India has criticized Pakistan's attempt of raising the Kashmir issue at SAARC video conference organized to talk out a strategy to fight COVID-19. Watch what Indian MEA said on this issue.

MEA: Pakistan is politicising a humanitarian issue at SAARC video conference

It's almost been a month since the national capital of India witnessed its worst riots in decades. The madness not only claimed 53 lives but also left a series of troubling questions.

And the role of invisible warriors who stoked this fire on social media cannot be ruled out - especially the ones from across the border - Pakistan.&nbsp;

In December 2019, WION carried reports on Pakistan's hashtag merchants.

Dawn, Pakistan's biggest media network, had exposed such online influence campaigns in the garb of activism. Now it turns out that the same online armies sprung into action at the onset of the Delhi riots.

These are the findings of a new dossier compiled by the Indian security agencies. Islamabad used thousands of Twitter handles to spark discontent against the Indian government and the Delhi Police. Hashtags were fired like missiles - #Delhipolicetruth and #Delhipolicemurders.

The posts were pumped by vested groups in Pakistan in tandem with some in India - this was an orchestrated exercise.&nbsp;From border skirmishes to elections and now riots, Pakistan is spending millions to systematically amplify falsehoods about India on the internet.

The idea behind it was to show that the Delhi police was unfairly targetting Muslim homes and shops, and not the rioters. The dossier lists about 70 handles from Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Karachi and Lahore, which pushed this false narrative.

These handles peddled images from Syria and Bangladesh as pictures from ground zero in New Delhi. To extend the propaganda, fake information was linked to anti-India hashtags.

According to one report, #RSSKillingMuslims was one of many that trended the day riots broke out. Now, most of the handles who pushed it have been withheld in India for security reasons. The hashtag is still out there and it is being used even by the Pakistani leadership.

The Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly of Pakistan, Qasim Khan Suri, used the hashtag, tweeting a story which was a biased News report on the coronavirus situation in India.

Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan himself has been caught peddling fake news on his official Twitter handle. He tried to pass off a video from Bangladesh as that of an alleged pogrom in Uttar Pradesh.

 
&nbsp;

It's almost been a month since the national capital of India witnessed its worst riots in decades. The madness not only claimed 53 lives but also left a series of troubling questions.

It's almost been a month since the national capital of India witnessed its worst riots in decades. The madness not only claimed 53 lives but also left a series of troubling questions. And the role of invisible warriors who stoked this fire on social media cannot be ruled out - especially the ones from across the border - Pakistan. In December 2019, WION carried reports on Pakistan's hashtag merchants. Dawn, Pakistan's biggest media network, had exposed such online influence campaigns in the garb of activism. Now it turns out that the same online armies sprung into action at the onset of the Delhi riots. These are the findings of a new dossier compiled by the Indian security agencies. Islamabad used thousands of Twitter handles to spark discontent against the Indian government and the Delhi Police. Hashtags were fired like missiles - #Delhipolicetruth and #Delhipolicemurders. The posts were pumped by vested groups in Pakistan in tandem with some in India - this was an orchestrated exercise. From border skirmishes to elections and now riots, Pakistan is spending millions to systematically amplify falsehoods about India on the internet. The idea behind it was to show that the Delhi police was unfairly targetting Muslim homes and shops, and not the rioters. The dossier lists about 70 handles from Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Karachi and Lahore, which pushed this false narrative. These handles peddled images from Syria and Bangladesh as pictures from ground zero in New Delhi. To extend the propaganda, fake information was linked to anti-India hashtags. According to one report, #RSSKillingMuslims was one of many that trended the day riots broke out. Now, most of the handles who pushed it have been withheld in India for security reasons. The hashtag is still out there and it is being used even by the Pakistani leadership. The Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly of Pakistan, Qasim Khan Suri, used the hashtag, tweeting a story which was a biased News report on the coronavirus situation in India. Pakistani prime minister Imran Khan himself has been caught peddling fake news on his official Twitter handle. He tried to pass off a video from Bangladesh as that of an alleged pogrom in Uttar Pradesh.

