A country surviving on I.M.F bailouts & China's alms has offered to help India. WION's Palki Sharma decodes if Pakistan is in any position to help others.

Gravitas: Can Imran Khan really help India?

Pakistan, China & Nepal have become active at the border simultaneously. Are the border flare-ups a coordinated plan by China? Do the 3 neighbours pose a combined threat to India?

Gravitas: India's border bother | Pakistan, China & Nepal

The U.S. State Department has said that Pakistan doesn't meet the minimum requirements of fiscal transparency. Why is Pakistan hiding its debt obligations?

Gravitas: U.S. Calls Out Pakistan's Budget Sham

After China's unprecedented provocation along the L.A.C, Islamabad too is upping the ante. Pakistan's 3 service chiefs were summoned by I.S.I for a 'rare' meeting on Kashmir.

Gravitas: Pak's I.S.I conducts 'rare' meeting on Kashmir

A provincial minister died due to the coronavirus on Thursday, a week after he was diagnosed with COVID-19, becoming the latest political figure in Pakistan to succumb to the deadly disease.

Janbaz Khan, Minister for Agriculture in Gilgit-Baltistan, had been on a ventilator for four days, a doctor at Gilgit's city hospital - where the 64-year-old minister was admitted - was quoted as saying by the Express Tribune.

"He had a heart related disease, besides diabetes," said the doctor, who is also treating Malik Miskeen, another senior politician from Diamer district.

Khan, who was five-time lawmaker, was the founding member of the Pakistan Muslim League in the region.

The minister is survived by two wives, five sons and four daughters.

So far five lawmakers, including two provincial ministers, have died in Pakistan due to the coronavirus which has infected several top politicians including former prime ministers Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and Yusuf Raza Gilani.

Earlier this month, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz Member of Punjab Assembly Shaukat Manzoor Cheema and Sindh Human Settlement Minister Ghulam Murtaza Baloch died to the novel coronavirus.

A provincial assembly member from Khyber-Pakhutnkhwa, Munir Orakzai, died on June 2, days after he had recovered from the virus.

Pakistan's Information Technology and Telecommunications Minister Syed Aminul Haq was tested positive for the coronavirus on Tuesday.

On Monday, Sindh's Minister For Women Development Syeda Shehla Raza was tested positive for the coronavirus.

Pakistan's coronavirus death toll crossed 3,000 with 118 more patients succumbing to the disease in the last 24 hours, while the total number of infections surpassed the 1,60,000-mark, the health ministry said on Thursday.

A provincial minister died due to the coronavirus on Thursday, a week after he was diagnosed with COVID-19, becoming the latest political figure in Pakistan to succumb to the deadly disease.

A provincial minister died due to the coronavirus on Thursday, a week after he was diagnosed with COVID-19, becoming the latest political figure in Pakistan to succumb to the deadly disease. Janbaz Khan, Minister for Agriculture in Gilgit-Baltistan, had been on a ventilator for four days, a doctor at Gilgit's city hospital - where the 64-year-old minister was admitted - was quoted as saying by the Express Tribune. "He had a heart related disease, besides diabetes," said the doctor, who is also treating Malik Miskeen, another senior politician from Diamer district. Khan, who was five-time lawmaker, was the founding member of the Pakistan Muslim League in the region. The minister is survived by two wives, five sons and four daughters. So far five lawmakers, including two provincial ministers, have died in Pakistan due to the coronavirus which has infected several top politicians including former prime ministers Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and Yusuf Raza Gilani. Earlier this month, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz Member of Punjab Assembly Shaukat Manzoor Cheema and Sindh Human Settlement Minister Ghulam Murtaza Baloch died to the novel coronavirus. A provincial assembly member from Khyber-Pakhutnkhwa, Munir Orakzai, died on June 2, days after he had recovered from the virus. Pakistan's Information Technology and Telecommunications Minister Syed Aminul Haq was tested positive for the coronavirus on Tuesday. On Monday, Sindh's Minister For Women Development Syeda Shehla Raza was tested positive for the coronavirus. Pakistan's coronavirus death toll crossed 3,000 with 118 more patients succumbing to the disease in the last 24 hours, while the total number of infections surpassed the 1,60,000-mark, the health ministry said on Thursday.

Another provincial minister dies due to coronavirus in Pakistan

Government of India on Thursday said that enhancing counter-terrorism action by the powerful UN body and depoliticizing the process of putting sanctions on terror entities will be among its top priorities.

Briefing the media on India's election to the UN body, Secretary West in the Ministry of External Affairs, Vikas Swarup made this statement hours after India won the non-permanent member of the 15 member United Nations Security Council (UNSC) from the Asia-Pacific category for 2021-22 term.

India was overwhelmingly elected as a non-permanent member of the powerful UN Security Council for a two-year term in an unprecedented election, in which envoys from the 192 member states voted wearing masks and in adherence to strict social distancing norms given the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Earlier also, when India was a member of the Security Council during 2011-12, we had chaired the United Nations counter-terrorism committee and had brought in the concept of 'zero tolerance to terrorism'," Swarup said.

"The process of sanctioning also needs to be depoliticised as there is no justification of any act of terrorism," Swarup said.&nbsp;

Asked if a Pakistani representative had raised a bilateral issue at the multilateral forum and politicised the platform, Swarup said this is the kind of behaviour "we have been seeing from Pakistan over the past many months and years".

"They always rake up bilateral issues in multilateral fora. They have made it almost a standard norm for their policy," Swarup said.

"As far as we are concerned, our foreign policy has a much broader canvas, we have a much wider and global focus and as a member of the UNSC, we will be dealing with all those issues which are under the consideration of the security council in line with priorities that the External Affairs Minister (S Jaishankar) has outlined," he said.

"Our work in the UNSC will be guided on our Prime Minister's call for reformed multilateralism, and the dynamic 5-S vision namely Samman (respect), Samvad (dialogue), Sahyog (cooperation), Shanti (peace) and Samriddhi (universal prosperity)," Swarup said.

(With inputs from agencies)

Government of India on Thursday said that enhancing counter-terrorism action by the powerful UN body and depoliticizing the process of putting sanctions on terror entities will be among its top priorities.

Government of India on Thursday said that enhancing counter-terrorism action by the powerful UN body and depoliticizing the process of putting sanctions on terror entities will be among its top priorities. Briefing the media on India's election to the UN body, Secretary West in the Ministry of External Affairs, Vikas Swarup made this statement hours after India won the non-permanent member of the 15 member United Nations Security Council (UNSC) from the Asia-Pacific category for 2021-22 term. India was overwhelmingly elected as a non-permanent member of the powerful UN Security Council for a two-year term in an unprecedented election, in which envoys from the 192 member states voted wearing masks and in adherence to strict social distancing norms given the COVID-19 pandemic. "Earlier also, when India was a member of the Security Council during 2011-12, we had chaired the United Nations counter-terrorism committee and had brought in the concept of 'zero tolerance to terrorism'," Swarup said. "The process of sanctioning also needs to be depoliticised as there is no justification of any act of terrorism," Swarup said. Asked if a Pakistani representative had raised a bilateral issue at the multilateral forum and politicised the platform, Swarup said this is the kind of behaviour "we have been seeing from Pakistan over the past many months and years". "They always rake up bilateral issues in multilateral fora. They have made it almost a standard norm for their policy," Swarup said. "As far as we are concerned, our foreign policy has a much broader canvas, we have a much wider and global focus and as a member of the UNSC, we will be dealing with all those issues which are under the consideration of the security council in line with priorities that the External Affairs Minister (S Jaishankar) has outlined," he said. "Our work in the UNSC will be guided on our Prime Minister's call for reformed multilateralism, and the dynamic 5-S vision namely Samman (respect), Samvad (dialogue), Sahyog (cooperation), Shanti (peace) and Samriddhi (universal prosperity)," Swarup said. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan always rakes up bilateral issues in multilateral forums: MEA 

Indian and Chinese soldiers were recently involved in a battle across the Actual Line of Control, while Pakistan brews nuisance for India.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-paks-isi-conducts-rare-meeting-on-kashmir-306633/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The three service chiefs in Pakistan attended a rare briefing at the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) headquarters yesterday.

