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Imran Khan's visit comes after the United States asked Pakistan to help mediate between long-time regional foes Saudi Arabia and Iran.

Imran Khan meets Rouhani in Tehran

In order to deal with the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/security-forces-cleared-to-shoot-down-drones-flying-at-1000-feet-amid-sightings-across-border-255690">intrusion of drones from the Pakistani side</a>, the Border Security Force (BSF) is all set to purchase a ground-based anti-drone system. 
 
The system will have jammers, sensors,&nbsp;and&nbsp;a 360-degree surveillance system. 
 
There has almost been intrusion every day by drones sent by Pakistan to India. These drones are being used to transport arms and ammunition to the country. 
 
According to a document, the anti-drone system will also have a radio frequency receiver, electro-optic sensor, jammer, system controller, etc. 
 
The system is expected to be installed by the end of this year. A tender has been floated regarding the purchase. 
 
According to BSF, its radar will have 360-degree surveillance capability with high direction accuracy. 
 
For surveillance, the system will have cameras. Also, its jammer will be so effective that they can jam signals in less than five seconds. 
 
"The system will be compact and easily deployable which can be installed in just 10 minutes with ease of dismantling as per ground," a document reads. 
 
The system will be able to work day and night and will be <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bsf-spots-drone-along-india-pakistan-border-254531">able to detect multiple drones at a time</a>.

In order to deal with the intrusion of drones from the Pakistani side, the Border Security Force (BSF) is all set to purchase a ground-based anti-drone system. The system will have jammers, sensors, and a 360-degree surveillance system.

In order to deal with the intrusion of drones from the Pakistani side, the Border Security Force (BSF) is all set to purchase a ground-based anti-drone system. The system will have jammers, sensors, and a 360-degree surveillance system. There has almost been intrusion every day by drones sent by Pakistan to India. These drones are being used to transport arms and ammunition to the country. According to a document, the anti-drone system will also have a radio frequency receiver, electro-optic sensor, jammer, system controller, etc. The system is expected to be installed by the end of this year. A tender has been floated regarding the purchase. According to BSF, its radar will have 360-degree surveillance capability with high direction accuracy. For surveillance, the system will have cameras. Also, its jammer will be so effective that they can jam signals in less than five seconds. "The system will be compact and easily deployable which can be installed in just 10 minutes with ease of dismantling as per ground," a document reads. The system will be able to work day and night and will be able to detect multiple drones at a time.

Border Security Force to purchase anti-drone system to deal with intrusion from Pakistan

Eight months after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/balakot-airstrike-was-our-leaderships-resolve-to-punish-perpetrators-of-terrorism-iaf-chief-on-air-force-day-254373">Indian Air Force (IAF) bombed the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terrorist camp in Pakistan's Balakot</a>, intelligence agencies have received inputs that 45-50 terrorists including suicide bombers are being trained there.

"Around 45-50 suicide bombers are training inside the Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist camp in the Balakot town of Pakistan," top government sources told ANI.

Indian intelligence agencies are keeping a constant watch on the facility including technical surveillance to keep a track of the developments there.

A few of the terrorists, who have trained there, have even been sent to Kashmir for carrying out terror attacks on Indian security bases, the sources said.

Sources said the facility had remained closed for six months after the Indian Air Force attacked it in February this year.

Last month, Army Chief General Bipin Rawat had revealed that Pakistan very recently "reactivated" the terror camp in Balakot.

On February 26 this year, IAF fighters flew deep into Pakistan to bomb the JeM facility at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-air-force-releases-promotional-video-on-balakot-airstrike-253772">Balakot in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province</a>.

The action came after the February 14 suicide bombing in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama, which killed over 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel.

Eight months after Indian Air Force (IAF) bombed the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terrorist camp in Pakistan's Balakot, intelligence agencies have received inputs that 45-50 terrorists including suicide bombers are being trained there.

Eight months after Indian Air Force (IAF) bombed the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terrorist camp in Pakistan's Balakot, intelligence agencies have received inputs that 45-50 terrorists including suicide bombers are being trained there. "Around 45-50 suicide bombers are training inside the Jaish-e-Mohammed terrorist camp in the Balakot town of Pakistan," top government sources told ANI. Indian intelligence agencies are keeping a constant watch on the facility including technical surveillance to keep a track of the developments there. A few of the terrorists, who have trained there, have even been sent to Kashmir for carrying out terror attacks on Indian security bases, the sources said. Sources said the facility had remained closed for six months after the Indian Air Force attacked it in February this year. Last month, Army Chief General Bipin Rawat had revealed that Pakistan very recently "reactivated" the terror camp in Balakot. On February 26 this year, IAF fighters flew deep into Pakistan to bomb the JeM facility at Balakot in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. The action came after the February 14 suicide bombing in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama, which killed over 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel.

More than 45 terrorists being trained at Jaish-e-Mohammed's Balakot facility

Senior Congress leader Shashi Tharoor, who is a part of the Indian delegation at the ongoing Asian Parliamentary Assembly (APA) Meeting in the Serbian capital Belgrade, on Sunday hit out at Pakistan for raising the issue of Kashmir at the forum.

Shashi Tharoor slams Pakistan on J&K at  Asian Parliamentary Assembly meet

National Security Advisor (NSA)&nbsp;Ajit Doval on Monday said that supporting terrorism is the state policy of Pakistan.&nbsp;

He was speaking at the national conference of the Chiefs of ATS and STFs of the States here on Monday.

"If a criminal has the support of a state, it becomes a great challenge. Some of the states have mastered this, in our case Pakistan has made it as an instrument of its state policy," said Ajit Doval.

''Here in India, it is the state-sponsored terrorism. They not only recruit, provide training, weapons, intelligence etc but they also give them the higher degree of deniability, and resources and technology due to which intelligence agencies are not able to figure them out, degrade them or find their tentacles," said Doval.

"If a criminal gets the support of State then it becomes difficult to catch him suppose if police somewhere start supporting an underworld man," Ajit Doval said.&nbsp;

''The accessibility of high-end technology to terrorists makes the collection of evidence very complex,'' Ajit Doval added.

"Further, the approach of the judiciary is to treat the terrorism cases at par with the ordinary crime, they apply the same benchmark," said Doval.

He said that the proceedings of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has created pressure on Pakistan as no other action could have done.

"One of the biggest pressures that have come on Pakistan today is because of the proceedings of FATF, it has created so much pressure on them that probably no other action could have done," he said.

Ajit Doval also said that the impact that NIA has been able to make against terrorism in Kashmir is more than any other agency.

National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval on Monday said that supporting terrorism is the state policy of Pakistan. He was speaking at the national conference of the Chiefs of ATS and STFs of the States here on Monday.

