Atrocities against minorities in Pakistan are not reducing. Imran government of Pakistan getting thrashed in all over the world on this issue. The mob stoned outside the Nankana Sahib gurdwara in Pakistan on Friday. Shouted slogans against the Sikh communities and threatened them. A video of the incident is going viral, in the video, a protesting youth says that we will not let the Sikhs stay here and change its name to Ghulam-e-Mushtaq. #NankanaSahibGurdwara #Pakistan #WION

India condemn on misbehaves with Sikhs & stone pelting at Nankana Sahib in Pak

The Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government on January 3 tabled the Pakistan Army (Amendment) Bill, 2020 in the National Assembly after being assured unequivocal support on the matter by the two main opposition parties. The development came after a meeting of the PTI's parliamentary committee, headed by Prime Minister Imran Khan, was held earlier today at the Parliament House to discuss the legislation. #Pakistan #PakistanArmyAct #ImranKhan

WION Dispatch: Pakistan govt tables amendments in Army act

Pakistan bowling coach <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-former-pakistani-cricketer-waqar-younus-questions-indias-sportsmanship-against-england-232039">Waqar Younis</a> hailed the young talents and said that the team got a bunch of youngsters in the team who can become a force in near future.

"It has to be the chance to work with some excellent young fast-bowlers. Who wouldn't want to work with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-pakistan-seal-triumphant-test-cricket-return-with-sri-lanka-win-269656">Naseem Shah</a>, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Hasnain and some of the more established bowlers like Hassan Ali and Faheem Ashraf? I have got a bunch of guys who I feel can be a force. If you look around the world, the most successful teams are the ones who have a group of pace-bowlers across all formats and who have specialists across all three formats," website PakPassion quoted Younis as saying.

"I feel that if I can help these youngsters and guide them then that will be satisfying for me, the Board and will be of benefit to these young bowlers," he added. 
Pakistan has a pace bowling attack consisting of Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Hasnain, Hassan Ali and Faheem Ashraf. 
Naseem recently became the youngest cricketer to Test debut in Australia and grabbed many eyeballs with his talent.

Shaheen is another youngster with great potential as he became took his first five-wicket haul in Test cricket against Sri Lanka in Karachi Test.

Praising the 19-year-old seamer, Younis said he is 'maturing very quickly'.

"Shaheen is maturing very quickly, he likes to learn and is keen to perform and I'm really pleased with how he is progressing as a bowler," Waqar said.

"I have spoken with the PCB hierarchy about players' finances and managing their workloads as each Test match counts towards the World Test Championship and we have to manage Shaheen's and the other pacers workloads. I am sure the Board is working on this and they will come up with some sort of agreement to help and work with the players," he added.

When asked is their more fast bowlers in the pipeline, Waqar said, "Ehsan Adil is one bowler that I am keeping a close eye on and he is someone who has been bowling well this season, can bat and is a handy fielder too. I have already mentioned some of the group of pace-bowlers we have at our disposal and in addition, Usman Khan Shinwari is an impressive bowler."

"What I am trying to do is to have this group of pace-bowlers and to keep a very close eye on this batch and monitor their progress very closely. We are planning to have another camp for pace-bowlers ahead of the series against Bangladesh and that will also give us another opportunity to look at the pace-bowlers," he added.

After successfully hosting the Test series against Sri Lanka and winning it by 1-0, Waqar termed Pakistan as a safe cricketing nation.

"Pakistan is a safe place and anyone who is saying it's not a safe place is fooling themselves. We've just had an excellent series against Sri Lanka, with some good crowds and a wonderful and hard-fought <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/ind-vs-aus-cant-be-happy-with-one-test-match-and-need-to-build-on-this-says-virat-kohli-182821">Test match </a>played in Karachi. People love cricket in Pakistan and what else does any country want us to do to show that it is safe here? The Sri Lankan players were out and about shopping and going out for dinners and they were all very happy in Pakistan," Waqar said.

Pakistan bowling coach Waqar Younis hailed the young talents and said that the team got a bunch of youngsters in the team who can become a force in near future. "It has to be the chance to work with some excellent young fast-bowlers.

Pakistan bowling coach Waqar Younis hailed the young talents and said that the team got a bunch of youngsters in the team who can become a force in near future. "It has to be the chance to work with some excellent young fast-bowlers. Who wouldn't want to work with Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Hasnain and some of the more established bowlers like Hassan Ali and Faheem Ashraf? I have got a bunch of guys who I feel can be a force. If you look around the world, the most successful teams are the ones who have a group of pace-bowlers across all formats and who have specialists across all three formats," website PakPassion quoted Younis as saying. "I feel that if I can help these youngsters and guide them then that will be satisfying for me, the Board and will be of benefit to these young bowlers," he added. Pakistan has a pace bowling attack consisting of Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Hasnain, Hassan Ali and Faheem Ashraf. Naseem recently became the youngest cricketer to Test debut in Australia and grabbed many eyeballs with his talent. Shaheen is another youngster with great potential as he became took his first five-wicket haul in Test cricket against Sri Lanka in Karachi Test. Praising the 19-year-old seamer, Younis said he is 'maturing very quickly'. "Shaheen is maturing very quickly, he likes to learn and is keen to perform and I'm really pleased with how he is progressing as a bowler," Waqar said. "I have spoken with the PCB hierarchy about players' finances and managing their workloads as each Test match counts towards the World Test Championship and we have to manage Shaheen's and the other pacers workloads. I am sure the Board is working on this and they will come up with some sort of agreement to help and work with the players," he added. When asked is their more fast bowlers in the pipeline, Waqar said, "Ehsan Adil is one bowler that I am keeping a close eye on and he is someone who has been bowling well this season, can bat and is a handy fielder too. I have already mentioned some of the group of pace-bowlers we have at our disposal and in addition, Usman Khan Shinwari is an impressive bowler." "What I am trying to do is to have this group of pace-bowlers and to keep a very close eye on this batch and monitor their progress very closely. We are planning to have another camp for pace-bowlers ahead of the series against Bangladesh and that will also give us another opportunity to look at the pace-bowlers," he added. After successfully hosting the Test series against Sri Lanka and winning it by 1-0, Waqar termed Pakistan as a safe cricketing nation. "Pakistan is a safe place and anyone who is saying it's not a safe place is fooling themselves. We've just had an excellent series against Sri Lanka, with some good crowds and a wonderful and hard-fought Test match played in Karachi. People love cricket in Pakistan and what else does any country want us to do to show that it is safe here? The Sri Lankan players were out and about shopping and going out for dinners and they were all very happy in Pakistan," Waqar said.