Chief of the Pakistan army - General Qamar Bajwa,&nbsp;Chief of the Naval staff - Admiral Zafar Mehmood Abbasi, and Chief of the Air staff - Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan were summoned to the intelligence agency’s headquarters last evening.

According to the Dawn newspaper, the aim of the meeting was to analyse Pakistan's preparedness to counter India's “sinister designs”.

A rare meeting, this marked the summoning of all Pakistan chiefs to the headquarters.&nbsp; The service chiefs normally meet at joint tri-service&nbsp;forums which reportedly haven't been held since July 2018.&nbsp;

Allegedly, the ISI is also giving briefings to the political leadership of Pakistan.&nbsp;As per reports,&nbsp;Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has been summoned to the ISI headquarters twice in the last three months. Once on April 23, and then on June 3. His visits are being called intelligence briefings on alleged security threats.

What is brewing?

The top brass in Pakistan hasn't convened at the ISI headquarters in this fashion for over decades

The Prime Minister of Pakistan himself visiting the ISI headquarters is also not common protocol.

Indian and Chinese soldiers were recently involved in a battle across the Actual Line of Control, while Pakistan brews nuisance for India. The three service chiefs in Pakistan attended a rare briefing at the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) headquarters yesterday.

Indian and Chinese soldiers were recently involved in a battle across the Actual Line of Control, while Pakistan brews nuisance for India. The three service chiefs in Pakistan attended a rare briefing at the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) headquarters yesterday. Chief of the Pakistan army - General Qamar Bajwa, Chief of the Naval staff - Admiral Zafar Mehmood Abbasi, and Chief of the Air staff - Marshal Mujahid Anwar Khan were summoned to the intelligence agency’s headquarters last evening. According to the Dawn newspaper, the aim of the meeting was to analyse Pakistan's preparedness to counter India's “sinister designs”. A rare meeting, this marked the summoning of all Pakistan chiefs to the headquarters. The service chiefs normally meet at joint tri-service forums which reportedly haven't been held since July 2018. Allegedly, the ISI is also giving briefings to the political leadership of Pakistan. As per reports, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has been summoned to the ISI headquarters twice in the last three months. Once on April 23, and then on June 3. His visits are being called intelligence briefings on alleged security threats. What is brewing? The top brass in Pakistan hasn't convened at the ISI headquarters in this fashion for over decades The Prime Minister of Pakistan himself visiting the ISI headquarters is also not common protocol.

Pakistan's top chiefs convene at ISI headquarters for an unusual meeting; India to keep up its guard!

2 Indian high commission officials in Islamabad have been missing since morning. The matter has been raised with the Pakistan foreign ministry by the Indian mission. The development comes days after 2 Pakistani officials at Pakistani high commission in Delhi were expelled by India after found spying by Indian authorities. Abid Hussain and Tahir Hussain, working in the visa section of the Pakistan high commission were nabbed while they were engaged in the unwanted anti-India activity.

2 Indian High Commission officials missing in Pakistan

Two officials of the Indian High Commission in Pakistan were freed hours after they went missing and were reportedly arrested by the authorities in Islamabad.

Earlier in the day, the Ministry of External Affairs of India asked Islamabad that the duo must be freed immediately.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mea-summons-pakistani-deputy-high-commissioner-over-missing-indian-officials-306033">Also read: MEA summons Pakistani deputy high commissioner over missing Indian officials</a> 
 
MEA had summoned the Pakistan deputy high commissioner and handed over a demarche in which it was made clear that there should be no interrogation or harassment of the Indian officials and the responsibility for the safety and security of the concerned diplomatic personnel lay squarely with the Pakistani authorities. The Pakistan side was asked to return the two officials along with the official car to the High Commission immediately.

The Pakistani media reported that the two Indian staffers were arrested by Pakistani agencies for their alleged involvement in a "hit and run" case, but there was no official word on it from Islamabad.

Accidents involving vehicles belonging to diplomatic missions have been frequent in recent years, Pakistani media reports said.

Earlier this year, an SUV belonging to the US Embassy drove into a car on a main artery of Islamabad, killing a woman and injuring five members of her family. The police arrested the Pakistani driver of the US Embassy and registered a case against him.

Monday's incident comes two weeks after India expelled two Pakistan High Commission officials here on charges of espionage. India had declared Abid Hussain and Muhammad Tahir as ''persona non grata'' after they were found obtaining sensitive documents relating to the movement of Indian Army troops from an Indian national, according to authorities here.

Following their expulsion, Pakistani agencies started harassing several Indian High Commission officials in Islamabad including charge d'affaires Gaurav Ahluwalia.

Pakistan had downgraded diplomatic ties by expelling the Indian High Commissioner in Islamabad following India’s decision to withdraw the special status of Jammu and Kashmir in August last year.

(With inputs from PTI)

Two officials of the Indian High Commission in Pakistan were freed hours after they went missing and were reportedly arrested by the authorities in Islamabad. Earlier in the day, the Ministry of External Affairs of India asked Islamabad that the duo must be freed immediately.

Two officials of the Indian High Commission in Pakistan were freed hours after they went missing and were reportedly arrested by the authorities in Islamabad. Earlier in the day, the Ministry of External Affairs of India asked Islamabad that the duo must be freed immediately. Also read: MEA summons Pakistani deputy high commissioner over missing Indian officials MEA had summoned the Pakistan deputy high commissioner and handed over a demarche in which it was made clear that there should be no interrogation or harassment of the Indian officials and the responsibility for the safety and security of the concerned diplomatic personnel lay squarely with the Pakistani authorities. The Pakistan side was asked to return the two officials along with the official car to the High Commission immediately. The Pakistani media reported that the two Indian staffers were arrested by Pakistani agencies for their alleged involvement in a "hit and run" case, but there was no official word on it from Islamabad. Accidents involving vehicles belonging to diplomatic missions have been frequent in recent years, Pakistani media reports said. Earlier this year, an SUV belonging to the US Embassy drove into a car on a main artery of Islamabad, killing a woman and injuring five members of her family. The police arrested the Pakistani driver of the US Embassy and registered a case against him. Monday's incident comes two weeks after India expelled two Pakistan High Commission officials here on charges of espionage. India had declared Abid Hussain and Muhammad Tahir as ''persona non grata'' after they were found obtaining sensitive documents relating to the movement of Indian Army troops from an Indian national, according to authorities here. Following their expulsion, Pakistani agencies started harassing several Indian High Commission officials in Islamabad including charge d'affaires Gaurav Ahluwalia. Pakistan had downgraded diplomatic ties by expelling the Indian High Commissioner in Islamabad following India’s decision to withdraw the special status of Jammu and Kashmir in August last year. (With inputs from PTI)

Pakistan releases Indian High Commission officials after India lodges protest over reported arrest

Pakistani sources being quoted by Pakistani media say that Indian officials were involved in a hit and run and they have been arrested by the authorities.

'Indian officers being questioned in hit and run case' says Pakistan

The matter of two Indian high commission officials remaining untraceable in Islamabad since morning has been taken up with the Pakistan foreign ministry. Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has said that it has taken up the matter of untraceable Indian officials working with Indian High Commission in Islamabad with Pakistan.

