The sport is male-dominated and the country is conservative, but that hasn't stopped Peshawar-born Kamal from making her mark -- she is the first and only international female boxing coach registered with the boxing federation of Pakistan and she's doing her best to nurture a younger generation of boxers.

Female boxing coach challenges barriers in conservative Pakistan

"Genuine leadership, party workers are completely lost in Pakistan," said senior journalist and broadcaster Reham Khan on WION's Global Summit 2020 when asked whether Pakistan's politics can be recalibrated.&nbsp;

The theme of the session was: "Balancing and Recalibrating Pakistan’s Diplomatic Strategy: Economy, Security and Internal Political Stability". The other panellists in the session were: Pakistan's former foreign minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri and former foreign secretary Salman Bashir.&nbsp;

Watch:

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"There needs to be political will for peace from both India and Pakistan", says <a href="https://twitter.com/Salman_B_PK?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Salman_B_PK</a>, Former Foreign Secretary of Pakistan<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/wionDubaiSummit?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#wionDubaiSummit</a> <a href="https://t.co/Dt7j27cOqY">pic.twitter.com/Dt7j27cOqY</a>
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"It's sad to see Maryam Nawaz Sharif not being able to represent in Parliament. We need to encourage student leadership. We really need to encourage young leaders, we have seen some of the most sensible voices coming from women in India and Pakistan," Reham said.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/wion-global-summit-this-era-is-witnessing-end-of-western-dominance-says-sri-lankas-former-pm-ranil-wickremesinghe-284451">WION Global Summit: This era is witnessing end of western dominance, says Sri Lanka's former PM Ranil Wickremesinghe</a>

Mahmud Kasuri, who was foreign minister when military dictator Pervez Musharraf was in power, claimed that in 2006 Pakistan invited former Indian PM Manmohan Singh to sign an agreement on Sir Creek.&nbsp;

"We wanted to prove to the world that India and Pakistan could change things bilaterally...unfortunately, we said March when Musharraf went hell lose", said Mahmud Kasuri.&nbsp;

Mahmud Kasuri also said that Pakistan's relations with the United States took a nosedive since 2011. However, he said that US President Donald Trump repeatedly insisted on mediations to resolve the issue of Jammu and Kashmir despite New Delhi's reservations.&nbsp;

Kasuri said that only China and the US can play a role in resolving the issue. "The US has a slight tilt towards India," Kasuri said.&nbsp;

Salman Bashir said that religious tourism like opening up Kartarpur Corridor could act as important steps.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Genuine leadership, party workers are completely lost in Pakistan," said senior journalist and broadcaster Reham Khan on WION's Global Summit 2020 when asked whether Pakistan's politics can be recalibrated.

"Genuine leadership, party workers are completely lost in Pakistan," said senior journalist and broadcaster Reham Khan on WION's Global Summit 2020 when asked whether Pakistan's politics can be recalibrated. The theme of the session was: "Balancing and Recalibrating Pakistan’s Diplomatic Strategy: Economy, Security and Internal Political Stability". The other panellists in the session were: Pakistan's former foreign minister Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri and former foreign secretary Salman Bashir. Watch: #WIONGlobalSummit | Session 3: Balancing and Recalibrating Pakistan’s Diplomatic Strategy "There needs to be political will for peace from both India and Pakistan", says @Salman_B_PK, Former Foreign Secretary of Pakistan#wionDubaiSummit pic.twitter.com/Dt7j27cOqY — WION (@WIONews) March 5, 2020 × "It's sad to see Maryam Nawaz Sharif not being able to represent in Parliament. We need to encourage student leadership. We really need to encourage young leaders, we have seen some of the most sensible voices coming from women in India and Pakistan," Reham said. Also read: WION Global Summit: This era is witnessing end of western dominance, says Sri Lanka's former PM Ranil Wickremesinghe Mahmud Kasuri, who was foreign minister when military dictator Pervez Musharraf was in power, claimed that in 2006 Pakistan invited former Indian PM Manmohan Singh to sign an agreement on Sir Creek. "We wanted to prove to the world that India and Pakistan could change things bilaterally...unfortunately, we said March when Musharraf went hell lose", said Mahmud Kasuri. Mahmud Kasuri also said that Pakistan's relations with the United States took a nosedive since 2011. However, he said that US President Donald Trump repeatedly insisted on mediations to resolve the issue of Jammu and Kashmir despite New Delhi's reservations. Kasuri said that only China and the US can play a role in resolving the issue. "The US has a slight tilt towards India," Kasuri said. Salman Bashir said that religious tourism like opening up Kartarpur Corridor could act as important steps.

