documents or were found involved in crime in the host country.

The committee reviewed the names of citizens falling in category B of the blacklist and removed the names of 5,807 individuals out of a list of 42,725 people.

The committee will consider rest of the cases in its forthcoming periodic review.

Pakistan authorities have removed the names of over 5,000 individuals from the travel blacklist after the government took note of the problems faced by them. According to a media report on Sunday, Interior Minister Ijaz Shah, in a meeting held recently, directed the review committee of the Directorate General of Immigration and Passports to meet biannually to review cases of blacklisted individuals.

Pakistan authorities have removed the names of over 5,000 individuals from the travel blacklist after the government took note of the problems faced by them. According to a media report on Sunday, Interior Minister Ijaz Shah, in a meeting held recently, directed the review committee of the Directorate General of Immigration and Passports to meet biannually to review cases of blacklisted individuals. The meeting was held after a gap of almost four years. The previous meeting was held in December 2016. According to a report in the Dawn newspaper, the minister directed the Immigration and Passports director general to immediately convene a meeting of the periodical review committee to consider cases on merit and remove names from the blacklist after the due process. There are two main blacklist categories- Category 'A' includes names of those involved in serious crimes like terrorism, money laundering and anti-state activities, whereas the 'B' category mainly has names of deportees who had either travelled abroad on forged documents or were found involved in crime in the host country. The committee reviewed the names of citizens falling in category B of the blacklist and removed the names of 5,807 individuals out of a list of 42,725 people. The committee will consider rest of the cases in its forthcoming periodic review.

Pakistan removes names of over 5,000 individuals from travel blacklist

In Pakistan, the opposition has declared that Covid-18 is more dangerous than COVID-19. What are they talking about? Watch this report by Palki Sharma Upadhyay to find out.

Gravitas: Protests against 'COVID-18' in Pakistan

The anti-government rally is organised to protest against army atrocities and demand for PM Imran Khan's resignation in the backdrop of corruption, economic slowdown, and poor governance.

Pakistan's opposition holds mega power rally in Gujranwala

Pakistani authorities said Saturday they had foiled an attempt to smuggle dozens of endangered falcons worth more than one million dollars out of the country.

Wildlife traffickers catch falcons in Pakistan's mountainous north, often to sell them for lucrative profits in the Gulf region, where hunting with the birds is a popular sport.

Customs officials seized 75 falcons and a houbara bustard at locations around the southern port city of Karachi in what they called an "unprecedented" anti-smuggling operation.

"The birds are listed as rare and endangered species and their trade is strictly banned," said senior customs officer Mohammad Saqif Saeed.

He did not identify the species of the birds but estimated their value to be around 200 million rupees (over $1 million) on the black market.

Authorities have arrested two suspects and plan to release the birds into the wild.&nbsp;

The houbara bustard is a desert bird whose meat is prized among Arab sheikhs as an aphrodisiac.

Falcons are often used by wealthy hunting parties from the Gulf who travel to Pakistan's southwestern Balochistan province every winter to catch and kill the houbara.

An earlier ban on the sport was overturned by Pakistan's top court.

Two hundred rare falcons were reportedly exported to Qatar from Pakistan earlier this year on special permission.

Pakistani authorities said Saturday they had foiled an attempt to smuggle dozens of endangered falcons worth more than one million dollars out of the country. Wildlife traffickers catch falcons in Pakistan's mountainous north, often to sell them for lucrative profits in the Gulf region, where hunting with the birds is a popular sport.

Pakistani authorities said Saturday they had foiled an attempt to smuggle dozens of endangered falcons worth more than one million dollars out of the country. Wildlife traffickers catch falcons in Pakistan's mountainous north, often to sell them for lucrative profits in the Gulf region, where hunting with the birds is a popular sport. Customs officials seized 75 falcons and a houbara bustard at locations around the southern port city of Karachi in what they called an "unprecedented" anti-smuggling operation. "The birds are listed as rare and endangered species and their trade is strictly banned," said senior customs officer Mohammad Saqif Saeed. He did not identify the species of the birds but estimated their value to be around 200 million rupees (over $1 million) on the black market. Authorities have arrested two suspects and plan to release the birds into the wild. The houbara bustard is a desert bird whose meat is prized among Arab sheikhs as an aphrodisiac. Falcons are often used by wealthy hunting parties from the Gulf who travel to Pakistan's southwestern Balochistan province every winter to catch and kill the houbara. An earlier ban on the sport was overturned by Pakistan's top court. Two hundred rare falcons were reportedly exported to Qatar from Pakistan earlier this year on special permission.

Pakistan foils attempt to smuggle endangered falcons

Ahead of nation-wide opposition protests, hundreds of Pak citizens have hit the streets of Islamabad. Women Health workers have staged a sit-in outside the Pak parliament. Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you how this is a double whammy for Imran Khan.

Gravitas: A double whammy for Imran Khan

It's a double whammy for the Imran Khan government in Pakistan. The opposition is set to go on a nation-wide protest. Demonstrations of a different colour have erupted in the national capital as hundreds of Pakistan citizens have hit the streets of Islamabad.

WION Dispatch: Pakistan democratic movement holds mega rally

The Indian Army said that it has restored an old and damaged grave of a Pakistani officer in the Naugam sector of Kupwara district in Jammu and Kashmir. The Pakistani officer was killed in 1972 close to the fence on the Line of Control (LoC).

Indian Army restores Pakistan's Lt. Major Mohd Shabir Khan's grave

At least 14&nbsp;people were killed after militants attacked a convoy of oil and gas workers escorted by paramilitary troops in the southwestern Pakistani province of Balochistan.&nbsp;

The convoy the Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) was on a coastal highway on its way to the southern city of Karachi when it was ambushed.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/at-least-six-killed-in-attack-on-pakistan-oil-workers-officials-335524">At least six killed in attack on Pakistan oil workers: Officials</a>

The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the Pakistan Army, said the OGDCL workers were able to survive the attack, but 14 security personnel, including seven soldiers and seven private security guards, lost their lives.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nation-wide-protests-in-pakistan-tell-the-story-of-fall-of-imran-khan-335583">Nationwide protests in Pakistan tell the story of fall of Imran Khan</a>

It also said that the militants also sustained major losses in the exchange of fire from the security personnel.

"They were waiting for the convoy. Despite the FC (Frontier Corps) and security guards losing their lives, the other FC personnel managed to safely get the convoy away from the spot near Oramara," a top police official said, as quoted by news agency PTI.&nbsp;

Mineral-rich Balochistan has seen decades-long unrest as many people want the province to secede from the country because of the resource exploitation in the region.&nbsp;

Pakistan has seen two major attacks in the 24 hours with the earlier one killing six soldiers in the country's northwest late on Wednesday.&nbsp;

At least 14 people were killed after militants attacked a convoy of oil and gas workers escorted by paramilitary troops in the southwestern Pakistani province of Balochistan.

