Over 190 Pakistanis who were stranded in India for over two months due the coronavirus-induced lockdown on Tuesday returned to Pakistan through the Wagah Border.

The Border Security Force (BSF) handed over 193 people, including women and children, to the Pakistan Rangers at the Wagah Border.

These Pakistanis had been stranded in different parts of India for about two months because of the lockdown imposed to curb the spread of the coronavirus pandemic, a Pakistani Rangers official said.

Most of them had gone to India to visit their relatives, seek medical treatment or to attend religious ceremonies.

On their return to Pakistan, they were screened and transferred to quarantine centres in Lahore where they will stay for 72 hours.

If their coronavirus test comes in negative they will be allowed to go home after 72 hours otherwise they will be quarantined for 14 days, he said.

Those who returned were reportedly also quarantined in various cities in India. Before their entry into Pakistan, they were screened at Attari, the Indian side of the border.

They were handed over to the Pakistani authorities after none of them was symptomatic. The relatives of those repatriated from India were not allowed to enter the Wagah Border to meet them.

Around 49 of them arrived here from Nagpur, 33 from Madhya Pradesh, 12 from Ahmedabad, nine each from Mumbai, Delhi, Raipur and Jaipur, six each from Bijnor and Anand, five each from Lucknow and Bhopal, four from Gurugram, three each from Agra, Raebareli, Rampur, Kaushambi, Kohlapur, Kota and Ferozepur, two from Kolkata, and one each from Burhanpur, Jodhpur and Ludhiana.

The first batch of 41 Pakistanis who were stranded in India since the start of the lockdown arrived here via the Wagah Border in mid of April.

The Indian government, on the request of the Pakistan High Commission, extended visas of all Pakistanis who were told to apply for an extension online.

Over 190 Pakistanis who were stranded in India for over two months due the coronavirus-induced lockdown on Tuesday returned to Pakistan through the Wagah Border.

Over 190 Pakistanis who were stranded in India for over two months due the coronavirus-induced lockdown on Tuesday returned to Pakistan through the Wagah Border. The Border Security Force (BSF) handed over 193 people, including women and children, to the Pakistan Rangers at the Wagah Border. These Pakistanis had been stranded in different parts of India for about two months because of the lockdown imposed to curb the spread of the coronavirus pandemic, a Pakistani Rangers official said. Most of them had gone to India to visit their relatives, seek medical treatment or to attend religious ceremonies. On their return to Pakistan, they were screened and transferred to quarantine centres in Lahore where they will stay for 72 hours. If their coronavirus test comes in negative they will be allowed to go home after 72 hours otherwise they will be quarantined for 14 days, he said. Those who returned were reportedly also quarantined in various cities in India. Before their entry into Pakistan, they were screened at Attari, the Indian side of the border. They were handed over to the Pakistani authorities after none of them was symptomatic. The relatives of those repatriated from India were not allowed to enter the Wagah Border to meet them. Around 49 of them arrived here from Nagpur, 33 from Madhya Pradesh, 12 from Ahmedabad, nine each from Mumbai, Delhi, Raipur and Jaipur, six each from Bijnor and Anand, five each from Lucknow and Bhopal, four from Gurugram, three each from Agra, Raebareli, Rampur, Kaushambi, Kohlapur, Kota and Ferozepur, two from Kolkata, and one each from Burhanpur, Jodhpur and Ludhiana. The first batch of 41 Pakistanis who were stranded in India since the start of the lockdown arrived here via the Wagah Border in mid of April. The Indian government, on the request of the Pakistan High Commission, extended visas of all Pakistanis who were told to apply for an extension online.

190 Pakistanis stranded in India for over two months due to coronavirus lockdown return home

Cash-strapped Pakistan has requested the members of G-20 nations for debt relief with a commitment of not contracting new non-concessional loans except those allowed under the IMF and World Bank guidelines, according to a media report.

The formal requests were sent to individual countries on Friday under the G-20 COVID-19 Debt Service Suspension Initiative, a senior official of the economic affairs ministry told The Express Tribune on Monday.

On April 15, the Group of 20 major economies announced a freeze on debt repayments from 76 countries, including Pakistan, during May to December 2020 period as they struggle to deal with the coronavirus pandemic, subject to the condition that each country would make a formal request.

However, one of the eligibility criteria was that the beneficiary country would not "contract new non-concessional debt during the suspension period, other than the agreements under this initiative or in compliance with limits agreed under the IMF Debt Limit Policy (DLP) or WBG policy on non-concessional borrowing".

The Pakistan government has not mentioned the debt relief in the request letters, although it has assessed the cumulative relief quantum at USD 1.8 billion for May-December 2020 period.

Pakistan has also intimated to the IMF, the World Bank and the Paris Club about its decision to formally seek debt relief. 
Last month, the IMF's Resident Representative to Pakistan Teresa Daban had said that Pakistan did not officially make any request to G-20 countries for debt relief.

Pakistan owes USD 20.7 billion to 11 members of the Group of 20 major economies. Out of this sum, an amount of USD 1.8 billion would mature by December 2020, including the interest payments, according to the Economic Affairs Ministry.

In these eight months, Pakistan will have to make USD 1.8 billion repayments to its 11 members. This includes USD 1.47 billion principal loans repayments and USD 323 million interest on the loans, the daily said.

Also, USD 613 million Saudi debt and USD 309 million Chinese debt will mature, according to the economic affairs ministry.

In this period, Pakistan is also required to return USD 23 million to Canada, USD 183 million to France, USD 99 million to Germany, USD 6 million to Italy, USD 373 million to Japan, USD 47 million to South Korean, USD 14 million to Russia, USD 1 million to UK and USD 128 million to the US.

Under an IMF condition, the USD 7.5 billion loans that the Imran Khan government had secured from China, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Qatar cannot be returned during the IMF programme period, the report said.

These loans were secured only for one year to avoid default on international debt obligations but the IMF had put a condition that this money would be rolled over every year until the programme ends in 2022.

If the G-20 member countries accept the request, Pakistan will have four years period to return the amount, including one year of grace period.

Pakistan assured the G-20 members that it would not contract new non-concessional debt during the suspension period other than the agreements under the initiative or in compliance with the limits agreed under the IMF Debt Limit Policy or World Bank Group Policy on non-concessional lending.

An IMF report had estimated Pakistan's post-COVID-19 external financing requirements at USD 25.8 billion with a financing gap of USD 2 billion.

For the next fiscal year, the IMF projected Pakistan's gross financing requirements at USD 29.3 billion and a financing gap of USD 1.5 billion.

The IMF had approved USD 1.4 billion emergency loans, which largely bridged the projected financing gap but the amount fell short of the full needs.

The G-20 countries have announced the debt relief to help the poorest countries to use the created fiscal space to increase social, health or economic spending in response to the coronavirus crisis. A monitoring system was expected to be put in place by the international financial institutions.

The debt relief will last till end of 2020 but the G-20 countries might consider a possible extension, taking into the account a report on the liquidity needs of eligible countries by the World Bank and the IMF.&nbsp;

Cash-strapped Pakistan has requested the members of G-20 nations for debt relief with a commitment of not contracting new non-concessional loans except those allowed under the IMF and World Bank guidelines, according to a media report.