Pakistan pushed fake posts to spark discontent during Delhi riots: Report

India is making tangible contributions to the global fight against the coronavirus. But, Islamabad is prioritizing Beijing's agenda, as Pakistani citizens struggle to fight the outbreak. WION's Palki Sharma tells you the tale of two diplomatic moves on WION Edit.

WION EDIT: Wuhan Coronavirus: India and Pakistan are miles apart in their response

Scientists from Europe & the U.S. have released a report predicting the fallout of a nuclear war between India and Pakistan. Palki Sharma tells you why the findings should jolt the world into action and force Pakistan to dismantle its terror networks & nuclear weapons.

Gravitas: A limited India-Pakistan nuke war could trigger a famine

Bricks, sticks and stones were thrown at women participating in the Aurat march on international women’s day. Injuries were so severe that amnesty South Asia called on the authorities to hold the attackers accountable. Why did tensions rise in Pakistan's capital? WION brings you the ground report.

South Asia Diary: Aurat March participants attacked on Women's day in Pakistan

At a time when Pakistan is struggling to contain the Coronavirus outbreak, Pakistani leaders are raising their Kashmir agenda in China. Palki Sharma tells you how the Imran Khan government neglected the coronavirus threat.

Gravitas: How Pakistan is ignoring the Coronavirus threat

Amid the global coronavirus scare, more than 9,000 people have moved in from Iran to Pakistan through the Taftan border town.

The town of Taftan, which borders Iran is currently hosting the people in a 'tent city', under the guidance of the Balochistan government.

People who were earlier quarantined in Iran are being put in isolation again to minimise the risk of infection.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/coronavirus-scare-restaurants-in-karachi-close-dine-in-option-to-encourage-social-distancing-287006" hreflang="en">Coronavirus scare: Restaurants in Karachi close dine-in option to encourage social distancing</a>

However, the area lacks many facilities. In fact, it was only last Thursday that the town set up a COVID-19 testing lab.

Most people were moved to provinces across the country before this facility was set up.&nbsp;

Out of the 197 active coronavirus cases in Pakistan, 153 are from Taftan. Patients were moved back-and-forth under the careful eye of the government.

The three places that are becoming the hubs of coronavirus cases in Pakistan are Sukkur with 119 positive cases, Dera Ghazi Khan with five cases, and Dera Ismail Khan with 15 cases.&nbsp;

<h6><img alt="pppp" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="72906b9e-a0ed-4631-9842-bf99aad81bd2" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2813%29_15.jpg" /> 
Taftan is situated at the Pakistan-Iran border | Courtesy: Google Maps 
&nbsp;</h6>

It seems like Taftan border is becoming Pakistan's Achilles Heel in terms of the coronavirus outbreak. To put things into perspective, here is the distance between Taftan and the three aforementioned places:

<ul>
	<li>
	<h5>Sukkur to Taftan: 988 kilometres</h5>
	</li>
	<li>
	<h5>Dera Ghazi Khan to Tafan: 1,118 kilometres</h5>
	</li>
	<li>
	<h5>Dera Ismail Khan to Taftan: 1,180 kilometres</h5>
	</li>
</ul>

Considering the distance, the cases could have been easily isolated at their earlier locations, which would have kept the count in Pakistan low.

<h6> 
<img alt="ppppp" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="a902d241-9af3-4e10-97ae-9ea48615ac18" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%2811%29_17.jpg" /> 
Healthcare workers deliver food to people in camps | AFP 
&nbsp;</h6>

Many pilgrims were allowed to return to their cities from Taftan. However, Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa sent the pilgrims to isolation facilities in Sukkur and Dera Ismail Khan where everybody was tested further before being allowed to travel.

Currently, Pakistan has 197 cases: 155 in Sindh, 15 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, ten in Balochistan, five in Gilgit-Baltistan, two in Islamabad, and one in Punjab.

The Chief Minister of Sindh Murad Ali Shah at a recent press conference said that people were not adequately quarantined in Taftan and that many pilgrims were kept together. If true, this could explain the sudden surge in the number of cases in Pakistan.