At least 14 people were killed after militants attacked a convoy of oil and gas workers escorted by paramilitary troops in the southwestern Pakistani province of Balochistan. The convoy the Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL) was on a coastal highway on its way to the southern city of Karachi when it was ambushed. Also read | At least six killed in attack on Pakistan oil workers: Officials The Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the Pakistan Army, said the OGDCL workers were able to survive the attack, but 14 security personnel, including seven soldiers and seven private security guards, lost their lives. Also read | Nationwide protests in Pakistan tell the story of fall of Imran Khan It also said that the militants also sustained major losses in the exchange of fire from the security personnel. "They were waiting for the convoy. Despite the FC (Frontier Corps) and security guards losing their lives, the other FC personnel managed to safely get the convoy away from the spot near Oramara," a top police official said, as quoted by news agency PTI. Mineral-rich Balochistan has seen decades-long unrest as many people want the province to secede from the country because of the resource exploitation in the region. Pakistan has seen two major attacks in the 24 hours with the earlier one killing six soldiers in the country's northwest late on Wednesday.

Convoy ambush kills 14 security personnel as Pakistan sees two attacks in 24 hours

Over 450 workers from Pakistan's Opposition parties have been booked in Lahore and other areas of Punjab province ahead of the first grand anti-government rally on Friday by an alliance formed to oust Prime Minister Imran Khan.

Massive protest held in Pakistan due to inflation

Over 450 workers from Pakistan's Opposition parties have been booked in Lahore and other areas of Punjab province ahead of the first grand anti-government rally on Friday by an alliance formed to oust Prime Minister Imran Khan.

On September 20, the leaders of 11 major Opposition parties announced the formation of the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) and launch of a three-phased anti-government movement under an action plan&nbsp;starting with countrywide public meetings, protest demonstrations and rallies before a 'decisive long march'&nbsp;towards Islamabad in January 2021.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-opposition-rally-on-parties-alliance-to-hold-first-rally-on-october-18-334905">Pak opposition rally on parties alliance to hold first rally on October 18</a>

The first anti-government rally is scheduled on Friday in Gujranwala city, some 80 kms from Lahore, followed by another rally on October 18 in Karachi, in Quetta on October 25, Peshawar on November 22, Multan on November 30 and then a rally in Lahore on December 13.

The Opposition leaders announced that they would use all political and democratic options, including no-confidence motions and mass resignations from Parliament to seek "the selected" prime minister's resignation.

The Opposition parties have accused the powerful army of rigging the 2018 elections that brought Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf party to power.

The Opposition parties are openly opposing the military's interference in politics and elections for the first time in the recent history of the country.

The PDM comprises mainly three mainstream Opposition parties:&nbsp;PML-N of Nawaz Sharif, PPP of Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) of Maulana Fazlur Rehman.

Launching a crackdown ahead of PDM's first major anti-government show, Punjab police got into action and booked over 450 workers, mostly of PML-N, in different parts of Punjab province under COVID-19 violations and also arrested scores of PDM workers.

Police stations in Gujranwala, Mandi Bahuddin and Lahore registered cases against over 450 Opposition workers under sections 269 and 188 of Pakistan Penal Code for holding a public gathering without observing COVID-19 SOPs.

The former prime minister and PML-N supreme leader Nawaz Sharif, who is London since November last year, in a tweet, said that police should refrain from arresting the PDM leaders.

"Police must NOT comply with Imran Niazi's workers, raid their homes or hinder their travel to Gujranwala,"&nbsp;he said. 
Former premier and PDM leader Shahid Khaqan Abbasi said the government's panic over the first public meeting of Opposition has exposed its reality.

"Blocking roads with containers, raiding corner meetings, arresting PDM workers across Punjab, won't deter the spirits of the masses who have decided to rid the country of this selected and inept government."

He said, "People are starving and struggling to feed their families because of the unprecedented inflation and unemployment created by this government which is the most corrupt government in the history of Pakistan."

Abbasi said no amount of threats, harassment or containers can stop the massive flood of Pakistanis participating in the October 16 public meeting.

PML-N secretary general Ahsan Iqbal said the PTI government is "shaking in its boots over the first Opposition's rally which goes to show how confident it is about itself."

He said the PTI government is doing all it can to "harass and sabotage" the upcoming congregation.

Meanwhile, the government has allowed the Opposition to hold the rally in Gujranwala Stadium with a direction that no speeches would be made against the military and judiciary.

In his back-to-back speeches from London last month, Sharif, who is facing a number of corruption cases, said there was 'a state above the state in the country'&nbsp;and declared that the Opposition's struggle was not against Prime Minister Khan but against those (military establishment) who had imposed such an incapable person&nbsp;upon the nation through a manipulated electoral process.

Since his anti-army rant, the PTI government has banned the media to broadcast his speeches.

Sharif, 70, has been living in London since November last year after he was allowed by the courts and the government to go there for a period of eight weeks for medical treatment. But he did not come back, while his lawyers told the court that he was still recovering.

The Islamabad High Court through newspaper advertisements has asked Sharif to appear before it by November 24 to avoid being declared a "proclaimed offender". 
&nbsp;