National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval on Monday said that supporting terrorism is the state policy of Pakistan. He was speaking at the national conference of the Chiefs of ATS and STFs of the States here on Monday. "If a criminal has the support of a state, it becomes a great challenge. Some of the states have mastered this, in our case Pakistan has made it as an instrument of its state policy," said Ajit Doval. ''Here in India, it is the state-sponsored terrorism. They not only recruit, provide training, weapons, intelligence etc but they also give them the higher degree of deniability, and resources and technology due to which intelligence agencies are not able to figure them out, degrade them or find their tentacles," said Doval. "If a criminal gets the support of State then it becomes difficult to catch him suppose if police somewhere start supporting an underworld man," Ajit Doval said. ''The accessibility of high-end technology to terrorists makes the collection of evidence very complex,'' Ajit Doval added. "Further, the approach of the judiciary is to treat the terrorism cases at par with the ordinary crime, they apply the same benchmark," said Doval. He said that the proceedings of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has created pressure on Pakistan as no other action could have done. "One of the biggest pressures that have come on Pakistan today is because of the proceedings of FATF, it has created so much pressure on them that probably no other action could have done," he said. Ajit Doval also said that the impact that NIA has been able to make against terrorism in Kashmir is more than any other agency.

To support terrorism is Pakistan's state policy, FATF has created pressure on it: Ajit Doval

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-supports-turkeys-syria-offensive-255446">Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan</a> was heading to Iran Sunday following a request from the United States and Saudi Arabia for him to try to defuse rising tensions in the Gulf.&nbsp;

Khan's office said his visit was part of an initiative "to promote peace and security in the region", and that he will hold talks with Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Hassan Rouhani.

It will be his second visit this year to Iran, which shares a border of around 1,000 kilometres with Pakistan.&nbsp;

In a press briefing last week, a spokesman for Pakistan's foreign office said Khan was expected to visit Saudi Arabia, without providing further details.

Khan said last month that both the United States and Saudi Arabia had asked him to mediate with Iran to defuse tensions in the Gulf.

There has been a spate of still unexplained attacks on shipping in and around the vital seaway involving Iran and Western powers, as well as drone attacks on Saudi oil installations.

Washington accused Tehran of attacking the vessels with mines and to be behind the drone assault, something Tehran strongly denies.

Pakistan has strong relations with Saudi Arabia -- over 2.5 million of its nationals live and work in the kingdom -- but also maintains good relations with Iran and represents Tehran's consular interests in the United States.

Khan met both US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani at the United Nations last month, shortly after he visited Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Saudi Arabia.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan was heading to Iran Sunday following a request from the United States and Saudi Arabia for him to try to defuse rising tensions in the Gulf.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan was heading to Iran Sunday following a request from the United States and Saudi Arabia for him to try to defuse rising tensions in the Gulf. Khan's office said his visit was part of an initiative "to promote peace and security in the region", and that he will hold talks with Iran's supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and President Hassan Rouhani. It will be his second visit this year to Iran, which shares a border of around 1,000 kilometres with Pakistan. In a press briefing last week, a spokesman for Pakistan's foreign office said Khan was expected to visit Saudi Arabia, without providing further details. Khan said last month that both the United States and Saudi Arabia had asked him to mediate with Iran to defuse tensions in the Gulf. There has been a spate of still unexplained attacks on shipping in and around the vital seaway involving Iran and Western powers, as well as drone attacks on Saudi oil installations. Washington accused Tehran of attacking the vessels with mines and to be behind the drone assault, something Tehran strongly denies. Pakistan has strong relations with Saudi Arabia -- over 2.5 million of its nationals live and work in the kingdom -- but also maintains good relations with Iran and represents Tehran's consular interests in the United States. Khan met both US President Donald Trump and Iranian President Hassan Rouhani at the United Nations last month, shortly after he visited Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in Saudi Arabia.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan heads to Iran as tensions rise in Gulf

This segment of WION brings to you top stories of the morning from across the globe. Watch this video to get updated with the latest information.

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - October 13th, 2019

Pakistan resorted to an unprovoked ceasefire in Jammu and Kashmir`s Hiranagar sector.

Pakistani rangers violated ceasefire last night and continued till 5:30 am today.

The neighbouring army targeted civilian areas.

The BSF retaliated effectively.Pakistan security forces from the past few weeks have been resorting to unprovoked firing.

According to Border Security Forces (BSF), "Pakistan Rangers resorted unprovoked firing in the Hiranagar sector last night till today at 5:30 am. Pakistan rangers once again targetted civilian areas, BSF effectively retaliated."

No casualties have been reported so far.

However, a couple of houses situated near the border were damaged following the ceasefire violation.

"Due to the firing, our goat shed caught fire and we had to take the help of other locals to rescue the animals. We had to call the fire station also," said a local while speaking to ANI.&nbsp;

Pakistan resorted to an unprovoked ceasefire in Jammu and Kashmir`s Hiranagar sector. Pakistani rangers violated ceasefire last night and continued till 5:30 am today.

Pakistan resorted to an unprovoked ceasefire in Jammu and Kashmir`s Hiranagar sector. Pakistani rangers violated ceasefire last night and continued till 5:30 am today. The neighbouring army targeted civilian areas. The BSF retaliated effectively.Pakistan security forces from the past few weeks have been resorting to unprovoked firing. According to Border Security Forces (BSF), "Pakistan Rangers resorted unprovoked firing in the Hiranagar sector last night till today at 5:30 am. Pakistan rangers once again targetted civilian areas, BSF effectively retaliated." No casualties have been reported so far. However, a couple of houses situated near the border were damaged following the ceasefire violation. "Due to the firing, our goat shed caught fire and we had to take the help of other locals to rescue the animals. We had to call the fire station also," said a local while speaking to ANI.

J&K: Pakistan violates ceasefire in Hiranagar sector, targets civilian areas

An Army jawan was killed in a ceasefire violation by Pakistan along the Line of Control in the Uri sector of Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla district on Sunday. 
 
Indian Army is retaliating effectively. Further details in this regard are awaited. 
 
Earlier on Saturday, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-pakistan-violates-ceasefire-in-hiranagar-sector-targets-civilian-areas-255571">Pakistan resorted to an unprovoked ceasefire in Hiranagar</a> sector that continued till 5:30 am today. 
 
The number of ceasefire violations by Pakistan has gone up significantly this year compared to 2018. 
 
"2317 ceasefire violations by Pakistan in 2019 till October 10 while 147 terrorists have been killed in different operations by the security forces on the Line of Control (LoC) and hinterland," Indian Army sources had said. 
 
In 2018, the total number of ceasefire violations was 1629.