Young Pakistan bowlers can become a force in future: Waqar Younis

Major embarrassment for radio Pakistan. #Pakistan #RadioPakistan

Gravitas: Facebook shuts down Pakistan's anti-India propaganda

Is Pakistan Making A Dangerous Turn Towards Wahhabism? #WION #Gravitas #Pakistan #UAE

Gravitas: Pak rolls out the red carpet for UAE crown prince

Pakistan's Punjab provincial assembly has passed a resolution against blasphemous content on social media. #WION #Pakistan

WION Dispatch: Pakistan's Punjab to tighten blasphemy laws

Residents of Gilgit city in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-uses-terrorism-as-tool-of-state-policy-army-chief-naravane-271301">Pakistan</a>-occupied Kashmir (PoK) have raised concerns over contaminated drinking water and over-spilling of sewage. 
 
The city's wastewater is flowing directly into the Gilgit River, the major source of drinking water for the locals of the area. 
 
The government has failed to treat the city's wastewater with no sewage treatment plants operational in the region. 
 
Apart from polluted rivers, the choked drainage systems in the city have now started overflowing on the roads creating worry for the residents. 
 
"The drainage systems of the city are choked. The government officials who are responsible for this are not taking an initiative to clean it. There is no drainage-discharge facility built to clear this up. The dirty water is oozing out on roads," a resident said. 
 
A few residents also complained that the sewage water has damaged their shops and properties. They have appealed to the local authorities but no action has been taken to curb the gloomy condition. 
 
"We have appealed to the Chief Minister, local administration authorities and officials that our business properties must be taken care of immediately. These shops are the basis of our livelihood. These shops have been damaged. This is the fifth or the sixth day since we have complained about it and not a single step has been taken. Why are we getting persecuted in such a manner?" another resident said. 
 
The stagnated water on the roads is not only creating traffic chaos but has also become a breeding ground for water-borne diseases. 
 
The already underdeveloped area of Gilgit-Baltistan is bearing the burden of contaminated water and unavailability of a proper drainage system in the region has aggravated the woes of the people further. 
 
The Pakistan administration that stakes illegal claim on Gilgit-Baltistan has left the region downtrodden and underdeveloped for decades now.

Residents of Gilgit city in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) have raised concerns over contaminated drinking water and over-spilling of sewage. The city's wastewater is flowing directly into the Gilgit River, the major source of drinking water for the locals of the area.

Residents of Gilgit city in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) have raised concerns over contaminated drinking water and over-spilling of sewage. The city's wastewater is flowing directly into the Gilgit River, the major source of drinking water for the locals of the area. The government has failed to treat the city's wastewater with no sewage treatment plants operational in the region. Apart from polluted rivers, the choked drainage systems in the city have now started overflowing on the roads creating worry for the residents. "The drainage systems of the city are choked. The government officials who are responsible for this are not taking an initiative to clean it. There is no drainage-discharge facility built to clear this up. The dirty water is oozing out on roads," a resident said. A few residents also complained that the sewage water has damaged their shops and properties. They have appealed to the local authorities but no action has been taken to curb the gloomy condition. "We have appealed to the Chief Minister, local administration authorities and officials that our business properties must be taken care of immediately. These shops are the basis of our livelihood. These shops have been damaged. This is the fifth or the sixth day since we have complained about it and not a single step has been taken. Why are we getting persecuted in such a manner?" another resident said. The stagnated water on the roads is not only creating traffic chaos but has also become a breeding ground for water-borne diseases. The already underdeveloped area of Gilgit-Baltistan is bearing the burden of contaminated water and unavailability of a proper drainage system in the region has aggravated the woes of the people further. The Pakistan administration that stakes illegal claim on Gilgit-Baltistan has left the region downtrodden and underdeveloped for decades now.

PoK residents raise concerns over contaminated drinking water, sewage issues

An O.I.C. Meeting On Jammu & Kashmir And Citizenship Law: Saudi Arabia Grants Pakistan Its Wish. #Gravitas #WION #CAA #J&K #Pakistan

Gravitas: Report: Pakistan To Host O.I.C. Meet On India's Citizenship Law & Kashmir

Is The Government Struggling To Stay On Top Of The Narrative As Citizenship Law Courts Criticism Across The World. #Gravitas #WION #CAA #J&K #Pakistan

Gravitas: India's Citizenship Law: Decoding The Global Criticism

In an apparent <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistani-media-mogul-rejects-rape-accusations-by-filmmaker-271209">reference to Pakistan</a>, Army Chief General MM Naravane on Tuesday said that the "neighbouring country" uses terrorism as a tool of state policy. 
 
In an exclusive interview to ANI hours after taking the charge as the new Army Chief, General Naravane asserted that terrorism is a worldwide problem. 
"Terrorism is a worldwide problem, India has been at the receiving end of terrorism for a long time. It is only now that the entire world and many countries affected with terrorism are coming to realise what a threat it is," he said. 
 
"As far as our neighbour is concerned they are trying to use terrorism as a tool of state policy, as a way of carrying out a proxy war against us...while maintaining deniability. However, this state can't last long, as they say, you can't fool all the people, all the time," General Naravane added. 
 
The new Army Chief said that post the abrogation of Article 370, there has been a definite improvement in the situation on the ground. 
 
"<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/army-better-prepared-to-take-on-challenges-at-pakistan-china-borders-cds-general-rawat-271188">Incidents of violence</a> have seen a marked decline, this augurs very well for the population of Jammu and Kashmir. It is a step forward towards bringing peace and prosperity to the region," he said.

In an apparent reference to Pakistan, Army Chief General MM Naravane on Tuesday said that the "neighbouring country" uses terrorism as a tool of state policy. In an exclusive interview to ANI hours after taking the charge as the new Army Chief, General Naravane asserted that terrorism is a worldwide problem.

In an apparent reference to Pakistan, Army Chief General MM Naravane on Tuesday said that the "neighbouring country" uses terrorism as a tool of state policy. In an exclusive interview to ANI hours after taking the charge as the new Army Chief, General Naravane asserted that terrorism is a worldwide problem. "Terrorism is a worldwide problem, India has been at the receiving end of terrorism for a long time. It is only now that the entire world and many countries affected with terrorism are coming to realise what a threat it is," he said. "As far as our neighbour is concerned they are trying to use terrorism as a tool of state policy, as a way of carrying out a proxy war against us...while maintaining deniability. However, this state can't last long, as they say, you can't fool all the people, all the time," General Naravane added. The new Army Chief said that post the abrogation of Article 370, there has been a definite improvement in the situation on the ground. "Incidents of violence have seen a marked decline, this augurs very well for the population of Jammu and Kashmir. It is a step forward towards bringing peace and prosperity to the region," he said.

