An anti-terrorism court in Pakistan on December 12 indicted Mumbai terror attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed on terror financing charges. On July 17, the Punjab Police Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) registered 23 FIRs against Saeed and his accomplices on charges of "terror funding" in various cities in the province of Punjab and arrested the Jammat-ud-Dawah (JuD) chief.

Hafiz Saeed indicted by Pakistan Court on terror financing charges

More than 100 lawyers stormed and ransacked a hospital in Pakistan on Wednesday to avenge what they said was an assault by doctors there on a fellow advocate, and an elderly patient alongside two others died during the disturbance, authorities said.

Zulfikar Hameed, the Lahore city police chief, said the mob smashed window panes, doors and equipment at the cardiology hospital and also set several vehicles on fire.

Some of the protesters fired gunshots and pelted arriving police with stones and bricks, according to a hospital doctor, Ashraf Nizami. Several lawyers were arrested, police said.

"It was catastrophic for hours," Nizami said, adding that a 70-year-old female patient had died, and several patients were left unattended for hours, during the violence.

Nizami said the attackers forced doctors and nurses to flee, leaving patients in emergency and intensive care unattended.

Police fired tear gas to quell the mob while terrified patients and hospital staff fled to safety, officials said.

Lahore government official Kamran Ali said the lawyers were enraged over what they said was the beating by doctors of a lawyer at the hospital over his refusal to get in a queue of patients.

He said the lawyers were particularly angry about the doctors disseminating a mobile phone video on social media showing the beating.

The mob also roughed up provincial information minister Fayaz-ul-Hasan Chauhan when he got to the scene and tried to negotiate with the lawyers.

Prime Minister Imran Khan's office launched an investigation into the incident. "It is a shame that some people would go and attack a hospital," his spokesman Nadeem Afzal Chan said.

More than 100 lawyers stormed and ransacked a hospital in Pakistan on Wednesday to avenge what they said was an assault by doctors there on a fellow advocate, and an elderly patient alongside two others died during the disturbance, authorities said.

More than 100 lawyers stormed and ransacked a hospital in Pakistan on Wednesday to avenge what they said was an assault by doctors there on a fellow advocate, and an elderly patient alongside two others died during the disturbance, authorities said. Zulfikar Hameed, the Lahore city police chief, said the mob smashed window panes, doors and equipment at the cardiology hospital and also set several vehicles on fire. Some of the protesters fired gunshots and pelted arriving police with stones and bricks, according to a hospital doctor, Ashraf Nizami. Several lawyers were arrested, police said. "It was catastrophic for hours," Nizami said, adding that a 70-year-old female patient had died, and several patients were left unattended for hours, during the violence. Nizami said the attackers forced doctors and nurses to flee, leaving patients in emergency and intensive care unattended. Police fired tear gas to quell the mob while terrified patients and hospital staff fled to safety, officials said. Lahore government official Kamran Ali said the lawyers were enraged over what they said was the beating by doctors of a lawyer at the hospital over his refusal to get in a queue of patients. He said the lawyers were particularly angry about the doctors disseminating a mobile phone video on social media showing the beating. The mob also roughed up provincial information minister Fayaz-ul-Hasan Chauhan when he got to the scene and tried to negotiate with the lawyers. Prime Minister Imran Khan's office launched an investigation into the incident. "It is a shame that some people would go and attack a hospital," his spokesman Nadeem Afzal Chan said.

Pakistan: Lawyers ransack hospital in row with doctors, three patients die

A <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-lawyers-ransack-hospital-in-row-with-doctors-patient-dies-267732">Pakistani</a> court will hear final arguments on Thursday in the blasphemy trial of a liberal scholar and former university lecturer a week after a U.S. religious freedom commission placed his name on its list of global victims, his lawyer said.

Junaid Hafeez, who quit his studies at Pakistan's top medical college to pursue a passion for art and literature, secured a Fulbright scholarship and attended Jackson State University in 2009 where he majored in American literature, photography and theatre with distinction.

He has been in solitary confinement in Pakistan for fear of being attacked by fellow inmates in jail since his arrest in 2013 on blasphemy charges linked to online posts.

Insulting Islam's Prophet Mohammad carries a mandatory death penalty in Pakistan, which is about 95 per cent Muslim and has some of the harshest blasphemy laws in the world.

The US&nbsp;Commission on International Religious Freedom said Hafeez and his family had been facing murder threats.

In 2013, students at a university in central Pakistan where Hafeez taught English literature accused him of blasphemous Facebook posts.

His lawyers say he was framed by students from an extremist Islamist party for his liberal and secular views.

"Hafeez has experienced extreme trauma to his mental and physical health," the commission wrote under his biodata on the global religious freedom list updated this week.

"It is a kind of a recognition that people are being persecuted in Pakistan for their belief and freedom of expression," his lawyer, Asad Jamal, told Reuters.

He said a judge would hear final arguments both from prosecution and defence on Thursday.

Since the trial began, several judges have backed out of hearing the case due to death threats.

"The lengthy trial is now on its eighth judge and the prosecution has repeatedly failed to produce evidence of the alleged blasphemy," the commission said, adding that one defence lawyer had been murdered.

No executions for blasphemy have been <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-court-indicts-mumbai-terror-attack-mastermind-hafiz-saeed-in-terror-financing-case-267629">carried out in Pakistan</a> but merely an allegation at times is enough for a mob to lynch someone accused of blasphemy.

The Centre for Social Justice, a rights group, says at least 1,549 people have faced blasphemy charges since 1987 and 75 of them were murdered.

A Christian woman spent eight years on death row falsely charged with blasphemy before she was acquitted and left the country. A provincial governor and a minister were killed for taking up her case.

Asia Bibi's release in October last year sparked rioting by hardline Islamists, who rejected the Supreme Court's verdict and warned Prime Minister Imran Khan's government that she must not be allowed to leave the country.

A Pakistani court will hear final arguments on Thursday in the blasphemy trial of a liberal scholar and former university lecturer a week after a U.S. religious freedom commission placed his name on its list of global victims, his lawyer said.