All states in Pakistan have shut down educational institutions until April 5 to clamp down on the virus before more people get infected.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/we-lack-healthcare-facilities-would-be-devastated-if-swamped-by-covid-19-imran-khan-287033">We lack healthcare facilities, would be devastated if swamped by Covid-19: Imran Khan</a>

In an interview, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan said that he fears Pakistan won't be able to cope with a major outbreak, saying the country's health facilities would be overwhelmed and would lack resources

Recently, the country has also shut down the western border with Afghanistan and Iran.&nbsp;

COVID-19 emerged in Wuhan, China, late last year and has since infected 182,405 people and killed at least 7, 154 people.

Amid the global coronavirus scare, more than 9,000 people have moved in from Iran to Pakistan through the Taftan border town. The town of Taftan, which borders Iran is currently hosting the people in a 'tent city', under the guidance of the Balochistan government.

Amid the global coronavirus scare, more than 9,000 people have moved in from Iran to Pakistan through the Taftan border town. The town of Taftan, which borders Iran is currently hosting the people in a 'tent city', under the guidance of the Balochistan government. People who were earlier quarantined in Iran are being put in isolation again to minimise the risk of infection. Also read: Coronavirus scare: Restaurants in Karachi close dine-in option to encourage social distancing However, the area lacks many facilities. In fact, it was only last Thursday that the town set up a COVID-19 testing lab. Most people were moved to provinces across the country before this facility was set up. Out of the 197 active coronavirus cases in Pakistan, 153 are from Taftan. Patients were moved back-and-forth under the careful eye of the government. The three places that are becoming the hubs of coronavirus cases in Pakistan are Sukkur with 119 positive cases, Dera Ghazi Khan with five cases, and Dera Ismail Khan with 15 cases. Taftan is situated at the Pakistan-Iran border | Courtesy: Google Maps It seems like Taftan border is becoming Pakistan's Achilles Heel in terms of the coronavirus outbreak. To put things into perspective, here is the distance between Taftan and the three aforementioned places: Sukkur to Taftan: 988 kilometres Dera Ghazi Khan to Tafan: 1,118 kilometres Dera Ismail Khan to Taftan: 1,180 kilometres Considering the distance, the cases could have been easily isolated at their earlier locations, which would have kept the count in Pakistan low. Healthcare workers deliver food to people in camps | AFP Many pilgrims were allowed to return to their cities from Taftan. However, Sindh and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa sent the pilgrims to isolation facilities in Sukkur and Dera Ismail Khan where everybody was tested further before being allowed to travel. Currently, Pakistan has 197 cases: 155 in Sindh, 15 in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, ten in Balochistan, five in Gilgit-Baltistan, two in Islamabad, and one in Punjab. The Chief Minister of Sindh Murad Ali Shah at a recent press conference said that people were not adequately quarantined in Taftan and that many pilgrims were kept together. If true, this could explain the sudden surge in the number of cases in Pakistan. All states in Pakistan have shut down educational institutions until April 5 to clamp down on the virus before more people get infected. Also read: We lack healthcare facilities, would be devastated if swamped by Covid-19: Imran Khan In an interview, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan said that he fears Pakistan won't be able to cope with a major outbreak, saying the country's health facilities would be overwhelmed and would lack resources Recently, the country has also shut down the western border with Afghanistan and Iran. COVID-19 emerged in Wuhan, China, late last year and has since infected 182,405 people and killed at least 7, 154 people.

Is Iran-bordering Taftan town Pakistan's Achilles heel in the battle against COVID-19?

Pakistan President Arif Alvi on Tuesday met with his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, in Beijing. He is on a two-day visit to convey Islamabad's strong support and solidarity to Beijing in its battle against the coronavirus pandemic that has killed over 3,200 people in China.

The coronavirus broke out in China's Wuhan in December, 2019. Beijing has since been accused of not responding timely to the outbreak, which led to the global scare.

So far, more than 170,000 cases have been recorded worldwide, with more than 80,000 in China. The World Health Organisation has declared the outbreak a pandemic, and severe measures are being taken across the world to curb the spread of the virus.