Over 450 workers from Pakistan's Opposition parties have been booked in Lahore and other areas of Punjab province ahead of the first grand anti-government rally on Friday by an alliance formed to oust Prime Minister Imran Khan. On September 20, the leaders of 11 major Opposition parties announced the formation of the Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) and launch of a three-phased anti-government movement under an action plan starting with countrywide public meetings, protest demonstrations and rallies before a 'decisive long march' towards Islamabad in January 2021. Also read | Pak opposition rally on parties alliance to hold first rally on October 18 The first anti-government rally is scheduled on Friday in Gujranwala city, some 80 kms from Lahore, followed by another rally on October 18 in Karachi, in Quetta on October 25, Peshawar on November 22, Multan on November 30 and then a rally in Lahore on December 13. The Opposition leaders announced that they would use all political and democratic options, including no-confidence motions and mass resignations from Parliament to seek "the selected" prime minister's resignation. The Opposition parties have accused the powerful army of rigging the 2018 elections that brought Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaaf party to power. The Opposition parties are openly opposing the military's interference in politics and elections for the first time in the recent history of the country. The PDM comprises mainly three mainstream Opposition parties: PML-N of Nawaz Sharif, PPP of Bilawal Bhutto Zardari and Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F) of Maulana Fazlur Rehman. Launching a crackdown ahead of PDM's first major anti-government show, Punjab police got into action and booked over 450 workers, mostly of PML-N, in different parts of Punjab province under COVID-19 violations and also arrested scores of PDM workers. Police stations in Gujranwala, Mandi Bahuddin and Lahore registered cases against over 450 Opposition workers under sections 269 and 188 of Pakistan Penal Code for holding a public gathering without observing COVID-19 SOPs. The former prime minister and PML-N supreme leader Nawaz Sharif, who is London since November last year, in a tweet, said that police should refrain from arresting the PDM leaders. "Police must NOT comply with Imran Niazi's workers, raid their homes or hinder their travel to Gujranwala," he said. Former premier and PDM leader Shahid Khaqan Abbasi said the government's panic over the first public meeting of Opposition has exposed its reality. "Blocking roads with containers, raiding corner meetings, arresting PDM workers across Punjab, won't deter the spirits of the masses who have decided to rid the country of this selected and inept government." He said, "People are starving and struggling to feed their families because of the unprecedented inflation and unemployment created by this government which is the most corrupt government in the history of Pakistan." Abbasi said no amount of threats, harassment or containers can stop the massive flood of Pakistanis participating in the October 16 public meeting. PML-N secretary general Ahsan Iqbal said the PTI government is "shaking in its boots over the first Opposition's rally which goes to show how confident it is about itself." He said the PTI government is doing all it can to "harass and sabotage" the upcoming congregation. Meanwhile, the government has allowed the Opposition to hold the rally in Gujranwala Stadium with a direction that no speeches would be made against the military and judiciary. In his back-to-back speeches from London last month, Sharif, who is facing a number of corruption cases, said there was 'a state above the state in the country' and declared that the Opposition's struggle was not against Prime Minister Khan but against those (military establishment) who had imposed such an incapable person upon the nation through a manipulated electoral process. Since his anti-army rant, the PTI government has banned the media to broadcast his speeches. Sharif, 70, has been living in London since November last year after he was allowed by the courts and the government to go there for a period of eight weeks for medical treatment. But he did not come back, while his lawyers told the court that he was still recovering. The Islamabad High Court through newspaper advertisements has asked Sharif to appear before it by November 24 to avoid being declared a "proclaimed offender".

Over 450 Opposition workers booked ahead of anti-government rally in Pakistan

Pakistan`s anti-corruption watchdog, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on Thursday issued an arrest warrant against the former president and Pakistan Peoples` Party (PPP) leader Asif Ali Zardari in a graft case worth 8 billion in Pakistan Rupees.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-nepal-re-elected-as-unhrc-members-china-also-elected-335110">Pakistan, Nepal re-elected as UNHRC members; China also elected</a>

According to The Express Tribune, a two-member bench of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) would hear Zardari`s interim-bail plea today over suspicious transactions in the fake accounts case.

This arrest warrant comes amid the Imran Khan government`s crackdown on opposition parties after an alliance was formed by all major opposition parties named Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) amid growing pubic agitation against the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government.

Earlier in September, a court in Islamabad indicted the former president and other accused in money laundering pertaining to the fake accounts case.

Zardari, who is named in multiple corruption cases filed by the NAB, was granted bail by the Islamabad High Court on medical grounds last year.

Last week, Zardari was shifted to a hospital, after he felt unwell on Sunday, according to a statement by the party.

"Doctors are conducting his medical check-up and necessary medical tests," PPP said in its statement that was tweeted.The Dawn newspaper reported that Zardari has been admitted to a hospital in Karachi.&nbsp;

Pakistan`s anti-corruption watchdog, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on Thursday issued an arrest warrant against the former president and Pakistan Peoples` Party (PPP) leader Asif Ali Zardari in a graft case worth 8 billion in Pakistan Rupees.

Pakistan`s anti-corruption watchdog, the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on Thursday issued an arrest warrant against the former president and Pakistan Peoples` Party (PPP) leader Asif Ali Zardari in a graft case worth 8 billion in Pakistan Rupees. Also read | Pakistan, Nepal re-elected as UNHRC members; China also elected According to The Express Tribune, a two-member bench of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) would hear Zardari`s interim-bail plea today over suspicious transactions in the fake accounts case. This arrest warrant comes amid the Imran Khan government`s crackdown on opposition parties after an alliance was formed by all major opposition parties named Pakistan Democratic Movement (PDM) amid growing pubic agitation against the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government. Earlier in September, a court in Islamabad indicted the former president and other accused in money laundering pertaining to the fake accounts case. Zardari, who is named in multiple corruption cases filed by the NAB, was granted bail by the Islamabad High Court on medical grounds last year. Last week, Zardari was shifted to a hospital, after he felt unwell on Sunday, according to a statement by the party. "Doctors are conducting his medical check-up and necessary medical tests," PPP said in its statement that was tweeted.The Dawn newspaper reported that Zardari has been admitted to a hospital in Karachi.

Pakistan: Arrest warrant issued against former Pak President Asif Ali Zardari

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif continued to face sedition charges as all senior leaders of the Pakistan Muslim League (Nawaz) were declared innocent. The case is registered with Shahdara Police in Lahore. As per Dawn, the decision to declare seniors leaders of PML-N innocent was taken late on Saturday by the police. 41 senior leaders of PML-N have been named in the FIR besides Nawaz Sharif and his daughter Maryam Nawaz.

Nawaz Sharif now faces sedition charges alone: Police drop cases against PML-N members

As a special group of the FATF reviews Islamabad's progress on curbing terror, Pak FM Shah Mahmood Qureshi is hopeful that his country will soon be on terror watchdog's 'White list'. Does such a list even exist? Palki Sharma Upadhyay gets you the story.

Gravitas: Pakistan wants to be on FATF 'white list'

Pakistan`s National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Chairperson Justice Javed Iqbal has directed the bureau`s Rawalpindi Director-General to probe the reasons behind the decision to close the iconic Roosevelt Hotel, informed a press statement on Tuesday.

According to the statement, Iqbal has taken notice of reports that the hotel, owned by the Pakistan government, will be closed by the end of this month, The Dawn reported.

NAB will also look into the reasons behind the alleged loss of hundreds of thousands of dollars borne by the government.The accountability watchdog will also point out officials who allegedly showed "carelessness in performing their national duties" and failed to play a role in making the hotel into a profitable entity, according to The Dawn.

The Roosevelt Hotel on Thursday had announced that it will permanently close its doors for guests from October 31."We at The Roosevelt Hotel have enjoyed being a part of your stories, and an integral part of the history of Midtown Manhattan since 1924.

But after almost 100 years of welcoming guests to New York, The Roosevelt Hotel is regretfully closing its doors permanently as of October 31, 2020," the hotel said in its Facebook post.

Located at the corner of Madison Avenue and 45th Street of New York`s Manhattan, The Roosevelt Hotel is owned by the Government of Pakistan through PIA Investments Limited.