A Pakistani court will hear final arguments on Thursday in the blasphemy trial of a liberal scholar and former university lecturer a week after a U.S. religious freedom commission placed his name on its list of global victims, his lawyer said. Junaid Hafeez, who quit his studies at Pakistan's top medical college to pursue a passion for art and literature, secured a Fulbright scholarship and attended Jackson State University in 2009 where he majored in American literature, photography and theatre with distinction. He has been in solitary confinement in Pakistan for fear of being attacked by fellow inmates in jail since his arrest in 2013 on blasphemy charges linked to online posts. Insulting Islam's Prophet Mohammad carries a mandatory death penalty in Pakistan, which is about 95 per cent Muslim and has some of the harshest blasphemy laws in the world. The US Commission on International Religious Freedom said Hafeez and his family had been facing murder threats. In 2013, students at a university in central Pakistan where Hafeez taught English literature accused him of blasphemous Facebook posts. His lawyers say he was framed by students from an extremist Islamist party for his liberal and secular views. "Hafeez has experienced extreme trauma to his mental and physical health," the commission wrote under his biodata on the global religious freedom list updated this week. "It is a kind of a recognition that people are being persecuted in Pakistan for their belief and freedom of expression," his lawyer, Asad Jamal, told Reuters. He said a judge would hear final arguments both from prosecution and defence on Thursday. Since the trial began, several judges have backed out of hearing the case due to death threats. "The lengthy trial is now on its eighth judge and the prosecution has repeatedly failed to produce evidence of the alleged blasphemy," the commission said, adding that one defence lawyer had been murdered. No executions for blasphemy have been carried out in Pakistan but merely an allegation at times is enough for a mob to lynch someone accused of blasphemy. The Centre for Social Justice, a rights group, says at least 1,549 people have faced blasphemy charges since 1987 and 75 of them were murdered. A Christian woman spent eight years on death row falsely charged with blasphemy before she was acquitted and left the country. A provincial governor and a minister were killed for taking up her case. Asia Bibi's release in October last year sparked rioting by hardline Islamists, who rejected the Supreme Court's verdict and warned Prime Minister Imran Khan's government that she must not be allowed to leave the country.

Scholar's blasphemy trial enters final stages in Pakistan, US raises alarm

Students from Gilgit Baltistan and Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) joined a students' protest in Lahore to demand the immediate release of political activists, including Baba Jan and his accomplices, who have been imprisoned for the past nine years. 
 
Baba Jan is serving a ninety-year sentence which is based on trumped-up charges. He is an activist who challenged the then Pakistani administration which was essentially working against the people of Gilgit Baltistan. 
 
A student leader from Gilgit Baltistan said, "Baba Jan and his nine accomplices have been incarcerated in the jail for the past nine years. They did absolutely nothing. All that he (Baba Jan) did was to hold a demonstration against the government. He has been sentenced for ninety years without any trial. Does any country under the sun have this provision of sentencing someone for ninety years? We don't know till now under which section he has been punished". 
 
The Pakistan establishment has used the draconian schedule IV of Anti-Terrorism Act in Gilgit Baltistan to muzzle the reasonable voices that resist its repression. 
 
It has framed dozens under the law not only to give itself a free rein to rule the region but also to send a threatening message to all sections of the society. 
"We are a completely different territory. We deserve to have our own rights. However, we do not have even the right to life, " said another student leader. 
 
Puppet governments in Gilgit and Muzaffarabad, which largely operate at the command of the feudal elite of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, have committed systematic human rights violations to suppress the people of the region and keep them marginalised. 
 
Pakistan makes huge claims at international platforms about working for the welfare of Kashmiri people but the ground reality reeks of a rapidly deteriorating human rights situation in the region.

Students from Gilgit Baltistan and Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) joined a students' protest in Lahore to demand the immediate release of political activists, including Baba Jan and his accomplices, who have been imprisoned for the past nine years.

Students from Gilgit Baltistan and Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) joined a students' protest in Lahore to demand the immediate release of political activists, including Baba Jan and his accomplices, who have been imprisoned for the past nine years. Baba Jan is serving a ninety-year sentence which is based on trumped-up charges. He is an activist who challenged the then Pakistani administration which was essentially working against the people of Gilgit Baltistan. A student leader from Gilgit Baltistan said, "Baba Jan and his nine accomplices have been incarcerated in the jail for the past nine years. They did absolutely nothing. All that he (Baba Jan) did was to hold a demonstration against the government. He has been sentenced for ninety years without any trial. Does any country under the sun have this provision of sentencing someone for ninety years? We don't know till now under which section he has been punished". The Pakistan establishment has used the draconian schedule IV of Anti-Terrorism Act in Gilgit Baltistan to muzzle the reasonable voices that resist its repression. It has framed dozens under the law not only to give itself a free rein to rule the region but also to send a threatening message to all sections of the society. "We are a completely different territory. We deserve to have our own rights. However, we do not have even the right to life, " said another student leader. Puppet governments in Gilgit and Muzaffarabad, which largely operate at the command of the feudal elite of Islamabad and Rawalpindi, have committed systematic human rights violations to suppress the people of the region and keep them marginalised. Pakistan makes huge claims at international platforms about working for the welfare of Kashmiri people but the ground reality reeks of a rapidly deteriorating human rights situation in the region.

Protests demanding release of Baba Jan resurface in Pakistan

Media rights are in danger in Pakistan. The army called down report incorrect.

Pakistan: Pak Army called media report incorrect

A rally was organised outside the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/representatives-of-pak-embassy-abu-dhabi-to-attend-oic-meet-200551">Pakistan embassy</a> in Washington on Sunday to protest against Islamabad sponsored terrorism.

Two congressional candidates from Virginia and American veterans who fought and worked in Afghanistan were among those who participated in the rally 'Veterans Rally against terror state Pakistan'.

Demonstrators held placards and chanted slogans against Pakistan for sponsoring terrorism. A few protesters were seen holding a banner that read, 'Pakistan has been involved in more than 90 per cent of all terror attack that has happened in the past 20 years within the United States'.

Pakistan has been repeatedly asked by the international community to take action against state-sponsored terrorism.

The demonstrators also held posters demanding <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/2611-mumbai-attacks-pm-narendra-modi-pens-emotional-letter-to-israeli-survivor-moshe-265779">26/11 Mumbai </a>attack culprits to be brought to justice.

Mumbai had come to a standstill <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/11-year-of-2611-mumbai-attack-see-how-the-world-cinema-has-narrated-the-deadliest-memories-264627">11 years ago</a> on November 26 when 10 Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists who came to the city via sea route from Pakistan carried out a series of coordinated shooting and bombing attacks that killed 166 people and injured over 300 in India's financial capital.

India has repeatedly asked Pakistan to take action against the terrorist groups operating from its soil. However, the architects of Mumbai attack like Hafiz Saeed, Maulana Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi and Sufayan Zafar continue to receive Pakistan's military patronage.

A rally was organised outside the Pakistan embassy in Washington on Sunday to protest against Islamabad sponsored terrorism. Two congressional candidates from Virginia and American veterans who fought and worked in Afghanistan were among those who participated in the rally 'Veterans Rally against terror state Pakistan'.

A rally was organised outside the Pakistan embassy in Washington on Sunday to protest against Islamabad sponsored terrorism. Two congressional candidates from Virginia and American veterans who fought and worked in Afghanistan were among those who participated in the rally 'Veterans Rally against terror state Pakistan'. Demonstrators held placards and chanted slogans against Pakistan for sponsoring terrorism. A few protesters were seen holding a banner that read, 'Pakistan has been involved in more than 90 per cent of all terror attack that has happened in the past 20 years within the United States'. Pakistan has been repeatedly asked by the international community to take action against state-sponsored terrorism. The demonstrators also held posters demanding 26/11 Mumbai attack culprits to be brought to justice. Mumbai had come to a standstill 11 years ago on November 26 when 10 Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists who came to the city via sea route from Pakistan carried out a series of coordinated shooting and bombing attacks that killed 166 people and injured over 300 in India's financial capital. India has repeatedly asked Pakistan to take action against the terrorist groups operating from its soil. However, the architects of Mumbai attack like Hafiz Saeed, Maulana Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi and Sufayan Zafar continue to receive Pakistan's military patronage.