Genuine leadership completely lost in Pakistan: Reham Khan

Journalist Rizwan Khan spoke to Former Foreign Minister of Pakistan Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri on the current situation of India and Pakistan.

Rizwan Khan in conversation with Former Foreign Minister of Pakistan Khurshid Mahmud Kasuri

Journalist Rizwan Khan spoke to Former Foreign Secretary of Pakistan Salman Bashir on the current situation of India and Pakistan.

Rizwan Khan in conversation with Former Foreign Secretary of Pakistan Salman Bashir

On International Women's day - a group in Pakistan will hit the streets to demand equality. Their march is being met with an angry backlash.

Gravitas: Women's march in Pakistan faces backlash

Last month, India had detained a Karachi bound Chinese ship. Now, it has emerged that this ship was carrying nuclear-capable equipment to Pakistan. This report has the details.

Gravitas: China-Pakistan 'nuclear' nexus busted

After the coronavirus outbreak, the world is staring at the biggest economic slowdown since the 2008 financial crisis. The impact of coronavirus on the world economy is quite visible now.

Coronavirus Outbreak: Biggest economic slowdown since 2008 financial crisis

British Prime Minister Boris Johnson on March 3 said that coronavirus would not stop him greeting people with a handshake, adding that he had shaken the hands of everyone he met at a hospital where infected patients were being treated. He said, 'we cannot be sure of is what proportion of the population can get infected. Now, it will not go above 80%, so for planning purposes, of course, we go up to the highest rate that it reasonably could.'

Coronavirus Outbreak: Is UK prepared to fight coronavirus?

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has ordered his Cabinet officials to purchase 5,000 coronavirus test kits, following the confirmation of the second coronavirus case in Karachi and surfacing of multiple suspected cases in the country.

Also read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/suspected-case-of-coronavirus-reported-in-pakistan-nepal-confirms-first-case-276469">A suspected case of coronavirus reported in Pakistan, Nepal confirms the first case&nbsp;</a>

Shah, while chairing a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, said that 53 tests for coronavirus cases from Sindh have been so far been conducted, of which only two have been confirmed, Express Tribune reported

."The government has released Rs 100 million for adopting preventive measures and to deal with any emergencies [pertaining to coronavirus cases," he was quoted as saying.

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-confirms-fifth-case-of-coronavirus-284027"> Pakistan confirms fifth case of coronavirus</a>

The provincial government also ordered the closure of all educational institutions and released Rs 100 million for the coronavirus emergency fund to combat the virus.

According to health officials, the Sindh government has purchased 40,000 imported surgical facemasks from a private firm. Authorities have also started disseminating audio and text messages in English, Urdu and Sindhi languages among the general public to raise awareness about the virus.

Also read:<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-resumes-flights-to-coronavirus-hit-china-screens-passengers-for-virus-278443"> Pakistan resumes flights to coronavirus-hit China, screens passengers for virus</a>

On Tuesday, Pakistan confirmed its fifth case of coronavirus amid strict safety measures to contain the spread in the country."We have now the fifth confirmed case of COVID19 in federal areas.

The patient is stable and is being managed well," Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Health, Zafar Mirza told Geo News. According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), the patient is a 45-year-old woman from the northern mountainous region of Gilgit Baltistan, who arrived from Iran a few days ago.