The hotel originally opened in 1924 and it was taken by the national carrier on lease in 1979 and later purchased in 1999, according to Daily Pakistan.

The hotel in its statement said that the decision has been taken due to economic reasons.

Pakistan`s National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Chairperson Justice Javed Iqbal has directed the bureau`s Rawalpindi Director-General to probe the reasons behind the decision to close the iconic Roosevelt Hotel, informed a press statement on Tuesday.

Pakistan`s National Accountability Bureau (NAB) Chairperson Justice Javed Iqbal has directed the bureau`s Rawalpindi Director-General to probe the reasons behind the decision to close the iconic Roosevelt Hotel, informed a press statement on Tuesday. According to the statement, Iqbal has taken notice of reports that the hotel, owned by the Pakistan government, will be closed by the end of this month, The Dawn reported. NAB will also look into the reasons behind the alleged loss of hundreds of thousands of dollars borne by the government.The accountability watchdog will also point out officials who allegedly showed "carelessness in performing their national duties" and failed to play a role in making the hotel into a profitable entity, according to The Dawn. The Roosevelt Hotel on Thursday had announced that it will permanently close its doors for guests from October 31."We at The Roosevelt Hotel have enjoyed being a part of your stories, and an integral part of the history of Midtown Manhattan since 1924. But after almost 100 years of welcoming guests to New York, The Roosevelt Hotel is regretfully closing its doors permanently as of October 31, 2020," the hotel said in its Facebook post. Located at the corner of Madison Avenue and 45th Street of New York`s Manhattan, The Roosevelt Hotel is owned by the Government of Pakistan through PIA Investments Limited. The hotel originally opened in 1924 and it was taken by the national carrier on lease in 1979 and later purchased in 1999, according to Daily Pakistan. The hotel in its statement said that the decision has been taken due to economic reasons.

Pakistan's NAB to probe closure of Roosevelt Hotel

Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan didn't sack him - but tainted General Asim Bajwa has now finally stepped down as Special Assistant to the Prime Minister. Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you why the resignation of this General is another hogwash.

Gravitas: Pakistan: Accused of corruption, General Asim Bajwa steps down

Asim Saleem Bajwa on Monday announced he was stepping down as Special Assistant to Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Information and Broadcasting -- more than a month after he submitted his resignation to the latter.

"I requested the honourable prime minister to relinquish me from the additional portfolio of SAPM on Info &amp; broadcasting. He very kindly approved my request," he tweeted.

He will, however, continue to work as chairman of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Authority.

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Reeling under allegations regarding his family’s assets, Bajwa had submitted his resignation from the post of special assistant to Khan last month. However, Khan had refused to accept his resignation at the time.

The Pakistan prime minister was satisfied with the evidence provided by Bajwa about his family's assets. He had also directed him to continue working as the SAPM on information and broadcasting.

It was reported that the Bajwa family’s companies spent an estimated $52.2m to develop their businesses and $14.5m to purchase properties in the United States. 
&nbsp;

Asim Saleem Bajwa on Monday announced he was stepping down as Special Assistant to Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Information and Broadcasting -- more than a month after he submitted his resignation to the latter.

Asim Saleem Bajwa on Monday announced he was stepping down as Special Assistant to Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Information and Broadcasting -- more than a month after he submitted his resignation to the latter. "I requested the honourable prime minister to relinquish me from the additional portfolio of SAPM on Info & broadcasting. He very kindly approved my request," he tweeted. He will, however, continue to work as chairman of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) Authority. Reeling under allegations regarding his family’s assets, Bajwa had submitted his resignation from the post of special assistant to Khan last month. However, Khan had refused to accept his resignation at the time. The Pakistan prime minister was satisfied with the evidence provided by Bajwa about his family's assets. He had also directed him to continue working as the SAPM on information and broadcasting. It was reported that the Bajwa family’s companies spent an estimated $52.2m to develop their businesses and $14.5m to purchase properties in the United States.

Asim Bajwa quits as special assistant to Pak PM

FATF's special group will review Pakistan's progress. Pakistan failed a peer review by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). Watch this video to know more.

WION Dispatch: FATF's special group to review Pakistan's progress

Terming Prime Minister Imran Khan as a "military puppet," prominent Pakistani dissidents, including former and current members of parliament, have blamed the powerful army for the country's fragility, insecurity and inability to get along with its neighbours.

"Pakistan is under unannounced martial law," Pashtun leader and former Senator Afrasiab Khattak told the fifth annual conference of South Asians Against Terrorism and for Human Rights (SAATH).

SAATH is a group of pro-democracy Pakistanis co-founded by former Pakistan ambassador the US Husain Haqqani and US-based columnist Dr. Mohammad Taqi. Previous annual conferences of SAATH have been held in London and Washington but this year participants met virtually, according to a statement.

The participants termed Prime Minister Khan as a "military puppet", it said.

Members of the group include politicians, journalists, bloggers, social media activists, and members of civil society, many of whom have been forced to live in exile in various countries.

Pakistan's security services have tried to disrupt SAATH meetings in the past and banned its members living in Pakistan from travelling abroad, but this year, the virtual format enabled several prominent dissidents still in the country to participate, the statement said.

"This is the most dangerous martial law in Pakistan because it has vulgarised and distorted constitutional institutions," Khattak said in his virtual address to the conference from Pakistan.

"The current military regime is delegitimising political institutions, going to the extent that intelligence agencies direct members of parliament when to attend sessions and when not to turn up to vote," he said.

Haqqani noted that Prime Minister Khan had recently publicly blamed him and SAATH for weakening Pakistan's international standing.

'Pakistan's international standing is being lost due to its policies of encouraging extremism and suppressing freedom, not due to the activism of those fighting for human rights," he said.

Several speakers - including Rubina Greenwood of the World Sindhi Congress, Tahira Jabeen from Gilgit-Baltistan, Shahzad Irfan of the Seraiki Movement, and Rasool Mohammed of Pashtun Council of America - emphasised that various minorities in Pakistan were being oppressed and denied their rights.

Irfan said that military intervention in politics reinforced Punjab's dominance and was a key factor in oppression of national and religious minorities.

Greenwood said that the only way for Pakistan to win over the Sindhi and Baloch people would be to recognise that Pakistan is a multi-national state. She said that "Sindh is a historical entity that cannot be divided, or its identity denied".

Jabeen called for ending "73 years of political, constitutional, social, economic, geographical and cultural isolation of Gilgit Baltistan" and pitched for an "autonomous set up."

Shia rights activist Jaffer Mirza lamented anti-Shia violence and blamed the authorities for legitimising anti-Shia politics through legislation, especially the Tahaffuz-e-Islam (Protection of Islam) Bill.

"The higher ranks of the Pakistan Army must realise that a truly elected government must be in place to bring Pakistan from the brink where the current regime has brought it," said former ambassador, Kamran Shafi, who is also a retired military officer.