Pakistan uses terrorism as tool of state policy: Army Chief Naravane

Anti-Citizenship Law Protests Hurting India's Global Image? #Gravitas #WIONEdit #WION #CAA #J&K #Pakistan

WION Edit: Citizenship Law: Is India Losing The Narrative War?

In some parts of India, protest against the controversial law that is Citizenship (Amendment) Act still continue. Hindu refugee family from Pakistan named newly born daughter as 'Nagarikta' over the CAA. #WIONDispatch #India #AntiCAAProtest #WION

WION Dispatch: Hindu refugee family from Pak named their daughter as 'Nagarikta'

Pakistan's Punjab government is likely to make a decision next week over allowing Nawaz Sharif to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-punjab-govt-constitutes-committee-to-decide-on-nawazs-stay-abroad-270263">stay abroad for an extended period</a> for medical treatment, a government source told Dawn. 
 
The decision would be made after getting the former Prime Minister's medical reports assessed from a panel of local doctors, added the source. 
 
"The government has received <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nawaz-sharif-likely-to-be-flown-to-united-states-on-december-16-for-further-treatment-267288">Sharif's medical reports</a> and will get them assessed early next week from a panel of doctors," the source said. 
 
This comes after the government formed a four-member committee headed by Punjab Law Minister Mohammad Basharat Raja to consider an application filed by Sharif, seeking an extension of his stay abroad for his medical treatment on grounds that his condition is "very critical." 
 
The former Pakistan PM had gone to London last month after the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) government gave him <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/doctors-have-advised-shifting-nawaz-sharif-to-us-for-treatment-pml-n-267225">one-time permission to travel abroad</a> for medical treatment during his bail period of four weeks without the condition of submitting indemnity bonds.

Pakistan's Punjab government is likely to make a decision next week over allowing Nawaz Sharif to stay abroad for an extended period for medical treatment, a government source told Dawn.

Pakistan's Punjab government is likely to make a decision next week over allowing Nawaz Sharif to stay abroad for an extended period for medical treatment, a government source told Dawn. The decision would be made after getting the former Prime Minister's medical reports assessed from a panel of local doctors, added the source. "The government has received Sharif's medical reports and will get them assessed early next week from a panel of doctors," the source said. This comes after the government formed a four-member committee headed by Punjab Law Minister Mohammad Basharat Raja to consider an application filed by Sharif, seeking an extension of his stay abroad for his medical treatment on grounds that his condition is "very critical." The former Pakistan PM had gone to London last month after the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) government gave him one-time permission to travel abroad for medical treatment during his bail period of four weeks without the condition of submitting indemnity bonds.

Pakistan: Decision to extend Nawaz Sharif's stay abroad due next week

India's Former Air Chief Marshal Birender Singh Dhanoa has said that the Indian Air Force (IAF) planned to strike terror camps of Pakistan twice before the 2019 Balakot airstrike. #WION #IAF #BSDhanoa

Ex-IAF Chief: IAF planned airstrike to hit terror camps in Pak in 2008

Pakistan on Thursday received $452.4 million as a second tranche of the $6 billion loan from the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-economic-slowdown-international-monetary-fund-calls-for-urgent-action-270004">International Monetary Fund</a> (IMF).

Confirming the report, a spokesperson of the<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/islamabads-war-on-terror-has-cost-118-bn-state-bank-of-pakistan-8992"> State Bank of Pakistan</a> (SBP) told ARY News that the release of the second tranche amounting to over $452 million showed IMF's confidence over the government's economic policies. The amount will be added to the bank's data next week, he added.

The spokesperson said that the central bank's net reserves increased by $14 million to $10.9 billion during the week ending December 20.

The IMF had approved the second tranche of the loan for Pakistan under the $6 billion Extended Fund Facility in a meeting of its executive board in Washington on December 20.

Pakistan had received the first tranche from IMF under its loan program in July.

The IMF had agreed to the three-year rescue package for Pakistan in April its 13th bailout programme for the South Asian nation since the late 1980s as the economic outlook for the country of 208 million people worsened.

The fiscal deficit of Pakistan's cash-strapped nation has ballooned to about 7 per cent of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/business-economy/indias-q2-gdp-falls-to-45-lowest-in-6-years-265259">GDP</a> and a balance of payments crisis is looming.

The country has long suffered from a weak tax base, with only about one per cent of its 208 million population filing income tax returns and major industrial sectors dominated by powerful lobbies paying little or no tax.

Pakistan on Thursday received $452.4 million as a second tranche of the $6 billion loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Confirming the report, a spokesperson of the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) told ARY News that the release of the second tranche amounting to over $452 million showed IMF's confidence over the government's economic policies.

Pakistan on Thursday received $452.4 million as a second tranche of the $6 billion loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Confirming the report, a spokesperson of the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) told ARY News that the release of the second tranche amounting to over $452 million showed IMF's confidence over the government's economic policies. The amount will be added to the bank's data next week, he added. The spokesperson said that the central bank's net reserves increased by $14 million to $10.9 billion during the week ending December 20. The IMF had approved the second tranche of the loan for Pakistan under the $6 billion Extended Fund Facility in a meeting of its executive board in Washington on December 20. Pakistan had received the first tranche from IMF under its loan program in July. The IMF had agreed to the three-year rescue package for Pakistan in April its 13th bailout programme for the South Asian nation since the late 1980s as the economic outlook for the country of 208 million people worsened. The fiscal deficit of Pakistan's cash-strapped nation has ballooned to about 7 per cent of the GDP and a balance of payments crisis is looming. The country has long suffered from a weak tax base, with only about one per cent of its 208 million population filing income tax returns and major industrial sectors dominated by powerful lobbies paying little or no tax.

Pakistan receives second tranche of $452 million from International Monetary Fund

An officer of the army and a civilian were killed on Wednesday in an unprovoked ceasefire violation by Pakistani troops along the LoC in Rampur sector of Jammu and Kashmir

Army officer, civilian killed as Pakistan violates ceasefire along LoC

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-saudi-foreign-minister-faisal-bin-farhan-al-saud-to-visit-today-270275">Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud</a> arrived here on Thursday on a maiden visit to Pakistan.

The newly-appointed minister was received by his Pakistani counterpart Shah Mehmood Qureshi at the airport. Both sides, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) office here, discussed bilateral relations, regional situation and matters of mutual interest, Dawn reported.

The Saudi foreign minister is also expected to meet Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/calling-imran-khans-bluff-india-needs-to-realign-its-pakistan-policy-190867">Imran Khan </a>and other leaders during his one-day trip.