Cash-strapped Pakistan has requested the members of G-20 nations for debt relief with a commitment of not contracting new non-concessional loans except those allowed under the IMF and World Bank guidelines, according to a media report. The formal requests were sent to individual countries on Friday under the G-20 COVID-19 Debt Service Suspension Initiative, a senior official of the economic affairs ministry told The Express Tribune on Monday. On April 15, the Group of 20 major economies announced a freeze on debt repayments from 76 countries, including Pakistan, during May to December 2020 period as they struggle to deal with the coronavirus pandemic, subject to the condition that each country would make a formal request. However, one of the eligibility criteria was that the beneficiary country would not "contract new non-concessional debt during the suspension period, other than the agreements under this initiative or in compliance with limits agreed under the IMF Debt Limit Policy (DLP) or WBG policy on non-concessional borrowing". The Pakistan government has not mentioned the debt relief in the request letters, although it has assessed the cumulative relief quantum at USD 1.8 billion for May-December 2020 period. Pakistan has also intimated to the IMF, the World Bank and the Paris Club about its decision to formally seek debt relief. Last month, the IMF's Resident Representative to Pakistan Teresa Daban had said that Pakistan did not officially make any request to G-20 countries for debt relief. Pakistan owes USD 20.7 billion to 11 members of the Group of 20 major economies. Out of this sum, an amount of USD 1.8 billion would mature by December 2020, including the interest payments, according to the Economic Affairs Ministry. In these eight months, Pakistan will have to make USD 1.8 billion repayments to its 11 members. This includes USD 1.47 billion principal loans repayments and USD 323 million interest on the loans, the daily said. Also, USD 613 million Saudi debt and USD 309 million Chinese debt will mature, according to the economic affairs ministry. In this period, Pakistan is also required to return USD 23 million to Canada, USD 183 million to France, USD 99 million to Germany, USD 6 million to Italy, USD 373 million to Japan, USD 47 million to South Korean, USD 14 million to Russia, USD 1 million to UK and USD 128 million to the US. Under an IMF condition, the USD 7.5 billion loans that the Imran Khan government had secured from China, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates and Qatar cannot be returned during the IMF programme period, the report said. These loans were secured only for one year to avoid default on international debt obligations but the IMF had put a condition that this money would be rolled over every year until the programme ends in 2022. If the G-20 member countries accept the request, Pakistan will have four years period to return the amount, including one year of grace period. Pakistan assured the G-20 members that it would not contract new non-concessional debt during the suspension period other than the agreements under the initiative or in compliance with the limits agreed under the IMF Debt Limit Policy or World Bank Group Policy on non-concessional lending. An IMF report had estimated Pakistan's post-COVID-19 external financing requirements at USD 25.8 billion with a financing gap of USD 2 billion. For the next fiscal year, the IMF projected Pakistan's gross financing requirements at USD 29.3 billion and a financing gap of USD 1.5 billion. The IMF had approved USD 1.4 billion emergency loans, which largely bridged the projected financing gap but the amount fell short of the full needs. The G-20 countries have announced the debt relief to help the poorest countries to use the created fiscal space to increase social, health or economic spending in response to the coronavirus crisis. A monitoring system was expected to be put in place by the international financial institutions. The debt relief will last till end of 2020 but the G-20 countries might consider a possible extension, taking into the account a report on the liquidity needs of eligible countries by the World Bank and the IMF.

Pakistan formally applies for G-20 debt relief

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi invited the wrath of many when he misbehaved with a journalist over a question in a press briefing.

In a video doing rounds on the internet, Qureshi can be seen slamming a reporter who asked him why he was not following physical distancing guidelines amid the coronavirus lockdown.&nbsp;

The video is&nbsp;shared by Pakistani journalist Naila Inayat on Twitter.

Qureshi, when asked the question, gets angry and asks&nbsp;the reporter: "Are you following social distancing?"

"You shouldn't have come here, did I invite you? This is negative thinking. I have come to provide a service and you are doing your job. You do your work and let me do mine," he adds.&nbsp;

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At a presser reporter asks foreign minister why he's not following physical distancing. Qureshi gets angry, tells the reporter: You shouldn't have come, did I invite you? <a href="https://t.co/ZJWv6Mtmrp">pic.twitter.com/ZJWv6Mtmrp</a>
— Naila Inayat नायला इनायत (@nailainayat) <a href="https://twitter.com/nailainayat/status/1257016167841042435?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 3, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Last month, a Station House Officer (SHO) in Multan had complained about Qureshi's misbehaviour.

As told, Qureshi directed the SHO to change his attitude towards the public, but in doing so, he issued physical threats.

"Kaam karna hai toh karo, nahin toh gardan se pakad ke nikaal doonga," Qureshi had warned the officer.&nbsp;

This video was also posted by Inayat.

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Shah Mehmood Qureshi threatening a SHO in Multan: "Gardan se pakr k nikal du ga", "kaam karna hai karo warna na karo". 
 
This man is the foreign minister of Pakistan and a PM-aspirant forever. <a href="https://t.co/BkMbKOr05j">pic.twitter.com/BkMbKOr05j</a>
— Naila Inayat नायला इनायत (@nailainayat) <a href="https://twitter.com/nailainayat/status/1252232215708135424?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 20, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Meanwhile, Pakistan's tally of the coronavirus cases crossed the 20,000-mark on Monday after 1,083 new infections were diagnosed.

In the last 24 hours, 1,083 new cases were reported, taking the total to 20,186 patients.

There were 22 deaths during this period, upping the fatalities to 462. A total of 5,590 patients have recovered in the country.

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi invited the wrath of many when he misbehaved with a journalist over a question in a press briefing. In a video doing rounds on the internet, Qureshi can be seen slamming a reporter who asked him why he was not following physical distancing guidelines amid the coronavirus lockdown.

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi invited the wrath of many when he misbehaved with a journalist over a question in a press briefing. In a video doing rounds on the internet, Qureshi can be seen slamming a reporter who asked him why he was not following physical distancing guidelines amid the coronavirus lockdown. The video is shared by Pakistani journalist Naila Inayat on Twitter. Qureshi, when asked the question, gets angry and asks the reporter: "Are you following social distancing?" "You shouldn't have come here, did I invite you? This is negative thinking. I have come to provide a service and you are doing your job. You do your work and let me do mine," he adds. At a presser reporter asks foreign minister why he's not following physical distancing. Qureshi gets angry, tells the reporter: You shouldn't have come, did I invite you? pic.twitter.com/ZJWv6Mtmrp — Naila Inayat नायला इनायत (@nailainayat) May 3, 2020 × Last month, a Station House Officer (SHO) in Multan had complained about Qureshi's misbehaviour. As told, Qureshi directed the SHO to change his attitude towards the public, but in doing so, he issued physical threats. "Kaam karna hai toh karo, nahin toh gardan se pakad ke nikaal doonga," Qureshi had warned the officer. This video was also posted by Inayat. Shah Mehmood Qureshi threatening a SHO in Multan: "Gardan se pakr k nikal du ga", "kaam karna hai karo warna na karo". This man is the foreign minister of Pakistan and a PM-aspirant forever. pic.twitter.com/BkMbKOr05j — Naila Inayat नायला इनायत (@nailainayat) April 20, 2020 × Meanwhile, Pakistan's tally of the coronavirus cases crossed the 20,000-mark on Monday after 1,083 new infections were diagnosed. In the last 24 hours, 1,083 new cases were reported, taking the total to 20,186 patients. There were 22 deaths during this period, upping the fatalities to 462. A total of 5,590 patients have recovered in the country.

Pak FM rebukes journalist who questioned him on social distancing

India has lodged a strong protest against the orders by Islamabad to "bring material change in Pakistan occupied territories" in Jammu and Kashmir. New Delhi also said Islamabad must "immediately vacate them", in the wake of an order by Pakistan's Supreme Court on Gilgit-Baltistan.

India delivered a demarche on Monday to a senior Pakistan diplomat conveying that "the entire Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, including the areas of Gilgit and Baltistan, are an integral part of India" by virtue of its fully legal and irrevocable accession.

Pakistan's government or its judiciary has no locus standi on territories illegally and forcibly occupied by it, New Delhi said.

"India completely rejects such actions and continued attempts to bring material changes in Pakistan occupied areas of the Indian territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Instead, Pakistan should immediately vacate all areas under its illegal occupation," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said, in a note.

India was reacting to a Pakistan's Supreme Court order that allowed its government to hold elections in September in Gilgit-Baltistan. The order implied Gilgit-Baltistan came within its domain, and that Pakistan could set up a caretaker government during the interim period.

The MEA further said "such actions can neither hide the illegal occupation of parts of Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh by Pakistan nor the grave human rights violations, exploitation and denial of freedom to the people residing in Pakistan occupied territories for the past seven decades."

The Government of India’s position in the matter is also reflected in the resolution passed by the Parliament in 1994 by consensus.

India has lodged a strong protest against the orders by Islamabad to "bring material change in Pakistan occupied territories" in Jammu and Kashmir. New Delhi also said Islamabad must "immediately vacate them", in the wake of an order by Pakistan's Supreme Court on Gilgit-Baltistan.