US: Rally outside Pakistan embassy against Islamabad sponsored terrorism

Indian-Americans, U.S. veterans protest against Pakistan on the streets of U.S.

Anti-Pakistan protests in U.S.

Pakistan's PIA flight A-320 carrying 162 passengers stranded at Kabul airport.

Pakistan's PIA flight stranded at Kabul airport

The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Monday directed Pakistan government to make its decision, within seven days, on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/doctors-have-advised-shifting-nawaz-sharif-to-us-for-treatment-pml-n-267225">Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz's</a> (PML-N) vice president Maryam Nawaz's request for the removal of her name from the Exit Control List (ECL). 
 
A two-member bench, headed by Justice Ali Baqir Najfi, took up Maryam's petition which was filed by her on Saturday. After hearing the arguments, the court disposed of the petition and directed the government's review committee to decide on the matter in a week, Dawn reported. 
 
The PML-N leader's name was placed on the no-fly list by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) led federal cabinet on National Accountability Bureau's (NAB) request on August 20, 2018. 
 
Maryam, who is the daughter of former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, argued in her petition that her name was placed on the ECL without her stance on the matter being heard. 
 
"The memorandum issued on August 20, 2018, was illegal. I have been regularly appearing in the courts and therefore, I should be granted permission to travel abroad till a final verdict on the petition," Maryam argued in her petition. 
 
She had further urged <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nawaz-sharif-was-near-site-of-stabbing-incident-at-london-bridge-265491">the LHC</a> to declare the order of putting her name on the ECL as null and void and terming it illegal. 
 
The petition further read, "I am under a lot of mental stress due to my father's illness and he also needs me. I should be granted permission to travel abroad till a final verdict on the petition."

The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Monday directed Pakistan government to make its decision, within seven days, on Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz's (PML-N) vice president Maryam Nawaz's request for the removal of her name from the Exit Control List (ECL).

The Lahore High Court (LHC) on Monday directed Pakistan government to make its decision, within seven days, on Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz's (PML-N) vice president Maryam Nawaz's request for the removal of her name from the Exit Control List (ECL). A two-member bench, headed by Justice Ali Baqir Najfi, took up Maryam's petition which was filed by her on Saturday. After hearing the arguments, the court disposed of the petition and directed the government's review committee to decide on the matter in a week, Dawn reported. The PML-N leader's name was placed on the no-fly list by Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) led federal cabinet on National Accountability Bureau's (NAB) request on August 20, 2018. Maryam, who is the daughter of former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, argued in her petition that her name was placed on the ECL without her stance on the matter being heard. "The memorandum issued on August 20, 2018, was illegal. I have been regularly appearing in the courts and therefore, I should be granted permission to travel abroad till a final verdict on the petition," Maryam argued in her petition. She had further urged the LHC to declare the order of putting her name on the ECL as null and void and terming it illegal. The petition further read, "I am under a lot of mental stress due to my father's illness and he also needs me. I should be granted permission to travel abroad till a final verdict on the petition."

Government has a week to decide on Maryam's request to be struck off Exit Control List: LHC

Islamabad wants Pakistan representative to defend Kulbhushan Jadhav at International court of justice.

Islamabad wants Pakistan representative to defend Kulbhushan Jadhav

Even as Pakistan is in the process of further legal steps on Kulbhushan Jhadav, authorities in Islamabad have told the Indian side that only a Pakistani can represent him in the court.&nbsp;

During the consular access given to Indian side on September 2, a power of attorney was signed by Jhadav under which the Indian high commission can represent him for further legal recourse. &nbsp;

In a tweet last month, the Pakistani army said, "various legal options for review and reconsideration" for Kulbhushan Jhadav are being considered and "final status shall be shared in due course of time".

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Speculations for amendment in Pak Army Act to implement ICJ verdict regarding convicted Indian terrorist Cdr Kulbushan Jadhav are incorrect. Various legal options for review and reconsideration of the case are being considered. Final status shall be shared in due course of time.
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The Pakistani army also dismissed reports of Pak Army act being amended to so that Jhadav can appeal in a civil court against the military court's order. Incidentally, Pakistan government sources had initially claimed that the process of amendment is being considered.

Last week, Ministry of External Affairs said, "Some communication which is going on India and Pakistan on this issue" and India is in touch with Pakistani side via diplomatic channels with New Delhi requesting for "immediate, effective and unhindered" consular access.

Earlier this year, India got a major diplomatic victory at the international court of justice after the world court asked Pakistan to provide consular access to Kulbhushan Jadhav under Article 36 of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations.

India got access on September 2 with India's Deputy High Commissioner (DHC) Gaurav Ahluwalia in Islamabad meeting Kulbhushan for two&nbsp;hours.

The Indian diplomat found Jhadav under "extreme pressure to parrot a false narrative to bolster Pakistan’s untenable claims", according to a release issued by MEA.

India maintains that Jadhav was abducted by Pakistani agencies from Iran and New Delhi was first informed about his custody by Pakistani authorities on March 25, 2016, after which in 2017, Islamabad announced that a military court has awarded death sentence to him.

Even as Pakistan is in the process of further legal steps on Kulbhushan Jhadav, authorities in Islamabad have told the Indian side that only a Pakistani can represent him in the court.

Even as Pakistan is in the process of further legal steps on Kulbhushan Jhadav, authorities in Islamabad have told the Indian side that only a Pakistani can represent him in the court. During the consular access given to Indian side on September 2, a power of attorney was signed by Jhadav under which the Indian high commission can represent him for further legal recourse. In a tweet last month, the Pakistani army said, "various legal options for review and reconsideration" for Kulbhushan Jhadav are being considered and "final status shall be shared in due course of time". Speculations for amendment in Pak Army Act to implement ICJ verdict regarding convicted Indian terrorist Cdr Kulbushan Jadhav are incorrect. Various legal options for review and reconsideration of the case are being considered. Final status shall be shared in due course of time. — DG ISPR (@OfficialDGISPR) November 13, 2019 × The Pakistani army also dismissed reports of Pak Army act being amended to so that Jhadav can appeal in a civil court against the military court's order. Incidentally, Pakistan government sources had initially claimed that the process of amendment is being considered. Last week, Ministry of External Affairs said, "Some communication which is going on India and Pakistan on this issue" and India is in touch with Pakistani side via diplomatic channels with New Delhi requesting for "immediate, effective and unhindered" consular access. Earlier this year, India got a major diplomatic victory at the international court of justice after the world court asked Pakistan to provide consular access to Kulbhushan Jadhav under Article 36 of the Vienna Convention on Consular Relations. India got access on September 2 with India's Deputy High Commissioner (DHC) Gaurav Ahluwalia in Islamabad meeting Kulbhushan for two hours. The Indian diplomat found Jhadav under "extreme pressure to parrot a false narrative to bolster Pakistan’s untenable claims", according to a release issued by MEA. India maintains that Jadhav was abducted by Pakistani agencies from Iran and New Delhi was first informed about his custody by Pakistani authorities on March 25, 2016, after which in 2017, Islamabad announced that a military court has awarded death sentence to him.