The matter of two Indian high commission officials remaining untraceable in Islamabad since morning has been taken up with the Pakistan foreign ministry. Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has said that it has taken up the matter of untraceable Indian officials working with Indian High Commission in Islamabad with Pakistan. The development comes days after two Pakistani officials at Pakistani high commission in Delhi were expelled by India on charges of espionage. Abid Hussain and Tahir Hussain, working in the visa section of the Pakistan high commission were nabbed while they were engaged in ''anti-India activity''. It is believed since then Pakistan has been trying to find reasons to expel Indian officials on similar charges in a tit for tat. Back in 2016, India had declared a Pakistani high commission official Mehmood Akhtar as persona non grata after being apprehended by Indian law enforcement authorities while receiving sensitive documents. According to Indian government's statement made in the parliament December 2016, during his interrogation, Akhtar revealed that he belonged to Baloch Regiment of Pakistan Army and joined Pakistan's spy agency Inter-Service Intelligence (ISI) on deputation. He was posted at the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi since September 2013. The Pakistan High Commissioner was summoned by the Foreign Secretary with India registering a strong protest on the activities of Mehmood Akhtar. In a bid to level the score, Pakistan declared an Assistant Personnel and Welfare Officer in the Indian High Commission in Islamabad Surjeet Singh as persona non grata.

Indian mission takes up issue of 'untraceable Indian officials' in Islamabad with Pakistan

Pakistan on Sunday rejected Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's remarks about the situation in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and alleged that it was an attempt to divert attention from Jammu and Kashmir.

Addressing a virtual Jan Samvad rally for Jammu and Kashmir, Singh said on Sunday that when people of PoK will want to be freed of Pakistan's occupation and be part of India, then this will lead to the fulfilment of Parliament's resolution that the region is an integral part of the country.

"Let's wait for what happens in future. There will be demand from PoK to be freed of Pakistan's occupation and to live with India. When this happens, then Parliament's resolution will also be fulfilled," Singh said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/soon-people-of-pok-will-demand-that-they-want-to-be-with-india-rajnath-singh-305731">Also read|&nbsp;Soon people of PoK will demand that they want to be with India: Rajnath Singh</a>

Parliament has also earlier passed resolution that PoK is part of India.

Reacting to Singh's remarks, the Foreign Office said that his statement is "another desperate attempt to divert attention from" Jammu and Kashmir.

Pakistan has been unsuccessfully trying to drum up international support against India for withdrawing Jammu and Kashmir's special status on August 5 and bifurcating it into two Union territories.

India has categorically told the international community that the scrapping of Article 370 was its internal matter. It also advised Pakistan to accept the reality and stop all anti-India propaganda.

Pakistan on Sunday rejected Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's remarks about the situation in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and alleged that it was an attempt to divert attention from Jammu and Kashmir.

Pakistan on Sunday rejected Defence Minister Rajnath Singh's remarks about the situation in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and alleged that it was an attempt to divert attention from Jammu and Kashmir. Addressing a virtual Jan Samvad rally for Jammu and Kashmir, Singh said on Sunday that when people of PoK will want to be freed of Pakistan's occupation and be part of India, then this will lead to the fulfilment of Parliament's resolution that the region is an integral part of the country. "Let's wait for what happens in future. There will be demand from PoK to be freed of Pakistan's occupation and to live with India. When this happens, then Parliament's resolution will also be fulfilled," Singh said. Also read| Soon people of PoK will demand that they want to be with India: Rajnath Singh Parliament has also earlier passed resolution that PoK is part of India. Reacting to Singh's remarks, the Foreign Office said that his statement is "another desperate attempt to divert attention from" Jammu and Kashmir. Pakistan has been unsuccessfully trying to drum up international support against India for withdrawing Jammu and Kashmir's special status on August 5 and bifurcating it into two Union territories. India has categorically told the international community that the scrapping of Article 370 was its internal matter. It also advised Pakistan to accept the reality and stop all anti-India propaganda.

Pak rejects Rajnath Singh's remarks about situation in PoK

India has become the fourth—worst-hit country due to the Wuhan virus and at a time like this, it is being distracted by its neighbours. 3 neighbours — seem to be posing a combined threat to India.

Pakistan Nepal and their guide and creditor China 3 border brothers— joining hands against India From the west — to the north — to east India is feeling the heat on all 3 sides.

In the west — Pakistan has always remained a challenge. For decades, it has provoked India in collusion with China and now, Pakistan is at it again Since Sunday — the Pakistan army has been violating the ceasefire daily. Yesterday — Pakistan troops shelled villages in the Rajouri and Poonch districts.

An Indian army personnel was martyred. in the north — China has been reinforcing its border defences for over a month. It may have retreated from the frontline in some parts — but the military buildup hasn’t stopped.

Just yesterday — the PIA is said to have received a delivery of new weapons including China's most advanced vehicle-mounted howitzer — the PCL—181. If you follow the Chinese state media — you'd think the PIA is preparing for war. There are reports of a buildup in Arunachal Pradesh too.&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-nepals-dangerous-brinkmanship-against-india-305487/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

A country which has always enjoyed excellent bilateral ties with India is spoiling for a flight. Nepal is throwing a fit,&nbsp;First, it approved a new political map showing disputed lands as Nepalese territory. Limpiyadhura Lipulekh and Kala Pani Kathmandu didn't even bother with exploring a diplomatic solution today something unusual happened.

There was indiscriminate firing by the Nepal police — near the border with the Indian state of Bihar. Indian has been killed, 4 others were injured it's being called an unrelated issue. But the timing couldn't have been worse comes at a time of increased border tensions.

India has become the fourth—worst-hit country due to the Wuhan virus and at a time like this, it is being distracted by its neighbours. 3 neighbours — seem to be posing a combined threat to India.

India has become the fourth—worst-hit country due to the Wuhan virus and at a time like this, it is being distracted by its neighbours. 3 neighbours — seem to be posing a combined threat to India. Pakistan Nepal and their guide and creditor China 3 border brothers— joining hands against India From the west — to the north — to east India is feeling the heat on all 3 sides. In the west — Pakistan has always remained a challenge. For decades, it has provoked India in collusion with China and now, Pakistan is at it again Since Sunday — the Pakistan army has been violating the ceasefire daily. Yesterday — Pakistan troops shelled villages in the Rajouri and Poonch districts. An Indian army personnel was martyred. in the north — China has been reinforcing its border defences for over a month. It may have retreated from the frontline in some parts — but the military buildup hasn’t stopped. Just yesterday — the PIA is said to have received a delivery of new weapons including China's most advanced vehicle-mounted howitzer — the PCL—181. If you follow the Chinese state media — you'd think the PIA is preparing for war. There are reports of a buildup in Arunachal Pradesh too. A country which has always enjoyed excellent bilateral ties with India is spoiling for a flight. Nepal is throwing a fit, First, it approved a new political map showing disputed lands as Nepalese territory. Limpiyadhura Lipulekh and Kala Pani Kathmandu didn't even bother with exploring a diplomatic solution today something unusual happened. There was indiscriminate firing by the Nepal police — near the border with the Indian state of Bihar. Indian has been killed, 4 others were injured it's being called an unrelated issue. But the timing couldn't have been worse comes at a time of increased border tensions.

First China's virus and now it's vassal states Pakistan, Nepal challenging India    

Pakistan's annual budget was being called the 'Corona' budget aimed at softening the blow of this pandemic. The much-awaited budget has now been unveiled but defence has taken the biggest piece of the pie. WION's Palki Sharma gets you the story.

Gravitas: Pakistan Budget | Focus On Defence, Not Coronavirus

At least one person was killed and 15 others were injured on Friday when a bomb ripped through a busy market area in Pakistan's garrison city of Rawalpindi.

The explosion occurred in Saddar area of the city, which is not far away from the General Headquarters of the Pakistan Army. 
Police said that apparently the bomb was placed on a motorbike parked in the market.

Properties around the site of the explosion have also been badly damaged. Authorities have cordoned off the area and rescue efforts are underway.

So far nobody has taken responsibility for the attack.&nbsp;

At least one person was killed and 15 others were injured on Friday when a bomb ripped through a busy market area in Pakistan's garrison city of Rawalpindi. The explosion occurred in Saddar area of the city, which is not far away from the General Headquarters of the Pakistan Army.