This is the first visit by the current Saudi foreign minister since he assumed office in October.

Earlier, a diplomatic source told Dawn that the purpose of the trip is to thank Prime Minister Imran Khan for not attending Kuala Lumpur Summit.

The source added that the visit was scheduled only a couple of days ago.

"The purpose of the visit is to thank Prime Minister Khan for his decision of not attending Kuala Lumpur summit, and express solidarity with Islamabad after Turkish President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/80000-syrian-migrants-marching-to-turkey-says-recep-erdogan-269633">Recep Tayyip Erdogan</a>'s allegations that Saudi pressure forced Pakistan to skip the event," he said on conditions of anonymity.

"The Saudis also want to dispel the impression, which was reinforced by Erdogan's allegations, that their attitude towards Islamabad is patronising," he added.

Earlier this month, Khan had decided not to attend the Islamic summit, which was held in Kuala Lumpur and was attended by leaders of Muslim countries, including Iran, Qatar, and Turkey as well as religious scholars.

The decision was reportedly taken after Saudi Arabia expressed its displeasure over Pakistan's decision to participate. Riyadh sees the summit as an attempt to present an alternative to the Jeddah-based Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC).

The decision came as a surprise because the Pakistan prime minister was the one with whom his Malaysian counterpart Mahathir Mohamad was about to address the summit.

However, both Pakistan and Saudi Arabia had rejected claims that Khan's decision was taken due to pressure from Riyadh.

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud arrived here on Thursday on a maiden visit to Pakistan. The newly-appointed minister was received by his Pakistani counterpart Shah Mehmood Qureshi at the airport.

Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al-Saud arrived here on Thursday on a maiden visit to Pakistan. The newly-appointed minister was received by his Pakistani counterpart Shah Mehmood Qureshi at the airport. Both sides, at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) office here, discussed bilateral relations, regional situation and matters of mutual interest, Dawn reported. The Saudi foreign minister is also expected to meet Prime Minister Imran Khan and other leaders during his one-day trip. This is the first visit by the current Saudi foreign minister since he assumed office in October. Earlier, a diplomatic source told Dawn that the purpose of the trip is to thank Prime Minister Imran Khan for not attending Kuala Lumpur Summit. The source added that the visit was scheduled only a couple of days ago. "The purpose of the visit is to thank Prime Minister Khan for his decision of not attending Kuala Lumpur summit, and express solidarity with Islamabad after Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's allegations that Saudi pressure forced Pakistan to skip the event," he said on conditions of anonymity. "The Saudis also want to dispel the impression, which was reinforced by Erdogan's allegations, that their attitude towards Islamabad is patronising," he added. Earlier this month, Khan had decided not to attend the Islamic summit, which was held in Kuala Lumpur and was attended by leaders of Muslim countries, including Iran, Qatar, and Turkey as well as religious scholars. The decision was reportedly taken after Saudi Arabia expressed its displeasure over Pakistan's decision to participate. Riyadh sees the summit as an attempt to present an alternative to the Jeddah-based Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC). The decision came as a surprise because the Pakistan prime minister was the one with whom his Malaysian counterpart Mahathir Mohamad was about to address the summit. However, both Pakistan and Saudi Arabia had rejected claims that Khan's decision was taken due to pressure from Riyadh.

Saudi foreign minister arrives in Pakistan to thank Imran for pulling out of Malaysia summit

Former Pakistani cricketer Shahid Afridi recently tweeted to the prime minister of Pakistan to speak up against the treatment meted out to Uighur Muslims in China.&nbsp;

The former captain of Pakistan cricket team, in a tweet, had requested Prime Minister Imran Khan to speak up against China’s atrocities against the Uighur Muslims.

In his tweet, he also urges Muslim ummah to speak on the issue. "I request @ImranKhanPTI to speak up against this; talk of uniting the Muslim ummah includes our brothers &amp; sisters in China too. @CathayPak is requested to address the humane &amp; just treatment of Muslims" said Afridi.''

<img alt="Shahid" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="e72fb41b-ce20-4793-804e-d9e428cdd700" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/shahid.jpg" />

Later Shahid Afridi deleted his tweet.

The tweet was possibly deleted after the Chinese department of foreign affairs responded to his comment saying that Afridi was “totally misled by western propaganda against china”.

Earlier in September, the US had criticised Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan for not highlighting the plight of the Uyghurs the same way he spoke about the Kashmiris on international platforms.

Former Pakistani cricketer Shahid Afridi recently tweeted to the prime minister of Pakistan to speak up against the treatment meted out to Uighur Muslims in China.

Former Pakistani cricketer Shahid Afridi recently tweeted to the prime minister of Pakistan to speak up against the treatment meted out to Uighur Muslims in China. The former captain of Pakistan cricket team, in a tweet, had requested Prime Minister Imran Khan to speak up against China’s atrocities against the Uighur Muslims. In his tweet, he also urges Muslim ummah to speak on the issue. "I request @ImranKhanPTI to speak up against this; talk of uniting the Muslim ummah includes our brothers & sisters in China too. @CathayPak is requested to address the humane & just treatment of Muslims" said Afridi.'' Later Shahid Afridi deleted his tweet. The tweet was possibly deleted after the Chinese department of foreign affairs responded to his comment saying that Afridi was “totally misled by western propaganda against china”. Earlier in September, the US had criticised Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan for not highlighting the plight of the Uyghurs the same way he spoke about the Kashmiris on international platforms.

Pakistan's deafening-silence on Xinjiang continues: Shahid Afridi deletes tweet on atrocities against Uighur Muslims

Pakistan has raised questions over the credibility and transparency of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/us-re-designates-pakistan-china-as-countries-curbing-religious-freedom-269447">US State Department report </a>which placed it on a list of countries violating religious freedoms.

"Pakistan rejects the US State Department's unilateral and arbitrary designation under the religious freedom report announced on December 20, 2019. This pronouncement is not only detached from ground realities of Pakistan but also raises questions about the credibility and transparency of the entire exercise," read a release by Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Pakistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Pakistan</a> rejects the U.S. State Department's unilateral and arbitrary designation under the religious freedom report announced on 20 December 2019. 
 
Press Release by <a href="https://twitter.com/ForeignOfficePk?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ForeignOfficePk</a> <a href="https://t.co/zM8cUsPsY2">pic.twitter.com/zM8cUsPsY2</a>
— Spokesperson, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) <a href="https://twitter.com/ForeignOfficePk/status/1209544159889182722?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 24, 2019</a></blockquote>
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"The designation is reflective of selective targeting of countries and thus unlikely to be helpful to the professed cause of advanced religious freedom," it added.