Only a Pakistani national can represent Kulbhushan Jhadav in court, insists Islamabad

Sri Lanka arrived for the first Test cricket tour of Pakistan in 10 years on Monday following the deadly 2009 attack on their team that plunged Pakistan into sporting isolation.

"The arrival of Sri Lankan team is a historic occasion and we are delighted to host the two-match Test series starting from Wednesday," said Pakistan Cricket Board chief executive Waseem Khan.

The first Test starts in the garrison city of Rawalpindi on Wednesday, while the second begins in Karachi on December 19.

A video tweeted by the PCB showed the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sri-lankan-cricket-team-to-go-ahead-with-pakistan-tour-despite-terror-fears-250656">Sri Lankan team</a> arriving in Islamabad and being escorted by armed security forces.

The tour marks the return of Test cricket to Pakistan after a decade of isolation triggered by the attack in Lahore, which killed eight people and wounded several cricketers.

For years, Pakistan has been forced to play all its home matches in a neutral venue the United Arab Emirates as foreign teams refused to tour the country over security fears.

But as security has improved Pakistan has hosted a smattering of smaller matches including Twenty20 series with Zimbabwe and the West Indies, and an increasing number of domestic league matches featuring international players.

But until now no team has returned for a Test match, the five-day format considered the pinnacle of the game.

Sri Lanka toured Pakistan for three one-day internationals and as many Twenty20s in September and October and said they were satisfied with the security arrangements before confirming the Test tour.

Sri Lanka arrived for the first Test cricket tour of Pakistan in 10 years on Monday following the deadly 2009 attack on their team that plunged Pakistan into sporting isolation.

Sri Lanka arrived for the first Test cricket tour of Pakistan in 10 years on Monday following the deadly 2009 attack on their team that plunged Pakistan into sporting isolation. "The arrival of Sri Lankan team is a historic occasion and we are delighted to host the two-match Test series starting from Wednesday," said Pakistan Cricket Board chief executive Waseem Khan. The first Test starts in the garrison city of Rawalpindi on Wednesday, while the second begins in Karachi on December 19. A video tweeted by the PCB showed the Sri Lankan team arriving in Islamabad and being escorted by armed security forces. The tour marks the return of Test cricket to Pakistan after a decade of isolation triggered by the attack in Lahore, which killed eight people and wounded several cricketers. For years, Pakistan has been forced to play all its home matches in a neutral venue the United Arab Emirates as foreign teams refused to tour the country over security fears. But as security has improved Pakistan has hosted a smattering of smaller matches including Twenty20 series with Zimbabwe and the West Indies, and an increasing number of domestic league matches featuring international players. But until now no team has returned for a Test match, the five-day format considered the pinnacle of the game. Sri Lanka toured Pakistan for three one-day internationals and as many Twenty20s in September and October and said they were satisfied with the security arrangements before confirming the Test tour.

Sri Lanka arrive for first Tests in Pakistan since 2009 attack

A 20-year law student, Dua Mangi, who was abducted by unknown men last week under suspicious circumstances from Karachi's Defence area, has returned home on Saturday, South Zone DIG Sharjeel Kharal's office confirmed.

On November 30, Mangi, who is the niece of famous Sindhi language poet and columnist, Aijaz Mangi, was kidnapped by the armed men from near a restaurant in Defence Housing Authority (DHA).

The kidnappers also shot at and wounded her friend Haris Fatah, Dawn reported.

Fatah received a bullet shot near his neck and is undergoing treatment in a hospital. On Thursday, DIG Kharal had said,&nbsp;"It appears to be a case of kidnapping for ransom."

However, the family of the girl had denied rumours of receiving a ransom call and had criticised Sindh Police and the provincial government for their failure in recovering the abducted girl.

Following the abduction, people in Karachi hit the streets and staged a protest at the city's roundabout against the police.

Police had lodged an FIR for the incident naming at least four unidentified persons.

Law enforcement officials had said that the men who kidnapped Dua had used a car that was previously stolen from the city's PECHS area.

A 20-year law student, Dua Mangi, who was abducted by unknown men last week under suspicious circumstances from Karachi's Defence area, has returned home on Saturday, South Zone DIG Sharjeel Kharal's office confirmed.

A 20-year law student, Dua Mangi, who was abducted by unknown men last week under suspicious circumstances from Karachi's Defence area, has returned home on Saturday, South Zone DIG Sharjeel Kharal's office confirmed. On November 30, Mangi, who is the niece of famous Sindhi language poet and columnist, Aijaz Mangi, was kidnapped by the armed men from near a restaurant in Defence Housing Authority (DHA). The kidnappers also shot at and wounded her friend Haris Fatah, Dawn reported. Fatah received a bullet shot near his neck and is undergoing treatment in a hospital. On Thursday, DIG Kharal had said, "It appears to be a case of kidnapping for ransom." However, the family of the girl had denied rumours of receiving a ransom call and had criticised Sindh Police and the provincial government for their failure in recovering the abducted girl. Following the abduction, people in Karachi hit the streets and staged a protest at the city's roundabout against the police. Police had lodged an FIR for the incident naming at least four unidentified persons. Law enforcement officials had said that the men who kidnapped Dua had used a car that was previously stolen from the city's PECHS area.

Pakistan: Week after abduction by gunmen, law student returns home

&nbsp;

A train service with a capacity of carrying 181 passengers will be restored between Lahore and Wagah Railway Station on December 14, after a gap of 22 years. 
 
"The shuttle train will provide commute for the passengers desiring to witness the flag ceremony in the evening, while Pakistan Rangers on Wagah border and Indian Border Force on the other side will manage the security affairs," Aamir Baloch, the chief operating superintendent of Pakistan Railways was quoted as saying by Express Tribune. 
 
Baloch noted that all arrangements for running the train have been completed. The train will make four detours and its fare is fixed at Rs 30. Two passenger coaches and the engine of the train have been overhauled and renovated using resources of the railway&nbsp;department. 
 
"In addition to two passenger cars, the shuttle train is also equipped with a brake van," he said. 
 
As per the details, the train was operational between Wagah to Lahore since the partition of India till 1997 after which the service was closed due to certain operational and security reasons. 
 
"The train will start from Lahore railway station and will take two up-down rounds each in the morning and the evening," Baloch said. 
 
He said now the railway has decided to revive the service on a daily basis to provide good transportation facilities to the people coming to Jalo Park in Lahore and Wagah. 
 
"If there is an increase in the demand, more passenger boogies could be renovated and added to the shuttle service," Baloch stressed. 
 
He also proposed that is required the train service will be extended to Shahdara railway station, Kot Lakhpat and Kot Radha Krishan railway station for the convenience of the passengers.