India has lodged a strong protest against the orders by Islamabad to "bring material change in Pakistan occupied territories" in Jammu and Kashmir. New Delhi also said Islamabad must "immediately vacate them", in the wake of an order by Pakistan's Supreme Court on Gilgit-Baltistan. India delivered a demarche on Monday to a senior Pakistan diplomat conveying that "the entire Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, including the areas of Gilgit and Baltistan, are an integral part of India" by virtue of its fully legal and irrevocable accession. Pakistan's government or its judiciary has no locus standi on territories illegally and forcibly occupied by it, New Delhi said. "India completely rejects such actions and continued attempts to bring material changes in Pakistan occupied areas of the Indian territory of Jammu and Kashmir. Instead, Pakistan should immediately vacate all areas under its illegal occupation," the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said, in a note. India was reacting to a Pakistan's Supreme Court order that allowed its government to hold elections in September in Gilgit-Baltistan. The order implied Gilgit-Baltistan came within its domain, and that Pakistan could set up a caretaker government during the interim period. The MEA further said "such actions can neither hide the illegal occupation of parts of Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh by Pakistan nor the grave human rights violations, exploitation and denial of freedom to the people residing in Pakistan occupied territories for the past seven decades." The Government of India’s position in the matter is also reflected in the resolution passed by the Parliament in 1994 by consensus.

India registers protest against bringing 'material changes' in Pak-occupied areas in J&K

Slain US journalist Daniel Pearl's parents have petitioned to the Pakistani Supreme Court seeking to overturn a ruling that freed four men who had been convicted in 2002 of involvement in his killing, their lawyer said on Saturday.

Daniel Pearl's parents appeal in Pakistani court following freeing of son's killers

As the news of&nbsp;Baloch journalist Sajid Hussain's death was reported, his well-wishers demanded that a proper investigation be launched by the Swedish authorities. His friends, activists and journalists, are alleging&nbsp;Pakistan's spy agency, ISI, to be behind his tragic death.

Sajid Hussain, went to Sweden in 2012 as an exile, and had been missing. His dead body was found on April 23 in the Fyris river outside Uppsala.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/swedish-police-find-body-of-missing-baloch-journalist-296195">Also read:&nbsp;Swedish police find body of missing Baloch journalist</a>

"The Baloch people are in shock. The Baloch are facing genocide in Balochistan but now even Baloch refugees are not safe in a country like Sweden. We demand proper investigations of this ruthless murder and to provide proper protection to the Baloch people in Europe and other parts of the world,"&nbsp;Professor Naela Quadri, President of the Baloch People`s Congress was quoted by ANI.

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Body of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SajidHussain?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SajidHussain</a>, our varsity friend, and a fellow journalist, has been found today in Sweden. I am sharing some of his explosive journalistic work (among many others) published in The News about <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Balochistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Balochistan</a> that has landed him into trouble. 1
— Zia Ur Rehman (@zalmayzia) <a href="https://twitter.com/zalmayzia/status/1256284561815863297?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 1, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Hussain was the Editor-in-Chief of Balochistan Times. His wife has revealed that Hussain suspected he was being followed before he fled to Sweden. She said that her husband's report on&nbsp;a top drug lord Imam Bheel in 2012 had landed him amid some threats, following which he left Pakistan.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/pak-summons-senior-indian-diplomat-over-alleged-ceasefire-violation-296267">Also read:&nbsp;Pak summons senior Indian diplomat over alleged ceasefire violation</a>

"Then some people broke into his house in Quetta when he was out investigating a story. They took away his laptop and other papers too. After that he left Pakistan in September 2012 and never came back," his wife was quoted in Dawn.

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Saddened to hear about the murder of journalist Sajid Hussain. The <a href="https://twitter.com/SweMFA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SweMFA</a> govt owes it to his family to@investigate the case and ensure that they find who is behind the gruesome act of killing a refugee
— Ayesha Siddiqa (@iamthedrifter) <a href="https://twitter.com/iamthedrifter/status/1256195675479584769?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 1, 2020</a></blockquote>
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Hussain was known for writing about the human rights violations, state brutalities and barbarism in Balochistan. Like other activists and journalists, who stand up against the barbaric conditions of Balochistan, Hussain too feared for his life.

The Committee to Protest Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters Without Borders also offered their condolences and demanded a proper investigation be launched.

Balochistan Times also offered condolences on his tragic death. "As a journalist, he was compassionate and wrote extensively on the suffering of the Baloch people. His work often got him into trouble as the authorities did not like his reporting of Balochistan`s forbidden stories, the reason he had to leave and live in exile."

(With inputs from agencies)

As the news of Baloch journalist Sajid Hussain's death was reported, his well-wishers demanded that a proper investigation be launched by the Swedish authorities.

As the news of Baloch journalist Sajid Hussain's death was reported, his well-wishers demanded that a proper investigation be launched by the Swedish authorities. His friends, activists and journalists, are alleging Pakistan's spy agency, ISI, to be behind his tragic death. Sajid Hussain, went to Sweden in 2012 as an exile, and had been missing. His dead body was found on April 23 in the Fyris river outside Uppsala. Also read: Swedish police find body of missing Baloch journalist "The Baloch people are in shock. The Baloch are facing genocide in Balochistan but now even Baloch refugees are not safe in a country like Sweden. We demand proper investigations of this ruthless murder and to provide proper protection to the Baloch people in Europe and other parts of the world," Professor Naela Quadri, President of the Baloch People`s Congress was quoted by ANI. Thread: Body of #SajidHussain, our varsity friend, and a fellow journalist, has been found today in Sweden. I am sharing some of his explosive journalistic work (among many others) published in The News about #Balochistan that has landed him into trouble. 1 — Zia Ur Rehman (@zalmayzia) May 1, 2020 × Hussain was the Editor-in-Chief of Balochistan Times. His wife has revealed that Hussain suspected he was being followed before he fled to Sweden. She said that her husband's report on a top drug lord Imam Bheel in 2012 had landed him amid some threats, following which he left Pakistan. Also read: Pak summons senior Indian diplomat over alleged ceasefire violation "Then some people broke into his house in Quetta when he was out investigating a story. They took away his laptop and other papers too. After that he left Pakistan in September 2012 and never came back," his wife was quoted in Dawn. Saddened to hear about the murder of journalist Sajid Hussain. The @SweMFA govt owes it to his family to@investigate the case and ensure that they find who is behind the gruesome act of killing a refugee — Ayesha Siddiqa (@iamthedrifter) May 1, 2020 × Hussain was known for writing about the human rights violations, state brutalities and barbarism in Balochistan. Like other activists and journalists, who stand up against the barbaric conditions of Balochistan, Hussain too feared for his life. The Committee to Protest Journalists (CPJ) and Reporters Without Borders also offered their condolences and demanded a proper investigation be launched. Balochistan Times also offered condolences on his tragic death. "As a journalist, he was compassionate and wrote extensively on the suffering of the Baloch people. His work often got him into trouble as the authorities did not like his reporting of Balochistan`s forbidden stories, the reason he had to leave and live in exile." (With inputs from agencies)

ISI behind Baloch journalist Sajid Hussain's death, say well-wishers

Pakistani Journalist Sajid Hussain who was missing since March had recently found dead in a Sweden river. In 2012, Hussain's house was raided & his laptop was seized.

Pakistani Journalist who was missing since March, found dead in a Sweden river

Pakistan on Saturday summoned a senior Indian diplomat to register a strong protest over alleged ceasefire violations by the Indian forces along the Line of Control (LoC) in which a woman was killed.

The Foreign Office (FO) claimed in a statement that the Indian forces violated ceasefire in Hajipir and Sankh Sectors on Friday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-approves-remdesivir-as-several-states-ease-lockdown-296248">Also read:&nbsp;US approves Remdesivir as several states ease lockdown</a>

The Indian forces along the LoC and the Working Boundary (WB) have continuously been targeting civilian populated areas with artillery fire, heavy-calibre mortars and automatic weapons,? the FO said.

It claimed that in 2020, India has so far committed 940 ceasefire violations.

A 30-year-old woman was killed in Friday's "unprovoked firing" by the Indian forces, the FO claimed.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/swedish-police-find-body-of-missing-baloch-journalist-296195">Also read:&nbsp;Swedish police find body of missing Baloch journalist</a>

This is the second time this week that Pakistan has summoned an Indian diplomat.

Pakistan on Thursday summoned the Indian Charge d'Affaires here to protest against the alleged firing by the Indian troops across the Line of Control that resulted in the killing of a Pakistani soldier and two civilians. 
The FO asked the Indian side to respect the 2003 Ceasefire Understanding; investigate this and other such incidents of "deliberate" ceasefire violations and maintain peace along the LoC and the WB.