Despite the surging cases, the federal cabinet today rejected the Ministry of Health`s proposal for declaring a "health emergency" in the country to tackle the virus. The cabinet in its meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Imran Khan, emphasized on strengthening coordination between provinces to increase awareness about the virus among the people, said Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Information and Broadcasting, Firdous Ashiq Awan, while speaking to the media after the meeting on Tuesday.

The disease that originated in the central Chinese city of Wuhan last year has triggered panic around the world after it killed 3,100 people around the world (mostly in China) and affected more than 80,000 around the world.

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has ordered his Cabinet officials to purchase 5,000 coronavirus test kits, following the confirmation of the second coronavirus case in Karachi and surfacing of multiple suspected cases in the country.

Sindh Chief Minister Syed Murad Ali Shah has ordered his Cabinet officials to purchase 5,000 coronavirus test kits, following the confirmation of the second coronavirus case in Karachi and surfacing of multiple suspected cases in the country. Also read: A suspected case of coronavirus reported in Pakistan, Nepal confirms the first case Shah, while chairing a cabinet meeting on Tuesday, said that 53 tests for coronavirus cases from Sindh have been so far been conducted, of which only two have been confirmed, Express Tribune reported ."The government has released Rs 100 million for adopting preventive measures and to deal with any emergencies [pertaining to coronavirus cases," he was quoted as saying. Also read: Pakistan confirms fifth case of coronavirus The provincial government also ordered the closure of all educational institutions and released Rs 100 million for the coronavirus emergency fund to combat the virus. According to health officials, the Sindh government has purchased 40,000 imported surgical facemasks from a private firm. Authorities have also started disseminating audio and text messages in English, Urdu and Sindhi languages among the general public to raise awareness about the virus. Also read: Pakistan resumes flights to coronavirus-hit China, screens passengers for virus On Tuesday, Pakistan confirmed its fifth case of coronavirus amid strict safety measures to contain the spread in the country."We have now the fifth confirmed case of COVID19 in federal areas. The patient is stable and is being managed well," Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Health, Zafar Mirza told Geo News. According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), the patient is a 45-year-old woman from the northern mountainous region of Gilgit Baltistan, who arrived from Iran a few days ago. Despite the surging cases, the federal cabinet today rejected the Ministry of Health`s proposal for declaring a "health emergency" in the country to tackle the virus. The cabinet in its meeting, chaired by Prime Minister Imran Khan, emphasized on strengthening coordination between provinces to increase awareness about the virus among the people, said Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Information and Broadcasting, Firdous Ashiq Awan, while speaking to the media after the meeting on Tuesday. The disease that originated in the central Chinese city of Wuhan last year has triggered panic around the world after it killed 3,100 people around the world (mostly in China) and affected more than 80,000 around the world.

Sindh CM calls for purchase of 5000 COVID-19 test kits as confirmed cases reach 5 in Pakistan

Pakistan has announced that it will request the British government to deport former prime minister Nawaz Sharif as he is an "absconder".

Pakistan to tighten noose around former PM Nawaz Sharif

Pakistan is closing one of its two border crossings with Afghanistan for a week to prevent the spread of coronavirus, officials said Sunday.

The announcement comes a day after Pakistan detected two new cases of the virus bringing the total number of infected patients to four.

Officials said the Chaman/Spinboldak crossing point would close from Monday, but a second point at Torkhum in the northwest would remain open.

Pakistan is sandwiched between China and Iran -- which are both fighting major outbreaks -- sparking fears about the country's ability to cope with an epidemic of its own.

The country has suspended all flights to Iran and closed land borders.

Pakistan and Afghanistan are divided by the "Durand Line", a 2,400-kilometre (1,500-mile) frontier with Villages straddling the border and mosques and houses having one door in Pakistan and another in Afghanistan.

The virus has now killed more than 2,900 people and infected over 83,000 worldwide, with an increasing number of new cases being reported each day.