An Army jawan was killed in a ceasefire violation by Pakistan along the Line of Control in the Uri sector of Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla district on Sunday. Indian Army is retaliating effectively.

An Army jawan was killed in a ceasefire violation by Pakistan along the Line of Control in the Uri sector of Jammu and Kashmir's Baramulla district on Sunday. Indian Army is retaliating effectively. Further details in this regard are awaited. Earlier on Saturday, Pakistan resorted to an unprovoked ceasefire in Hiranagar sector that continued till 5:30 am today. The number of ceasefire violations by Pakistan has gone up significantly this year compared to 2018. "2317 ceasefire violations by Pakistan in 2019 till October 10 while 147 terrorists have been killed in different operations by the security forces on the Line of Control (LoC) and hinterland," Indian Army sources had said. In 2018, the total number of ceasefire violations was 1629.

Army jawan killed in ceasefire violation by Pakistan in J&K's Uri

Pakistan-backed terror groups are using <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nia-to-probe-incidents-of-pakistan-drones-smuggling-arms-into-india-253236">small drones to smuggle weapons and narcotics into India</a>, in view of which the security forces have been given clearance to shoot down drones flying at 1,000 feet or below. 
 
"Security agencies deployed along the international border have been given the clearance to shoot down drone crossing the boundary and flying at 1,000 feet and below," government sources told ANI. 
 
For any drone flying at heights above 1,000 feet, the final clearance will have to be taken from the agencies concerned as the flying object can be an aeroplane also, the sources said. 
 
Recently, the security forces including the Border Security Force have been spotting small drones crossing the international border in Punjab where the Chinese-origin unmanned aerial vehicles have even been used to supply assault rifles and drugs. 
 
Border Security Force (BSF) personnel at Hussainiwala border post in Ferozepur spotted a drone on Monday night entering into India from the Pakistani border. A search operation was launched after Punjab police were informed about the development. The local police are investigating the matter," BSF sources had said. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/bsf-spots-drone-along-india-pakistan-border-254531">The sightings come amid escalated tensions between India and Pakistan</a> over the Kashmir issue.

Pakistan-backed terror groups are using small drones to smuggle weapons and narcotics into India, in view of which the security forces have been given clearance to shoot down drones flying at 1,000 feet or below.

Pakistan-backed terror groups are using small drones to smuggle weapons and narcotics into India, in view of which the security forces have been given clearance to shoot down drones flying at 1,000 feet or below. "Security agencies deployed along the international border have been given the clearance to shoot down drone crossing the boundary and flying at 1,000 feet and below," government sources told ANI. For any drone flying at heights above 1,000 feet, the final clearance will have to be taken from the agencies concerned as the flying object can be an aeroplane also, the sources said. Recently, the security forces including the Border Security Force have been spotting small drones crossing the international border in Punjab where the Chinese-origin unmanned aerial vehicles have even been used to supply assault rifles and drugs. Border Security Force (BSF) personnel at Hussainiwala border post in Ferozepur spotted a drone on Monday night entering into India from the Pakistani border. A search operation was launched after Punjab police were informed about the development. The local police are investigating the matter," BSF sources had said. The sightings come amid escalated tensions between India and Pakistan over the Kashmir issue.

Security forces cleared to shoot down drones flying at 1000 feet amid sightings across border

A delegation of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-arrests-four-aides-of-hafiz-saeed-ahead-of-fatf-meet-255068">Pakistani officials</a> on Sunday evening left for Paris to attend a crucial session of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) in the French capital where the global terror financing watchdog is due to announce its decision on the country's 'Grey List' status. 
 
The delegation, headed by Minister for Economic Affairs Hammad Azhar, comprised Additional Secretary, Finance, Sohail Rajput along with the representatives of National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA), Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), who will be attending the meeting on October 14 and 15, Geo News reported. 
 
The watchdog had placed Pakistan on its Grey List in June 2018 and came up with a 27-point Action Plan for graduating it within a year period. 
 
It included safeguards against money-laundering and terror-financing by banned outfits and non-government entities through banking and non-banking jurisdictions, capital markets, corporate and non-corporate sectors like chartered accountancy, financial advisory services, cost and management accountancy firm, jewellery and similar related services. 
 
Sources revealed that a compliance report prepared by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan will be scrutinised in the presence of Azhar. 
According to FATF, if Pakistan fails to meet the implementation of the 27-point plan, the country could be blacklisted. 
 
In August 2019, the Asia Pacific Joint Group (APJG) of the FATF had placed Pakistan in the Enhanced Follow up list for failure to meet its standards. This was based on its technical compliance being rated as satisfactory on only 10 points out of 40. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/fatf-meet-to-begin-in-paris-today-outcome-to-decide-paks-fate-on-terror-listing-255569">Of the 40 technical compliance parameters, Pakistan was 'non-compliant' on 30 parametres</a>. And, of the 11 effectiveness parametres, Pakistan was adjudged as 'low' on 10. 
 
Diplomatic sources, other than those in India and Pakistan, are abuzz on what to do with Pakistan at the FATF. Pakistan has reached out to all member nations stating that it was progressing in completing its Action Plan and placing it on the Black List would push it into an economic quagmire, slowing down its transactions and trade, which would impact its ability to repay the IMF loans. 
 
Some diplomats, especially from the USA and from Europe, are of the view that blacklisting, if unaccompanied by countermeasures, would not, significantly impact the Pakistani economy, while it would surely push the country to complete the Action Plan must faster. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-prepares-compliance-report-as-fatf-meeting-approaches-254992">Pakistan has been on the Grey List since 2008</a>. Therefore, giving it more time would make a mockery of FATF procedures, especially when Iran is on the verge of being moved to countermeasures. 
 
According to reports, Islamabad has been engaged in hectic lobbying in a last-ditch bid to influence the outcome in its favour. This year, Pakistan's all-weather ally China holds the presidency of the FATF. 
 
It is highly anticipated that Islamabad will ask Beijing to stridently back it at the plenary meeting to prevent it from blacklisting.

A delegation of Pakistani officials on Sunday evening left for Paris to attend a crucial session of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) in the French capital where the global terror financing watchdog is due to announce its decision on the country's 'Grey List' status.