The Indian side was also asked to allow the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) to play its mandated role as per the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolutions, according to the FO. India maintains that UNMOGIP has outlived its utility and is irrelevant after the Simla Agreement and the consequent establishment of the LoC.&nbsp;

Pakistan on Saturday summoned a senior Indian diplomat to register a strong protest over alleged ceasefire violations by the Indian forces along the Line of Control (LoC) in which a woman was killed.

Pakistan on Saturday summoned a senior Indian diplomat to register a strong protest over alleged ceasefire violations by the Indian forces along the Line of Control (LoC) in which a woman was killed. The Foreign Office (FO) claimed in a statement that the Indian forces violated ceasefire in Hajipir and Sankh Sectors on Friday. Also read: US approves Remdesivir as several states ease lockdown The Indian forces along the LoC and the Working Boundary (WB) have continuously been targeting civilian populated areas with artillery fire, heavy-calibre mortars and automatic weapons,? the FO said. It claimed that in 2020, India has so far committed 940 ceasefire violations. A 30-year-old woman was killed in Friday's "unprovoked firing" by the Indian forces, the FO claimed. Also read: Swedish police find body of missing Baloch journalist This is the second time this week that Pakistan has summoned an Indian diplomat. Pakistan on Thursday summoned the Indian Charge d'Affaires here to protest against the alleged firing by the Indian troops across the Line of Control that resulted in the killing of a Pakistani soldier and two civilians. The FO asked the Indian side to respect the 2003 Ceasefire Understanding; investigate this and other such incidents of "deliberate" ceasefire violations and maintain peace along the LoC and the WB. The Indian side was also asked to allow the United Nations Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) to play its mandated role as per the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) Resolutions, according to the FO. India maintains that UNMOGIP has outlived its utility and is irrelevant after the Simla Agreement and the consequent establishment of the LoC.

Pak summons senior Indian diplomat over alleged ceasefire violation

Pakistan's consumer price inflation eased to 9.5% in April, its statistics office said on Friday, extending a months-long decline as the economy tanks due to the coronavirus crisis despite three interest rate cuts.

The South Asian nation is struggling to keep its economy afloat as the reported number of infections from COVID-19, the highly contagious respiratory disease caused by the novel coronavirus has risen to 16,817, with 385 deaths.

Consumer price inflation was 10.24% in March after having risen in January to 14.56%, its highest in over a decade, severely squeezing household budgets.

The central bank kept interest rates unchanged at 13.25% in January but, once the coronavirus began battering business and household finances, it slashed rates three times in recent weeks to 9% to help cushion the blow.

Pakistan now faces a balance of payment crisis as the economy heads towards a major recession with a 1.5 per cent contraction forecast in the current financial year ending in June, compared with a pre-COVID-19 forecast of nearly 3% growth, according to the finance ministry and central bank.

Growth is projected to recover to about 2% in the 2021/22 fiscal year.

A steep drop in oil prices, which comprise most of Pakistan's import bill, has been welcome, allowing pump prices for petrol and diesel to be cut by 27% and 35% respectively since February, with the biggest cut coming on Thursday.

But critics say the government has not passed on the full advantage of the oil price fall to the public, instead raising taxes on petrol and diesel by up to 300%.

With the current account deficit mounting and foreign reserves shrivelling, businesses and industries that were shut to contain the spread of the coronavirus have been allowed to start reopening.

Pakistan agreed a $6 billion bailout from the International Monetary Fund last year and secured another $1.386 billion in rapid financing from the IMF at zero interest last month.

Islamabad is hoping for more bailout packages from the World Bank and other development partners as it plans to file for debt relief from G20 countries and bilateral partners, mainly longtime ally China.

Pakistan's consumer price inflation eased to 9.5% in April, its statistics office said on Friday, extending a months-long decline as the economy tanks due to the coronavirus crisis despite three interest rate cuts.

Pakistan's consumer price inflation eased to 9.5% in April, its statistics office said on Friday, extending a months-long decline as the economy tanks due to the coronavirus crisis despite three interest rate cuts. The South Asian nation is struggling to keep its economy afloat as the reported number of infections from COVID-19, the highly contagious respiratory disease caused by the novel coronavirus has risen to 16,817, with 385 deaths. Consumer price inflation was 10.24% in March after having risen in January to 14.56%, its highest in over a decade, severely squeezing household budgets. The central bank kept interest rates unchanged at 13.25% in January but, once the coronavirus began battering business and household finances, it slashed rates three times in recent weeks to 9% to help cushion the blow. Pakistan now faces a balance of payment crisis as the economy heads towards a major recession with a 1.5 per cent contraction forecast in the current financial year ending in June, compared with a pre-COVID-19 forecast of nearly 3% growth, according to the finance ministry and central bank. Growth is projected to recover to about 2% in the 2021/22 fiscal year. A steep drop in oil prices, which comprise most of Pakistan's import bill, has been welcome, allowing pump prices for petrol and diesel to be cut by 27% and 35% respectively since February, with the biggest cut coming on Thursday. But critics say the government has not passed on the full advantage of the oil price fall to the public, instead raising taxes on petrol and diesel by up to 300%. With the current account deficit mounting and foreign reserves shrivelling, businesses and industries that were shut to contain the spread of the coronavirus have been allowed to start reopening. Pakistan agreed a $6 billion bailout from the International Monetary Fund last year and secured another $1.386 billion in rapid financing from the IMF at zero interest last month. Islamabad is hoping for more bailout packages from the World Bank and other development partners as it plans to file for debt relief from G20 countries and bilateral partners, mainly longtime ally China.

Pakistan's inflation eases as COVID-19 hammers economy

Pakistan's National assembly speaker Asad Qaiser have been tested positive for COVID-19. Watch this report to know more.

Pakistan's National assembly speaker Asad Qaiser tests positive for COVID-19

Amid <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/coronavirus-cases-in-pakistan-rise-to-16817-with-385-deaths-296012">coronavirus pandemic</a>, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday stressed on the need of building its own healthcare infrastructure and underlined the need of independence for the country.

Speaking at COMSTECH exhibition in Islamabad, Khan said, "The coronavirus has brought to the fore that Pakistan needs to build its medical infrastructure and reduce dependency on foreign aid".

"We have a dependency syndrome; we don't have that self-belief, we didn’t progress towards the knowledge economy because we didn't spend on education and research. Pakistanis excel once they immigrate; why can't you create that system here?" Khan also said.

"We have to focus on building our medical infrastructure so that we are prepared for any such emergency situation in the future," he added.

COMSTECH is an Organisation of Islamic Cooperation's Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation for the promotion and cooperation of science and technology activities among the OIC member states.&nbsp;

Pakistan has a poor medical care system which is ill-equipped to deal with any major outbreak such as coronavirus.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, coronavirus cases in the South Asian nation climbed to 16,817 while the death toll from the pandemic has reached 385.

Amid coronavirus pandemic, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday stressed on the need of building its own healthcare infrastructure and underlined the need of independence for the country.

Amid coronavirus pandemic, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday stressed on the need of building its own healthcare infrastructure and underlined the need of independence for the country. Speaking at COMSTECH exhibition in Islamabad, Khan said, "The coronavirus has brought to the fore that Pakistan needs to build its medical infrastructure and reduce dependency on foreign aid". "We have a dependency syndrome; we don't have that self-belief, we didn’t progress towards the knowledge economy because we didn't spend on education and research. Pakistanis excel once they immigrate; why can't you create that system here?" Khan also said. "We have to focus on building our medical infrastructure so that we are prepared for any such emergency situation in the future," he added. COMSTECH is an Organisation of Islamic Cooperation's Standing Committee on Scientific and Technological Cooperation for the promotion and cooperation of science and technology activities among the OIC member states. Pakistan has a poor medical care system which is ill-equipped to deal with any major outbreak such as coronavirus. Meanwhile, coronavirus cases in the South Asian nation climbed to 16,817 while the death toll from the pandemic has reached 385.

Pakistan: Need to build medical infrastructure and reduce dependency on foreign aid, says PM Imran Khan

Keen to show that it is acting on terror groups, Pakistan has done what it has been doing in the past, change names of terror groups.&nbsp;

It has emerged that Lashkar-e-Taiba's name has been changed into TRF-- The Resistance Front. TRF has been involved in several attacks in the union territory of J&amp;K.

While Lashkar has been listed by the United Nations and has been banned globally, the group formed under the new name has no such ban.