Pakistan is closing one of its two border crossings with Afghanistan for a week to prevent the spread of coronavirus, officials said Sunday. The announcement comes a day after Pakistan detected two new cases of the virus bringing the total number of infected patients to four.

Pakistan is closing one of its two border crossings with Afghanistan for a week to prevent the spread of coronavirus, officials said Sunday. The announcement comes a day after Pakistan detected two new cases of the virus bringing the total number of infected patients to four. Officials said the Chaman/Spinboldak crossing point would close from Monday, but a second point at Torkhum in the northwest would remain open. Pakistan is sandwiched between China and Iran -- which are both fighting major outbreaks -- sparking fears about the country's ability to cope with an epidemic of its own. The country has suspended all flights to Iran and closed land borders. Pakistan and Afghanistan are divided by the "Durand Line", a 2,400-kilometre (1,500-mile) frontier with Villages straddling the border and mosques and houses having one door in Pakistan and another in Afghanistan. The virus has now killed more than 2,900 people and infected over 83,000 worldwide, with an increasing number of new cases being reported each day.

Pakistan closes Afghan border crossing over virus fears

Pakistan on Saturday confirmed two more cases of coronavirus bringing the total number of positive cases to four.

"We have received reports of two more positive cases of coronavirus, one has been reported in Sindh province, (the) other in federal areas," Zafar Mirza, Pakistan's health minister said in a press conference.

On Wednesday, Pakistan confirmed&nbsp;two cases of coronavirus. Speaking during the conference, the health minister also said that the two people are doing well now and about the discharged from the hospital.

As the coronavirus cases surge in neighbouring Iran, the south-Asian country has suspended all flight coming from and to Iran.

Flights to and from China, the epicentre of the deadly outbreak, and Afghanistan, which also detected its first case this week, were still operating, however, and their land borders with Pakistan were also open.

The virus has now killed 2,856 people and infected more than 83,000 worldwide, with an increasing number of new cases being reported each day.

New infections have slowed in China, which has nearly 2,800 deaths out of nearly 79,000 cases.

However, Iran has emerged as a new hotspot for the virus, with at least 26 deaths and more than 245 infections so far.

There are growing fears in Pakistan sandwiched between China and Iran over how the country would deal with the outbreak.

However, it has refused to bring back its citizens trapped in Wuhan which is the epicentre of the virus keeping them under the vigilance of Chinese authorities.

Several Pakistan citizens blocked out in China had appealed to the Imran Khan government for help earlier.&nbsp;

At least 1,000 students are reportedly stranded at Wuhan. Several hundred parents had appealed to the government to help. Several took out protests in Lahore and Karachi but the government was unmoved.

Slogans like 'shame on the government', 'bring our kids back', were raised during a meeting after Pakistan's foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi failed to show up at the gathering.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Pakistan on Saturday confirmed two more cases of coronavirus bringing the total number of positive cases to four. "We have received reports of two more positive cases of coronavirus, one has been reported in Sindh province, (the) other in federal areas," Zafar Mirza, Pakistan's health minister said in a press conference.

Pakistan on Saturday confirmed two more cases of coronavirus bringing the total number of positive cases to four. "We have received reports of two more positive cases of coronavirus, one has been reported in Sindh province, (the) other in federal areas," Zafar Mirza, Pakistan's health minister said in a press conference. On Wednesday, Pakistan confirmed two cases of coronavirus. Speaking during the conference, the health minister also said that the two people are doing well now and about the discharged from the hospital. As the coronavirus cases surge in neighbouring Iran, the south-Asian country has suspended all flight coming from and to Iran. Flights to and from China, the epicentre of the deadly outbreak, and Afghanistan, which also detected its first case this week, were still operating, however, and their land borders with Pakistan were also open. The virus has now killed 2,856 people and infected more than 83,000 worldwide, with an increasing number of new cases being reported each day. New infections have slowed in China, which has nearly 2,800 deaths out of nearly 79,000 cases. However, Iran has emerged as a new hotspot for the virus, with at least 26 deaths and more than 245 infections so far. There are growing fears in Pakistan sandwiched between China and Iran over how the country would deal with the outbreak. However, it has refused to bring back its citizens trapped in Wuhan which is the epicentre of the virus keeping them under the vigilance of Chinese authorities. Several Pakistan citizens blocked out in China had appealed to the Imran Khan government for help earlier. At least 1,000 students are reportedly stranded at Wuhan. Several hundred parents had appealed to the government to help. Several took out protests in Lahore and Karachi but the government was unmoved. Slogans like 'shame on the government', 'bring our kids back', were raised during a meeting after Pakistan's foreign minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi failed to show up at the gathering.