A delegation of Pakistani officials on Sunday evening left for Paris to attend a crucial session of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) in the French capital where the global terror financing watchdog is due to announce its decision on the country's 'Grey List' status. The delegation, headed by Minister for Economic Affairs Hammad Azhar, comprised Additional Secretary, Finance, Sohail Rajput along with the representatives of National Counter Terrorism Authority (NACTA), Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), Federal Board of Revenue (FBR) and Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP), who will be attending the meeting on October 14 and 15, Geo News reported. The watchdog had placed Pakistan on its Grey List in June 2018 and came up with a 27-point Action Plan for graduating it within a year period. It included safeguards against money-laundering and terror-financing by banned outfits and non-government entities through banking and non-banking jurisdictions, capital markets, corporate and non-corporate sectors like chartered accountancy, financial advisory services, cost and management accountancy firm, jewellery and similar related services. Sources revealed that a compliance report prepared by the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan will be scrutinised in the presence of Azhar. According to FATF, if Pakistan fails to meet the implementation of the 27-point plan, the country could be blacklisted. In August 2019, the Asia Pacific Joint Group (APJG) of the FATF had placed Pakistan in the Enhanced Follow up list for failure to meet its standards. This was based on its technical compliance being rated as satisfactory on only 10 points out of 40. Of the 40 technical compliance parameters, Pakistan was 'non-compliant' on 30 parametres. And, of the 11 effectiveness parametres, Pakistan was adjudged as 'low' on 10. Diplomatic sources, other than those in India and Pakistan, are abuzz on what to do with Pakistan at the FATF. Pakistan has reached out to all member nations stating that it was progressing in completing its Action Plan and placing it on the Black List would push it into an economic quagmire, slowing down its transactions and trade, which would impact its ability to repay the IMF loans. Some diplomats, especially from the USA and from Europe, are of the view that blacklisting, if unaccompanied by countermeasures, would not, significantly impact the Pakistani economy, while it would surely push the country to complete the Action Plan must faster. Pakistan has been on the Grey List since 2008. Therefore, giving it more time would make a mockery of FATF procedures, especially when Iran is on the verge of being moved to countermeasures. According to reports, Islamabad has been engaged in hectic lobbying in a last-ditch bid to influence the outcome in its favour. This year, Pakistan's all-weather ally China holds the presidency of the FATF. It is highly anticipated that Islamabad will ask Beijing to stridently back it at the plenary meeting to prevent it from blacklisting.

Pakistan delegation leaves for Paris to attend Financial Action Task Force meeting

Pakistan on Saturday expressed dismay at&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghanistan-closes-its-consulate-in-pakistans-peshawar-over-raids-on-afghan-market-255373">Afghanistan's decision to close its consulate in Peshawar</a> over the market ownership dispute and urged the country to immediately review the move. 
 
The consulate was shut on Friday in protest against the raid by Pakistani policemen in an Afghan market and the removal of an Afghan flag from the place.

"We regret the announcement that the Consulate General of Afghanistan in Peshawar has been closed in protest at this point. We hope that this step would be immediately reviewed and that a private legal case would not be allowed to adversely affect the relations between the two brotherly countries," a statement by Pakistan foreign office read. 
 
The statement further said that Pakistan rejects "insinuations contained in the statement issued by the Afghan Foreign Ministry regarding a market in Peshawar" and deeply regrets that a " distorted and misleading account of the issue and related events has been presented." 
 
The Afghan consulate claims the Afghan market as a property of the Afghan government. However, reports suggest that there is another claimant to the property.

Pakistan on Saturday expressed dismay at Afghanistan's decision to close its consulate in Peshawar over the market ownership dispute and urged the country to immediately review the move.

Pakistan on Saturday expressed dismay at Afghanistan's decision to close its consulate in Peshawar over the market ownership dispute and urged the country to immediately review the move. The consulate was shut on Friday in protest against the raid by Pakistani policemen in an Afghan market and the removal of an Afghan flag from the place. "We regret the announcement that the Consulate General of Afghanistan in Peshawar has been closed in protest at this point. We hope that this step would be immediately reviewed and that a private legal case would not be allowed to adversely affect the relations between the two brotherly countries," a statement by Pakistan foreign office read. The statement further said that Pakistan rejects "insinuations contained in the statement issued by the Afghan Foreign Ministry regarding a market in Peshawar" and deeply regrets that a " distorted and misleading account of the issue and related events has been presented." The Afghan consulate claims the Afghan market as a property of the Afghan government. However, reports suggest that there is another claimant to the property.

Pakistan dismayed by Afghanistan's decision to shut consulate over market ownership dispute

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/government-ready-for-tax-rationalisation-to-encourage-make-in-india-rajnath-singh-254833">Defence Minister Rajnath Singh</a> on Sunday gave a piece of advice to Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan saying that India is ready to assist Pakistan if the neighbouring country is serious enough to combat terror on its soil. 
 
He also said that India will send its armed forces to Pakistan in this regard if the need arises. 
 
"I would like to make a suggestion to Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan. If you are serious enough to fight against terror, we are ready to assist you. If you want our Army, then we will send them there for your help," Rajnath said while addressing a public rally here. 
 
At the same time, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/anyone-trying-to-destabilise-india-will-face-retaliation-rajnath-singh-254623">the Defence Minister</a> also slammed Imran Khan for his stance on Kashmir. 
 
"I was listening to Imran Khan's speech where he had said that till Kashmir gets freedom, we will continue our fight over it. He also said that his country will continue to raise the Kashmir issue at international forums. Forget about Kashmir, don't even think about it. Raise the matter, nothing will happen. No one can exert pressure on us," he said. 
 
Continuing to train his guns at Pakistan, Rajnath said, "You divided India into two pieces as part of the two-nation theory in 1947. But in 1971, your country was divided into two pieces again. And if the situation persists, then no power can stop Pakistan from being broken up further." 
 
The Defence Minister said that the country is capable is giving a befitting reply to any misadventure by Pakistan.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday gave a piece of advice to Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan saying that India is ready to assist Pakistan if the neighbouring country is serious enough to combat terror on its soil.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday gave a piece of advice to Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan saying that India is ready to assist Pakistan if the neighbouring country is serious enough to combat terror on its soil. He also said that India will send its armed forces to Pakistan in this regard if the need arises. "I would like to make a suggestion to Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan. If you are serious enough to fight against terror, we are ready to assist you. If you want our Army, then we will send them there for your help," Rajnath said while addressing a public rally here. At the same time, the Defence Minister also slammed Imran Khan for his stance on Kashmir. "I was listening to Imran Khan's speech where he had said that till Kashmir gets freedom, we will continue our fight over it. He also said that his country will continue to raise the Kashmir issue at international forums. Forget about Kashmir, don't even think about it. Raise the matter, nothing will happen. No one can exert pressure on us," he said. Continuing to train his guns at Pakistan, Rajnath said, "You divided India into two pieces as part of the two-nation theory in 1947. But in 1971, your country was divided into two pieces again. And if the situation persists, then no power can stop Pakistan from being broken up further." The Defence Minister said that the country is capable is giving a befitting reply to any misadventure by Pakistan.