Watch:&nbsp;

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/un-latest-report-religious-freedom-in-pak-continues-to-deteriorate-under-present-govt-268406/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The US State Department on December 18 designated Myanmar, China, Eritrea, Iran, North Korea, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan as ''Countries of Particular Concern'' under the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 for having engaged in or tolerated "systematic, ongoing, (and) egregious violations of religious freedom."

Blasphemy laws are extremely stringent in Pakistan. The punishment for blasphemy can range from small fines to even the death penalty.

And as of late, there has been a sharp rise in the number of forced conversions. Especially in the Sindh province.

Minorities like the Ahmadiyyas, the Balochs and Sindhis face systemic persecution in the country. There are regular reports of disappearances and discrimination against them.

Joining Pakistan in the list is China. Beijing's atrocities in Xinjiang have been garnering international attention. Especially over the last year. 
Estimates suggest that close to 1 million Uighur Muslims have been illegally detained in internment camps by china.

Recent leaks from the Communist Party have given more credibility to what has essentially been known to the international community for a long time.

(With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan has raised questions over the credibility and transparency of the US State Department report which placed it on a list of countries violating religious freedoms.

Pakistan has raised questions over the credibility and transparency of the US State Department report which placed it on a list of countries violating religious freedoms. "Pakistan rejects the US State Department's unilateral and arbitrary designation under the religious freedom report announced on December 20, 2019. This pronouncement is not only detached from ground realities of Pakistan but also raises questions about the credibility and transparency of the entire exercise," read a release by Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. #Pakistan rejects the U.S. State Department's unilateral and arbitrary designation under the religious freedom report announced on 20 December 2019. Press Release by @ForeignOfficePk pic.twitter.com/zM8cUsPsY2 — Spokesperson, Ministry of Foreign Affairs Pakistan (@ForeignOfficePk) December 24, 2019 × "The designation is reflective of selective targeting of countries and thus unlikely to be helpful to the professed cause of advanced religious freedom," it added. Watch: The US State Department on December 18 designated Myanmar, China, Eritrea, Iran, North Korea, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Tajikistan, and Turkmenistan as ''Countries of Particular Concern'' under the International Religious Freedom Act of 1998 for having engaged in or tolerated "systematic, ongoing, (and) egregious violations of religious freedom." Blasphemy laws are extremely stringent in Pakistan. The punishment for blasphemy can range from small fines to even the death penalty. And as of late, there has been a sharp rise in the number of forced conversions. Especially in the Sindh province. Minorities like the Ahmadiyyas, the Balochs and Sindhis face systemic persecution in the country. There are regular reports of disappearances and discrimination against them. Joining Pakistan in the list is China. Beijing's atrocities in Xinjiang have been garnering international attention. Especially over the last year. Estimates suggest that close to 1 million Uighur Muslims have been illegally detained in internment camps by china. Recent leaks from the Communist Party have given more credibility to what has essentially been known to the international community for a long time. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan raises questions over credibility of US report on religious freedom, calls the process 'suspicious'

The federal cabinet on December 24 has decided to give one-time permission for import of polio markers from India and reduce prices of 89 medicines by 15 per cent. The markers, which are used to mark the fingers of children after administering them polio vaccine, are approved by the World Health Organisation (WHO). #Pakistan #India #WHO #PolioMarkers #Polio

Pakistan to import polio markers from India, price of 89 medicines reduced by 15%

Global terror watchdog FATF requested more information and data from Pakistan on actions taken against madrassas belonging to proscribed groups after Islamabad submitted a report outlining the government's actions to curb terrorism and money laundering. #FATF #Pakistan #FAFTQuestionPakistan

WION Dispatch: FATF poses 150 questions to Pakistan, inquires on actions against madrassas

Pakistan's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-day-after-release-from-sub-jail-asif-ali-zardari-to-be-shifted-to-karachi-hospital-268059">National Accountability Bureau</a> (NAB) on Monday arrested former Interior Minister and senior <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pml-n-leaders-meet-in-london-to-discuss-army-chiefs-tenure-other-parliamentary-affairs-266915">Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz</a> (PML-N) leader Ahsan Iqbal for alleged corruption in a spots city project. 
 
Iqbal was arrested from NAB's office in Rawalpindi where he had appeared to record his statement in the case regarding alleged corruption in Narowal Sports City (NSC) Project, Dawn reported. 
 
The PML-N leader will be produced before an accountability court today, where <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/auqaf-dept-case-nab-approves-fresh-probe-against-shahbaz-sharif-252217">NAB</a> will ask for his physical remand. 
 
Iqbal, who served as the Interior Minister from August 2017 to May 2018, is accused of using funds of the federal government and the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) for a sports city being established in Narowal.

Pakistan's National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on Monday arrested former Interior Minister and senior Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Ahsan Iqbal for alleged corruption in a spots city project.

Pakistan's National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on Monday arrested former Interior Minister and senior Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader Ahsan Iqbal for alleged corruption in a spots city project. Iqbal was arrested from NAB's office in Rawalpindi where he had appeared to record his statement in the case regarding alleged corruption in Narowal Sports City (NSC) Project, Dawn reported. The PML-N leader will be produced before an accountability court today, where NAB will ask for his physical remand. Iqbal, who served as the Interior Minister from August 2017 to May 2018, is accused of using funds of the federal government and the Pakistan Sports Board (PSB) for a sports city being established in Narowal.

Pakistan: NAB arrests former interior minister Ahsan Iqbal in sports complex corruption case

The organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) has rewarded some of its member nations for giving the Kuala Lumpur summit a miss. The OIC has released a statement on India's internal matters. most specifically they have expressed concern over the Citizenship law and Ayodhya verdict that came out last month. #Pakistan #OIC #KLSummit #OICRewardsPakistan

WION Dispatch: OIC rewards Pakistan for skipping KL Summit

Pakistan celebrated the return of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=Dimuth+Karunaratne">Test cricket</a> for the first time in over 10 years with a convincing 263-run win over Sri Lanka in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=Dimuth+Karunaratne">second test </a>in Karachi on Monday, taking the series 1-0.

It took just 14 minutes and 16 balls for Pakistan to wrap up the win on the fifth morning as they took Sri Lanka's last three wickets without any addition to their overnight 212.

Pakistan had set a daunting 476-run target on Sunday and reduced the tourists to 212-7 at the close.

Teenage quick bowler Naseem Shah at 16 years and 307 days became the second youngest bowler to take five wickets in a Test innings as he bowled an express spell to finish with 5-31.