Pakistan confirms two more coronavirus cases, brings total to four

At least 30 people were killed and several others were injured after a passenger bus hit a train in Pakistan's Sindh province on Friday, local media reported.

The accident happened at Rohri area in Sukkur district when the bus was trying to cross an open unmanned railway crossing and hit the train.

"At least eight bodies have been shifted to the nearest hospital as the rescue is still underway," the report quoted a senior police official as saying.

Road accidents are common in Pakistan. Most of the mishaps are caused due to reckless driving and bad roads.&nbsp;

In early August, at least 18 people, including women and children, were killed in a collision between a passenger bus and a tanker.&nbsp;

Similarly, in July, 11 passengers were killed and several others sustained injuries in a three-vehicle crash near Nawabshah in Sindh province.

(With inputs from agencies)

At least 30 people were killed and several others were injured after a passenger bus hit a train in Pakistan's Sindh province on Friday, local media reported. The accident happened at Rohri area in Sukkur district when the bus was trying to cross an open unmanned railway crossing and hit the train.

At least 30 people were killed and several others were injured after a passenger bus hit a train in Pakistan's Sindh province on Friday, local media reported. The accident happened at Rohri area in Sukkur district when the bus was trying to cross an open unmanned railway crossing and hit the train. "At least eight bodies have been shifted to the nearest hospital as the rescue is still underway," the report quoted a senior police official as saying. Road accidents are common in Pakistan. Most of the mishaps are caused due to reckless driving and bad roads. In early August, at least 18 people, including women and children, were killed in a collision between a passenger bus and a tanker. Similarly, in July, 11 passengers were killed and several others sustained injuries in a three-vehicle crash near Nawabshah in Sindh province. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan: At least 30 killed, several injured in Road accident

In November 2018 Indian representatives were at the Afgan peace conference. The Indian government had sent two retired diplomats the former envoy to Kabul.

WION Fineprint: Will the Taliban enter into politics?

The US-Taliban peace deal is expected to be signed on February 29 in Doha. Both India and Pakistan are going to be part of the final talks. Pakistani PM Imran Khan is already in Qatar ahead of the deal. Watch ground report:

India To Witness US-Taliban Peace Deal

India has exercised its 'Right To Reply' at the United Nations. This comes in response to Pakistan's statement during the 43rd session of the UN Human Right's Council

India Exercises 'Right To Reply' at the UN

The US-Taliban peace deal is expected to be signed on February 29 in Doha. Both India and Pakistan are going to be part of the final talks. Whatever is happening in Doha will have a significant impact in Kabul, Islamabad and New Delhi. Watch report:

What role will India and Pakistan play in US-Afghan peace talks

The US Taliban peace deal will be signed in Doha tomorrow and both India and Pakistan are going to be part of the final talks. Watch WION ground report from Doha:

US-Taliban peace talks on Feb 29, India and Pakistan invited

India invited to witness US-Taliban peace deal in Doha

Pakistan's Army commemorated February 27th as 'Surprise Day' to push propaganda against Indian AirForce MCC's Balakot Airstrikes. Why has the Pakistani Air force been unable to evacuate its citizens stuck in Coronavirus-hit China? Molly Gambhir summarises Pak govt's surprisingly misplaced priorities.