"All that the COAS, General Bajwa, and ISI have to do is to step back from politicking, and let politics be,? Shafi said, adding that it was "the only way out of the morass our poor country finds itself in."

He said that even in the colonial era, the British Indian army was subject to civilian supremacy.

According to Taqi army rule had taken Pakistan from one disaster to another.

"The narrative of patriotism has been framed around the army and competing worldviews about Pakistan and those who do not fit the army's parameters are ostracised as rebellious, treasonous, and even blasphemous," he said.

Prominent speakers and participants in the conference included Pashtun women's activist Gulalai Ismail, exiled journalist Taha Siddiqi and Tahir Gora, and human rights defender Marvi Sirmed.

Terming Prime Minister Imran Khan as a "military puppet," prominent Pakistani dissidents, including former and current members of parliament, have blamed the powerful army for the country's fragility, insecurity and inability to get along with its neighbours.

Terming Prime Minister Imran Khan as a "military puppet," prominent Pakistani dissidents, including former and current members of parliament, have blamed the powerful army for the country's fragility, insecurity and inability to get along with its neighbours. "Pakistan is under unannounced martial law," Pashtun leader and former Senator Afrasiab Khattak told the fifth annual conference of South Asians Against Terrorism and for Human Rights (SAATH). SAATH is a group of pro-democracy Pakistanis co-founded by former Pakistan ambassador the US Husain Haqqani and US-based columnist Dr. Mohammad Taqi. Previous annual conferences of SAATH have been held in London and Washington but this year participants met virtually, according to a statement. The participants termed Prime Minister Khan as a "military puppet", it said. Members of the group include politicians, journalists, bloggers, social media activists, and members of civil society, many of whom have been forced to live in exile in various countries. Pakistan's security services have tried to disrupt SAATH meetings in the past and banned its members living in Pakistan from travelling abroad, but this year, the virtual format enabled several prominent dissidents still in the country to participate, the statement said. "This is the most dangerous martial law in Pakistan because it has vulgarised and distorted constitutional institutions," Khattak said in his virtual address to the conference from Pakistan. "The current military regime is delegitimising political institutions, going to the extent that intelligence agencies direct members of parliament when to attend sessions and when not to turn up to vote," he said. Haqqani noted that Prime Minister Khan had recently publicly blamed him and SAATH for weakening Pakistan's international standing. 'Pakistan's international standing is being lost due to its policies of encouraging extremism and suppressing freedom, not due to the activism of those fighting for human rights," he said. Several speakers - including Rubina Greenwood of the World Sindhi Congress, Tahira Jabeen from Gilgit-Baltistan, Shahzad Irfan of the Seraiki Movement, and Rasool Mohammed of Pashtun Council of America - emphasised that various minorities in Pakistan were being oppressed and denied their rights. Irfan said that military intervention in politics reinforced Punjab's dominance and was a key factor in oppression of national and religious minorities. Greenwood said that the only way for Pakistan to win over the Sindhi and Baloch people would be to recognise that Pakistan is a multi-national state. She said that "Sindh is a historical entity that cannot be divided, or its identity denied". Jabeen called for ending "73 years of political, constitutional, social, economic, geographical and cultural isolation of Gilgit Baltistan" and pitched for an "autonomous set up." Shia rights activist Jaffer Mirza lamented anti-Shia violence and blamed the authorities for legitimising anti-Shia politics through legislation, especially the Tahaffuz-e-Islam (Protection of Islam) Bill. "The higher ranks of the Pakistan Army must realise that a truly elected government must be in place to bring Pakistan from the brink where the current regime has brought it," said former ambassador, Kamran Shafi, who is also a retired military officer. "All that the COAS, General Bajwa, and ISI have to do is to step back from politicking, and let politics be,? Shafi said, adding that it was "the only way out of the morass our poor country finds itself in." He said that even in the colonial era, the British Indian army was subject to civilian supremacy. According to Taqi army rule had taken Pakistan from one disaster to another. "The narrative of patriotism has been framed around the army and competing worldviews about Pakistan and those who do not fit the army's parameters are ostracised as rebellious, treasonous, and even blasphemous," he said. Prominent speakers and participants in the conference included Pashtun women's activist Gulalai Ismail, exiled journalist Taha Siddiqi and Tahir Gora, and human rights defender Marvi Sirmed.

Pakistani dissidents blame military for country's multiple crises

Pakistan has improved its full compliance on only two of the 40 FATF recommendations, the APG report noted.

FATF's special group to review Pak's progress | FATF 2-Day meet

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan — Pakistan has become the latest country to ban TikTok, the Chinese-owned social media platform, in a move that government critics said stemmed as much from politics as from allegations of immoral content.

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority said in a statement Friday that it was banning TikTok based on a “number of complaints from different segments of the society against immoral/indecent content.” It said it had informed the company about complaints about its content, but TikTok’s administrators did not address their concerns.

The regulator said it was open to talks with the company “subject to a satisfactory mechanism by TikTok to moderate unlawful content.”

ByteDance, the Chinese company that owns TikTok, said it was committed to following the law and it was in regular contact with Pakistani regulators. “We are hopeful to reach a conclusion that helps us serve the country’s vibrant and creative community online,” it said in a statement.

TikTok, with its lip-syncing teenagers and meme-heavy videos, has drawn criticism from governments around the world, for varying reasons.

The Trump administration has attempted to block the app, so far unsuccessfully, citing privacy concerns and the app’s Chinese ownership, allegations that ByteDance has disputed. India has banned the service along with other Chinese-owned apps amid rising tensions between New Delhi and Beijing.

TikTok has also faced occasional bans in places like Indonesia and Bangladesh over issues of public decency, as well as pressure in the United States and elsewhere over privacy and content given its base of young users.

On its face, Pakistan’s objections to TikTok center on the potential impact to society. Like users elsewhere, TikTok fans in Pakistan — about 20 million active monthly users, according to the government, citing the company’s figures — make videos ranging from do-it-yourself dance numbers to monologues about society, politics and daily life. Influencers also make money on the side. TikTok’s most popular star in Pakistan, Jannat Mirza, has accumulated 10 million followers with often soapy videos mostly about young romance.

But conservative Muslims in Pakistan have increasingly accused TikTok of testing acceptable social norms. They deemed memes and song adaptations as too suggestive and too risqué. Many people saw the content as lowbrow and vulgar. There were also growing complaints of underage delinquent behavior and display of illegal weapons.

Prime Minister Imran Khan — a former cricket star once famous for his flamboyant lifestyle who has become increasingly conservative since entering politics — criticized TikTok as promoting “obscenity and vulgarity.”