If you want to tackle terror in Pakistan, we'll send our army men there: Rajnath to Imran Khan

Pak delegation has arrived in Paris for the FATF meeting. This will be a week-long meeting and it will end on 18th Oct. In this meeting FATF will review if Pakistan has taken any action against terror funding or not. Also, know what are the powers that FATF keep. Watch this video to know in detail.

FATF meet begins today, will review Pakistan's action against terror funding

Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan accused international media Friday of a "double standard", saying news outlets give more prominence to the ongoing protests in Hong Kong than to the situation in Kashmir.

Khan, who returned this week from a trip to Beijing, also told a crowd of roughly 300 people at a rally in Islamabad that Hong Kong "is a part of China".

Hong Kong has been battered by 18 consecutive weekends of unrest, fanned by widespread public anger over Chinese rule and the police response to protests.

Khan appeared to minimise the impact of the Hong Kong protests.

"As far as I know, till now only a few people have been injured, maybe two or three people have been killed due to accidents" in the strife-torn city, he said.

Hundreds have been wounded in the four months of clashes in Hong Kong. One death has been linked to the unrest, when a demonstrator protesting on the side of a building fell during a botched rescue attempt.

Khan, whose government has been criticised for shrinking press freedoms in recent months, also expressed his frustration with the global community, which has historically stayed out of Kashmir.&nbsp;

"I regret that the world only sees that (India) is a country with one billion (people), so they can trade and make money from them, and money is more important for these countries then humans," he said.

Pakistan calls China, which has invested billions in the country, its "all-weather friend".

Chinese state media has repeatedly warned foreign firms that voicing support for Hong Kong protesters could cost them access to China's market of 1.4 billion people, with the NBA the latest to be targeted.

China has also defied escalating global criticism over its treatment of Muslims in Xinjiang province, where rights groups say one million people have been put in re-education camps.

Pakistan, which borders Xinjiang, has shrugged at the accusations. "Frankly, I don't know much about that," Khan told the Financial Times in March. 
&nbsp;

Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan accused international media Friday of a "double standard", saying news outlets give more prominence to the ongoing protests in Hong Kong than to the situation in Kashmir.

Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan accused international media Friday of a "double standard", saying news outlets give more prominence to the ongoing protests in Hong Kong than to the situation in Kashmir. Khan, who returned this week from a trip to Beijing, also told a crowd of roughly 300 people at a rally in Islamabad that Hong Kong "is a part of China". Hong Kong has been battered by 18 consecutive weekends of unrest, fanned by widespread public anger over Chinese rule and the police response to protests. Khan appeared to minimise the impact of the Hong Kong protests. "As far as I know, till now only a few people have been injured, maybe two or three people have been killed due to accidents" in the strife-torn city, he said. Hundreds have been wounded in the four months of clashes in Hong Kong. One death has been linked to the unrest, when a demonstrator protesting on the side of a building fell during a botched rescue attempt. Khan, whose government has been criticised for shrinking press freedoms in recent months, also expressed his frustration with the global community, which has historically stayed out of Kashmir. "I regret that the world only sees that (India) is a country with one billion (people), so they can trade and make money from them, and money is more important for these countries then humans," he said. Pakistan calls China, which has invested billions in the country, its "all-weather friend". Chinese state media has repeatedly warned foreign firms that voicing support for Hong Kong protesters could cost them access to China's market of 1.4 billion people, with the NBA the latest to be targeted. China has also defied escalating global criticism over its treatment of Muslims in Xinjiang province, where rights groups say one million people have been put in re-education camps. Pakistan, which borders Xinjiang, has shrugged at the accusations. "Frankly, I don't know much about that," Khan told the Financial Times in March.

Imran Khan blasts media's 'double standard' over Hong Kong protests

Afghanistan has closed its consulate in Peshawar, Pakistan, in protest against raids by Pakistani policemen on Afghan market.

Tolo News quoted Afghan Ambassador to Pakistan, Shukrullah Atif Mashal, as saying that Pakistani police have repeatedly attacked the Afghan market in Peshawar and taken down the Afghan national flag. In response, the Afghan Embassy in Islamabad has closed its consulate in Peshawar.

"Many soldiers came here, acting like terrorists. This is not acceptable. This is not good for improving relations between the two countries," said Shukrullah Atif Mashal.

The Afghan consulate claims the Afghan Market as a property of the Afghan government. However, reports suggest that there is another claimant to the property.

Meanwhile, protests took place in front of the Pakistan Embassy in Kabul. The protesters chanted slogans against Pakistan with some of them saying that "our flag is our national identity, no one can disrespect our identity."

Afghanistan has closed its consulate in Peshawar, Pakistan, in protest against raids by Pakistani policemen on Afghan market. Tolo News quoted Afghan Ambassador to Pakistan, Shukrullah Atif Mashal, as saying that Pakistani police have repeatedly attacked the Afghan market in Peshawar and taken down the Afghan national flag.

Afghanistan has closed its consulate in Peshawar, Pakistan, in protest against raids by Pakistani policemen on Afghan market. Tolo News quoted Afghan Ambassador to Pakistan, Shukrullah Atif Mashal, as saying that Pakistani police have repeatedly attacked the Afghan market in Peshawar and taken down the Afghan national flag. In response, the Afghan Embassy in Islamabad has closed its consulate in Peshawar. "Many soldiers came here, acting like terrorists. This is not acceptable. This is not good for improving relations between the two countries," said Shukrullah Atif Mashal. The Afghan consulate claims the Afghan Market as a property of the Afghan government. However, reports suggest that there is another claimant to the property. Meanwhile, protests took place in front of the Pakistan Embassy in Kabul. The protesters chanted slogans against Pakistan with some of them saying that "our flag is our national identity, no one can disrespect our identity."

Afghanistan closes its consulate in Pakistan's Peshawar over raids on Afghan market

<div class="content" itemprop="articleBody">
Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the much-awaited <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/kartarpur-corridor-construction-in-full-swing-will-open-in-november-201710">Kartarpur corridor</a>, connecting the Dera Baba Nanak shrine in Punjab's Gurdaspur with Darbar Sahib Gurdwara in Pakistan, on November 8.

Taking to Twitter, Union Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal on Saturday said, "With the blessings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, Sikh Panth's ardaas for 'khule darshan deedar' of Sri Kartarpur Sahib to finally become reality! On Nov 8th, history will be created with PM @narendramodi ji inaugurating the #kartarpurcorridor (ICP)."

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
With the blessings of Guru Nanak Dev ji, Sikh Panth’s ardaas for ‘khule darshan deedar’ of Sri Kartarpur Sahib to finally become reality ! 
On Nov 8th, history will be created with PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> ji inaugurating the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/kartarpurcorridor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#kartarpurcorridor</a> (ICP). 1/2 <a href="https://t.co/wBHeTRZcma">pic.twitter.com/wBHeTRZcma</a>
— Harsimrat Kaur Badal (@HarsimratBadal_) <a href="https://twitter.com/HarsimratBadal_/status/1182885190667911169?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 12, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Speaking to media, Badal said, "Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Kartarpur corridor on November 8. After the inauguration, he will pay his obeisance at Sultanpur Lodhi. On November 11, Home Minister Amit Shah will visit the SGPC (Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee) stage. On November 12, President Ram Nath Kovind will visit the SGPC stage."