&nbsp;

A train service with a capacity of carrying 181 passengers will be restored between Lahore and Wagah Railway Station on December 14, after a gap of 22 years. "The shuttle train will provide commute for the passengers desiring to witness the flag ceremony in the evening, while Pakistan Rangers on Wagah border and Indian Border Force on the other side will manage the security affairs," Aamir Baloch, the chief operating superintendent of Pakistan Railways was quoted as saying by Express Tribune.

A train service with a capacity of carrying 181 passengers will be restored between Lahore and Wagah Railway Station on December 14, after a gap of 22 years. "The shuttle train will provide commute for the passengers desiring to witness the flag ceremony in the evening, while Pakistan Rangers on Wagah border and Indian Border Force on the other side will manage the security affairs," Aamir Baloch, the chief operating superintendent of Pakistan Railways was quoted as saying by Express Tribune. Baloch noted that all arrangements for running the train have been completed. The train will make four detours and its fare is fixed at Rs 30. Two passenger coaches and the engine of the train have been overhauled and renovated using resources of the railway department. "In addition to two passenger cars, the shuttle train is also equipped with a brake van," he said. As per the details, the train was operational between Wagah to Lahore since the partition of India till 1997 after which the service was closed due to certain operational and security reasons. "The train will start from Lahore railway station and will take two up-down rounds each in the morning and the evening," Baloch said. He said now the railway has decided to revive the service on a daily basis to provide good transportation facilities to the people coming to Jalo Park in Lahore and Wagah. "If there is an increase in the demand, more passenger boogies could be renovated and added to the shuttle service," Baloch stressed. He also proposed that is required the train service will be extended to Shahdara railway station, Kot Lakhpat and Kot Radha Krishan railway station for the convenience of the passengers.

Pakistan: Lahore-Wagah train service to be restored after 22 years

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Vice-President Maryam Nawaz on Saturday moved the Lahore High Court (LHC) for removal of her name from the Exit Control List (ECL).

Maryam, the daughter of former prime minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nawaz-sharif-undergoes-check-up-at-london-bridge-hospital-264538">Nawaz Sharif</a>, filed the petition through Advocate Amjad Pervez, Express Tribune reported. The petition nominated the federal government, National Accountability Bureau (NAB) chairman, Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) director-general, passport and immigration director-general and others as respondents.

"I returned to Pakistan with my father (former prime minister Nawaz Sharif)&nbsp;despite being sentenced in the Al-Azizia reference," Maryam said in the petition.

She maintained that her name was placed on the ECL without her stance on the matter being heard.

"The memorandum issued on August 20, 2018, was illegal. I have been regularly appearing in the courts and therefore, I should be granted permission to travel abroad till a final verdict on the petition," Maryam added.

She further urged the LHC to declare the order of putting her name on the ECL as null and void and terming it illegal.

"I am under a lot of mental stress due to my father`s illness and he also needs me. I should be granted permission to travel abroad till a final verdict on the petition," the PML-N leader urged the court.

A two-member LHC bench, headed by Justice Ali Baqar Najafi, will hear the petition on December 9.

Nawaz Sharif is currently undergoing treatment in London.

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Vice-President Maryam Nawaz on Saturday moved the Lahore High Court (LHC) for removal of her name from the Exit Control List (ECL).

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Vice-President Maryam Nawaz on Saturday moved the Lahore High Court (LHC) for removal of her name from the Exit Control List (ECL). Maryam, the daughter of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, filed the petition through Advocate Amjad Pervez, Express Tribune reported. The petition nominated the federal government, National Accountability Bureau (NAB) chairman, Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) director-general, passport and immigration director-general and others as respondents. "I returned to Pakistan with my father (former prime minister Nawaz Sharif) despite being sentenced in the Al-Azizia reference," Maryam said in the petition. She maintained that her name was placed on the ECL without her stance on the matter being heard. "The memorandum issued on August 20, 2018, was illegal. I have been regularly appearing in the courts and therefore, I should be granted permission to travel abroad till a final verdict on the petition," Maryam added. She further urged the LHC to declare the order of putting her name on the ECL as null and void and terming it illegal. "I am under a lot of mental stress due to my father`s illness and he also needs me. I should be granted permission to travel abroad till a final verdict on the petition," the PML-N leader urged the court. A two-member LHC bench, headed by Justice Ali Baqar Najafi, will hear the petition on December 9. Nawaz Sharif is currently undergoing treatment in London.

Pakistan: Maryam Nawaz moves high court for removal of name from Exit Control List

People protesting against Dawn for reporting that the London attack`s suspect was a Pakistani national on Friday again besieged the newspaper`s Islamabad bureau, the second incident in a week.

According to Dawn, around 100 people arrived in vans and gathered outside the office and chanted slogans against the media group and set copies of the newspaper on fire.

"Yet another orchestrated demo against Dawn outside its office in Islamabad," tweeted Dawn Editor Zaffar Abbas.

"Same lot, threatening tone, bigger in number and have blocked the entrance. We have informed police and have told them it's their duty to protect our staff and property. Let's hope someone from govt will intervene!!"

"They have just dispersed after burning some copies of Dawn," Abbas said.

"Everyone has a right to protest as long as they are not violent."

The International Press Institute (IPI), in a statement, condemned the "threatening demonstrations", saying,&nbsp;"Dawn is a bastion of independent journalism and Pakistan must guarantee the safety of its journalists."

The new protest comes hours after Pakistan's Senate Functional Committee on Human Rights directed Islamabad police to look into the siege on Monday of Dawn's Islamabad offices.

The protests against Dawn started on Monday after the newspaper reported that London Bridge attacker was of Pakistani origin.

Dawn had reported that Usman Khan who stabbed two people to death and injured three others in late November was of Pakistan origin.

People protesting against Dawn for reporting that the London attack`s suspect was a Pakistani national on Friday again besieged the newspaper`s Islamabad bureau, the second incident in a week.

People protesting against Dawn for reporting that the London attack`s suspect was a Pakistani national on Friday again besieged the newspaper`s Islamabad bureau, the second incident in a week. According to Dawn, around 100 people arrived in vans and gathered outside the office and chanted slogans against the media group and set copies of the newspaper on fire. "Yet another orchestrated demo against Dawn outside its office in Islamabad," tweeted Dawn Editor Zaffar Abbas. "Same lot, threatening tone, bigger in number and have blocked the entrance. We have informed police and have told them it's their duty to protect our staff and property. Let's hope someone from govt will intervene!!" "They have just dispersed after burning some copies of Dawn," Abbas said. "Everyone has a right to protest as long as they are not violent." The International Press Institute (IPI), in a statement, condemned the "threatening demonstrations", saying, "Dawn is a bastion of independent journalism and Pakistan must guarantee the safety of its journalists." The new protest comes hours after Pakistan's Senate Functional Committee on Human Rights directed Islamabad police to look into the siege on Monday of Dawn's Islamabad offices. The protests against Dawn started on Monday after the newspaper reported that London Bridge attacker was of Pakistani origin. Dawn had reported that Usman Khan who stabbed two people to death and injured three others in late November was of Pakistan origin.

Pakistan: Protesters besiege Pak daily's office over London attack suspect's reporting

Pakistan has submitted its compliance report comprising answers to 22 questions to the Paris-based Financial Action Task Force (FATF), officials said on Friday.