The United States and China have been sparring over where coronavirus originated, and how it spread.

Alvi's visit comes in the wake of this blame game, and of the virus spreading rapidly in different parts of the world including Pakistan, which has reported over 135 confirmed cases -- even as the virus slowed down in China.

Arif Alvi shook hands with Jinping, overlooking one of the listed measures -- social distancing or avoiding physical contact with people who come from regions with a higher toll.

Earlier on Tuesday, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan expressed grave concerns over the global scare, and said their economy would be devastated if his country is swamped with the coronavirus -- seemingly contradictory with the country's premier's visit to the erstwhile epicentre of the pandemic.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/we-lack-healthcare-facilities-would-be-devastated-if-swamped-by-covid-19-imran-khan-287033">Also read:&nbsp;We lack healthcare facilities, would be devastated if swamped by Covid-19: Imran Khan</a>

Pakistan had earlier even declined to evacuate its over 1,000 nationals, mostly students, from worst-hit Wuhan and Hubei province, saying that the Chinese government has assured to take care of them.

THE BLAME GAME

The United States has been terming coronavirus as the "Wuhan virus".

China, in turn, shared a conspiracy theory, alleging the US Army had brought the novel virus to the region. The unfounded accusation led US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to ask China stop spreading misinformation, and trying to shift blame for the outbreak.

US President Donald Trump on Monday sent a tweet describing the coronavirus as the "Chinese virus". In response, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesman warned the US should "take care of its own business" before stigmatising Beijing.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-reports-just-one-new-domestic-virus-case-20-more-imported-287008">Also read:&nbsp;China reports just one new domestic virus case, 20 more imported</a>

Pakistan President Arif Alvi on Tuesday met with his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, in Beijing. He is on a two-day visit to convey Islamabad's strong support and solidarity to Beijing in its battle against the coronavirus pandemic that has killed over 3,200 people in China.

Pakistan President Arif Alvi on Tuesday met with his Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, in Beijing. He is on a two-day visit to convey Islamabad's strong support and solidarity to Beijing in its battle against the coronavirus pandemic that has killed over 3,200 people in China. The coronavirus broke out in China's Wuhan in December, 2019. Beijing has since been accused of not responding timely to the outbreak, which led to the global scare. So far, more than 170,000 cases have been recorded worldwide, with more than 80,000 in China. The World Health Organisation has declared the outbreak a pandemic, and severe measures are being taken across the world to curb the spread of the virus. The United States and China have been sparring over where coronavirus originated, and how it spread. Alvi's visit comes in the wake of this blame game, and of the virus spreading rapidly in different parts of the world including Pakistan, which has reported over 135 confirmed cases -- even as the virus slowed down in China. Arif Alvi shook hands with Jinping, overlooking one of the listed measures -- social distancing or avoiding physical contact with people who come from regions with a higher toll. Earlier on Tuesday, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan expressed grave concerns over the global scare, and said their economy would be devastated if his country is swamped with the coronavirus -- seemingly contradictory with the country's premier's visit to the erstwhile epicentre of the pandemic. Also read: We lack healthcare facilities, would be devastated if swamped by Covid-19: Imran Khan Pakistan had earlier even declined to evacuate its over 1,000 nationals, mostly students, from worst-hit Wuhan and Hubei province, saying that the Chinese government has assured to take care of them. THE BLAME GAME The United States has been terming coronavirus as the "Wuhan virus". China, in turn, shared a conspiracy theory, alleging the US Army had brought the novel virus to the region. The unfounded accusation led US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to ask China stop spreading misinformation, and trying to shift blame for the outbreak. US President Donald Trump on Monday sent a tweet describing the coronavirus as the "Chinese virus". In response, a Chinese foreign ministry spokesman warned the US should "take care of its own business" before stigmatising Beijing. Also read: China reports just one new domestic virus case, 20 more imported

Pakistan President meets Xi Jinping in China, shakes hands amid global coronavirus scare

WHO says, Every country should test every suspected case of Covid 19. This test are very costly. we are telling you the costing here

Test every suspected case-WHO, Do you want to know how much test cost

Pakistan PM Imran Khan shows his fear on the outbreak of Coronavirus. Imran khan says, Pakistan is not ready to handle the situation as country have poor health system.