At least one person was killed and 15 others were injured on Friday when a bomb ripped through a busy market area in Pakistan's garrison city of Rawalpindi. The explosion occurred in Saddar area of the city, which is not far away from the General Headquarters of the Pakistan Army. Police said that apparently the bomb was placed on a motorbike parked in the market. Properties around the site of the explosion have also been badly damaged. Authorities have cordoned off the area and rescue efforts are underway. So far nobody has taken responsibility for the attack.

One killed, 15 injured in explosion in market in Pakistan

Indian Army has caused heavy damages to Pakistani posts on the Line of Control (LoC). This came as the Indian Army retaliated to Pakistan's unprovoked ceasefire violation. Watch WION's report from Sri Nagar, J&K.

Indian Army destroys Pak posts along LoC: India retaliates to ceasefire violations

Police here have refused to register a case against a Pakistan-based American blogger on a complaint filed by a man for maligning late former premier Benazir Bhutto on social media.

The Islamabad Police has refused to register the case, saying that it was a case of cybercrime and only the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) was authorised to deal with it.

Petitioner Waqas Ahmad Abbasi submitted a written application last week against Cynthia D Ritchie, accusing her of maligning former premier Benazir on social media. The Express Tribune reported that the Islamabad Police said that after evaluation, it was found that the case needed to be investigated by the FIA.

However, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Islamabad President Shakeel Abbasi already approached the FIA with a complaint against Ritchie for making a slanderous tweet against Bhutto but it refused to take action.

The FIA on June 9 told an Islamabad sessions court to dismiss a plea against Ritchie as the petitioner, Shakeel Abbasi, was not an affected party.

Ritchie alleged that Benazir condoned rape culture.

The FIA, in its written response to the court, argued that according to its rules, only the aggrieved party -&nbsp;the targeted victim or their guardian -&nbsp;could lodge such a complaint with the agency.

However, Additional Sessions Judge Atta Rabbani issued a notice to Ritchie seeking her response by June 13.

Meanwhile, the fight between Ritchie and the PPP leaders turned nasty after her objectionable tweets and subsequent allegations against top leaders of PPP, including former Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani.

On June 10, the former prime minister sent a legal notice to Cynthia, seeking Rs100 million in damages and an apology. 
Separately, former interior minister Rehman Malik also said he will serve Ritchie a legal notice after she accused that he raped her in 2011.

Police here have refused to register a case against a Pakistan-based American blogger on a complaint filed by a man for maligning late former premier Benazir Bhutto on social media.

Police here have refused to register a case against a Pakistan-based American blogger on a complaint filed by a man for maligning late former premier Benazir Bhutto on social media. The Islamabad Police has refused to register the case, saying that it was a case of cybercrime and only the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) was authorised to deal with it. Petitioner Waqas Ahmad Abbasi submitted a written application last week against Cynthia D Ritchie, accusing her of maligning former premier Benazir on social media. The Express Tribune reported that the Islamabad Police said that after evaluation, it was found that the case needed to be investigated by the FIA. However, the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) Islamabad President Shakeel Abbasi already approached the FIA with a complaint against Ritchie for making a slanderous tweet against Bhutto but it refused to take action. The FIA on June 9 told an Islamabad sessions court to dismiss a plea against Ritchie as the petitioner, Shakeel Abbasi, was not an affected party. Ritchie alleged that Benazir condoned rape culture. The FIA, in its written response to the court, argued that according to its rules, only the aggrieved party - the targeted victim or their guardian - could lodge such a complaint with the agency. However, Additional Sessions Judge Atta Rabbani issued a notice to Ritchie seeking her response by June 13. Meanwhile, the fight between Ritchie and the PPP leaders turned nasty after her objectionable tweets and subsequent allegations against top leaders of PPP, including former Prime Minister Yusuf Raza Gilani. On June 10, the former prime minister sent a legal notice to Cynthia, seeking Rs100 million in damages and an apology. Separately, former interior minister Rehman Malik also said he will serve Ritchie a legal notice after she accused that he raped her in 2011.

Pak police refuses to lodge case against American blogger for tweet on Bhutto

At least two Pakistani soldiers were killed in a roadside bomb blast triggered by unidentified militants in the country's restive North Waziristan district bordering Afghanistan, officials said on Thursday.

The terrorists targeted their patrolling vehicle through an improvised explosive device in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Miranshah city on Wednesday.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/who-urges-pakistan-to-return-to-lockdown-as-hospitals-grapple-with-covid-19-cases-304834">WHO urges Pakistan to return to lockdown as hospitals grapple with COVID-19 cases</a>

The Army said that two soldiers were killed while two others sustained injuries in the attack.

No group has so far claimed responsibility but the Taliban carry out such attacks in the areas along with the Afghan border which was once their stronghold.

The Taliban often target security forces in the restive Balochistan province where seven paramilitary troops were killed in two separate terrorist attacks last month.&nbsp;

At least two Pakistani soldiers were killed in a roadside bomb blast triggered by unidentified militants in the country's restive North Waziristan district bordering Afghanistan, officials said on Thursday.

At least two Pakistani soldiers were killed in a roadside bomb blast triggered by unidentified militants in the country's restive North Waziristan district bordering Afghanistan, officials said on Thursday. The terrorists targeted their patrolling vehicle through an improvised explosive device in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Miranshah city on Wednesday. Also read | WHO urges Pakistan to return to lockdown as hospitals grapple with COVID-19 cases The Army said that two soldiers were killed while two others sustained injuries in the attack. No group has so far claimed responsibility but the Taliban carry out such attacks in the areas along with the Afghan border which was once their stronghold. The Taliban often target security forces in the restive Balochistan province where seven paramilitary troops were killed in two separate terrorist attacks last month.

Two Pakistani soldiers killed in blast in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

Pakistan has registered its highest single-day spike of coronavirus cases with over 5,000 infections in the last 24 hours

COVID-19: Pak PM Imran Khan backtracks on his statement over pandemic

Panic gripped across Pakistan on June 9 after social media users wondered whether Indian Air Force fighter jets crossed the LoC and flew over Karachi.

Another Balakot? Pak twitter claims IAF jets spotted near Karachi

A donkey has been arrested in Pakistan on the charge of gambling. Pakistan's state broadcaster has upset the govt over Kashmir & a rumour of Indian jets hovering over Karachi kept Pak netizens up all night. WION's Palki Sharma gets you the true story of 'Naya Pakistan'.

Gravitas: The true story of 'Naya Pakistan'

Chickens in Pakistan have been feasting on captured locusts under an initiative to combat swarms of the insects that are threatening food supplies in the impoverished country. 
 
Prime Minister Imran Khan has endorsed plans to expand a pilot project in the bread-basket province of Punjab, where villagers earned cash to gather locusts that were then dried out, shredded and added into poultry feed. 
 
Farmers are struggling as the worst locust plague in 25 years wipes out entire harvests in Pakistan's agricultural heartlands, leaving people scrambling for income.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/impose-intermittent-lockdowns-who-tells-pakistan-amid-rising-coronavirus-cases-304667" hreflang="en">Impose 'intermittent lockdowns': WHO tells Pakistan amid rising coronavirus cases</a> 
 
Muhammad Khurshid from Pakistan's food ministry and biotechnologist Johar Ali set up the programme, drawing on efforts in war-ravaged Yemen, where authorities have encouraged people to eat the protein-rich locusts amid famine. 
 
The pair chose Punjab's Okara district, where farmers had not used any pesticides that would make locusts unsuitable for consumption. 
 
"We first had to learn, and then teach the locals how to catch the locusts. Nets are useless against them," Khurshid told AFP. 
 