"These terrorists are being pushed into Kashmir by Pakistan Army. When infiltration efforts get countered by the strong counter-infiltration grid of Indian Army, Pakistan Army resorts to the Cease Fire Violation. Experiencing these tricks in past, Indian Army constructed Anti-Infiltration Obstacle Systems and enhanced its surveillance capabilities, thereby negating the effect of firing in successfully aiding infiltration" army sources told WION.

In March, J&amp;K Police DG confirmed to WION existence of such a group. He told WION, "This TRF as a local front of Lashkar-e- Toiba was launched by Pakistan immediately after Aug 5th Abrogation of Art. 370 and so far not armed with firearms. They were involved in Grenade attacks and OGW actions only."

Explaining, "This is the first-ever TRF module of LeT identified and busted by police which was going to be armed very soon"

The group back that was seen involved in the transfer of a consignment of weapons.

Intel inputs confirmed, in a bid to save itself from FATF rap, Pak changed named to TRF. This comes as Islamabad tries to convince the anti-terror financing group that it is working on the deadline to full fill its commitments.

FATF has postponed the deadline for Pakistan among other countries by 4 months due to COVID-19 crisis.&nbsp;

In a release, FATF said, "The gravity of the COVID-19 situation globally and the consequent COVID-19 related measures that countries have adopted, such as confinement and travel restrictions, are making it impossible for assessed jurisdictions and assessors alike to conduct on-site visits and in-person meetings."

This, "FATF has decided on a general pause in the review process for the list of high-risk jurisdictions subject to a call for action and jurisdictions subject to increased monitoring, by granting jurisdictions an additional four months for deadlines. Thus, the FATF is not reviewing them in June."

While FATF has postponed the review of Pakistan's remaining action plan items in view of Covid to September 2020, Islamabad is not off the hook. They still need to take action on the remaining action plan items by Sept.Pakistan’s 27 point Action Plan deadline had already expired in September 2019.

In Feb, Islamabad got period till June to act to either --get removed from greylist or get blacklisted. Being on FATF’s grey list has caused a loss of $10 billion to Islamabad and if Islamabad fails to take any concrete action on terror, it might be put on the blacklist.

Keen to show that it is acting on terror groups, Pakistan has done what it has been doing in the past, change names of terror groups. It has emerged that Lashkar-e-Taiba's name has been changed into TRF-- The Resistance Front.

Keen to show that it is acting on terror groups, Pakistan has done what it has been doing in the past, change names of terror groups. It has emerged that Lashkar-e-Taiba's name has been changed into TRF-- The Resistance Front. TRF has been involved in several attacks in the union territory of J&K. While Lashkar has been listed by the United Nations and has been banned globally, the group formed under the new name has no such ban. "These terrorists are being pushed into Kashmir by Pakistan Army. When infiltration efforts get countered by the strong counter-infiltration grid of Indian Army, Pakistan Army resorts to the Cease Fire Violation. Experiencing these tricks in past, Indian Army constructed Anti-Infiltration Obstacle Systems and enhanced its surveillance capabilities, thereby negating the effect of firing in successfully aiding infiltration" army sources told WION. In March, J&K Police DG confirmed to WION existence of such a group. He told WION, "This TRF as a local front of Lashkar-e- Toiba was launched by Pakistan immediately after Aug 5th Abrogation of Art. 370 and so far not armed with firearms. They were involved in Grenade attacks and OGW actions only." Explaining, "This is the first-ever TRF module of LeT identified and busted by police which was going to be armed very soon" The group back that was seen involved in the transfer of a consignment of weapons. Intel inputs confirmed, in a bid to save itself from FATF rap, Pak changed named to TRF. This comes as Islamabad tries to convince the anti-terror financing group that it is working on the deadline to full fill its commitments. FATF has postponed the deadline for Pakistan among other countries by 4 months due to COVID-19 crisis. In a release, FATF said, "The gravity of the COVID-19 situation globally and the consequent COVID-19 related measures that countries have adopted, such as confinement and travel restrictions, are making it impossible for assessed jurisdictions and assessors alike to conduct on-site visits and in-person meetings." This, "FATF has decided on a general pause in the review process for the list of high-risk jurisdictions subject to a call for action and jurisdictions subject to increased monitoring, by granting jurisdictions an additional four months for deadlines. Thus, the FATF is not reviewing them in June." While FATF has postponed the review of Pakistan's remaining action plan items in view of Covid to September 2020, Islamabad is not off the hook. They still need to take action on the remaining action plan items by Sept.Pakistan’s 27 point Action Plan deadline had already expired in September 2019. In Feb, Islamabad got period till June to act to either --get removed from greylist or get blacklisted. Being on FATF’s grey list has caused a loss of $10 billion to Islamabad and if Islamabad fails to take any concrete action on terror, it might be put on the blacklist.

New name, same old terror group; LeT becomes TRF to save Pak from FATF axe

Pakistani media mogul Mir Shakilur Rehman, arrested on charges of illegally obtaining government land here over three decades ago when Nawaz Sharif was the chief minister of Punjab province, has been sent to jail on judicial remand after the country's anti-graft body did not seek his further custody.

Mir Shakilur Rahman, the editor-in-chief of the Jang group which owns some of Pakistan's widely circulated newspapers and the Geo television network, was arrested on March 12 by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) and was in its custody till April 28.

An accountability court on Tuesday sent Rehman to jail on judicial remand till May 12 after the prosecutor said the NAB did not need him anymore for investigation, the Dawn News reported.

The charges against Rehman relating to the purchase of several plots of land in Lahore go back to 1986 when Sharif was the chief minister of Punjab province.

The NAB alleged that Sharif allowed Rahman illegally acquire more government-owned-land than he was allowed by law.

On April 27, the anti-graft body had issued an arrest warrant against the embattled former prime minister Sharif in the land corruption case.

The 70-year-old supremo of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, is currently in London for medical treatment.

According to NAB officials, Sharif illegally leased the land to Rehman.

At the outset of Rehman's remand hearing on Tuesday, NAB Special Prosecutor Asim Mumtaz told the court that he could not be brought for the hearing as he was admitted to a private hospital owing to bad health.

He also submitted a medical certificate of the hospital to the court. The prosecutor asked the court to send the suspect on judicial remand as the bureau did not need him anymore for investigation.

However, Presiding Judge Jawadul Hassan expressed displeasure over the bureau for not presenting the suspect before the court and also refused to entertain the medical certificate of a private hospital, the daily reported.

Later, the NAB brought Rehman to the court in an ambulance from the hospital. The prosecutor requested the court to permit Rehman to stay at the hospital during the judicial remand.

The judge turned down the request and observed that the NAB itself had the power to keep an under-trial prisoner at hospital.

Judge Hassan entrusted the custody of Rehman to superintendent of district jail with direction to produce him on May 12.&nbsp;

Pakistani media mogul Mir Shakilur Rehman, arrested on charges of illegally obtaining government land here over three decades ago when Nawaz Sharif was the chief minister of Punjab province, has been sent to jail on judicial remand after the country's anti-graft body did not seek his further custody.

Pakistani media mogul Mir Shakilur Rehman, arrested on charges of illegally obtaining government land here over three decades ago when Nawaz Sharif was the chief minister of Punjab province, has been sent to jail on judicial remand after the country's anti-graft body did not seek his further custody. Mir Shakilur Rahman, the editor-in-chief of the Jang group which owns some of Pakistan's widely circulated newspapers and the Geo television network, was arrested on March 12 by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) and was in its custody till April 28. An accountability court on Tuesday sent Rehman to jail on judicial remand till May 12 after the prosecutor said the NAB did not need him anymore for investigation, the Dawn News reported. The charges against Rehman relating to the purchase of several plots of land in Lahore go back to 1986 when Sharif was the chief minister of Punjab province. The NAB alleged that Sharif allowed Rahman illegally acquire more government-owned-land than he was allowed by law. On April 27, the anti-graft body had issued an arrest warrant against the embattled former prime minister Sharif in the land corruption case. The 70-year-old supremo of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, is currently in London for medical treatment. According to NAB officials, Sharif illegally leased the land to Rehman. At the outset of Rehman's remand hearing on Tuesday, NAB Special Prosecutor Asim Mumtaz told the court that he could not be brought for the hearing as he was admitted to a private hospital owing to bad health. He also submitted a medical certificate of the hospital to the court. The prosecutor asked the court to send the suspect on judicial remand as the bureau did not need him anymore for investigation. However, Presiding Judge Jawadul Hassan expressed displeasure over the bureau for not presenting the suspect before the court and also refused to entertain the medical certificate of a private hospital, the daily reported. Later, the NAB brought Rehman to the court in an ambulance from the hospital. The prosecutor requested the court to permit Rehman to stay at the hospital during the judicial remand. The judge turned down the request and observed that the NAB itself had the power to keep an under-trial prisoner at hospital. Judge Hassan entrusted the custody of Rehman to superintendent of district jail with direction to produce him on May 12.