Gravitas: 'Surprise day', Pak propaganda on Balakot strikes

The coronavirus has now reached Pakistan. The Health Minister of Pakistan has confirmed the first two cases of the novel coronavirus in Pakistan. The Health Minister of Pakistan tweeted, "I can confirm first two cases of coronavirus in Pakistan. Both cases are being taken care of according to clinical standard protocols & both of them are stable," Mirza who is an advisor to Pakistan PM Imran Khan tweeted, adding, "No need to panic, things are under control."

Pakistan Health Minister confirms 2 cases of coronavirus

Pakistan PM Imran Khan met Qatar's Emir ahead of US-Taliban peace deal.Imran khan visits Doha.

Imran Khan meets Qatar's Emir before US-Taliban Peace Deal

Blasphemy, a draconian law, has been used over the decades in Pakistan as a clampdown mostly against minorities, where death sentence has also been sentenced in the past.

Asia Bibi, who was acquitted one year ago, battled death sentence for eight years, which became the country's most high-profile case. After Bibi's acquittal, there were mass protests in the country before she moved to Canada.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-university-professor-sentenced-to-death-for-blasphemy-269461">Pakistan: University professor sentenced to death for blasphemy</a>

So let's look at what has changed in the country where hardliners traditionally ruled the roost.&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/finally-free-asia-bibi-breaks-silence-on-hellish-time-in-pak-prison-life-in-exile-277580">Finally free! Asia Bibi breaks silence on hellish time in Pak prison, life in exile</a>

"Before Asia Bibi, dozens of maulanas (religious scholars) were coming to my hearings," said the Christian pastor Adnan Prince, who is accused of desecrating the Koran.&nbsp;

"After that, they didn't come anymore."

However, the situation is not completely rosy as a former judge said that lower courts are often threatened in blasphemy cases and if they acquit the accused they themselves face the risk of being labelled blasphemers.

Recently, Junaid Hafeez, a university professor, was sentenced to death for insulting the Prophet Mohammed. The lawyer who first agreed to represent Junaid got murdered. &nbsp; 
&nbsp; &nbsp; &nbsp; 
"Could any judge in such circumstances take the risk of doing justice?" Junaid's family said in a statement. &nbsp;

Condemning the sentence, Pakistan's Human Rights Commission said that blasphemy laws are still "heavily misused" and the judicial process was "ridden by delays and pressures at the level of the lower judiciary."

The blasphemy verdicts in lower courts are generally overturned in the higher courts suggests the flawed rulings in such cases. However, Pakistan's sluggish justice system means the appeal process can stretch for years.&nbsp;

Even after the acquittal, people face the risk of vigilante violence that continues to haunts them. &nbsp;

Blasphemy is seen as a highly inflammatory charge in Pakistan. Even reform suggestions can trigger violence, most notably in Salmaan Taseer's case, the governor of Pakistan's most populous province. Salmaan was dead by his own bodyguard and his supporters still regard him as a martyr and in fact constructed a popular shrine in his memory on the outskirts of Islamabad after he was hanged four years ago.

During his 2018 campaign, Pakistan PM Imran Khan voiced his full support for defending the blasphemy laws for which he faced a lot of criticism.&nbsp;

(With AFP inputs)

Blasphemy, a draconian law, has been used over the decades in Pakistan as a clampdown mostly against minorities, where death sentence has also been sentenced in the past.