At night the creatures cluster on trees and plants, making them easy to scoop up as they lie motionless in the cooler temperatures until the sun begins to rise.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imran-khan-orders-reforms-in-pakistan-international-airlines-to-bring-down-losses-304592" hreflang="en">Imran Khan orders reforms in Pakistan International Airlines to bring down losses</a> 
 
For a reward of 20 rupees (12 cents) per kilogram of locusts, locals worked all night to collect them. 
 
One farmer who lost all her crops to the insects said she and her son earned 1,600 rupees ($10) during a single locust-gathering outing, helping to offset the financial damage. 
 
Organisers struggled at first to convince farmers to join the hunt, but by the third night word had spread and hundreds joined in -- turning up with their own bags to stuff full. 
 
With 20 tonnes of captured locusts, authorities ran out of money to pay the collectors and the programme was paused. 
 
The ministry, which recently announced the results of February's pilot, is now preparing to expand the project to other locations.

Multiplying in monsoon 
The harvested locusts went to Hi-Tech Feeds -- Pakistan's largest animal-feed producer -- which substituted 10 percent of the soybean in its chicken food with the insects. 
 
"There was no issue with the feed, the locusts have a good potential for use in poultry feed," general manager Muhammad Athar said, after trying the modified product on 500 broiler hens. 
 
While the project is not a solution to the devastation caused to crops, it can provide hard-hit farmers with a fresh revenue stream and relieve pressure on authorities struggling to distribute locust-beating pesticides. 
 
Locust swarms have gnawed their way through crops across East Africa, the Arabian Peninsula and parts of India this year, and experts fear their numbers will explode as monsoon rains arrive this month. 
 
The crisis is so severe that the government has declared a nationwide emergency and appealed for help from the international community. 
 
Bananas, mangoes, vegetables and other crops are all vulnerable -- raising fears of food shortages -- as are the wheat and cotton harvests that provide Pakistan with vital revenue. 
 
According to the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization, Pakistan could suffer about $5 billion in losses if 25 percent of its crops are damaged. 
 
A reduced harvest could also push prices up and risks worsening food insecurity. 
 
About 20 percent of the population are already undernourished, with almost half of all children under five stunted, according to the World Food Programme.

Chickens in Pakistan have been feasting on captured locusts under an initiative to combat swarms of the insects that are threatening food supplies in the impoverished country.

Chickens in Pakistan have been feasting on captured locusts under an initiative to combat swarms of the insects that are threatening food supplies in the impoverished country. Prime Minister Imran Khan has endorsed plans to expand a pilot project in the bread-basket province of Punjab, where villagers earned cash to gather locusts that were then dried out, shredded and added into poultry feed. Farmers are struggling as the worst locust plague in 25 years wipes out entire harvests in Pakistan's agricultural heartlands, leaving people scrambling for income. Also read: Impose 'intermittent lockdowns': WHO tells Pakistan amid rising coronavirus cases Muhammad Khurshid from Pakistan's food ministry and biotechnologist Johar Ali set up the programme, drawing on efforts in war-ravaged Yemen, where authorities have encouraged people to eat the protein-rich locusts amid famine. The pair chose Punjab's Okara district, where farmers had not used any pesticides that would make locusts unsuitable for consumption. "We first had to learn, and then teach the locals how to catch the locusts. Nets are useless against them," Khurshid told AFP. At night the creatures cluster on trees and plants, making them easy to scoop up as they lie motionless in the cooler temperatures until the sun begins to rise. Also read: Imran Khan orders reforms in Pakistan International Airlines to bring down losses For a reward of 20 rupees (12 cents) per kilogram of locusts, locals worked all night to collect them. One farmer who lost all her crops to the insects said she and her son earned 1,600 rupees ($10) during a single locust-gathering outing, helping to offset the financial damage. Organisers struggled at first to convince farmers to join the hunt, but by the third night word had spread and hundreds joined in -- turning up with their own bags to stuff full. With 20 tonnes of captured locusts, authorities ran out of money to pay the collectors and the programme was paused. The ministry, which recently announced the results of February's pilot, is now preparing to expand the project to other locations. Multiplying in monsoon The harvested locusts went to Hi-Tech Feeds -- Pakistan's largest animal-feed producer -- which substituted 10 percent of the soybean in its chicken food with the insects. "There was no issue with the feed, the locusts have a good potential for use in poultry feed," general manager Muhammad Athar said, after trying the modified product on 500 broiler hens. While the project is not a solution to the devastation caused to crops, it can provide hard-hit farmers with a fresh revenue stream and relieve pressure on authorities struggling to distribute locust-beating pesticides. Locust swarms have gnawed their way through crops across East Africa, the Arabian Peninsula and parts of India this year, and experts fear their numbers will explode as monsoon rains arrive this month. The crisis is so severe that the government has declared a nationwide emergency and appealed for help from the international community. Bananas, mangoes, vegetables and other crops are all vulnerable -- raising fears of food shortages -- as are the wheat and cotton harvests that provide Pakistan with vital revenue. According to the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization, Pakistan could suffer about $5 billion in losses if 25 percent of its crops are damaged. A reduced harvest could also push prices up and risks worsening food insecurity. About 20 percent of the population are already undernourished, with almost half of all children under five stunted, according to the World Food Programme.

Pakistan battles locusts by turning them into chicken feed

India has expressed its concern over harassment of Hindus in Pakistan and raised the matter with the country. In a strongly-worded demarche sent to Pakistani high commission in Delhi, India raised the "systematic and targeted demolition" of houses belonging to minority Hindu community in Chak 52/DB, Yazman of Bahawalpur district in Punjab in Pakistan.

New Delhi "strongly condemned" the incident involving the "state authorities" targetting the minority Hindu community despite the occupants producing valid documents of ownership and legal relief granted against demolition.

On May 20, 25 houses were levelled and another 10 partly demolished, leaving their occupants – including young children – without any access to shelter. One Hindu lady was dragged out of the house by her hair so that demolition can happen.&nbsp;

While expressing concerns, India asked Pakistani High Commission to inform relevant authorities in Pakistan Government for urgent remedial action. Sources told WION that New Delhi called for the Pakistani government to "discharge of its responsibilities will look after the safety security will-being and protection of rights and freedom of its citizens belonging to minority communities."

The land was legally allotted by Board of Revenue in 2018 to the Hindu community but one Muhammad Boota keen to increase his landholding used his political connections to demolish the Hindu houses.

The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) had earlier raised the matter and called the demolition of Hindu homes as illegal and inhumane. The HRCP called on Pakistan's Punjab government to compensate all those families affected by the demolition.

India has expressed its concern over harassment of Hindus in Pakistan and raised the matter with the country. In a strongly-worded demarche sent to Pakistani high commission in Delhi, India raised the "systematic and targeted demolition" of houses belonging to minority Hindu community in Chak 52/DB, Yazman of Bahawalpur district in Punjab in Pakistan.

India has expressed its concern over harassment of Hindus in Pakistan and raised the matter with the country. In a strongly-worded demarche sent to Pakistani high commission in Delhi, India raised the "systematic and targeted demolition" of houses belonging to minority Hindu community in Chak 52/DB, Yazman of Bahawalpur district in Punjab in Pakistan. New Delhi "strongly condemned" the incident involving the "state authorities" targetting the minority Hindu community despite the occupants producing valid documents of ownership and legal relief granted against demolition. On May 20, 25 houses were levelled and another 10 partly demolished, leaving their occupants – including young children – without any access to shelter. One Hindu lady was dragged out of the house by her hair so that demolition can happen. While expressing concerns, India asked Pakistani High Commission to inform relevant authorities in Pakistan Government for urgent remedial action. Sources told WION that New Delhi called for the Pakistani government to "discharge of its responsibilities will look after the safety security will-being and protection of rights and freedom of its citizens belonging to minority communities." The land was legally allotted by Board of Revenue in 2018 to the Hindu community but one Muhammad Boota keen to increase his landholding used his political connections to demolish the Hindu houses. The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) had earlier raised the matter and called the demolition of Hindu homes as illegal and inhumane. The HRCP called on Pakistan's Punjab government to compensate all those families affected by the demolition.