Pak media mogul remanded in judicial custody in 34-year-old land scam case

India has slammed US religious panel report which has reached new levels of misrepresentation. The report says that minorities are under increasing assault in India. Watch report.

India snubs US religious panel: India listed along with Pak, North Korea

Pakistan's top cleric Tariq Jamil, who commented that women's dressing sense has brought the wrath of coronavirus upon the country on live television has come out to apologize for the statements.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-top-cleric-tariq-jamil-claims-women-caused-covid-19-294965">Pakistan's top cleric Tariq Jamil claims women caused COVID-19</a>

The cleric took to Twitter to clarify and apologise for what he said: "Recently I made some comments that I wish to clarify. My aim was to point out that WE are all to blame for our current state. It was meant to be a general remark not targeting any specific men, women, persons or gender, but as a reminder to get closer to what Allah teaches us."

Jamil also said that his sole aim was to remind everyone to be "spiritual" and to stay away from the "desires and the materialistic". He said: My goal was to remind us all to focus on the spiritual and away from our desires and the materialistic. I am the first to admit as I have taught over the years, that there is no excuse for making any hurtful comments about anyone or making anyone feel uncomfortable."&nbsp;

He apologised for the statements he made: For which I sincerely apologize to anyone who may been inadvertently hurt. I pray that Allah accept our good deeds and forgive our shortcomings.

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Recently I made some comments that I wish to clarify 
My aim was to point out that WE are all to blame for our current state. It was meant to be a general remark not targeting any specific men, women, persons or gender, but as a reminder to get closer to what Allah teaches us.
— Tariq Jamil (@TariqJamilOFCL) <a href="https://twitter.com/TariqJamilOFCL/status/1254906518832635905?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 27, 2020</a></blockquote>
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For which I sincerely apologize to anyone who may been inadvertently hurt. 
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— Tariq Jamil (@TariqJamilOFCL) <a href="https://twitter.com/TariqJamilOFCL/status/1254907765451034625?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 27, 2020</a></blockquote>
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The cleric blamed the pandemic on the women calling it a "wrongdoing of women". According to Jameel, women who "often scantily" dress were the reason for an outbreak in the country. He condemned the women and said their behaviour has put the country in jeopardy. &nbsp;These comments were made during the Ehsaas Telethon fundraising event on live television in the presence of Prime Minister Imran Khan.

Pakistan's top cleric Tariq Jamil, who commented that women's dressing sense has brought the wrath of coronavirus upon the country on live television has come out to apologize for the statements.

Pakistan's top cleric Tariq Jamil, who commented that women's dressing sense has brought the wrath of coronavirus upon the country on live television has come out to apologize for the statements. Also read: Pakistan's top cleric Tariq Jamil claims women caused COVID-19 The cleric took to Twitter to clarify and apologise for what he said: "Recently I made some comments that I wish to clarify. My aim was to point out that WE are all to blame for our current state. It was meant to be a general remark not targeting any specific men, women, persons or gender, but as a reminder to get closer to what Allah teaches us." Jamil also said that his sole aim was to remind everyone to be "spiritual" and to stay away from the "desires and the materialistic". He said: My goal was to remind us all to focus on the spiritual and away from our desires and the materialistic. I am the first to admit as I have taught over the years, that there is no excuse for making any hurtful comments about anyone or making anyone feel uncomfortable." He apologised for the statements he made: For which I sincerely apologize to anyone who may been inadvertently hurt. I pray that Allah accept our good deeds and forgive our shortcomings. Recently I made some comments that I wish to clarify My aim was to point out that WE are all to blame for our current state. It was meant to be a general remark not targeting any specific men, women, persons or gender, but as a reminder to get closer to what Allah teaches us. — Tariq Jamil (@TariqJamilOFCL) April 27, 2020 × For which I sincerely apologize to anyone who may been inadvertently hurt. I pray that Allah accept our good deeds and forgive our shortcomings.#tariqjamil — Tariq Jamil (@TariqJamilOFCL) April 27, 2020 × The cleric blamed the pandemic on the women calling it a "wrongdoing of women". According to Jameel, women who "often scantily" dress were the reason for an outbreak in the country. He condemned the women and said their behaviour has put the country in jeopardy. These comments were made during the Ehsaas Telethon fundraising event on live television in the presence of Prime Minister Imran Khan.

Pakistan cleric Tariq  Jamil apologises for his remarks claiming women caused COVID-19

In a televised fundraiser, a top Pakistani cleric blamed the Coronavirus pandemic on 'scantily dressed women'. Instead of rebuking the cleric, the Pak PM shifted blame and accused Bollywood of corrupting Pakistan's youth.

Gravitas: Coronavirus: Pakistan's misogyny in the face of death

Pakistan's anti-graft body has issued an arrest warrant against embattled former prime minister Nawaz Sharif in a 34-year-old land related corruption case.

The 70-year-old supremo of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, is currently in London for medical treatment.

According to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) officials, Sharif illegally leased the land to Jang Group editor-in-chief Mir Shakilur Rehman in 1986, when the three-time premier was the chief minister of Punjab province.

"The NAB has issued arrest warrants of PML-N supreme leader Nawaz Sharif in the land case involving Jang Group editor-in-chief Rehman. Sharif was served notices and questionnaires in this case but no response came from him who is in London for his medical treatment," a NAB official told PTI on Sunday.

The three-time premier is facing multiple graft charges.

The official said the NAB would move the accountability court to declare Sharif a proclaimed offender over non-cooperation in the investigation.

On March 27, the NAB sent a questionnaire to Sharif and summoned him to the bureau office on March 31 to record his statement. Again on March 15, NAB's Lahore office summoned Sharif to appear before the bureau on March 20, but no response came from him, Dawn reported.

Jang Group, also known as Geo Group, is a subsidiary of Dubai-based company Independent Media Corporation.

On March 12, the NAB arrested Rehman in the case. He is in the bureau's custody on a physical remand till April 28.

Rehman, the editor-in-chief of Jang/Geo media group, was arrested on charges that he illegally acquired 54-Kanal (6.75 acres) land on a prime location in Lahore at a throwaway price in 1986 during the tenure of then-chief minister of Punjab Sharif.

"Once Sharif is declared a proclaimed offender then we will pursue the process of his repatriation," the official said on Sunday.

"The decision to issue Sharif's arrest warrants has been taken on his non-cooperation with NAB in the 54-Kanal land in Lahore he had awarded illegally to Mir Shakilur Rehman in 1986 when he was chief minister of Punjab," the official said. 
Sharif left for London in November last for treatment after the Lahore High Court allowed him to go abroad on medical grounds for four weeks.

According to Sharif's physician Dr Adnan Khan, the top leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) is suffering from complex multi-vessel coronary artery disease and substantial ischemic and threatened myocardium for which he is due to undergo surgery.

In a latest tweet, Khan said: "As a high risk patient, former PM #NawazSharif's cardiac catheterisation/coronary intervention was postponed to be rescheduled at a later date amidst COVID-19 pandemic, as public/private hospitals limited their admissions/procedures. Presently managed on aggressive medical therapy."

The Lahore High Court had, in October last year, granted bail to Sharif on medical grounds for four weeks, allowing the Punjab government to extend it further in the light of his medical reports.

The Islamabad High Court had also granted bail to Sharif in the Al Azizia Mills corruption case, in which the former prime minister was serving a seven-year jail term, clearing his way to travel abroad for medical treatment.

Sharif has given an undertaking to the Lahore High Court to return to Pakistan citing his record to face the process of law and justice within four weeks or as soon as he is declared fit to travel.

Sharif, who was diagnosed with an immune system disorder, has been advised by a PTI government's panel of doctors to go abroad for treatment.&nbsp;

Pakistan's anti-graft body has issued an arrest warrant against embattled former prime minister Nawaz Sharif in a 34-year-old land related corruption case. The 70-year-old supremo of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, is currently in London for medical treatment.