WION Dispatch: Pak PM fears on Covid's outbreak

Wuhan virus spread across the Nation. South Asia battels against coronavirus.

South Asia tackles Covid 19-spread

Pakistan reports one death due to Covid 19 in Lahore. Punjab health minister Dr, Yasmin Rashid said that the number of coronavirus cases in the province has risen.

One death in Pakistan due to Coronvirus

As SAARC leaders gathered to fight novel coronavirus outbreak, India proposed a series of measures, including setting up an emergency fund where New Delhi offered $10 million to get it going.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/we-must-act-succeed-together-pm-modi-at-saarc-conference-286516">'We must act, succeed together': PM Modi at SAARC conference</a>

Speaking to leaders of other countries from the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) in a video conference, PM Narendra Modi said said "any of us" can use the fund for "immediate actions" to deal with the pandemic.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/collective-response-needed-to-tackle-coronavirus-outbreak-saarc-leaders-286546">Collective response needed to tackle coronavirus outbreak: SAARC leaders&nbsp;</a>

PM&nbsp; Modi also said that India would offer rapid response teams of experts and specialists to member nations, which include Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka.

He also suggested of creating&nbsp;a common research platform "to coordinate research on controlling epidemic diseases within our South Asian region". He said Indian Council of Medical Research could offer help in coordinating such association.&nbsp;

"We have set up an Integrated Disease Surveillance Portal to better trace possible virus carriers and the people they contacted. We could share this Disease Surveillance software with SAARC partners," the Indian prime minister said.&nbsp;

PM Modi in its message to SAARC leaders said, "We must all act together, we must all succeed together". The other SAARC nations also agreed on taking collective measures to tackle the outbreak.&nbsp;

The SAARC, which didn't gain much success in recent years, was revived recently when PM Modi on Friday proposed a video-conference of SAARC members to chalk out a "strong strategy" to fight the pandemic.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

As SAARC leaders gathered to fight novel coronavirus outbreak, India proposed a series of measures, including setting up an emergency fund where New Delhi offered $10 million to get it going.

As SAARC leaders gathered to fight novel coronavirus outbreak, India proposed a series of measures, including setting up an emergency fund where New Delhi offered $10 million to get it going. Also read | 'We must act, succeed together': PM Modi at SAARC conference Speaking to leaders of other countries from the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) in a video conference, PM Narendra Modi said said "any of us" can use the fund for "immediate actions" to deal with the pandemic. Also read | Collective response needed to tackle coronavirus outbreak: SAARC leaders PM Modi also said that India would offer rapid response teams of experts and specialists to member nations, which include Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, the Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan and Sri Lanka. He also suggested of creating a common research platform "to coordinate research on controlling epidemic diseases within our South Asian region". He said Indian Council of Medical Research could offer help in coordinating such association. "We have set up an Integrated Disease Surveillance Portal to better trace possible virus carriers and the people they contacted. We could share this Disease Surveillance software with SAARC partners," the Indian prime minister said. PM Modi in its message to SAARC leaders said, "We must all act together, we must all succeed together". The other SAARC nations also agreed on taking collective measures to tackle the outbreak. The SAARC, which didn't gain much success in recent years, was revived recently when PM Modi on Friday proposed a video-conference of SAARC members to chalk out a "strong strategy" to fight the pandemic.

Emergency fund, rapid response team: All what India offered to SAARC

As Pakistan struggles with the coronavirus, Pakistani leaders are in China to discuss the Kashmir issue. Palki Sharma gets you the updates.

Gravitas: Amid coronavirus outbreak, Pakistan pushes Kashmir agenda

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in & lead a video conference with leaders and representatives of SAARC countries to formulate a joint strategy to fight the coronavirus outbreak that killed more than 6,000 people worldwide. PM Modi proposed setting up a COVID-19 emergency fund. He said India can start with a contribution of 10 million USD and any of the SAARC nations can use this fund.