Fellow Pakistani and left-arm spinner Nasim-ul-Ghani holds the record and was just four days younger when he completed the feat against the West Indies at Georgetown in a 1957-58 series.

Naseem was aged six when international cricket was suspended in Pakistan following an attack on the Sri Lankan team bus in 2009.

Pakistan was forced to play all their home matches at the neutral venues of United Arab Emirates before improved security allowed them to begin hosting limited-over series over the past four years.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/karachi-test-day-1-pakistan-batsmen-fail-to-grab-initiative-against-lanka-269218">first test of the series</a> in Rawalpindi marked the return of Test cricket in Pakistan, but it ended in a draw after being spoiled by bad weather.

Pakistan skipper <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/our-pride-has-been-hurt-says-azhar-ali-after-losing-test-series-against-australia-266799">Azhar Ali</a> thanked Sri Lanka for their part in allowing Test cricket to return.

"Special thanks to Sri Lanka from the bottom of our hearts," said Azhar. "They have given us immense happiness by playing in Pakistan, it was pretty emotional."

"Naseem is a special talent and we can build on our bowling attack in the years to come."

Sri Lankan skipper <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/suranga-lakmal-to-miss-sri-lankas-tour-of-pakistan-due-to-dengue-267040">Dimuth Karunaratne</a> praised Pakistan.

"We dominated the first two days and then they batted very well and put pressure back on us and outplayed us. We couldn't build pressure with the ball despite taking a lead of 80," said Karunaratne.

Pakistan turned the match on its head with a huge second-innings 555-3 declared on Sunday, with 174 from man-of-the-match and man-of-the-series Abid Ali, 135 from Shan Masood, 118 from Azhar and 100 not out from Babar Azam as the top four all reached three figures.&nbsp;

Abid had also scored a hundred in the first Test.

The final day began in a dramatic manner when Naseem dismissed Lasit Embuldeniya off the first ball, catching his gloves on the way to wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan.

From the other end leg-spinner,&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/brisbane-test-australia-beat-pakistan-by-an-innings-and-5-runs-264221">Yasir Shah</a> had Oshada Fernando caught in the slip for his overnight score of 102 after a 180-ball knock that contained 13 boundaries.

Naseem wrapped up the match by trapping Vishwa Fernando with the fifth ball of the next over, triggering jubilation among the Pakistan players who were all playing in their first Test series at home.

It is Pakistan's first series win at home against Sri Lanka since 1992.&nbsp;

The win lifts Pakistan to third in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/cricket-new-zealand-spearhead-boult-a-doubt-for-first-test-267610">World Test Championship</a> table with 80 points. Pakistan got 60 points from the win and 20 from the first Test draw.

India (360) and Australia (216) are currently first and second. Nine teams are competing in the Championship, with the top two contesting the final in June 2021.

Pakistan celebrated the return of Test cricket for the first time in over 10 years with a convincing 263-run win over Sri Lanka in the second test in Karachi on Monday, taking the series 1-0.

Pakistan celebrated the return of Test cricket for the first time in over 10 years with a convincing 263-run win over Sri Lanka in the second test in Karachi on Monday, taking the series 1-0. It took just 14 minutes and 16 balls for Pakistan to wrap up the win on the fifth morning as they took Sri Lanka's last three wickets without any addition to their overnight 212. Pakistan had set a daunting 476-run target on Sunday and reduced the tourists to 212-7 at the close. Teenage quick bowler Naseem Shah at 16 years and 307 days became the second youngest bowler to take five wickets in a Test innings as he bowled an express spell to finish with 5-31. Fellow Pakistani and left-arm spinner Nasim-ul-Ghani holds the record and was just four days younger when he completed the feat against the West Indies at Georgetown in a 1957-58 series. Naseem was aged six when international cricket was suspended in Pakistan following an attack on the Sri Lankan team bus in 2009. Pakistan was forced to play all their home matches at the neutral venues of United Arab Emirates before improved security allowed them to begin hosting limited-over series over the past four years. The first test of the series in Rawalpindi marked the return of Test cricket in Pakistan, but it ended in a draw after being spoiled by bad weather. Pakistan skipper Azhar Ali thanked Sri Lanka for their part in allowing Test cricket to return. "Special thanks to Sri Lanka from the bottom of our hearts," said Azhar. "They have given us immense happiness by playing in Pakistan, it was pretty emotional." "Naseem is a special talent and we can build on our bowling attack in the years to come." Sri Lankan skipper Dimuth Karunaratne praised Pakistan. "We dominated the first two days and then they batted very well and put pressure back on us and outplayed us. We couldn't build pressure with the ball despite taking a lead of 80," said Karunaratne. Pakistan turned the match on its head with a huge second-innings 555-3 declared on Sunday, with 174 from man-of-the-match and man-of-the-series Abid Ali, 135 from Shan Masood, 118 from Azhar and 100 not out from Babar Azam as the top four all reached three figures. Abid had also scored a hundred in the first Test. The final day began in a dramatic manner when Naseem dismissed Lasit Embuldeniya off the first ball, catching his gloves on the way to wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan. From the other end leg-spinner, Yasir Shah had Oshada Fernando caught in the slip for his overnight score of 102 after a 180-ball knock that contained 13 boundaries. Naseem wrapped up the match by trapping Vishwa Fernando with the fifth ball of the next over, triggering jubilation among the Pakistan players who were all playing in their first Test series at home. It is Pakistan's first series win at home against Sri Lanka since 1992. The win lifts Pakistan to third in the World Test Championship table with 80 points. Pakistan got 60 points from the win and 20 from the first Test draw. India (360) and Australia (216) are currently first and second. Nine teams are competing in the Championship, with the top two contesting the final in June 2021.

Cricket: Pakistan seal triumphant Test cricket return with Sri Lanka win

Green sea baby turtles in hundreds were released into the Arabian Sea by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-university-professor-sentenced-to-death-for-blasphemy-269461">Pakistani</a> wildlife officials in a conservation bid that has been going on for a decade.

Former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto's son Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, along with his sister Bakhtawar facilitated the release process at Hawksbay beach in Karachi.

Nesting was interrupted by storms in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/us-re-designates-pakistan-china-as-countries-curbing-religious-freedom-269447">Arabian Sea</a> recently, but more than 4600 sea turtle babies have been released into the ocean.

Sea turtles can live up to 100 years.

According to the Sindh Wildlife Department, green sea turtles arrive at the beaches of Hawksbay and Sandspit to lay eggs during this time.

The eggs are usually looked after by the department staff for 40-60 days in the Marine Turtle Conservation Nursery before they hatch.

They are then released back into the Arabian Sea.