Mirza has called for regulating TikTok content and initially expressed support for a ban, although a local media report said she believed the ban should be lifted. She did not respond to a request for comment.

“Vulgar content exists on all platforms, but I would argue that the ratio might be slightly higher on TikTok,” said Saif Ali, digital account director at Empact Middle East, a marketing firm. “The whole platform is song and dance, so it was always going to ruffle feathers with conservatives.”

At the same time, critics see politics at work.

Political content has mushroomed on TikTok in recent months as the coronavirus has spread and the national and global economies have taken a hit. Political observers said that must rankle Khan and his party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, or PTI.

The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority “has blocked TikTok not because of immoral content but because TikTokers are poking fun of the Great Leader,” Najam Sethi, one of the country’s most prominent journalists, said in a Twitter post, making an indirect reference to Khan.

Many analysts and journalists say that the ban served a dual purpose: mollifying conservatives and curbing criticism of Khan’s handling of the economy, rising inflation and tough stance toward political rivals.

“After the COVID-19 lockdown, Pakistanis going on TikTok doubled to over 20 million active users, while economic hardship related to livelihood loss and inflation hit the lower-middle and working class hard,” said Habibullah Khan, founder of Penumbra, a digital marketing agency based in Karachi, Pakistan. “These trends seem to have combined to cause a tipping point in public opinion that got picked up by TikTok algorithms.”

Since May, videos critical of the government started showing up on TikTok’s main feed, Habibullah Khan said.

The prime minister has blamed past leaders for Pakistan’s economic troubles and has implored the public to endure the tough times and wait for a better future. “You don’t have to panic,” Imran Khan said during one speech.

In one TikTok video that was shared widely a few months ago, two users mocked Khan by saying that the time to panic had finally arrived.

Supporters of the opposition political party Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz also started using the app to criticize the government. One such user, Saud Butt, a supporter of ousted prime minister Nawaz Sharif, accumulated 1.2 million followers in a short time.

Government officials said the real issue was videos that they said sexualized underage girls.

“Had there been any political relevance of TikTok in Pakistan, there would have been a number of serious political commentators on the platform influencing political discussions,” said Arslan Khalid, the prime minister’s point person on digital media.

“The claim that TikTok was banned due to political criticism is just frivolous,” he added.

Habibullah Khan said that TikTok videos had nevertheless undermined the majority party’s standing in Punjab, the country’s most populous and prosperous province, which determines the political fortunes of any political party in Pakistan.

“It’s hard to not conclude that the explosive growth,” he said, “and virality of such videos were at least one reason behind the ban.”

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan — Pakistan has become the latest country to ban TikTok, the Chinese-owned social media platform, in a move that government critics said stemmed as much from politics as from allegations of immoral content.

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan — Pakistan has become the latest country to ban TikTok, the Chinese-owned social media platform, in a move that government critics said stemmed as much from politics as from allegations of immoral content. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority said in a statement Friday that it was banning TikTok based on a “number of complaints from different segments of the society against immoral/indecent content.” It said it had informed the company about complaints about its content, but TikTok’s administrators did not address their concerns. The regulator said it was open to talks with the company “subject to a satisfactory mechanism by TikTok to moderate unlawful content.” ByteDance, the Chinese company that owns TikTok, said it was committed to following the law and it was in regular contact with Pakistani regulators. “We are hopeful to reach a conclusion that helps us serve the country’s vibrant and creative community online,” it said in a statement. TikTok, with its lip-syncing teenagers and meme-heavy videos, has drawn criticism from governments around the world, for varying reasons. The Trump administration has attempted to block the app, so far unsuccessfully, citing privacy concerns and the app’s Chinese ownership, allegations that ByteDance has disputed. India has banned the service along with other Chinese-owned apps amid rising tensions between New Delhi and Beijing. TikTok has also faced occasional bans in places like Indonesia and Bangladesh over issues of public decency, as well as pressure in the United States and elsewhere over privacy and content given its base of young users. On its face, Pakistan’s objections to TikTok center on the potential impact to society. Like users elsewhere, TikTok fans in Pakistan — about 20 million active monthly users, according to the government, citing the company’s figures — make videos ranging from do-it-yourself dance numbers to monologues about society, politics and daily life. Influencers also make money on the side. TikTok’s most popular star in Pakistan, Jannat Mirza, has accumulated 10 million followers with often soapy videos mostly about young romance. But conservative Muslims in Pakistan have increasingly accused TikTok of testing acceptable social norms. They deemed memes and song adaptations as too suggestive and too risqué. Many people saw the content as lowbrow and vulgar. There were also growing complaints of underage delinquent behavior and display of illegal weapons. Prime Minister Imran Khan — a former cricket star once famous for his flamboyant lifestyle who has become increasingly conservative since entering politics — criticized TikTok as promoting “obscenity and vulgarity.” Mirza has called for regulating TikTok content and initially expressed support for a ban, although a local media report said she believed the ban should be lifted. She did not respond to a request for comment. “Vulgar content exists on all platforms, but I would argue that the ratio might be slightly higher on TikTok,” said Saif Ali, digital account director at Empact Middle East, a marketing firm. “The whole platform is song and dance, so it was always going to ruffle feathers with conservatives.” At the same time, critics see politics at work. Political content has mushroomed on TikTok in recent months as the coronavirus has spread and the national and global economies have taken a hit. Political observers said that must rankle Khan and his party, Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf, or PTI. The Pakistan Telecommunication Authority “has blocked TikTok not because of immoral content but because TikTokers are poking fun of the Great Leader,” Najam Sethi, one of the country’s most prominent journalists, said in a Twitter post, making an indirect reference to Khan. Many analysts and journalists say that the ban served a dual purpose: mollifying conservatives and curbing criticism of Khan’s handling of the economy, rising inflation and tough stance toward political rivals. “After the COVID-19 lockdown, Pakistanis going on TikTok doubled to over 20 million active users, while economic hardship related to livelihood loss and inflation hit the lower-middle and working class hard,” said Habibullah Khan, founder of Penumbra, a digital marketing agency based in Karachi, Pakistan. “These trends seem to have combined to cause a tipping point in public opinion that got picked up by TikTok algorithms.” Since May, videos critical of the government started showing up on TikTok’s main feed, Habibullah Khan said. The prime minister has blamed past leaders for Pakistan’s economic troubles and has implored the public to endure the tough times and wait for a better future. “You don’t have to panic,” Imran Khan said during one speech. In one TikTok video that was shared widely a few months ago, two users mocked Khan by saying that the time to panic had finally arrived. Supporters of the opposition political party Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz also started using the app to criticize the government. One such user, Saud Butt, a supporter of ousted prime minister Nawaz Sharif, accumulated 1.2 million followers in a short time. Government officials said the real issue was videos that they said sexualized underage girls. “Had there been any political relevance of TikTok in Pakistan, there would have been a number of serious political commentators on the platform influencing political discussions,” said Arslan Khalid, the prime minister’s point person on digital media. “The claim that TikTok was banned due to political criticism is just frivolous,” he added. Habibullah Khan said that TikTok videos had nevertheless undermined the majority party’s standing in Punjab, the country’s most populous and prosperous province, which determines the political fortunes of any political party in Pakistan. “It’s hard to not conclude that the explosive growth,” he said, “and virality of such videos were at least one reason behind the ban.”