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/whosoever-comes-to-kartarpur-is-our-guest-says-pakistan-prime-ministers-special-adviser-253969">Pakistan</a> on October 10 said that no date has been fixed so far for the inauguration of the corridor, albeit it assured that the work on the same is expected to be completed on time.

"Kartarpur Saheb project is expected to be completed on time and the opening will take place as committed by the Prime Minister of Pakistan," Pakistan Foreign Minister spokesperson Mohammad Faisal said during the media briefing, adding that the "Dates have not been finalised as yet."

The corridor will connect Kartarpur Sahib with Dera Baba Nanak shrine in Gurdaspur district of Punjab and facilitate visa-free movement of Indian pilgrims.&nbsp;
</div>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the much-awaited Kartarpur corridor, connecting the Dera Baba Nanak shrine in Punjab's Gurdaspur with Darbar Sahib Gurdwara in Pakistan, on November 8.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the much-awaited Kartarpur corridor, connecting the Dera Baba Nanak shrine in Punjab's Gurdaspur with Darbar Sahib Gurdwara in Pakistan, on November 8. Taking to Twitter, Union Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal on Saturday said, "With the blessings of Guru Nanak Dev Ji, Sikh Panth's ardaas for 'khule darshan deedar' of Sri Kartarpur Sahib to finally become reality! On Nov 8th, history will be created with PM @narendramodi ji inaugurating the #kartarpurcorridor (ICP)." With the blessings of Guru Nanak Dev ji, Sikh Panth’s ardaas for ‘khule darshan deedar’ of Sri Kartarpur Sahib to finally become reality ! On Nov 8th, history will be created with PM @narendramodi ji inaugurating the #kartarpurcorridor (ICP). 1/2 pic.twitter.com/wBHeTRZcma — Harsimrat Kaur Badal (@HarsimratBadal_) October 12, 2019 × Speaking to media, Badal said, "Prime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the Kartarpur corridor on November 8. After the inauguration, he will pay his obeisance at Sultanpur Lodhi. On November 11, Home Minister Amit Shah will visit the SGPC (Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee) stage. On November 12, President Ram Nath Kovind will visit the SGPC stage." Pakistan on October 10 said that no date has been fixed so far for the inauguration of the corridor, albeit it assured that the work on the same is expected to be completed on time. "Kartarpur Saheb project is expected to be completed on time and the opening will take place as committed by the Prime Minister of Pakistan," Pakistan Foreign Minister spokesperson Mohammad Faisal said during the media briefing, adding that the "Dates have not been finalised as yet." The corridor will connect Kartarpur Sahib with Dera Baba Nanak shrine in Gurdaspur district of Punjab and facilitate visa-free movement of Indian pilgrims.

PM Modi to inaugurate Kartarpur corridor on November 8: Harsimrat Kaur Badal

Pakistan has offered rare backing to Turkey in its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/turkey-vows-to-keep-up-syria-assault-as-us-says-troops-came-under-fire-255364">offensive against Kurdish forces in Syria</a>, with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expected to visit Islamabad later this month.

Turkey on Wednesday launched an offensive in northern Syria targeting the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, a key US ally in the five-year battle to crush the Islamic State group. The SDF lost 11,000 fighters in the US-led campaign.

It is Turkey's third such operation since the start of the war in Syria and has been met with international condemnation.

Prime Minister Imran Khan, however, called Erdogan on Friday to "convey Pakistan's support and solidarity," his office said.

"The prime minister told him that Pakistan fully understands Turkey's concerns relating to terrorism," it said, adding "Pakistan is fully cognizant of the threats and challenges being faced by Turkey having lost 40,000 of its people to terrorism".

Khan told Erdogan that "Pakistan stands in full support and solidarity with Turkey," it said.

"We pray that Turkey's efforts for enhanced security, regional stability and peaceful resolution of the Syrian situation are fully successful," Khan was quoted as saying.

Khan's office said Erdogan would visit Pakistan later this month.

President Donald Trump has faced a firestorm of criticism for appearing to greenlight Turkey's offensive into northeastern Syria, which began after Trump ordered US troops to pull back from the border.

US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said Friday Trump had authorised -- but not yet activated -- "very significant new sanctions" to dissuade Turkey from further offensive military action.

Pakistan has offered rare backing to Turkey in its offensive against Kurdish forces in Syria, with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expected to visit Islamabad later this month.

Pakistan has offered rare backing to Turkey in its offensive against Kurdish forces in Syria, with President Recep Tayyip Erdogan expected to visit Islamabad later this month. Turkey on Wednesday launched an offensive in northern Syria targeting the Kurdish-led Syrian Democratic Forces, a key US ally in the five-year battle to crush the Islamic State group. The SDF lost 11,000 fighters in the US-led campaign. It is Turkey's third such operation since the start of the war in Syria and has been met with international condemnation. Prime Minister Imran Khan, however, called Erdogan on Friday to "convey Pakistan's support and solidarity," his office said. "The prime minister told him that Pakistan fully understands Turkey's concerns relating to terrorism," it said, adding "Pakistan is fully cognizant of the threats and challenges being faced by Turkey having lost 40,000 of its people to terrorism". Khan told Erdogan that "Pakistan stands in full support and solidarity with Turkey," it said. "We pray that Turkey's efforts for enhanced security, regional stability and peaceful resolution of the Syrian situation are fully successful," Khan was quoted as saying. Khan's office said Erdogan would visit Pakistan later this month. President Donald Trump has faced a firestorm of criticism for appearing to greenlight Turkey's offensive into northeastern Syria, which began after Trump ordered US troops to pull back from the border. US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said Friday Trump had authorised -- but not yet activated -- "very significant new sanctions" to dissuade Turkey from further offensive military action.

Pakistan supports Turkey's Syria offensive

A report by the World Economic Forum (WEF) says that Pakistan has slipped three places and now ranks 110th among 141 countries on the international organisation's annual Global Competitiveness Index (GCI).

The index evaluates factors behind productivity and long-term economic growth. The report says Pakistan's ranking deteriorated due to poor performance in key areas of press freedoms, governance, innovation, corruption, life expectancy, productivity, and human development.

The WEF's index maps out the competitive landscape of 141 economies based on more than 100 indicators in a dozen categories.