India concerned with harassment of Hindus in Pakistan; raises the matter with Islamabad

Pakistan is in the middle of a sex scandal and three of its Opposition leaders, including a former prime minister have come under scanner.&nbsp;

Cynthia Ritchie, an Islamabad-based US blogger has made allegations of sexual assault against three leaders of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP).&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/american-blogger-accuses-pakistans-zardari-govt-officials-of-rape-harassment-former-minister-denies-charges-303796">American blogger accuses Pakistan's Zardari govt officials of rape, harassment; former minister denies charges</a>

Ritchie has made the allegations during a Facebook Live session. She said that she was raped by then home minister Rehman Malik in 2011, saying that the incident took place at his residence where her drink was drugged.&nbsp;

She also accused former prime minister Yousuf Raza Gilani of physically manhandling her. Similar allegations have also been made against former federal minister Makhdoom Shahabuddin.&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-american-woman-accuses-top-pak-leaders-of-rape-assault-304372/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Ritchie has also said that these were not the only politicians involved, adding that some of those also belonged to Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), the party of former PM Nawaz Sharif.&nbsp;

Now, the question is that why a nine-year-old incident has now come to light?

It all began in late May, when Ritchie accused former prime minister Benazir Bhutto of ordering her guards to rape women, who had affairs with her husband, &nbsp;

PPP filed a complaint accusing Ritchie of hateful comment and slander against their former leader.&nbsp;

A week later, Ritchie accused PPP leaders of assaulting and raping her.&nbsp;

Rehman Malik sent a legal notice to Ritchie, accusing her of character assassination.&nbsp;

In Pakistan, several people have questioned the US blogger's allegations, saying that she is close to establishment and Imran Khan government is using her to divert people's attention from health and economic crisis in the country.&nbsp;

Some people also question how could she manage to stay in the country for years. Some people also call her a CIA mole.&nbsp;

Ritchie's pictures with senior military leaders were also shared.&nbsp;

The blogger says that she narrated the incident to the US Embassy in 2011, but their response was "less than adequate".&nbsp;

On Twitter, Ritchie's supporters are describing her critics as traitors, anti-Pakistanis.&nbsp;

WION cannot fact-check the claims, but the scandal has given Pakistan PM an opportunity to launch a political tool against his opponents.&nbsp;

Also, if Ritchie's claims are right, it exposes an even-darker side of Pakistan's political elite.&nbsp;

Pakistan is in the middle of a sex scandal and three of its Opposition leaders, including a former prime minister have come under scanner. Cynthia Ritchie, an Islamabad-based US blogger has made allegations of sexual assault against three leaders of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP).

Pakistan is in the middle of a sex scandal and three of its Opposition leaders, including a former prime minister have come under scanner. Cynthia Ritchie, an Islamabad-based US blogger has made allegations of sexual assault against three leaders of Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP). Also read | American blogger accuses Pakistan's Zardari govt officials of rape, harassment; former minister denies charges Ritchie has made the allegations during a Facebook Live session. She said that she was raped by then home minister Rehman Malik in 2011, saying that the incident took place at his residence where her drink was drugged. She also accused former prime minister Yousuf Raza Gilani of physically manhandling her. Similar allegations have also been made against former federal minister Makhdoom Shahabuddin. Ritchie has also said that these were not the only politicians involved, adding that some of those also belonged to Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N), the party of former PM Nawaz Sharif. Now, the question is that why a nine-year-old incident has now come to light? It all began in late May, when Ritchie accused former prime minister Benazir Bhutto of ordering her guards to rape women, who had affairs with her husband, PPP filed a complaint accusing Ritchie of hateful comment and slander against their former leader. A week later, Ritchie accused PPP leaders of assaulting and raping her. Rehman Malik sent a legal notice to Ritchie, accusing her of character assassination. In Pakistan, several people have questioned the US blogger's allegations, saying that she is close to establishment and Imran Khan government is using her to divert people's attention from health and economic crisis in the country. Some people also question how could she manage to stay in the country for years. Some people also call her a CIA mole. Ritchie's pictures with senior military leaders were also shared. The blogger says that she narrated the incident to the US Embassy in 2011, but their response was "less than adequate". On Twitter, Ritchie's supporters are describing her critics as traitors, anti-Pakistanis. WION cannot fact-check the claims, but the scandal has given Pakistan PM an opportunity to launch a political tool against his opponents. Also, if Ritchie's claims are right, it exposes an even-darker side of Pakistan's political elite.

Decoding the sex scandal that has rocked politics in Pakistan

As Pakistan continues to struggle with the coronavirus situation in the country, several hospitals are complaining that they are running out of beds to treat patients.&nbsp;

Much like its South Asian neighbours, Pakistan is still lagging behind many Western countries in terms of testing, and officials on Monday said that more than 100,000 coronavirus cases and 2,000 deaths have been reported so far.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-rejects-imf-demand-to-freeze-salaries-of-govt-employees-304213">Pakistan rejects IMF demand to freeze salaries of govt employees</a>

A leaked government report last week claimed that in Lahore alone, there are about 700,000 infections.&nbsp;

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/covid-19-former-pakistan-prime-minister-shahid-khaqan-abbasi-tests-positive-304192">COVID-19: Former Pakistan Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi tests positive</a>

In Lahore, several major hospitals said that they were running out of ventilators, beds, and other crucial equipment, reported AFP.&nbsp;

"Hospitals are running out of beds; there aren't enough ventilators given to us," Khizer Hayat, chairman of the Young Doctors Association of Punjab, said.&nbsp;

He added that facilities across the province require help.&nbsp;

Health centres in Karachi, a port city in southern Pakistan, are turning away patients.&nbsp;

A large sign was placed outside Indus hospital in Karachi which said that there was no space for coronavirus patients.&nbsp;

"As the cases increase, more health care workers are also falling victim to the virus," Farooq Sahil, a doctor at Services Hospital Lahore said.&nbsp;

Asad Umar, who heads the federal government's coronavirus task force, on Monday said a package was being finalised to reduce pressure from hospitals and would include 1,000 new beds in major cities.&nbsp;

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's approach to handling coronavirus has been patch as he has been reluctant on imposing a nationwide lockdown, arguing that the move would severely affect the economy.&nbsp;

In southwestern Balochistan province, government spokesman Liaqat Shahwani said the situation was serious, and officials were finding it hard to cope.

Sikander Ali Memon, who is leading Sindh province's efforts to curb the virus said that the crisis is "unfolding now as we have ceased to observe isolation".&nbsp;

As Pakistan continues to struggle with the coronavirus situation in the country, several hospitals are complaining that they are running out of beds to treat patients.

As Pakistan continues to struggle with the coronavirus situation in the country, several hospitals are complaining that they are running out of beds to treat patients. Much like its South Asian neighbours, Pakistan is still lagging behind many Western countries in terms of testing, and officials on Monday said that more than 100,000 coronavirus cases and 2,000 deaths have been reported so far. Also read | Pakistan rejects IMF demand to freeze salaries of govt employees A leaked government report last week claimed that in Lahore alone, there are about 700,000 infections. Also read | COVID-19: Former Pakistan Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi tests positive In Lahore, several major hospitals said that they were running out of ventilators, beds, and other crucial equipment, reported AFP. "Hospitals are running out of beds; there aren't enough ventilators given to us," Khizer Hayat, chairman of the Young Doctors Association of Punjab, said. He added that facilities across the province require help. Health centres in Karachi, a port city in southern Pakistan, are turning away patients. A large sign was placed outside Indus hospital in Karachi which said that there was no space for coronavirus patients. "As the cases increase, more health care workers are also falling victim to the virus," Farooq Sahil, a doctor at Services Hospital Lahore said. Asad Umar, who heads the federal government's coronavirus task force, on Monday said a package was being finalised to reduce pressure from hospitals and would include 1,000 new beds in major cities. Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's approach to handling coronavirus has been patch as he has been reluctant on imposing a nationwide lockdown, arguing that the move would severely affect the economy. In southwestern Balochistan province, government spokesman Liaqat Shahwani said the situation was serious, and officials were finding it hard to cope. Sikander Ali Memon, who is leading Sindh province's efforts to curb the virus said that the crisis is "unfolding now as we have ceased to observe isolation".