India leads the way to combat coronavirus outbreak

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi participated in & lead a video conference with leaders and representatives of SAARC countries to formulate a joint strategy to fight the coronavirus outbreak that killed more than 5,000 people worldwide. PM Modi proposed setting up a COVID-19 emergency fund. He said India can start with a contribution of 10 million USD and any of the SAARC nations can use this fund.

SAARC nations come together to combat coronavirus

An F-16 jet crashed into a jungle during a routine rehearsal for the upcoming Pakistan day parade. Wing Commander Nauman Akram lost his life.

Pakistan F-16 jet crashes during routine rehearsal

Political activists, experts and European parliamentarians on Wednesday discussed the deplorable condition of people in Balochistan. The conference titled 'Genocide in Balochistan: the role of the international community' was held under 'Save The Baloch' campaign -- launched by the Baloch Human Rights Council (BHRC). In the meeting, the dignitaries discussed human rights abuse in Balochistan.

Baloch political activists highlighted the atrocities committed by the Pakistan Army as they have launched operations in Balochistan, killing civilians and destroying their houses.

Razzak Baloch, organiser, USA Chapter of Baloch Human Rights Council, told ANI: "Every 10 miles, there is a check post. Balochistan has become a bigger jail. People cannot move around. You cannot even question them. Life is very miserable. You cannot move around in Balochistan. Is this freedom? We want to be free. We want to breathe freely."

Taha Siddiqui, a Pakistani journalist, who is now living in exile, said, "In Balochistan, currently the biggest issue is that for a very long time there was abuse. There were atrocities by the Pakistani state, but now it is not just about these missing persons actually. What is the problem is that there are missing stories, there is an information black hole and things are not being reported independently or not even reported at all."

"We do not even have an idea of what is going on and that is worse than being able to report about it and talk about it. So in that sense, the way there are secret military operations and religious radicalisation going on and all of this is not being reported," he added.

Taha, who escaped his abduction in Pakistan by secret agencies further said, "Ever since China invested in Balochistan, the crackdown by the military and Pakistani state has worsened and they do not want to talk about Baloch issues. Nothing negative can be reported from the country because China does not want it, so the Pakistan military does not want it."

The event was also attended by a member of the European Parliament who spoke about the persecution of people in the mineral-rich but the poorest province in Pakistan.

Ryszard Czarnecki, a Member of European Parliament (MEP), said, "You have a very active (Baloch) diaspora, especially in Europe. Representatives of this diaspora inform us, the members of European Parliament about the real situation in Balochistan and about Pakistani violations and lack of respecting human rights in this region."

"We should make an intervention at different international levels. People in Balochistan should feel that they are not alone. I would like to express my solidarity with our brothers and sisters in this region," the MEP added.

(With inputs from ANI)

Political activists, experts and European parliamentarians on Wednesday discussed the deplorable condition of people in Balochistan. The conference titled 'Genocide in Balochistan: the role of the international community' was held under 'Save The Baloch' campaign -- launched by the Baloch Human Rights Council (BHRC).

Political activists, experts and European parliamentarians on Wednesday discussed the deplorable condition of people in Balochistan. The conference titled 'Genocide in Balochistan: the role of the international community' was held under 'Save The Baloch' campaign -- launched by the Baloch Human Rights Council (BHRC). In the meeting, the dignitaries discussed human rights abuse in Balochistan. Baloch political activists highlighted the atrocities committed by the Pakistan Army as they have launched operations in Balochistan, killing civilians and destroying their houses. Razzak Baloch, organiser, USA Chapter of Baloch Human Rights Council, told ANI: "Every 10 miles, there is a check post. Balochistan has become a bigger jail. People cannot move around. You cannot even question them. Life is very miserable. You cannot move around in Balochistan. Is this freedom? We want to be free. We want to breathe freely." Taha Siddiqui, a Pakistani journalist, who is now living in exile, said, "In Balochistan, currently the biggest issue is that for a very long time there was abuse. There were atrocities by the Pakistani state, but now it is not just about these missing persons actually. What is the problem is that there are missing stories, there is an information black hole and things are not being reported independently or not even reported at all." "We do not even have an idea of what is going on and that is worse than being able to report about it and talk about it. So in that sense, the way there are secret military operations and religious radicalisation going on and all of this is not being reported," he added. Taha, who escaped his abduction in Pakistan by secret agencies further said, "Ever since China invested in Balochistan, the crackdown by the military and Pakistani state has worsened and they do not want to talk about Baloch issues. Nothing negative can be reported from the country because China does not want it, so the Pakistan military does not want it." The event was also attended by a member of the European Parliament who spoke about the persecution of people in the mineral-rich but the poorest province in Pakistan. Ryszard Czarnecki, a Member of European Parliament (MEP), said, "You have a very active (Baloch) diaspora, especially in Europe. Representatives of this diaspora inform us, the members of European Parliament about the real situation in Balochistan and about Pakistani violations and lack of respecting human rights in this region." "We should make an intervention at different international levels. People in Balochistan should feel that they are not alone. I would like to express my solidarity with our brothers and sisters in this region," the MEP added. (With inputs from ANI)