Pakistan bans TikTok, citing Morals. Others cite politics.

Asim Bajwa has resigned from the additional charge of the Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on information and broadcasting. He confirmed on Twitter that his request has been approved by PM Imran Khan.

Pakistan: Asim Bajwa steps down as adviser to Imran Khan

Pakistan has hired an American lobbying firm to push a pro-Islamabad line and wriggle out of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) grey list

Pakistan hires US lobbying firm to move out of FATF grey list: Reports

A Hindu temple has been vandalised by a person in Pakistan's southeast Sindh province, according to the police. 
One person has been arrested and a case registered in connection with the incident which took place on Saturday, The Express Tribune reported.

According to the police, complainant Ashok Kumar alleged that suspect Muhammad Ismail damaged the idols kept in the makeshift temple in the remote Badin district and fled.

A Badin police spokesperson said that the suspect was arrested within a few hours of receiving the complaint.

"We are yet to confirm if he (Ismail) is mentally stable and deliberately destroyed the murtis (idols),"&nbsp;the officer said.

Meanwhile, Badin Senior Superintendent of Police Shabeer Sethar has sought an inquiry report within 24 hours. Hindus form the biggest minority community in Pakistan.

According to the official estimates, 75 lakh Hindus live in Pakistan, mostly in Sindh province.

Incidents of violence against the minority community in Sindh have frequently been reported.

A Hindu temple has been vandalised by a person in Pakistan's southeast Sindh province, according to the police. One person has been arrested and a case registered in connection with the incident which took place on Saturday, The Express Tribune reported.

A Hindu temple has been vandalised by a person in Pakistan's southeast Sindh province, according to the police. One person has been arrested and a case registered in connection with the incident which took place on Saturday, The Express Tribune reported. According to the police, complainant Ashok Kumar alleged that suspect Muhammad Ismail damaged the idols kept in the makeshift temple in the remote Badin district and fled. A Badin police spokesperson said that the suspect was arrested within a few hours of receiving the complaint. "We are yet to confirm if he (Ismail) is mentally stable and deliberately destroyed the murtis (idols)," the officer said. Meanwhile, Badin Senior Superintendent of Police Shabeer Sethar has sought an inquiry report within 24 hours. Hindus form the biggest minority community in Pakistan. According to the official estimates, 75 lakh Hindus live in Pakistan, mostly in Sindh province. Incidents of violence against the minority community in Sindh have frequently been reported.

Hindu temple vandalised in Pakistan

Taking a strong punch at Pakistan at the United Nation, India has called for strong action against stated who support terrorism and how the international community has to speak in one voice on the scourge.

India's first secretary at United Nations in New York, Yedla Umasankar said," We believe that our fight against terrorism should not only seek to eliminate terrorists and disrupt terror organizations/networks but should also identify/hold accountable and take strong measures against States that encourage, support and finance terrorism, provide sanctuary to terrorists and terror groups."

He was speaking on "measures to eliminate international terrorism” at United Nations. India pointed out that "international community cannot and should not be selective in dealing with the terrorist groups or in dismantling terror infrastructure."

New Delhi also "strongly condemned direct or indirect financial assistance provided" by some States, which obviously means Pakistan.

The statement by India comes just days before the crucial FATF meeting that could decide the further listing of Pakistan on the blacklist. The country is currently on greylist since 2018, which deter investors to come to Pakistan as the money might be used in the funding of terrorism.&nbsp;

At various global platforms, India has raised the issue of cross border terrorism, and this is something that other countries in the region like Afghanistan has also done.

The statement said, "India has been and continues to be a victim of terrorism sponsored across our borders" and "no cause whatsoever or grievance can justify terrorism, including State-sponsored cross-border terrorism."

From Pulwama terror attack to Pathankot to 26/11 attack of 2008, Islamabad has been slow on acting on perpetrators responsible for the attacks, based on its territory.

India at the UN highlighted that it is committed to counter-terrorism by "exchanging information, capacity building for effective border controls, preventing misuse of modern technologies, monitoring and curbing illicit financial flows....".

Taking a strong punch at Pakistan at the United Nation, India has called for strong action against stated who support terrorism and how the international community has to speak in one voice on the scourge.

Taking a strong punch at Pakistan at the United Nation, India has called for strong action against stated who support terrorism and how the international community has to speak in one voice on the scourge. India's first secretary at United Nations in New York, Yedla Umasankar said," We believe that our fight against terrorism should not only seek to eliminate terrorists and disrupt terror organizations/networks but should also identify/hold accountable and take strong measures against States that encourage, support and finance terrorism, provide sanctuary to terrorists and terror groups." He was speaking on "measures to eliminate international terrorism” at United Nations. India pointed out that "international community cannot and should not be selective in dealing with the terrorist groups or in dismantling terror infrastructure." New Delhi also "strongly condemned direct or indirect financial assistance provided" by some States, which obviously means Pakistan. The statement by India comes just days before the crucial FATF meeting that could decide the further listing of Pakistan on the blacklist. The country is currently on greylist since 2018, which deter investors to come to Pakistan as the money might be used in the funding of terrorism. At various global platforms, India has raised the issue of cross border terrorism, and this is something that other countries in the region like Afghanistan has also done. The statement said, "India has been and continues to be a victim of terrorism sponsored across our borders" and "no cause whatsoever or grievance can justify terrorism, including State-sponsored cross-border terrorism." From Pulwama terror attack to Pathankot to 26/11 attack of 2008, Islamabad has been slow on acting on perpetrators responsible for the attacks, based on its territory. India at the UN highlighted that it is committed to counter-terrorism by "exchanging information, capacity building for effective border controls, preventing misuse of modern technologies, monitoring and curbing illicit financial flows....".

At UN, India takes a strong punch at Pakistan, calls for strong action against those supporting terrorism

Lahore Police has registered an FIR against Pakistan's former prime minister Nawaz Sharif and several other members of his party for supporting India.

WION Dispatch: FIR filed against Nawaz Sharif for supporting India

In 2016, Islamabad based tea seller or chaiwala Arshad Khan got instant fame after he was captured by a photographer while he was making tea.

Khan's striking good looks made the work 'chaiwala' trend on Twitter and the image got him international acclaim as many publications outside of the sub continent covered the viral image.