Pakistan: As coronavirus cases cross 100,000, hospitals running out of beds, ventilators

Pakistan is yet to respond to New Delhi's suggestion on jointly dealing with the locust crisis. This comes even as Islamabad has claimed that it cooperating with regional countries including India to deal with the crisis that can majorly impact the food security in the region.

Indian Government sources told WION, "we have not heard anything to our proposal for coordinated locust control operations along the border and even to facilitate supply of pesticide."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pak-deploys-thousands-of-army-troops-to-battle-locust-invasion-303936">Also watch:&nbsp;Pak deploys thousands of army troops to battle locust invasion</a>

Earlier today, Pakistan foreign ministry spokesperson Aisha Farooqui, in response to the question Indian offer to jointly deal with locust crisis said India is "cooperating with all regional countries to fight desert locust invasion under a forum administered by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO)...SWAC - Commission for Controlling the Desert Locust in Southwest Asia"

Adding, "Pakistan remains committed to cooperating with all SWAC member states, including India, in combating Desert Locust outbreak" and "The cooperation is “fruitful” in exchanging information in the bordering areas of Pakistan and India."

Sources reacting to it said, "Seems it is usual issue of saying something and do something else. They remain reticent. Seems they want to underplay the problem that is there in Pakistan."

India and Iran are already cooperating to deal with the crisis with New Delhi supplying with pesticide. The 2019–20 locust infestation has impacted more than 10 countries in Africa and South Asia and Iran, India and Pakistan are currently affected by the crisis.

Pakistan is yet to respond to New Delhi's suggestion on jointly dealing with the locust crisis. This comes even as Islamabad has claimed that it cooperating with regional countries including India to deal with the crisis that can majorly impact the food security in the region.

Pakistan is yet to respond to New Delhi's suggestion on jointly dealing with the locust crisis. This comes even as Islamabad has claimed that it cooperating with regional countries including India to deal with the crisis that can majorly impact the food security in the region. Indian Government sources told WION, "we have not heard anything to our proposal for coordinated locust control operations along the border and even to facilitate supply of pesticide." Also watch: Pak deploys thousands of army troops to battle locust invasion Earlier today, Pakistan foreign ministry spokesperson Aisha Farooqui, in response to the question Indian offer to jointly deal with locust crisis said India is "cooperating with all regional countries to fight desert locust invasion under a forum administered by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO)...SWAC - Commission for Controlling the Desert Locust in Southwest Asia" Adding, "Pakistan remains committed to cooperating with all SWAC member states, including India, in combating Desert Locust outbreak" and "The cooperation is “fruitful” in exchanging information in the bordering areas of Pakistan and India." Sources reacting to it said, "Seems it is usual issue of saying something and do something else. They remain reticent. Seems they want to underplay the problem that is there in Pakistan." India and Iran are already cooperating to deal with the crisis with New Delhi supplying with pesticide. The 2019–20 locust infestation has impacted more than 10 countries in Africa and South Asia and Iran, India and Pakistan are currently affected by the crisis.

Pakistan yet to respond on Indian suggestion on jointly dealing with locust crisis

Pakistan has rejected the demand made by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to freeze salaries of government employees. 
 
Sources close to the matter informed Dunya News that IMF, during budget talks with Pakistan via two online digital meetings, urged for spending cuts in the next budget. 
 
On the other hand, Islamabad said that it cannot cut the salaries of government employees as it is necessary to protect government employees and pensioners from inflation. 
 
The government will unveil the budget on June 12 and struggles to strike a balance between continuing with the fiscal consolidation and providing an impetus to economic growth.Sources further revealed that the USD6 billion expansion fund facility of the IMF program will be restored when the government presents the next budget in accordance with the IMF Macroeconomic Framework. 
 
The global money lender has urged Pakistan adhere to the fiscal consolidation path due to a high and unsustainable public debt that is set to hit 90 per cent of the total value of national economy by showing a nominal primary deficit in the new budget, The Express Tribune reported. 
 
The outbreak of the deadly novel coronavirus has exposed vulnerabilities of Pakistan`s economy that had already been struggling owing to the prevailing tight fiscal situation, growing public debt and Pakistan`s decision to seek debt relief from G20 countries, the IMF was asking Islamabad to freeze salaries of government employees, sources in the country`s Finance Ministry were quoted as saying. 
 
One of the major reasons for the government to resist the IMF demand was high inflation that has eroded people`s real income. 
 
Pakistan has its own reasons for resisting the IMF`s demands as it does not see a significant jump in revenue collection in the next fiscal year due to the prevailing economic conditions. 
 
The government is also inclined to give a raise in salaries due to high inflation that has eroded the real income of people, said the sources.

Pakistan has rejected the demand made by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to freeze salaries of government employees. Sources close to the matter informed Dunya News that IMF, during budget talks with Pakistan via two online digital meetings, urged for spending cuts in the next budget.

Pakistan has rejected the demand made by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to freeze salaries of government employees. Sources close to the matter informed Dunya News that IMF, during budget talks with Pakistan via two online digital meetings, urged for spending cuts in the next budget. On the other hand, Islamabad said that it cannot cut the salaries of government employees as it is necessary to protect government employees and pensioners from inflation. The government will unveil the budget on June 12 and struggles to strike a balance between continuing with the fiscal consolidation and providing an impetus to economic growth.Sources further revealed that the USD6 billion expansion fund facility of the IMF program will be restored when the government presents the next budget in accordance with the IMF Macroeconomic Framework. The global money lender has urged Pakistan adhere to the fiscal consolidation path due to a high and unsustainable public debt that is set to hit 90 per cent of the total value of national economy by showing a nominal primary deficit in the new budget, The Express Tribune reported. The outbreak of the deadly novel coronavirus has exposed vulnerabilities of Pakistan`s economy that had already been struggling owing to the prevailing tight fiscal situation, growing public debt and Pakistan`s decision to seek debt relief from G20 countries, the IMF was asking Islamabad to freeze salaries of government employees, sources in the country`s Finance Ministry were quoted as saying. One of the major reasons for the government to resist the IMF demand was high inflation that has eroded people`s real income. Pakistan has its own reasons for resisting the IMF`s demands as it does not see a significant jump in revenue collection in the next fiscal year due to the prevailing economic conditions. The government is also inclined to give a raise in salaries due to high inflation that has eroded the real income of people, said the sources.

Pakistan rejects IMF demand to freeze salaries of govt employees

Special US Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad discussed the steps required for the start of the intra-Afghan negotiations during his meeting with Pakistan Army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa, the American embassy in Islamabad said on Monday.

Khalilzad visited Islamabad on Sunday and held talks with Bajwa on the Afghan peace process. He is travelling to Qatar, Pakistan and Afghanistan as part of efforts to bring peace in the war-torn country.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/intra-afghan-talks-to-be-held-in-doha-304080">Also read:&nbsp;Intra-Afghan talks to be held in Doha</a>

During the three-nation tour, Khalilzad will review commitments in the recently signed US-Taliban Agreement and the US-Afghanistan Joint Declaration, specifically reducing violence and prisoner releases. The US has lost over 2,400 soldiers in Afghanistan since late 2001.