Activists, experts raise issue of human rights abuse in Balochistan at Geneva conference

Pakistan meanwhile has reported 20 positive cases of coronavirus. The worst-hit coronavirus state in Pakistan is Sindh with 15 cases of the infection. On March 10 two new cases were confirmed Hyderabad of a patient who had returned from Syria via Doha and another case in Karachi. The Pakistan Super League matches will still go ahead and will be staged in Sindh. Watch report:

WION Dispatch: Cricket matches to go ahead in Karachi

Pakistan Air Force F-16 crashes in capital city of Islamabad | WION Breaking | Pakistan News A Pakistan Air Force F-16 fighter jet crashed in the capital city of Islamabad on Wednesday morning, a spokesman for the air force said.

Pakistan Air Force F-16 crashes in capital city of Islamabad

Islamists hurl stones and shoes at Women's Day marchers in Pakistan

To mark International Women’s Day on Sunday, thousands of women took to the streets of Pakistan and marched through the capital of Islamabad. Stone, shoes pelted on them.

WION Fineprint: Stones,shoes greet to Pakistani women

The Pakistan government has reportedly agreed to give industry status to its cinema.&nbsp;According to a top official in the Imran Khan government, the matter is being treated with utmost urgency.&nbsp; 
 
"To positively highlight Pakistan`s image in the international arena, it has become of the utmost urgency to revive its cinema," The News International quoted Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Information and Broadcasting Firdous Ashiq Awan as saying on Saturday.

Awan said the decision was taken as it has become a priority to highlight Pakistan`s culture, values, and traditions with the aid of the film industry.

She assured the media that no policy will be formulated without the input of all stakeholders.

Awan called on film producers to play their role in the economic progress of the country and pledged the government`s role in making every effort for the revival of Pakistani cinema.

Pakistan is home to several film studios centres, primarily located in Karachi and Lahore.

The Pakistan government has reportedly agreed to give industry status to its cinema. According to a top official in the Imran Khan government, the matter is being treated with utmost urgency.

The Pakistan government has reportedly agreed to give industry status to its cinema. According to a top official in the Imran Khan government, the matter is being treated with utmost urgency. "To positively highlight Pakistan`s image in the international arena, it has become of the utmost urgency to revive its cinema," The News International quoted Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Information and Broadcasting Firdous Ashiq Awan as saying on Saturday. Awan said the decision was taken as it has become a priority to highlight Pakistan`s culture, values, and traditions with the aid of the film industry. She assured the media that no policy will be formulated without the input of all stakeholders. Awan called on film producers to play their role in the economic progress of the country and pledged the government`s role in making every effort for the revival of Pakistani cinema. Pakistan is home to several film studios centres, primarily located in Karachi and Lahore.

Pakistani cinema soon to get status of an industry

US Secretary of Defence Mark Esper will likely be visiting Pakistan in the third week of March 2020, sources in the Pakistani government confirmed to WION.

The dates for Mark Esper’s visit to Pakistan will either be March 18 or &nbsp;March 19, the sources said.