The forum released the Global Competitiveness Report 2019 this week adopting a new methodology for measuring competitiveness by including indices which represent more knowledge and digital-based ecosystems.

The report said that changing the nature of economic competitiveness in a world that is becoming increasingly transformed by new digital technologies is creating a new set of challenges for governments and businesses, which collectively run the risk of harming future growth and productivity.

However, it said Pakistan improved in some areas such as budgetary transparency and reduction in organised crimes.

Among the South Asian nations, India is at 68, Sri Lanka 84, Bangladesh 105 and Nepal at 108.&nbsp;

The 2019 report uses a methodology aimed to fully capture the dynamics of the global economy in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.&nbsp;

A report by the World Economic Forum (WEF) says that Pakistan has slipped three places and now ranks 110th among 141 countries on the international organisation's annual Global Competitiveness Index (GCI).

A report by the World Economic Forum (WEF) says that Pakistan has slipped three places and now ranks 110th among 141 countries on the international organisation's annual Global Competitiveness Index (GCI). The index evaluates factors behind productivity and long-term economic growth. The report says Pakistan's ranking deteriorated due to poor performance in key areas of press freedoms, governance, innovation, corruption, life expectancy, productivity, and human development. The WEF's index maps out the competitive landscape of 141 economies based on more than 100 indicators in a dozen categories. The forum released the Global Competitiveness Report 2019 this week adopting a new methodology for measuring competitiveness by including indices which represent more knowledge and digital-based ecosystems. The report said that changing the nature of economic competitiveness in a world that is becoming increasingly transformed by new digital technologies is creating a new set of challenges for governments and businesses, which collectively run the risk of harming future growth and productivity. However, it said Pakistan improved in some areas such as budgetary transparency and reduction in organised crimes. Among the South Asian nations, India is at 68, Sri Lanka 84, Bangladesh 105 and Nepal at 108. The 2019 report uses a methodology aimed to fully capture the dynamics of the global economy in the Fourth Industrial Revolution.

Pakistan ranks 110th among 141 countries on WEF's Global Competitiveness Index

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has dismissed a petition of former president retired <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-pervez-musharrafs-case-adjourned-till-october-24-254522">Gen Pervez Musharraf</a> seeking to remove the sections of Anti- Terrorism Act (ATA) in judges' detention case.

A division bench comprising IHC's Chief Justice Athar Minallah and Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb on Wednesday heard the petition of the former president and subsequently dismissed the plea, The Express Tribune reported.

An anti-terrorism court (ATC) had already declared Musharraf proclaimed offender due to continuous non-appearance in the case.

The case was registered against him for confining 60 judges of the superior courts for more than five months after the imposition of emergency on November 3, 2007.

However, in 2013, a single-member bench of the IHC had ordered the police to invoke the anti-terror law against the former president since detaining judges is an act of terrorism.

Musharraf has been abroad since March 2016.

The prosecution has laid entire evidence against the accused in this case. However, the trial is standstill as the former leader is absconding in the case.

On August 11, 2009, the Secretariat police had registered the judges' detention case against Musharraf on the complaint of advocate Mohammad Aslam Ghumman.

The complainant said that the former president, soon after the imposition of emergency in 2007, had kept 60 judges of the superior courts under detention for over five months at their residences.

Interestingly, despite the prosecution's repeated requests none of the detained judges or their family members testified before the ATC. Moreover, the prosecution did not mention in the FIR names of the judges detained.

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has dismissed a petition of former president retired Gen Pervez Musharraf seeking to remove the sections of Anti- Terrorism Act (ATA) in judges' detention case.

The Islamabad High Court (IHC) has dismissed a petition of former president retired Gen Pervez Musharraf seeking to remove the sections of Anti- Terrorism Act (ATA) in judges' detention case. A division bench comprising IHC's Chief Justice Athar Minallah and Justice Miangul Hassan Aurangzeb on Wednesday heard the petition of the former president and subsequently dismissed the plea, The Express Tribune reported. An anti-terrorism court (ATC) had already declared Musharraf proclaimed offender due to continuous non-appearance in the case. The case was registered against him for confining 60 judges of the superior courts for more than five months after the imposition of emergency on November 3, 2007. However, in 2013, a single-member bench of the IHC had ordered the police to invoke the anti-terror law against the former president since detaining judges is an act of terrorism. Musharraf has been abroad since March 2016. The prosecution has laid entire evidence against the accused in this case. However, the trial is standstill as the former leader is absconding in the case. On August 11, 2009, the Secretariat police had registered the judges' detention case against Musharraf on the complaint of advocate Mohammad Aslam Ghumman. The complainant said that the former president, soon after the imposition of emergency in 2007, had kept 60 judges of the superior courts under detention for over five months at their residences. Interestingly, despite the prosecution's repeated requests none of the detained judges or their family members testified before the ATC. Moreover, the prosecution did not mention in the FIR names of the judges detained.

Pakistan: Islamabad High Court rejects plea to drop terrorism charges against Pervez Musharraf

Pakistani authorities on Thursday arrested four aides of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/why-pakistans-heart-bleeds-for-hafiz-saeed-252370">terrorist Hafiz Saeed</a>, the suspected mastermind of the 26/11 terror attack on Mumbai in 2008.

The aides have been arrested on the charges of terrorism financing, counter-terrorism police said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-must-account-for-basic-expenses-being-given-to-hafiz-saeed-us-252624">Saeed</a>, arrested on the same charges, has been on judicial remand since July, a move welcomed by US President Donald Trump who wants Pakistan to do more to crack down on militancy.

But Saeed`s arrest came just ahead of a visit to Washington by Prime Minister Imran Khan and was seen by India as a ploy to smooth the way before a meeting with Trump.

Thursday`s arrests come ahead of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-prepares-compliance-report-as-fatf-meeting-approaches-254992">Financial Action Task Force meeting</a> which is scheduled for next week.

The global watchdog FATF will review progress made by Pakistan in controlling terror financing and money laundering.

Pakistan, included on a so-called grey list compiled by the FATF, has been under increasing pressure to stop the financing of terror groups.

The four aides will appear before a trial court on Friday, police said in a statement.

Saeed, designated a terrorist by the United States and the United Nations, is the founder of Lashkar-e-Taiba, or Army of the Pure, the militant group blamed by the United States and India for the Mumbai attacks, which killed more than 160 people.

The United States has offered a $10 million reward for information leading to Saeed`s conviction. 
&nbsp;

Pakistani authorities on Thursday arrested four aides of terrorist Hafiz Saeed, the suspected mastermind of the 26/11 terror attack on Mumbai in 2008. The aides have been arrested on the charges of terrorism financing, counter-terrorism police said.