The US embassy said in a statement that in the meeting with General Bajwa, Ambassador Khalilzad discussed the steps required for the start of intra-Afghan negotiations.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-warns-of-disaster-as-virus-infections-surge-303866">Also read:&nbsp;Afghanistan warns of 'disaster' as virus infections surge</a>

"The two took note of recent progress created by the Eid ceasefire and accelerated prisoner releases as well as reduced violence ahead of intra-Afghan negotiations,"&nbsp;it said.

Khalilzad "expressed his appreciation for the role Prime Minister Imran Khan and General Bajwa are playing in support of peace in Afghanistan," it said.

They agreed that peace in Afghanistan offers an unprecedented opportunity to advance security, connectivity and development for the region, it said.

Earlier, the Pakistan Army said on Sunday that "matters of mutual interest, overall regional security situation, including Afghan refugees issue/Afghan reconciliation process and Pak-Afghan border management were discussed"&nbsp;in the meeting. 
It said that the two sides shared steps taken towards this and agreed to continue working towards mutually agreed goals, it said.

Special US Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad discussed the steps required for the start of the intra-Afghan negotiations during his meeting with Pakistan Army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa, the American embassy in Islamabad said on Monday.

Special US Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad discussed the steps required for the start of the intra-Afghan negotiations during his meeting with Pakistan Army chief Qamar Javed Bajwa, the American embassy in Islamabad said on Monday. Khalilzad visited Islamabad on Sunday and held talks with Bajwa on the Afghan peace process. He is travelling to Qatar, Pakistan and Afghanistan as part of efforts to bring peace in the war-torn country. Also read: Intra-Afghan talks to be held in Doha During the three-nation tour, Khalilzad will review commitments in the recently signed US-Taliban Agreement and the US-Afghanistan Joint Declaration, specifically reducing violence and prisoner releases. The US has lost over 2,400 soldiers in Afghanistan since late 2001. The US embassy said in a statement that in the meeting with General Bajwa, Ambassador Khalilzad discussed the steps required for the start of intra-Afghan negotiations. Also read: Afghanistan warns of 'disaster' as virus infections surge "The two took note of recent progress created by the Eid ceasefire and accelerated prisoner releases as well as reduced violence ahead of intra-Afghan negotiations," it said. Khalilzad "expressed his appreciation for the role Prime Minister Imran Khan and General Bajwa are playing in support of peace in Afghanistan," it said. They agreed that peace in Afghanistan offers an unprecedented opportunity to advance security, connectivity and development for the region, it said. Earlier, the Pakistan Army said on Sunday that "matters of mutual interest, overall regional security situation, including Afghan refugees issue/Afghan reconciliation process and Pak-Afghan border management were discussed" in the meeting. It said that the two sides shared steps taken towards this and agreed to continue working towards mutually agreed goals, it said.

US spl envoy Khalilzad, Pak Army chief Bajwa discuss Afghan peace process

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has ruled out the return to a strict shutdown to stem the spread of coronavirus, saying the "elitist" idea would collapse the economy and increase poverty even as the COVID-19 cases in the country on Sunday inched closure to the 100,000-mark while the death toll rose to over 2,000.

A record 4,960 fresh coronavirus cases were reported in the last 24 hours, taking the nationwide tally to 98,943, according to the Ministry of National Health Services.

With 67 more fatalities due to COVID-19, the death toll jumped to 2,002 in the country. The Health Ministry said that on the positive side, at least 33,465 patients have fully recovered so far.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/american-blogger-accuses-pakistans-zardari-govt-officials-of-rape-harassment-former-minister-denies-charges-303796">Also read:&nbsp;American blogger accuses Pakistan's Zardari govt officials of rape, harassment; former minister denies charges&nbsp;</a>

So far 37,090 cases have been reported in Punjab, 36,364 in Sindh, 13,001 in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, 6,221 in Balochistan, 4,979 in Islamabad, 927 in Gilgit-Baltistan and 361 in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

Amid the spike in coronavirus cases, Prime Minister Khan on Saturday called for creating awareness among the masses regarding the severity of the coronavirus pandemic and the need for strict observance of the standard operating procedures (SOPs), the Express Tribune reported.

Khan again ruled out the return to a strict lockdown to stem the spread of coronavirus, stressing that the ?elitist? idea would cause the economy to collapse and increase poverty. Instead, he insisted on a ?smart lockdown? with strict adherence to the SOPs.

"And some of our elite, wanting a lockdown - the elite who have the privilege of spacious homes and income unaffected by fallout of lockdown," he said in a series of tweets.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/kabul-denounces-pakistans-accusations-of-ttp-using-afghan-soil-to-destabilise-region-303818">Also read:&nbsp;Kabul denounces Pakistan's accusations of TTP using Afghan soil to destabilise region</a>

"A lockdown means collapse of the economy and in poorer countries a steep rise in poverty, crushing the poor as happened in Modi's lockdown in India," the prime minister added.

"Only solution as world has discovered is smart lockdown which allows for economic activity with SOPs. We are amongst pioneers of this approach. I appeal to civil society, media, Ulema and our tiger force to create awareness amongst the public of Covid-19's severity and the need to strictly observe SOPs," he tweeted.

Earlier this week, the prime minister ordered reopening of more sectors of the economy as part of easing the lockdown in order save people's livelihood, particularly the daily-wage workers. However, since then there is a spurt in new cases.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has ruled out the return to a strict shutdown to stem the spread of coronavirus, saying the "elitist" idea would collapse the economy and increase poverty even as the COVID-19 cases in the country on Sunday inched closure to the 100,000-mark while the death toll rose to over 2,000.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has ruled out the return to a strict shutdown to stem the spread of coronavirus, saying the "elitist" idea would collapse the economy and increase poverty even as the COVID-19 cases in the country on Sunday inched closure to the 100,000-mark while the death toll rose to over 2,000. A record 4,960 fresh coronavirus cases were reported in the last 24 hours, taking the nationwide tally to 98,943, according to the Ministry of National Health Services. With 67 more fatalities due to COVID-19, the death toll jumped to 2,002 in the country. The Health Ministry said that on the positive side, at least 33,465 patients have fully recovered so far. Also read: American blogger accuses Pakistan's Zardari govt officials of rape, harassment; former minister denies charges So far 37,090 cases have been reported in Punjab, 36,364 in Sindh, 13,001 in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, 6,221 in Balochistan, 4,979 in Islamabad, 927 in Gilgit-Baltistan and 361 in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Amid the spike in coronavirus cases, Prime Minister Khan on Saturday called for creating awareness among the masses regarding the severity of the coronavirus pandemic and the need for strict observance of the standard operating procedures (SOPs), the Express Tribune reported. Khan again ruled out the return to a strict lockdown to stem the spread of coronavirus, stressing that the ?elitist? idea would cause the economy to collapse and increase poverty. Instead, he insisted on a ?smart lockdown? with strict adherence to the SOPs. "And some of our elite, wanting a lockdown - the elite who have the privilege of spacious homes and income unaffected by fallout of lockdown," he said in a series of tweets. Also read: Kabul denounces Pakistan's accusations of TTP using Afghan soil to destabilise region "A lockdown means collapse of the economy and in poorer countries a steep rise in poverty, crushing the poor as happened in Modi's lockdown in India," the prime minister added. "Only solution as world has discovered is smart lockdown which allows for economic activity with SOPs. We are amongst pioneers of this approach. I appeal to civil society, media, Ulema and our tiger force to create awareness amongst the public of Covid-19's severity and the need to strictly observe SOPs," he tweeted. Earlier this week, the prime minister ordered reopening of more sectors of the economy as part of easing the lockdown in order save people's livelihood, particularly the daily-wage workers. However, since then there is a spurt in new cases.

COVID-19 cases in Pakistan inching closer to 100,000-mark

Pak deploys thousands of army troops to battle locust invasion. Crops worth billions of dollar is under locust attack. Watch this video to know more.

Pak deploys thousands of army troops to battle locust invasion

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