The report detailed actions taken by Pakistan against United Nations-terrorists groups as well as sentences handed to them by the courts, reported Geo News.

The report is prepared by the representatives of the ministries of foreign affairs, interior, and finance, Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), Financial Monitoring Unit, State Bank of Pakistan, National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA), Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), and the Pakistan Army.

In the report, Pakistan has claimed that it has provided alternative employment to those associated with UN-designated terror groups and has taken over the control of over 113 madrassas.

Economic Affairs Minister Hammad Azhar had said Pakistan submitted its compliance report to the FATF to show its efforts to change anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing laws

.Azhar, who is also a team leader of the country on FATF, had said, "There will be a response from them and then (there will be) a face-to-face meeting."

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.

The first formal response from the FATF is awaited till this month-end.

 
&nbsp;

Pakistan has submitted its compliance report comprising answers to 22 questions to the Paris-based Financial Action Task Force (FATF), officials said on Friday. The report detailed actions taken by Pakistan against United Nations-terrorists groups as well as sentences handed to them by the courts, reported Geo News.

Pakistan has submitted its compliance report comprising answers to 22 questions to the Paris-based Financial Action Task Force (FATF), officials said on Friday. The report detailed actions taken by Pakistan against United Nations-terrorists groups as well as sentences handed to them by the courts, reported Geo News. The report is prepared by the representatives of the ministries of foreign affairs, interior, and finance, Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), Financial Monitoring Unit, State Bank of Pakistan, National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA), Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), and the Pakistan Army. In the report, Pakistan has claimed that it has provided alternative employment to those associated with UN-designated terror groups and has taken over the control of over 113 madrassas. Economic Affairs Minister Hammad Azhar had said Pakistan submitted its compliance report to the FATF to show its efforts to change anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing laws .Azhar, who is also a team leader of the country on FATF, had said, "There will be a response from them and then (there will be) a face-to-face meeting." 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. The first formal response from the FATF is awaited till this month-end.

Pakistan submits compliance report to FATF

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Inflation rose to 12.7 per cent year-on-year, the highest level in nine years mainly driven by an increase in prices of food items, the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) said in a report.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan">Inflation</a>, measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), edged up by 1.3 per cent over the previous month after the PBS revised its calculation methodology by setting the new base year 2015-16 instead of the previous 2007-08 financial year, Dawn reported.

In a statement, the Finance Ministry claimed that inflation would come down from the next month, however, without divulging further details on how they figured this out.

The data released on Wednesday showed that higher prices of food items have been the largest driver in overall inflation in November.

It has also been observed that the prices of essential food items are higher in rural areas than in urban areas, the report said.

Food inflation in urban areas rose by 16.6 per cent in November on a yearly basis and 2.4 per cent on a monthly basis and that in rural areas by 19.3 per cent and 3.4 per cent, respectively.

Similarly, non-food inflation in urban centres was recorded at 9.6 per cent year-on-year, while it was 9 per cent in rural areas.

The rise in non-food inflation is mainly driven by an increase in oil prices over the past few months and a combined impact of the depreciation of the exchange rate.

Economist Ashfaque Hasan Khan, however, believes that inflation is likely to be "more than 13 per cent in December, and the expected increase in inflation numbers would be based on a hike in energy prices, currency devaluation and high-interest rates."

"Higher prices of imported items and raw materials due to the currency devaluation are being passed on to consumers. Companies are also passing on the higher costs of working capital amid increased interest rates to the consumers," Khan was quoted as saying by Geo News.

The central bank kept its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 13.25 per cent in November, as expected, to prevent food inflation, nearing the top of its target range, from further spreading.

State Bank of Pakistan Governor Reza Baqir was recently quoted as saying that rising inflation "has partly been the result of the need to restore competitiveness in the exchange rate, increased administered prices to reduce fiscal deficits in the public sector, and unforeseen food supply disruptions."

Inflation rose to 12.7 per cent year-on-year, the highest level in nine years mainly driven by an increase in prices of food items, the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) said in a report.

Inflation rose to 12.7 per cent year-on-year, the highest level in nine years mainly driven by an increase in prices of food items, the Pakistan Bureau of Statistics (PBS) said in a report. Inflation, measured by the Consumer Price Index (CPI), edged up by 1.3 per cent over the previous month after the PBS revised its calculation methodology by setting the new base year 2015-16 instead of the previous 2007-08 financial year, Dawn reported. In a statement, the Finance Ministry claimed that inflation would come down from the next month, however, without divulging further details on how they figured this out. The data released on Wednesday showed that higher prices of food items have been the largest driver in overall inflation in November. It has also been observed that the prices of essential food items are higher in rural areas than in urban areas, the report said. Food inflation in urban areas rose by 16.6 per cent in November on a yearly basis and 2.4 per cent on a monthly basis and that in rural areas by 19.3 per cent and 3.4 per cent, respectively. Similarly, non-food inflation in urban centres was recorded at 9.6 per cent year-on-year, while it was 9 per cent in rural areas. The rise in non-food inflation is mainly driven by an increase in oil prices over the past few months and a combined impact of the depreciation of the exchange rate. Economist Ashfaque Hasan Khan, however, believes that inflation is likely to be "more than 13 per cent in December, and the expected increase in inflation numbers would be based on a hike in energy prices, currency devaluation and high-interest rates." "Higher prices of imported items and raw materials due to the currency devaluation are being passed on to consumers. Companies are also passing on the higher costs of working capital amid increased interest rates to the consumers," Khan was quoted as saying by Geo News. The central bank kept its benchmark interest rate unchanged at 13.25 per cent in November, as expected, to prevent food inflation, nearing the top of its target range, from further spreading. State Bank of Pakistan Governor Reza Baqir was recently quoted as saying that rising inflation "has partly been the result of the need to restore competitiveness in the exchange rate, increased administered prices to reduce fiscal deficits in the public sector, and unforeseen food supply disruptions."

Consumer inflation hits 9-year-high in Pakistan

Facing the risk of being placed on the FATF blacklist with Iran and North Korea, Pakistan has submitted its compliance report to the Paris-based Financial Action Task Force (FATF) showing its efforts to change anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing laws. 
 
Pakistan has submitted the compliance report before the joint group of FATF to show its efforts to change anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing laws. There will be a response from them and then (there will be) face-to-face meeting, The News International quoted Minister for Economic Affairs Hammad Azhar as saying on Tuesday. 
 
Azhar is also heading the Pakistani team to the FATF. 
 
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. 
 
The first formal response from the FATF is awaited till this month-end. 
 
"The face to face meeting is expected to be held in Sydney in early January 2020 where Pakistani delegation will be given an opportunity to defend its submitted compliance report," a source was quoted as saying. 
 
Later, FATF's plenary review meeting is scheduled to take place in February 2020 in Paris to decide the fate of the country. 
 
Pakistan managed to escape falling into the blacklist due to the diplomatic support from China, Turkey, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia and Middle East countries. 
 