(With inputs from agencies)

Green sea baby turtles in hundreds were released into the Arabian Sea by Pakistani wildlife officials in a conservation bid that has been going on for a decade. Former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto's son Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, along with his sister Bakhtawar facilitated the release process at Hawksbay beach in Karachi.

Green sea baby turtles in hundreds were released into the Arabian Sea by Pakistani wildlife officials in a conservation bid that has been going on for a decade. Former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto's son Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, along with his sister Bakhtawar facilitated the release process at Hawksbay beach in Karachi. Nesting was interrupted by storms in the Arabian Sea recently, but more than 4600 sea turtle babies have been released into the ocean. Sea turtles can live up to 100 years. According to the Sindh Wildlife Department, green sea turtles arrive at the beaches of Hawksbay and Sandspit to lay eggs during this time. The eggs are usually looked after by the department staff for 40-60 days in the Marine Turtle Conservation Nursery before they hatch. They are then released back into the Arabian Sea. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan: Hundreds of baby turtles released into Arabian Sea

In a reply to Pakistan compliance report, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-needs-to-fulfill-fatf-commitment-french-envoy-emmanuel-lenain-268569">Financial Action Task Force</a> has forwarded a total of 150 queries mostly in regards to the actions taken by Prime Minister Imran Khan-led government against terrorism. The government has to submit the answers in this regard by January 8. 
 
The FATF has asked authorities to ensure that the individuals affiliated to terrorist organisations are convicted and also sought details of legal actions taken to regulate madrassas operating in the country. 
 
According to finance ministry sources, Pakistan has received a questionnaire from the terror financing watchdog containing 150 queries, Express Tribune reported. 
 
The set of queries comes after Islamabad <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-submits-compliance-report-to-fatf-266788">submitted its compliance report</a> answering 22 questions raised by the FATF early this month. 
 
While addressing the new set of questions, Pakistan will inform the FATF about its recent actions to curb money laundering and terror financing. It will also tell the FATF about its efforts to curb the illegal cross-border movement of currency. 
 
Notably, in its compliance report on December 7, Pakistan detailed the actions taken by its government against United Nations-terrorists groups as well as sentences handed to them by the courts, reported Geo News. 
 
The FATF is scheduled to meet in February 2020 in order to decide whether the country should be put on the blacklist or not. The country was put on the grey list last year in February 2020. 
 
Islamabad is hoping that the watchdog extends the current deadline of complying to FATF's 27 action plans from February to June 2020 in its upcoming plenary review meeting as the current deadline is too short. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/fatf-european-union-offers-technical-assistance-to-pakistan-262766">The FATF</a> had already granted an extension till February 2020 in a meeting in October this year.

The task force kept the country on its grey list for an extended period up to February 2020 and warned that Islamabad would be put on the blacklist if it did not comply with the remaining 22 out of 27 points related to anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing.

In a reply to Pakistan compliance report, the Financial Action Task Force has forwarded a total of 150 queries mostly in regards to the actions taken by Prime Minister Imran Khan-led government against terrorism.

In a reply to Pakistan compliance report, the Financial Action Task Force has forwarded a total of 150 queries mostly in regards to the actions taken by Prime Minister Imran Khan-led government against terrorism. The government has to submit the answers in this regard by January 8. The FATF has asked authorities to ensure that the individuals affiliated to terrorist organisations are convicted and also sought details of legal actions taken to regulate madrassas operating in the country. According to finance ministry sources, Pakistan has received a questionnaire from the terror financing watchdog containing 150 queries, Express Tribune reported. The set of queries comes after Islamabad submitted its compliance report answering 22 questions raised by the FATF early this month. While addressing the new set of questions, Pakistan will inform the FATF about its recent actions to curb money laundering and terror financing. It will also tell the FATF about its efforts to curb the illegal cross-border movement of currency. Notably, in its compliance report on December 7, Pakistan detailed the actions taken by its government against United Nations-terrorists groups as well as sentences handed to them by the courts, reported Geo News. The FATF is scheduled to meet in February 2020 in order to decide whether the country should be put on the blacklist or not. The country was put on the grey list last year in February 2020. Islamabad is hoping that the watchdog extends the current deadline of complying to FATF's 27 action plans from February to June 2020 in its upcoming plenary review meeting as the current deadline is too short. The FATF had already granted an extension till February 2020 in a meeting in October this year. The task force kept the country on its grey list for an extended period up to February 2020 and warned that Islamabad would be put on the blacklist if it did not comply with the remaining 22 out of 27 points related to anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing.

FATF hands over 150 queries to Pakistan in response to compliance report

The Trump Administration on Friday designated Pakistan and China as countries of particular concern for having engaged in "systematic, ongoing and egregious violations of religious freedom."&nbsp;

The United States releases a&nbsp;list of countries with a dubious record on religious freedoms every year.

Nine countries remain on the list and they can be sanctioned by the US government if they do not protect religious freedoms better.

And that's exactly what China and Pakistan have been accused of.

In 2018, Pakistan was designated after a lot of international pressure.

Blasphemy laws, for example, are extremely stringent in Pakistan.The punishment for blasphemy can range from small fines to even the death penalty.

And as of late, there has been a sharp rise in the number of forced conversions. Especially in the Sindh province.

Minorities like the Ahmadiyyas, the Balochs and Sindhis face systemic persecution in the country. There are regular reports of disappearances and discrimination against them.

Joining Pakistan in the list is China. Beijing's atrocities in Xinjiang have been garnering international attention. Especially over the last year.

Estimates suggest that close to 1 million Uighur Muslims have been illegally detained in internment camps by china.

Recent leaks from the Communist Party have given more credibility to what has essentially been known to the international community for a long time.

The Trump Administration on Friday designated Pakistan and China as countries of particular concern for having engaged in "systematic, ongoing and egregious violations of religious freedom.

The Trump Administration on Friday designated Pakistan and China as countries of particular concern for having engaged in "systematic, ongoing and egregious violations of religious freedom." The United States releases a list of countries with a dubious record on religious freedoms every year. Nine countries remain on the list and they can be sanctioned by the US government if they do not protect religious freedoms better. And that's exactly what China and Pakistan have been accused of. In 2018, Pakistan was designated after a lot of international pressure. Blasphemy laws, for example, are extremely stringent in Pakistan.The punishment for blasphemy can range from small fines to even the death penalty. And as of late, there has been a sharp rise in the number of forced conversions. Especially in the Sindh province. Minorities like the Ahmadiyyas, the Balochs and Sindhis face systemic persecution in the country. There are regular reports of disappearances and discrimination against them. Joining Pakistan in the list is China. Beijing's atrocities in Xinjiang have been garnering international attention. Especially over the last year. Estimates suggest that close to 1 million Uighur Muslims have been illegally detained in internment camps by china. Recent leaks from the Communist Party have given more credibility to what has essentially been known to the international community for a long time.