Blasphemy, a draconian law, has been used over the decades in Pakistan as a clampdown mostly against minorities, where death sentence has also been sentenced in the past. Asia Bibi, who was acquitted one year ago, battled death sentence for eight years, which became the country's most high-profile case. After Bibi's acquittal, there were mass protests in the country before she moved to Canada. Also read: Pakistan: University professor sentenced to death for blasphemy So let's look at what has changed in the country where hardliners traditionally ruled the roost. Also read: Finally free! Asia Bibi breaks silence on hellish time in Pak prison, life in exile "Before Asia Bibi, dozens of maulanas (religious scholars) were coming to my hearings," said the Christian pastor Adnan Prince, who is accused of desecrating the Koran. "After that, they didn't come anymore." However, the situation is not completely rosy as a former judge said that lower courts are often threatened in blasphemy cases and if they acquit the accused they themselves face the risk of being labelled blasphemers. Recently, Junaid Hafeez, a university professor, was sentenced to death for insulting the Prophet Mohammed. The lawyer who first agreed to represent Junaid got murdered. "Could any judge in such circumstances take the risk of doing justice?" Junaid's family said in a statement. Condemning the sentence, Pakistan's Human Rights Commission said that blasphemy laws are still "heavily misused" and the judicial process was "ridden by delays and pressures at the level of the lower judiciary." The blasphemy verdicts in lower courts are generally overturned in the higher courts suggests the flawed rulings in such cases. However, Pakistan's sluggish justice system means the appeal process can stretch for years. Even after the acquittal, people face the risk of vigilante violence that continues to haunts them. Blasphemy is seen as a highly inflammatory charge in Pakistan. Even reform suggestions can trigger violence, most notably in Salmaan Taseer's case, the governor of Pakistan's most populous province. Salmaan was dead by his own bodyguard and his supporters still regard him as a martyr and in fact constructed a popular shrine in his memory on the outskirts of Islamabad after he was hanged four years ago. During his 2018 campaign, Pakistan PM Imran Khan voiced his full support for defending the blasphemy laws for which he faced a lot of criticism. (With AFP inputs)

How blasphemy still remains Pakistan's notorious law a year after Asia Bibi's acquittal

The coronavirus has now reached Pakistan. The Health Minister of Pakistan has confirmed the first two cases of the novel coronavirus in Pakistan. The Health Minister of Pakistan tweeted, "I can confirm the first two cases of coronavirus in Pakistan. Both cases are being taken care of according to clinical standard protocols & both of them are stable," Mirza who is an advisor to Pakistan PM Imran Khan tweeted, adding, "No need to panic, things are under control."

Coronavirus in Iran holds threat to Pakistan | Coronavirus Outbreak

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has postponed his inauguration on US request. This after Washington raised concerns that the controversy over his re-election might hamper the signing of a peace deal with the Taliban, later this week.

Qatar Invites Pakistan to peace deal signing

A day after India and the United States issued a joint statement condemning Pakistan sponsored terror, India slammed Pakistan at the United Nations Human Rights Council(UNHRC), calling Pakistan the global hub of terrorism.

Pakistan global hub of terrorism, says India at UNHRC

One year ago on this day, Indian Air Force aircrafts bombed a terrorist training camp deep inside Pakistan, in response to the Pulwama attack which had killed over 40 Indian Army soldiers. During the operation, 12 Indian fighter jets entered Pakistan controlled airspace and destroyed a major terror camp in Balakot.

The Balakot airstrike marked a paradigm shift in India's defence policy. This was the strongest ever response by India to Pakistan&nbsp;sponsored terror.

India's&nbsp;Defence Minister Rajnath Singh lauded the bravery of the soldiers in the airstrikes.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/balakot-terror-camps-in-pakistan-being-reactivated-mha-informs-rajya-sabha-264891">Also read: Balakot terror camps in Pakistan being reactivated: MHA informs Rajya Sabha</a>

"I salute the IAF for its unmatched bravery and courage exhibited during Balakote airstrikes. Now we do not hesitate to cross the border to protect India against terrorism."

On Wednesday, on the first anniversary of Balakot airstrike, the IAF chief&nbsp;RKS Bhadauria&nbsp;also hailed the airstrike and said it sent a clear message that there will be a robust response to a terror attack from across the border.

"The message is clear that it will no longer be a status quo, if there is an attack orchestrated from across the border there will be a response and it will be a robust response."