Four years on, Arshad Khan is again trending. This time for his new rooftop cafe that he has recently opened in Islamabad. Aptly called 'Cafe Chaiwala Rooftop', the restaurants offers 15-20 food items along with various types of tea.

Arshad's viral image landed him modelling and acting assignments and he has even shot for a TV show.

During an interview with an Pakistani channel, he revealed that many had advised him to name the cafe Arshad Khan's cafe but he felt chaiwala was his identity and wanted to give tribute to the title that made him famous.

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سوشل میڈیا سے شہرت پا کر ٹی وی ڈرامے میں کام کرنے والے ارشد خان المعروف 'چائے والا' نے اسلام آباد میں ماڈرن طرز کا چائے کا ڈھابہ کھول لیا ہے جہاں وہ خود بھی خاص مہمانوں کے لیے چائے بنائیں گے۔ دیکھیے حارث خالد کی اس ڈیجیٹل رپورٹ میں<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Pakistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Pakistan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Chaiwala?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Chaiwala</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ArshadKhan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ArshadKhan</a> <a href="https://t.co/DomhlfUfAJ">pic.twitter.com/DomhlfUfAJ</a>
— Urdu News (@UrduNewsCom) <a href="https://twitter.com/UrduNewsCom/status/1312260856525225984?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 3, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Arshad now wants to devote time to the cafe. He plans to divide his time between his new venture and TV show he is part of.

In 2016, Islamabad based tea seller or chaiwala Arshad Khan got instant fame after he was captured by a photographer while he was making tea. Khan's striking good looks made the work 'chaiwala' trend on Twitter and the image got him international acclaim as many publications outside of the sub continent covered the viral image.

In 2016, Islamabad based tea seller or chaiwala Arshad Khan got instant fame after he was captured by a photographer while he was making tea. Khan's striking good looks made the work 'chaiwala' trend on Twitter and the image got him international acclaim as many publications outside of the sub continent covered the viral image. Four years on, Arshad Khan is again trending. This time for his new rooftop cafe that he has recently opened in Islamabad. Aptly called 'Cafe Chaiwala Rooftop', the restaurants offers 15-20 food items along with various types of tea. Arshad's viral image landed him modelling and acting assignments and he has even shot for a TV show. During an interview with an Pakistani channel, he revealed that many had advised him to name the cafe Arshad Khan's cafe but he felt chaiwala was his identity and wanted to give tribute to the title that made him famous. سوشل میڈیا سے شہرت پا کر ٹی وی ڈرامے میں کام کرنے والے ارشد خان المعروف 'چائے والا' نے اسلام آباد میں ماڈرن طرز کا چائے کا ڈھابہ کھول لیا ہے جہاں وہ خود بھی خاص مہمانوں کے لیے چائے بنائیں گے۔ دیکھیے حارث خالد کی اس ڈیجیٹل رپورٹ میں#Pakistan #Chaiwala #ArshadKhan pic.twitter.com/DomhlfUfAJ — Urdu News (@UrduNewsCom) October 3, 2020 × Arshad now wants to devote time to the cafe. He plans to divide his time between his new venture and TV show he is part of.

Remember Pakistan's viral chaiwala? Here's what he is doing now

A survey has revealed that a majority of Pakistanis fear that the South Asian country has been moving in the wrong direction since 2019. The survey was conducted by France-based lpsos, world’s third-largest market research company, and released on Sunday.

‘4 out of 5 Pakistanis fear country headed in wrong direction,’ says survey

Pakistan is planning to oppose India’s claim of Geographical Indication (GI) tag to basmati rice in the European Union (EU).&nbsp;

A Pakistani legal team will file its formal opposition with the EU.

Pakistan representatives are of the view that their country is a major grower and producer of basmati rice and India’s claim for exclusivity is unjustified. Pakistan is hence planning to vehemently oppose India’s application in the European Union and restrain India from obtaining exclusive GI tag of basmati rice.

India submitted an application with the European Union claiming sole ownership of basmati rice in September. And Pakistan started with their planning when they got a whiff of this.

Basmati is grown in various parts of India, and New Delhi is looking for a GI tag for the variety grown in these states.

Pakistan produces 35% of the world's basmati, and India dominates 65% of the market.

India's basmati is also held at a more premium position. It is priced more than Pakistani basmati. And simply, because the rice is defined by its quality and aroma.

Starting 2017, Pakistan tried to double its basmati export -- but that has not helped its cause.

India produces 7.5 million tonnes of basmati rice, and exports around 4.5 million tonnes of it.

In 2019, India earned Rs 34,000 crore from basmati exports.

The battle for basmati is not new. New Delhi has always been possessive about its basmati.

In the 1990s, India took on an american firm that wanted a patent under the brand, and it won the case.

Basmati has always been associated with India. If Pakistan wants a GI tag for the rice, it would have to prove that basmati is grown only in Pakistan. And even the sound of it spells impossible.

Pakistan is planning to oppose India’s claim of Geographical Indication (GI) tag to basmati rice in the European Union (EU). A Pakistani legal team will file its formal opposition with the EU.

Pakistan is planning to oppose India’s claim of Geographical Indication (GI) tag to basmati rice in the European Union (EU). A Pakistani legal team will file its formal opposition with the EU. Pakistan representatives are of the view that their country is a major grower and producer of basmati rice and India’s claim for exclusivity is unjustified. Pakistan is hence planning to vehemently oppose India’s application in the European Union and restrain India from obtaining exclusive GI tag of basmati rice. India submitted an application with the European Union claiming sole ownership of basmati rice in September. And Pakistan started with their planning when they got a whiff of this. Basmati is grown in various parts of India, and New Delhi is looking for a GI tag for the variety grown in these states. Pakistan produces 35% of the world's basmati, and India dominates 65% of the market. India's basmati is also held at a more premium position. It is priced more than Pakistani basmati. And simply, because the rice is defined by its quality and aroma. Starting 2017, Pakistan tried to double its basmati export -- but that has not helped its cause. India produces 7.5 million tonnes of basmati rice, and exports around 4.5 million tonnes of it. In 2019, India earned Rs 34,000 crore from basmati exports. The battle for basmati is not new. New Delhi has always been possessive about its basmati. In the 1990s, India took on an american firm that wanted a patent under the brand, and it won the case. Basmati has always been associated with India. If Pakistan wants a GI tag for the rice, it would have to prove that basmati is grown only in Pakistan. And even the sound of it spells impossible.

Pakistan plans to challenge Indian claim of GI tag on basmati rice in EU

Watch today in WION Dispatch: The opposition parties in Pakistan has got united against the Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan after an aggressive speech by Former PM Nawaz Sharif.

WION Dispatch: Opposition parties get unite against Pakistan's PM Imran Khan

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