US re-designates Pakistan, China as countries curbing religious freedom

The U.S. blacklists China & Pakistan. Both countries languish in the blacklist and designated for lack of religious freedom. #US #China #Pakistan

U.S. blacklists China & Pak, both languish in the blacklist

Recent Death Sentence Given To Gen. Musharraf Has Exposed The Crisis In Democracy In Pakistan. #Gravitas #Pakistan #Democracy #Musharraf

Gravitas: Pakistan: Army Versus Judiciary

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/democrats-have-no-proof-i-want-an-immediate-trial-trump-on-impeachment-proceedings-269248">Trump administration</a> has approved a resumption of Pakistan's participation in a coveted US&nbsp;&nbsp;military training and educational program more than a year after it was suspended, the State Department said on Thursday.

The decision to resume Islamabad's participation in the International Military Education and Training Program, or IMET - for more than a decade a pillar of US-Pakistani military ties - underscores warming relations that have followed meetings this year between US&nbsp;President Donald Trump and Pakistani <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imran-khan-cuts-short-geneva-visit-calls-emergency-meeting-to-discuss-musharraf-verdict-268976">Prime Minister Imran Khan</a>.

Washington also has credited Islamabad with helping to facilitate negotiations on a US&nbsp;troop withdrawal from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/four-killed-in-afghanistan-bomb-explosion-268979">Afghanistan</a>. The talks recently resumed between the United States and the Taliban, who US&nbsp;officials say receive sanctuary and other aid from the Pakistan's military-led intelligence agency. Pakistan denies the charge.

The State Department administers IMET. It was a small facet of US&nbsp;security aid programs for Pakistan worth some $2 billion that remain suspended on orders that Trump abruptly issued in January 2018 to compel the nuclear-armed South Asian nation to crackdown on Islamist militants. Trump's decision, announced in a tweet, blindsided US&nbsp;officials.

After an attack earlier this year by a Pakistan-based extremist group that killed at least 40 Indian paramilitary troops, US&nbsp;officials called on Islamabad to take "sustained and irreversible action" against militants operating from its territory.

A State Department spokeswoman said in an email that Trump's 2018 decision to suspend security assistance authorized "narrow exceptions for programs that support vital US&nbsp;national security interests." The decision to restore Pakistani participation in IMET was "one such exception," she said.

The program "provides an opportunity to increase bilateral cooperation between our countries on shared priorities," she added. "We want to continue to build on this foundation through concrete actions that advance regional security and stability."

A second US&nbsp;official said on condition of anonymity that Pakistan was in the process of selecting officers to send to the United States.

The restart of the program, however, is subject to approval by Congress. Republican and Democratic aides for the Senate and House of Representatives committees with jurisdiction over the process did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

IMET affords spaces to foreign military officers at US&nbsp;military education institutions, such as the US&nbsp;Army War College and the US&nbsp;Naval War College.

Pakistan's suspension from the program in August 2018 prompted the cancellation of 66 slots set aside that year for Pakistani military officers in one of the first known impacts of Trump's decision to halt security assistance.

The US&nbsp;military traditionally has sought to shield such educational programs from political tensions, arguing that the ties built by bringing foreign military officers to the United States pay long-term dividends.

The Trump administration has approved a resumption of Pakistan's participation in a coveted US military training and educational program more than a year after it was suspended, the State Department said on Thursday.

The Trump administration has approved a resumption of Pakistan's participation in a coveted US military training and educational program more than a year after it was suspended, the State Department said on Thursday. The decision to resume Islamabad's participation in the International Military Education and Training Program, or IMET - for more than a decade a pillar of US-Pakistani military ties - underscores warming relations that have followed meetings this year between US President Donald Trump and Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan. Washington also has credited Islamabad with helping to facilitate negotiations on a US troop withdrawal from Afghanistan. The talks recently resumed between the United States and the Taliban, who US officials say receive sanctuary and other aid from the Pakistan's military-led intelligence agency. Pakistan denies the charge. The State Department administers IMET. It was a small facet of US security aid programs for Pakistan worth some $2 billion that remain suspended on orders that Trump abruptly issued in January 2018 to compel the nuclear-armed South Asian nation to crackdown on Islamist militants. Trump's decision, announced in a tweet, blindsided US officials. After an attack earlier this year by a Pakistan-based extremist group that killed at least 40 Indian paramilitary troops, US officials called on Islamabad to take "sustained and irreversible action" against militants operating from its territory. A State Department spokeswoman said in an email that Trump's 2018 decision to suspend security assistance authorized "narrow exceptions for programs that support vital US national security interests." The decision to restore Pakistani participation in IMET was "one such exception," she said. The program "provides an opportunity to increase bilateral cooperation between our countries on shared priorities," she added. "We want to continue to build on this foundation through concrete actions that advance regional security and stability." A second US official said on condition of anonymity that Pakistan was in the process of selecting officers to send to the United States. The restart of the program, however, is subject to approval by Congress. Republican and Democratic aides for the Senate and House of Representatives committees with jurisdiction over the process did not immediately respond to requests for comment. IMET affords spaces to foreign military officers at US military education institutions, such as the US Army War College and the US Naval War College. Pakistan's suspension from the program in August 2018 prompted the cancellation of 66 slots set aside that year for Pakistani military officers in one of the first known impacts of Trump's decision to halt security assistance. The US military traditionally has sought to shield such educational programs from political tensions, arguing that the ties built by bringing foreign military officers to the United States pay long-term dividends.

US to resume military training program for Pakistan: State Department

Pervez Musharraf dismisses his death sentence by Pakistan court, but it all depends on Imran Khan.

Gravitas: Will Pervez Musharraf be hanged? All eyes on Imran Khan

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India condemn on misbehaves with Sikhs & stone pelting at Nankana Sahib in Pak

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PoK residents raise concerns over contaminated drinking water, sewage issues

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Gravitas: India's Citizenship Law: Decoding The Global Criticism

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Pakistan: Decision to extend Nawaz Sharif's stay abroad due next week

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Pakistan receives second tranche of $452 million from International Monetary Fund

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Pakistan raises questions over credibility of US report on religious freedom, calls the process 'suspicious'

Pakistan to import polio markers from India, price of 89 medicines reduced by 15%

WION Dispatch: FATF poses 150 questions to Pakistan, inquires on actions against madrassas

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WION Dispatch: OIC rewards Pakistan for skipping KL Summit