However, academicians and South Asia experts have raised concerns over the growth of terror groups and jihadi outfits in Pakistan. 
 
In its mutual evaluation report (MER) released in October, the Asia Pacific Group (APG)-- a sub-group of the FATF, warned that Pakistan may remain on the FATF grey list for a protracted period, as it may be handed over another action plan for implementation for one to three years more.

Facing the risk of being placed on the FATF blacklist with Iran and North Korea, Pakistan has submitted its compliance report to the Paris-based Financial Action Task Force (FATF) showing its efforts to change anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing laws.

Facing the risk of being placed on the FATF blacklist with Iran and North Korea, Pakistan has submitted its compliance report to the Paris-based Financial Action Task Force (FATF) showing its efforts to change anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing laws. Pakistan has submitted the compliance report before the joint group of FATF to show its efforts to change anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing laws. There will be a response from them and then (there will be) face-to-face meeting, The News International quoted Minister for Economic Affairs Hammad Azhar as saying on Tuesday. Azhar is also heading the Pakistani team to the FATF. 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. The first formal response from the FATF is awaited till this month-end. "The face to face meeting is expected to be held in Sydney in early January 2020 where Pakistani delegation will be given an opportunity to defend its submitted compliance report," a source was quoted as saying. Later, FATF's plenary review meeting is scheduled to take place in February 2020 in Paris to decide the fate of the country. Pakistan managed to escape falling into the blacklist due to the diplomatic support from China, Turkey, Malaysia, Saudi Arabia and Middle East countries. However, academicians and South Asia experts have raised concerns over the growth of terror groups and jihadi outfits in Pakistan. In its mutual evaluation report (MER) released in October, the Asia Pacific Group (APG)-- a sub-group of the FATF, warned that Pakistan may remain on the FATF grey list for a protracted period, as it may be handed over another action plan for implementation for one to three years more.

Union Cabinet of India clears the citizenship amendment bill in the parliament. Citizenship for persecuted minorities in Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan even if they don't possess proper document.

India: Union Cabinet clears Citizenship Amendment Bill

The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on Tuesday filed a reference against 10 people, including former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and former finance minister Miftah Ismail in connection with the Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) import contract case. 
 
The anti-graft watchdog submitted the reference in an accountability court in Islamabad. The reference alleged that one firm received benefits of more than Rs 21 billion between March 2015 to September 2019, The Dawn reported. 
 
The reference also stated that the national exchequer will suffer a loss of Rs 47 billion by 2029 due to the contract. 
 
Former Pakistan State Oil (PSO) managing director Sheikh Imranul Haq, former Ogra chairman Saeed Ahmed Khan, Ogra chairperson Uzma Adil Khan, chairman of the Engro group Hussain Dawood, former chairman of Port Qasim Authority (PQA) Agha Jan Akhtar, former member of Ogra Aamir Naseem and former PSO Managing Director Shahid M Islam and Abdul Sammad have been named in the reference. 
 
Abbasi was arrested by the NAB on July 18 in connection with the case, in which he and others are accused of illegally awarding LNG terminal contracts for a period of 15 years to a company of their liking in violation of defined rules, incurring losses to the state exchequer. 
 
While Abbasi and Ismail have been in prison for over four months, Haq secured pre-arrest bail last week from the Islamabad High Court. 
 
In April, the Pakistan government had imposed a travel ban on Abbasi, Ismail and five others in connection with the case. 
 
Abbasi served as the prime minister from August 2017 to May 2018, following the disqualification of Nawaz Sharif from office by the Pakistan Supreme Court over the Panama Papers scandal.

The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on Tuesday filed a reference against 10 people, including former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and former finance minister Miftah Ismail in connection with the Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) import contract case.

The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on Tuesday filed a reference against 10 people, including former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and former finance minister Miftah Ismail in connection with the Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) import contract case. The anti-graft watchdog submitted the reference in an accountability court in Islamabad. The reference alleged that one firm received benefits of more than Rs 21 billion between March 2015 to September 2019, The Dawn reported. The reference also stated that the national exchequer will suffer a loss of Rs 47 billion by 2029 due to the contract. Former Pakistan State Oil (PSO) managing director Sheikh Imranul Haq, former Ogra chairman Saeed Ahmed Khan, Ogra chairperson Uzma Adil Khan, chairman of the Engro group Hussain Dawood, former chairman of Port Qasim Authority (PQA) Agha Jan Akhtar, former member of Ogra Aamir Naseem and former PSO Managing Director Shahid M Islam and Abdul Sammad have been named in the reference. Abbasi was arrested by the NAB on July 18 in connection with the case, in which he and others are accused of illegally awarding LNG terminal contracts for a period of 15 years to a company of their liking in violation of defined rules, incurring losses to the state exchequer. While Abbasi and Ismail have been in prison for over four months, Haq secured pre-arrest bail last week from the Islamabad High Court. In April, the Pakistan government had imposed a travel ban on Abbasi, Ismail and five others in connection with the case. Abbasi served as the prime minister from August 2017 to May 2018, following the disqualification of Nawaz Sharif from office by the Pakistan Supreme Court over the Panama Papers scandal.

Pakistan: NAB files reference against ten, including ex-PM Abbasi, in LNG import scam

Former Pakistan president Parvez Musharraf releases a video message from a hospital in Dubai, court to resume Musharraf's case hearing

Former Pakistan president Musharraf releases video message from hospital  :WION dispatch

Union Cabinet of India clears the Citizenship Amendment Bill in the parliament. Citizenship Amendment Bill grants citizenship for persecuted minorities in Pakistan, Bangladesh, Afghanistan even if they don't possess proper document.

India: Union Cabinet clears Citizenship Amendment Bill :WION dispatch

A Sikh pilgrim who went to visit the Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib three days ago with a 'jatha' (group of pilgrims) has been missing in Pakistan.&nbsp;

Until now, Pakistan police have arrested four men from Lahore and Faisalabad.

The Kartarpur Sahib Corridor is a 4.7-kilometre-long passage that connects Dera Baba Nanak Sahib in India's Gurdaspur with Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan's Kartarpur was formally thrown open to pilgrims on November 9. This was three days before the 550th anniversary of the founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak Dev.

An agreement on the modalities for operationalising the corridor signed between India and Pakistan on October 24 had paved way for the inauguration ahead of the Guru Nanak's Prakash Parv.

(With inputs from agencies) 
&nbsp;

A Sikh pilgrim who went to visit the Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib three days ago with a 'jatha' (group of pilgrims) has been missing in Pakistan. Until now, Pakistan police have arrested four men from Lahore and Faisalabad.

A Sikh pilgrim who went to visit the Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib three days ago with a 'jatha' (group of pilgrims) has been missing in Pakistan. Until now, Pakistan police have arrested four men from Lahore and Faisalabad. The Kartarpur Sahib Corridor is a 4.7-kilometre-long passage that connects Dera Baba Nanak Sahib in India's Gurdaspur with Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan's Kartarpur was formally thrown open to pilgrims on November 9. This was three days before the 550th anniversary of the founder of Sikhism, Guru Nanak Dev. An agreement on the modalities for operationalising the corridor signed between India and Pakistan on October 24 had paved way for the inauguration ahead of the Guru Nanak's Prakash Parv. (With inputs from agencies)

Girl who went to Kartarpur corridor goes missing in Pakistan, four arrested

Pakistan People's Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Monday said that the party will file a bail plea for former president Asif Ali Zardari to be released on medical grounds. 
 