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/balakot-airstrike-anniversary-when-iaf-crossed-into-pakistan-and-bombed-jem-camps-282899/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The Chief of the Air Staff flew a sortie in MiG-21 of 51 Squadron with two Mirage-2000s and Sukhoi-30MKI from Srinagar airbase to mark the completion of one year of Balakot airstrikes.

Former IAF Chief BS Dhanoa&nbsp;speaking on the occasion said they looked back at the operation with "satisfaction."

"One year has gone past and we look back with satisfaction. We have learnt a lot of lessons, a lot of things have been implemented after Balakot operations. Basically, it's a paradigm shift in the way we conduct our operations. The other side never believed that we could carry out a strike inside Pakistan to take out a terror training camp that we successfully carried out," BS Dhanoa said.

Last year, on February 26, Indian Air Force carried out airstrikes in Pakistan's Balakot, targetting Jaish-e-Muhammed's (JeM) terror training camps.

The JeM had claimed responsibility of a deadly terror attack on February 14 in Pulwama, killing more than 40 CRPF personnel.

A day after Balakot airstrikes, the IAF foiled Pakistan Air Force retaliation in which India's Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, while piloting a MiG 21, shot down Pakistan's F-16.

&nbsp;

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One year ago on this day, Indian Air Force aircrafts bombed a terrorist training camp deep inside Pakistan, in response to the Pulwama attack which had killed over 40 Indian Army soldiers.

One year ago on this day, Indian Air Force aircrafts bombed a terrorist training camp deep inside Pakistan, in response to the Pulwama attack which had killed over 40 Indian Army soldiers. During the operation, 12 Indian fighter jets entered Pakistan controlled airspace and destroyed a major terror camp in Balakot. The Balakot airstrike marked a paradigm shift in India's defence policy. This was the strongest ever response by India to Pakistan sponsored terror. India's Defence Minister Rajnath Singh lauded the bravery of the soldiers in the airstrikes. Also read: Balakot terror camps in Pakistan being reactivated: MHA informs Rajya Sabha "I salute the IAF for its unmatched bravery and courage exhibited during Balakote airstrikes. Now we do not hesitate to cross the border to protect India against terrorism." On Wednesday, on the first anniversary of Balakot airstrike, the IAF chief RKS Bhadauria also hailed the airstrike and said it sent a clear message that there will be a robust response to a terror attack from across the border. "The message is clear that it will no longer be a status quo, if there is an attack orchestrated from across the border there will be a response and it will be a robust response." The Chief of the Air Staff flew a sortie in MiG-21 of 51 Squadron with two Mirage-2000s and Sukhoi-30MKI from Srinagar airbase to mark the completion of one year of Balakot airstrikes. Former IAF Chief BS Dhanoa speaking on the occasion said they looked back at the operation with "satisfaction." "One year has gone past and we look back with satisfaction. We have learnt a lot of lessons, a lot of things have been implemented after Balakot operations. Basically, it's a paradigm shift in the way we conduct our operations. The other side never believed that we could carry out a strike inside Pakistan to take out a terror training camp that we successfully carried out," BS Dhanoa said. Last year, on February 26, Indian Air Force carried out airstrikes in Pakistan's Balakot, targetting Jaish-e-Muhammed's (JeM) terror training camps. The JeM had claimed responsibility of a deadly terror attack on February 14 in Pulwama, killing more than 40 CRPF personnel. A day after Balakot airstrikes, the IAF foiled Pakistan Air Force retaliation in which India's Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, while piloting a MiG 21, shot down Pakistan's F-16.

Balakot airstrike anniversary: When IAF crossed into Pakistan and bombed JeM training camps

One year ago on this day, Indian Air Force aircrafts bombed a terrorist training camp deep inside Pakistan, in response to the Pulwama attack which had killed over 40 Indian Army soldiers. During the operation, 12 Indian fighter jets entered Pakistan controlled airspace and destroyed a major terror camp in Balakot.

Balakot airstrike anniversary: When IAF crossed into Pakistan and bombed JeM camps

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