Pakistan's anti-graft body has issued an arrest warrant against embattled former prime minister Nawaz Sharif in a 34-year-old land related corruption case. The 70-year-old supremo of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, is currently in London for medical treatment. According to the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) officials, Sharif illegally leased the land to Jang Group editor-in-chief Mir Shakilur Rehman in 1986, when the three-time premier was the chief minister of Punjab province. "The NAB has issued arrest warrants of PML-N supreme leader Nawaz Sharif in the land case involving Jang Group editor-in-chief Rehman. Sharif was served notices and questionnaires in this case but no response came from him who is in London for his medical treatment," a NAB official told PTI on Sunday. The three-time premier is facing multiple graft charges. The official said the NAB would move the accountability court to declare Sharif a proclaimed offender over non-cooperation in the investigation. On March 27, the NAB sent a questionnaire to Sharif and summoned him to the bureau office on March 31 to record his statement. Again on March 15, NAB's Lahore office summoned Sharif to appear before the bureau on March 20, but no response came from him, Dawn reported. Jang Group, also known as Geo Group, is a subsidiary of Dubai-based company Independent Media Corporation. On March 12, the NAB arrested Rehman in the case. He is in the bureau's custody on a physical remand till April 28. Rehman, the editor-in-chief of Jang/Geo media group, was arrested on charges that he illegally acquired 54-Kanal (6.75 acres) land on a prime location in Lahore at a throwaway price in 1986 during the tenure of then-chief minister of Punjab Sharif. "Once Sharif is declared a proclaimed offender then we will pursue the process of his repatriation," the official said on Sunday. "The decision to issue Sharif's arrest warrants has been taken on his non-cooperation with NAB in the 54-Kanal land in Lahore he had awarded illegally to Mir Shakilur Rehman in 1986 when he was chief minister of Punjab," the official said. Sharif left for London in November last for treatment after the Lahore High Court allowed him to go abroad on medical grounds for four weeks. According to Sharif's physician Dr Adnan Khan, the top leader of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) is suffering from complex multi-vessel coronary artery disease and substantial ischemic and threatened myocardium for which he is due to undergo surgery. In a latest tweet, Khan said: "As a high risk patient, former PM #NawazSharif's cardiac catheterisation/coronary intervention was postponed to be rescheduled at a later date amidst COVID-19 pandemic, as public/private hospitals limited their admissions/procedures. Presently managed on aggressive medical therapy." The Lahore High Court had, in October last year, granted bail to Sharif on medical grounds for four weeks, allowing the Punjab government to extend it further in the light of his medical reports. The Islamabad High Court had also granted bail to Sharif in the Al Azizia Mills corruption case, in which the former prime minister was serving a seven-year jail term, clearing his way to travel abroad for medical treatment. Sharif has given an undertaking to the Lahore High Court to return to Pakistan citing his record to face the process of law and justice within four weeks or as soon as he is declared fit to travel. Sharif, who was diagnosed with an immune system disorder, has been advised by a PTI government's panel of doctors to go abroad for treatment.

Pakistan anti-graft body issues arrest warrant against Nawaz Sharif in land related corruption case

Pakistan on Saturday celebrated the country's first day of the holy month of Ramzan amid the coronavirus outbreak. A massive surge of coronavirus infections threatens the country, but PM Imran Khan earlier gave permission to worshippers for daily prayers and evening congregations on account of Ramzan. However, the country's powerful military urged people to pray at home, warning the "next 15 days are crucial".&nbsp;

So far, the only effective way to avoid COVID-19 is social distancing as scientists are still struggling to find a vaccine. And religious gatherings could be a major source of transmission. This argument was agreed by the Pakistan Islamic Medical Association (PIMA) too who said that mosques are becoming a major source of the spread of the virus.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/imran-khans-government-authorises-army-to-take-over-in-case-of-lockdown-violations-294830">Imran Khan's government authorises army to take over in case of lockdown violations</a>

"Mosques are becoming a major source of virus transmission," PIMA President Iftikhar Burney said at a press conference on Saturday, reported IANS.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/coronavirus-pandemic-gods-wrath-for-obscenity-nudity-pak-cleric-294784">Coronavirus pandemic God's wrath for obscenity, nudity: Pak cleric</a>

The new&nbsp;relaxations announced by Imran Khan-government for opening of mosques have certain conditions, which include people to maintain a metre of distance among each other, carrying their own prayer mats, among others.&nbsp;

But Burney doesn't think that this is the right approach. &nbsp;

"We will not be able to keep people inside their homes under a smart lockdown for a longer period of time," he said.&nbsp;

The doctor said tough measures were needed to contain the spread of the coronavirus.&nbsp;

Apart from PIMA, Pakistan Medical Association, also opposed the measure.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
"There is no point in opening mosques. I ask people to pray at home and celebrate the end of the daily fast at home," Qaiser Sajjad, secretary-general of the Pakistan Medical Association, said on Friday.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Pakistan on Saturday celebrated the country's first day of the holy month of Ramzan amid the coronavirus outbreak. A massive surge of coronavirus infections threatens the country, but PM Imran Khan earlier gave permission to worshippers for daily prayers and evening congregations on account of Ramzan.

Pakistan on Saturday celebrated the country's first day of the holy month of Ramzan amid the coronavirus outbreak. A massive surge of coronavirus infections threatens the country, but PM Imran Khan earlier gave permission to worshippers for daily prayers and evening congregations on account of Ramzan. However, the country's powerful military urged people to pray at home, warning the "next 15 days are crucial". So far, the only effective way to avoid COVID-19 is social distancing as scientists are still struggling to find a vaccine. And religious gatherings could be a major source of transmission. This argument was agreed by the Pakistan Islamic Medical Association (PIMA) too who said that mosques are becoming a major source of the spread of the virus. Also read | Imran Khan's government authorises army to take over in case of lockdown violations "Mosques are becoming a major source of virus transmission," PIMA President Iftikhar Burney said at a press conference on Saturday, reported IANS. Also read | Coronavirus pandemic God's wrath for obscenity, nudity: Pak cleric The new relaxations announced by Imran Khan-government for opening of mosques have certain conditions, which include people to maintain a metre of distance among each other, carrying their own prayer mats, among others. But Burney doesn't think that this is the right approach. "We will not be able to keep people inside their homes under a smart lockdown for a longer period of time," he said. The doctor said tough measures were needed to contain the spread of the coronavirus. Apart from PIMA, Pakistan Medical Association, also opposed the measure. "There is no point in opening mosques. I ask people to pray at home and celebrate the end of the daily fast at home," Qaiser Sajjad, secretary-general of the Pakistan Medical Association, said on Friday.

Mosques becoming a major source of transmission: Pakistan health expert

India's relationship with the Arab world was impacted in the last few weeks and one of the major reasons was fake Twitter handles used from Pakistan to defame India. However, the Indian administration has started to use diplomatic channels to reset the ties.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier had telephonic conservations with his counterparts from Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman, where he stressed on India's "Think West" foreign policy. He reportedly also highlighted the need for a collaborative and coordinated strategy to tackle the COVID-19 crisis.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/wont-let-fake-tweets-create-discord-gulf-countries-assure-india-294638">Won't let fake tweets create discord, Gulf countries assure India</a>

The Minister of External Affairs (MEA) S Jaishankar also extended his greetings on the holy month of Ramzan to the foreign ministers of the Middle East countries and thanked them for supporting the Indian diaspora. The foreign ministers of Gulf nations also lauded the contribution of the Indian community during the coronavirus outbreak and promised to support them.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/twitter-suspends-isis-fake-account-being-used-to-spread-fake-news-against-india-in-gulf-countries-294510">Twitter suspends ISI's fake account being used to spread fake news against India in Gulf countries</a>

India is also supplying drugs, including hydroxychloroquine and paracetamol to Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Bahrain, Oman, and Qatar.&nbsp;

After Kuwait's request, India has also sent a specialised team of medical professionals for training purposes related to coronavirus.&nbsp;

The Indo-Gulf talks also touched upon the negative social media campaign and the two sides agreed to have a zero-tolerance policy towards such incidents.&nbsp;

This comes after a number of parody accounts on Twitter spread fake information which strained the ties between both the regions.&nbsp;

India also vowed that it will help in the evacuation at the earliest of the medical personnel from the Gulf who are stranded in India.&nbsp;

The recovery plan post-COVID-19 was also discussed, along with talks on energy and volatility in the oil market.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

India's relationship with the Arab world was impacted in the last few weeks and one of the major reasons was fake Twitter handles used from Pakistan to defame India.