During the visit, Esper is likely to have a courtesy call with the Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan. The talks would focus on bilateral security cooperation as the US gears up to exit from Afghanistan.

The sources also said that Esper’s visit would be a follow up to the talks and bilateral meeting held between Pakistani PM Khan and US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum held in Davos in January.

Earlier, the US Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross also visited Pakistan, right after he visited India in February 2020.

The visit of Mark Esper to Pakistan comes in the backdrop of Taliban deal where Pakistan was seen as a key facilitator and enabler of the peace pact.

The US has already suspended the Coalition Support Funds to Pakistan, the reimbursements worth $ 9.8 Billion which the US owes to Pakistan for utilising Pakistani territory during its war on terror in Afghanistan.

The United States had also suspended the military training program for Pakistan but restored in December last year.

A matter of the Coalition support fund is likely to be taken up during the bilateral talks.

On July 23 last year, Esper took charge as the Secretary of Defence of United States.&nbsp; 
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US Secretary of Defence Mark Esper will likely be visiting Pakistan in the third week of March 2020, sources in the Pakistani government confirmed to WION. The dates for Mark Esper’s visit to Pakistan will either be March 18 or March 19, the sources said.

US Secretary of Defence Mark Esper will likely be visiting Pakistan in the third week of March 2020, sources in the Pakistani government confirmed to WION. The dates for Mark Esper’s visit to Pakistan will either be March 18 or March 19, the sources said. During the visit, Esper is likely to have a courtesy call with the Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan. The talks would focus on bilateral security cooperation as the US gears up to exit from Afghanistan. The sources also said that Esper’s visit would be a follow up to the talks and bilateral meeting held between Pakistani PM Khan and US President Donald Trump on the sidelines of the World Economic Forum held in Davos in January. Earlier, the US Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross also visited Pakistan, right after he visited India in February 2020. The visit of Mark Esper to Pakistan comes in the backdrop of Taliban deal where Pakistan was seen as a key facilitator and enabler of the peace pact. The US has already suspended the Coalition Support Funds to Pakistan, the reimbursements worth $ 9.8 Billion which the US owes to Pakistan for utilising Pakistani territory during its war on terror in Afghanistan. The United States had also suspended the military training program for Pakistan but restored in December last year. A matter of the Coalition support fund is likely to be taken up during the bilateral talks. On July 23 last year, Esper took charge as the Secretary of Defence of United States.

US Secretary of Defence Mark Esper likely to visit Pakistan in March: Sources

Although Pakistan has refused to comment, reports of photographs of the funeral of the Pakistani troops taking place on March 2 in the city of Qom has emerged recently.

Reports of Pakistani fighters killed in Idlib; no response Pak foreign office

Aurat March held across Pakistan to mark the International Women's Day but it gets attacked by the extremists or Red Mosque affiliates.

'Aurat March' in Pakistan attacked by Red Mosque affiliates

In reports, it has been claimed that 51 Pakistani mercenaries killed in Syria's Idlib. Still, there is no response on by Pak foreign office.

Reports: 51 Pakistani mercenaries killed in Idlib, no response by Pak foreign office yet

In Pakistan, which has become a hell for women's freedom in the world, there is a clamour for the 'Women's March'. Often women who have been victims of domestic violence, rape, sexual harassment and forced marriage have started protest.

Pakistan: Hearing on case against the 'Aurat March' at Islamabad High Court

2 workers are critical after getting hospitalised at the Pakistan Steel Mills Hospital and around 40 were taken to Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre after chlorine gas leakage at Engro Polymer & Chemical Ltd in Karachi, Pakistan.

Karachi: 12 workers faint after chlorine gas leakage at Engro Polymer & Chemical Ltd

Pakistan has still not been able to get back its civilians from China's Wuhan. Even, Islamabad High court chief justice refused to do anything and adjourned the court till March 13.

Pak still not been able to get back it's civilians from China's Wuhan

Former Foreign Secretary of Pakistan, Salman Bashir spoke at WION Global Summit 2020 on how SAARC nations need to reinvent itself politically to solve regional and bilateral problems.

Salman Bashir: Political will can solve India-Pakistan issues

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