Bhutto made the comments after he met his father who is currently under treatment at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), Geo News reported. 
 
The PPP leader said that the party will not back out from its political point of view and submit the petition on Tuesday. 
 
Zardari was brought to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) from Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi on October 22 and admitted to the cardiology department's VIP ward. He underwent a number of tests and was declared to be out of danger. 
 
Earlier this month, an accountability court had rejected a plea seeking permission to shift Zardari to Karachi for medical treatment. 
 
The former president's counsel Farooq H Naik had moved the court seeking better facilities for Zardari's sister, Faryal Talpur. 
 
The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) had arrested Zardari on June 10 after the cancellation of his pre-arrest bail by the Islamabad High Court in the fake bank accounts case. 
 
On August 16, the court had sent the former president to Adiala jail on judicial remand. 
 
The case pertains to a massive money laundering scam that was being probed by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA). 
 
The suspects include Zardari, Talpur, former Pakistan Stock Exchange chairman Hussain Lawai, Omni Group CEO Anwar Majeed and his sons and several other high-profile persons. 
 
The case was later taken over by NAB on the Pakistan Supreme Court's orders.

Pakistan People's Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Monday said that the party will file a bail plea for former president Asif Ali Zardari to be released on medical grounds.

Pakistan People's Party (PPP) chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Monday said that the party will file a bail plea for former president Asif Ali Zardari to be released on medical grounds. Bhutto made the comments after he met his father who is currently under treatment at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS), Geo News reported. The PPP leader said that the party will not back out from its political point of view and submit the petition on Tuesday. Zardari was brought to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) from Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi on October 22 and admitted to the cardiology department's VIP ward. He underwent a number of tests and was declared to be out of danger. Earlier this month, an accountability court had rejected a plea seeking permission to shift Zardari to Karachi for medical treatment. The former president's counsel Farooq H Naik had moved the court seeking better facilities for Zardari's sister, Faryal Talpur. The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) had arrested Zardari on June 10 after the cancellation of his pre-arrest bail by the Islamabad High Court in the fake bank accounts case. On August 16, the court had sent the former president to Adiala jail on judicial remand. The case pertains to a massive money laundering scam that was being probed by the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA). The suspects include Zardari, Talpur, former Pakistan Stock Exchange chairman Hussain Lawai, Omni Group CEO Anwar Majeed and his sons and several other high-profile persons. The case was later taken over by NAB on the Pakistan Supreme Court's orders.

Pakistan: Bail plea to be submitted for Zardari's release on medical grounds

The Islamabad High Court on Tuesday admitted a petition filed by former president <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-bail-plea-to-be-submitted-for-zardaris-release-on-medical-grounds-265853">Asif Ali Zardari</a>, seeking medical bail in two cases filed against him by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB).

The petition will be heard by IHC tomorrow, Dawn reported.

Zardari has been detained on charges of money laundering and presently undergoing treatment at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences in Islamabad.

He was arrested by NAB after the cancellation of his pre-arrest bail by the IHC in the fake bank accounts case on June 10.

Zardari, who is undergoing treatment at a hospital in Islamabad, has maintained in the bail plea that he is suffering from a heart condition as well as diabetes and needs medical care, Dawn reported.

Zardari's sister Faryal Talpur, who is in custody of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), also sought bail from the IHC, arguing that she is the mother of a differently-abled child and has to take care of her.

The NAB had arrested Zardari on June 10 after the cancellation of his pre-arrest bail by the IHC in the fake bank accounts case. He was brought to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) from Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi on October 22 where he is currently undergoing treatment.&nbsp;

The Islamabad High Court on Tuesday admitted a petition filed by former president Asif Ali Zardari, seeking medical bail in two cases filed against him by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB).

The Islamabad High Court on Tuesday admitted a petition filed by former president Asif Ali Zardari, seeking medical bail in two cases filed against him by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB). The petition will be heard by IHC tomorrow, Dawn reported. Zardari has been detained on charges of money laundering and presently undergoing treatment at the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences in Islamabad. He was arrested by NAB after the cancellation of his pre-arrest bail by the IHC in the fake bank accounts case on June 10. Zardari, who is undergoing treatment at a hospital in Islamabad, has maintained in the bail plea that he is suffering from a heart condition as well as diabetes and needs medical care, Dawn reported. Zardari's sister Faryal Talpur, who is in custody of the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), also sought bail from the IHC, arguing that she is the mother of a differently-abled child and has to take care of her. The NAB had arrested Zardari on June 10 after the cancellation of his pre-arrest bail by the IHC in the fake bank accounts case. He was brought to the Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences (PIMS) from Adiala Jail in Rawalpindi on October 22 where he is currently undergoing treatment.

Pakistan: Former President Asif Ali Zardari's bail application admitted in high court

The Supreme Court of Pakistan granted a conditional extension to incumbent Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Thursday. Bajwa will continue serving as Chief of Army Staff for six months, the court ruled. The Parliament will decide on his further tenure. "We leave this matter to parliament to make law regarding this," Chief Justice Asif Saeed Khosa said while delivering the verdict.

WION Dispatch: Pak Army chief Bajwa tenure extended till May 2020

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Hafiz Saeed indicted by Pakistan Court on terror financing charges

Pakistan: Lawyers ransack hospital in row with doctors, three patients die

Scholar's blasphemy trial enters final stages in Pakistan, US raises alarm

Protests demanding release of Baba Jan resurface in Pakistan

Pakistan: Pak Army called media report incorrect

US: Rally outside Pakistan embassy against Islamabad sponsored terrorism

Anti-Pakistan protests in U.S.

Pakistan's PIA flight stranded at Kabul airport

Anti-Pakistan protests in U.S.

Government has a week to decide on Maryam's request to be struck off Exit Control List: LHC

Islamabad wants Pakistan representative to defend Kulbhushan Jadhav

Only a Pakistani national can represent Kulbhushan Jhadav in court, insists Islamabad

Sri Lanka arrive for first Tests in Pakistan since 2009 attack

Sri Lanka arrive for first Tests in Pakistan since 2009 attack

Pakistan: Week after abduction by gunmen, law student returns home

Pakistan: Lahore-Wagah train service to be restored after 22 years

Pakistan: Maryam Nawaz moves high court for removal of name from Exit Control List

Pakistan: Protesters besiege Pak daily's office over London attack suspect's reporting

Pakistan submits compliance report to FATF

WION Edit: China: The Trafficking Capital of the world

Gravitas: Report: 629 Brides from Pakistan 'Sold' to Chinese Men

Gravitas: Is Pakistan a vassal state of China?

Consumer inflation hits 9-year-high in Pakistan

Pakistan submits compliance report to FATF