India's relationship with the Arab world was impacted in the last few weeks and one of the major reasons was fake Twitter handles used from Pakistan to defame India. However, the Indian administration has started to use diplomatic channels to reset the ties. Prime Minister Narendra Modi earlier had telephonic conservations with his counterparts from Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar, Bahrain, and Oman, where he stressed on India's "Think West" foreign policy. He reportedly also highlighted the need for a collaborative and coordinated strategy to tackle the COVID-19 crisis. Also read | Won't let fake tweets create discord, Gulf countries assure India The Minister of External Affairs (MEA) S Jaishankar also extended his greetings on the holy month of Ramzan to the foreign ministers of the Middle East countries and thanked them for supporting the Indian diaspora. The foreign ministers of Gulf nations also lauded the contribution of the Indian community during the coronavirus outbreak and promised to support them. Also read | Twitter suspends ISI's fake account being used to spread fake news against India in Gulf countries India is also supplying drugs, including hydroxychloroquine and paracetamol to Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Bahrain, Oman, and Qatar. After Kuwait's request, India has also sent a specialised team of medical professionals for training purposes related to coronavirus. The Indo-Gulf talks also touched upon the negative social media campaign and the two sides agreed to have a zero-tolerance policy towards such incidents. This comes after a number of parody accounts on Twitter spread fake information which strained the ties between both the regions. India also vowed that it will help in the evacuation at the earliest of the medical personnel from the Gulf who are stranded in India. The recovery plan post-COVID-19 was also discussed, along with talks on energy and volatility in the oil market.

Diplomacy at work to ease off straining Indo-Arab ties

Sinopharm, a Chinese state-run company wants the Pakistan govt to conduct clinical trials of a vaccine on its citizens. Pakistan's National Institute of Health has agreed and is expecting 'positive' results. WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you how Pakistan is making its citizens guinea pigs for unproven cures.

Gravitas: Pakistani citizens 'guinea pigs' for Chinese firm? | Coronavirus Outbreak

On twitter, fake accounts of Pakistani origin are posing are Arabs - and pushing anti-India posts. WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay tells you how during a pandemic, a disinformation campaign is compromising the fight against the Coronavirus.

Gravitas: Pakistanis pose as Arabs, push anti-India posts

Pakistan has decided to keep mosques open during the holy month of Ramzan with certain strict conditions. Watch report

Pakistan to keep mosques open during Ramzan: Pak govt acts against doctor's advice

Continuing its anti-India propaganda on social media platforms, a Pakistani Twitter account changed its handle name to pose as Omani princess and tweeted anti-India material. Interestingly, several old tweets have been dug out from the same account, which has been deleted now, and it clearly shows Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) is behind the account.

Pakistani Twitter account posing as Omani princess shares anti-India material

Pakistan has decided to keep its mosques open during the holy month of Ramadan. In this segment of WION, know Pakistan's 20-point strategy for Ramadan.

Pakistan to keep mosques open during Ramadan | Coronavirus Outbreak

Pakistan foreign minister quotes fake account, Oman princess denies links to account

Pakistan has resumed work on all B.R.I projects. The Pakistan govt plans to use Chinese funds to overcome economic shortcomings. What does Beijing get in return? WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay gets you a report.

Gravitas: Pakistan resumes work on B.R.I projects

Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan is awaiting his test results for the Coronavirus. But he threw all caution the wind and attended a public event in Islamabad with a mask in his hand. WION's Executive Editor Palki Sharma Upadhyay gets you a report.

Gravitas: Imran Khan skips self isolation, As Pak awaits test results

The Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan is out of self-isolation after he tested negative for coronavirus.

Khan had gone into self-quarantine after he came int contact with Faisal Edhi, chairman of Pakistan based Edhi Foundation, who tested positive for the coronavirus.

Edhi tested positive for the virus shortly after meeting the Pakistan prime minister. &nbsp;

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Prime Minister Imran Khan was tested today for SARS-CoV-2 (the virus strain that causes coronavirus disease 2019 [COVID-19]. The test used was a polymerase chain reaction (PCR). I am happy to report that his test is NEGATIVE. &lt;289&gt;
— Zafar Mirza (@zfrmrza) <a href="https://twitter.com/zfrmrza/status/1252997440002830336?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 22, 2020</a></blockquote>
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''Prime Minister Imran Khan was tested today for SARS-CoV-2 (the virus strain that causes coronavirus disease 2019 [COVID-19]. The test used was a polymerase chain reaction (PCR). I am happy to report that his test is NEGATIVE,'' tweeted Zafar Mirza, State Minister of Health of Pakistan.&nbsp;

The Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan is out of self-isolation after he tested negative for coronavirus. Khan had gone into self-quarantine after he came int contact with Faisal Edhi, chairman of Pakistan based Edhi Foundation, who tested positive for the coronavirus.

The Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan is out of self-isolation after he tested negative for coronavirus. Khan had gone into self-quarantine after he came int contact with Faisal Edhi, chairman of Pakistan based Edhi Foundation, who tested positive for the coronavirus. Edhi tested positive for the virus shortly after meeting the Pakistan prime minister. Prime Minister Imran Khan was tested today for SARS-CoV-2 (the virus strain that causes coronavirus disease 2019 [COVID-19]. The test used was a polymerase chain reaction (PCR). I am happy to report that his test is NEGATIVE. <289> — Zafar Mirza (@zfrmrza) April 22, 2020 × ''Prime Minister Imran Khan was tested today for SARS-CoV-2 (the virus strain that causes coronavirus disease 2019 [COVID-19]. The test used was a polymerase chain reaction (PCR). I am happy to report that his test is NEGATIVE,'' tweeted Zafar Mirza, State Minister of Health of Pakistan.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan tests negative for coronavirus 

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan was today seen attending a public event that too without wearing a mask. The containment norms dictates that any suspected case should be going to self-quarantine for 14 days, this is day after Pakistan PM met a well-known philanthropist who has been detected positive for the COVID-19 infection.

Pakistan PM chooses to attend public event instead of self-quarantine

Pakistan is planning to set up a commission to investigate suspected contract violations by independent power producers which may have cost the national exchequer billions of dollars.

Pakistan has a transmission power generation capacity of around 26,000MW, more than half of which comes from independent producers.

Successive Pakistani governments have pursued private sector investment in power production, offering lucrative returns backed by sovereign guarantees. But the current government of Prime Minister Imran Khan has decided to look into the contracts after he was presented with a 278-page report by a government committee which outlined a number of alleged transgressions.

There are about 40 independent power producers and the report did not mention any by name. Company representatives have consistently rejected allegations of wrongdoing but did not immediately comment on the report.

Imran Khan ordered the report, which alleges that some independent power producers made billions of dollars in questionable deals, to be made public. Some of the private sector deals date back as far as 1994. Previous governments said the incentives were necessary to attract investors unwilling to put money into an uncertain Pakistani economy.

Pakistan's energy ministry held a meeting with independent power producers last week after some of the report's contents were leaked to the media, and a statement which followed said it was held to seek "their contribution in rationalization of tariffs".

Pakistan is planning to set up a commission to investigate suspected contract violations by independent power producers which may have cost the national exchequer billions of dollars.

Pakistan is planning to set up a commission to investigate suspected contract violations by independent power producers which may have cost the national exchequer billions of dollars. Pakistan has a transmission power generation capacity of around 26,000MW, more than half of which comes from independent producers. Successive Pakistani governments have pursued private sector investment in power production, offering lucrative returns backed by sovereign guarantees. But the current government of Prime Minister Imran Khan has decided to look into the contracts after he was presented with a 278-page report by a government committee which outlined a number of alleged transgressions. There are about 40 independent power producers and the report did not mention any by name. Company representatives have consistently rejected allegations of wrongdoing but did not immediately comment on the report. Imran Khan ordered the report, which alleges that some independent power producers made billions of dollars in questionable deals, to be made public. Some of the private sector deals date back as far as 1994. Previous governments said the incentives were necessary to attract investors unwilling to put money into an uncertain Pakistani economy. Pakistan's energy ministry held a meeting with independent power producers last week after some of the report's contents were leaked to the media, and a statement which followed said it was held to seek "their contribution in rationalization of tariffs".

Pakistan to probe private power sector after allegations of wrongdoing

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan have tested negative for the novel coronavirus on Wednesday, days after meeting a well-known philanthropist who has been detected positive for the COVID-19 infection.

Pakistan PM Imran Khan tests negative of COVID-19

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