Pakistani authorities on Thursday arrested four aides of terrorist Hafiz Saeed, the suspected mastermind of the 26/11 terror attack on Mumbai in 2008. The aides have been arrested on the charges of terrorism financing, counter-terrorism police said. Saeed, arrested on the same charges, has been on judicial remand since July, a move welcomed by US President Donald Trump who wants Pakistan to do more to crack down on militancy. But Saeed`s arrest came just ahead of a visit to Washington by Prime Minister Imran Khan and was seen by India as a ploy to smooth the way before a meeting with Trump. Thursday`s arrests come ahead of Financial Action Task Force meeting which is scheduled for next week. The global watchdog FATF will review progress made by Pakistan in controlling terror financing and money laundering. Pakistan, included on a so-called grey list compiled by the FATF, has been under increasing pressure to stop the financing of terror groups. The four aides will appear before a trial court on Friday, police said in a statement. Saeed, designated a terrorist by the United States and the United Nations, is the founder of Lashkar-e-Taiba, or Army of the Pure, the militant group blamed by the United States and India for the Mumbai attacks, which killed more than 160 people. The United States has offered a $10 million reward for information leading to Saeed`s conviction.

Pakistan arrests four aides of Hafiz Saeed ahead of FATF meet

India does not see Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's visit to China ahead of President Xi Jinping's informal summit with Prime Minister Narendra Modi as 'hyphenation', the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) sources said on Wednesday.

Imran Khan's mission Kashmir in China

Imran Khan's China visit ahead of Xi-PM Modi meeting

With the 550th birth anniversary of Sikh faith founder Guru Nanak Dev approaching next month, Pakistan on Thursday said no date has been fixed so far for the inauguration of the Kartarpur corridor. Watch this video to know more.

Pakistan's U-Turn on Kartarpur Corridor

Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran&nbsp;Khan&nbsp;is likely to&nbsp;visit&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;Arabia and&nbsp;Iran, the foreign office in Islamabad said on Thursday, weeks&nbsp;after&nbsp;Islamabad said Washington had asked it to mediate with Tehran.

"The possibility of a&nbsp;visit&nbsp;of the prime minister to&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;Arabia and&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;is on the cards and I will update you as things unfold," foreign office spokesman, Mohammad Fasisal, told a news briefing.

The announcement of the possible&nbsp;visit&nbsp;comes&nbsp;after&nbsp;Khan&nbsp;last month described a request by&nbsp;US&nbsp;President Donald Trump, asking the&nbsp;Pakistani leader to help defuse tensions with&nbsp;Iran. Washington had blamed Tehran for an attack on the world's biggest crude oil processing facility in&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;Arabia.

Faisal declined to comment when asked whether the&nbsp;visit&nbsp;was related to the&nbsp;mediation&nbsp;request.

Tensions have elevated between&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;and&nbsp;Saudi&nbsp;Arabia since the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/drone-attack-at-saudi-arabias-oil-refinery-massive-fire-broke-out-249565">attack, which took place on Sept. 14.</a>

Yemen's&nbsp;Iran-aligned Houthi group, which has been fighting a&nbsp;Saudi-led military coalition since 2015, has claimed responsibility, but Washington and Riyadh say they believe the attack came from the opposite direction and blame&nbsp;Iran.&nbsp;Iran&nbsp;denies involvement.

Khan&nbsp;said&nbsp;after&nbsp;a meeting with Trump on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York that he was "trying and mediating" and had also spoken with&nbsp;Iran's President Hassan Rouhani.

Khan&nbsp;has ramped up his government's engagement on the international stage, offering to negotiate regional tensions. He has separately proposed to Trump that&nbsp;Pakistan&nbsp;could&nbsp;help broker peace in neighbouring Afghanistan.

Last week<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-delegation-meets-imran-khan-discusses-afghan-peace-process-253661">&nbsp;Pakistani government ministers met with both Taliban representatives</a> and the&nbsp;US&nbsp;peace envoy for Afghanistan, Zalmay Khalilzad, in Islamabad while&nbsp;Pakistan's foreign minister called for a resumption in stalled peace talks between the Taliban and Washington.

The Taliban also met with Khalilzad, sources told Reuters, the first known contact since Trump halted talks last month, though officials said the talks did not represent a formal resumption of negotiations.

Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan is likely to visit Saudi Arabia and Iran, the foreign office in Islamabad said on Thursday, weeks after Islamabad said Washington had asked it to mediate with Tehran.

Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan is likely to visit Saudi Arabia and Iran, the foreign office in Islamabad said on Thursday, weeks after Islamabad said Washington had asked it to mediate with Tehran. "The possibility of a visit of the prime minister to Saudi Arabia and Iran is on the cards and I will update you as things unfold," foreign office spokesman, Mohammad Fasisal, told a news briefing. The announcement of the possible visit comes after Khan last month described a request by US President Donald Trump, asking the Pakistani leader to help defuse tensions with Iran. Washington had blamed Tehran for an attack on the world's biggest crude oil processing facility in Saudi Arabia. Faisal declined to comment when asked whether the visit was related to the mediation request. Tensions have elevated between Iran and Saudi Arabia since the attack, which took place on Sept. 14. Yemen's Iran-aligned Houthi group, which has been fighting a Saudi-led military coalition since 2015, has claimed responsibility, but Washington and Riyadh say they believe the attack came from the opposite direction and blame Iran. Iran denies involvement. Khan said after a meeting with Trump on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York that he was "trying and mediating" and had also spoken with Iran's President Hassan Rouhani. Khan has ramped up his government's engagement on the international stage, offering to negotiate regional tensions. He has separately proposed to Trump that Pakistan could help broker peace in neighbouring Afghanistan. Last week Pakistani government ministers met with both Taliban representatives and the US peace envoy for Afghanistan, Zalmay Khalilzad, in Islamabad while Pakistan's foreign minister called for a resumption in stalled peace talks between the Taliban and Washington. The Taliban also met with Khalilzad, sources told Reuters, the first known contact since Trump halted talks last month, though officials said the talks did not represent a formal resumption of negotiations.

Pakistan says Imran Khan could visit Saudi, Iran, after US mediation request

Despite the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-islamabad-high-court-rejects-plea-to-drop-terrorism-charges-against-pervez-musharraf-254918">Pakistan</a> government's claim of its successes in the tribal regions, the former <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-erstwhile-federally-administered-tribal-area-to-witness-first-election-237240">Federally Administered Tribal Areas</a> (FATA) remain the prime hideout of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) which has announced its resurgence in the area through IED blasts and warnings which directly threaten women and children.

While Operation Zarb-e-Azb in 2014 led to the decline of the terror outfit, in recent times, reports related to the TTP have resurfaced, according to Kunwar Khuldune Shahid for The Diplomat.

Shahid quoted various examples of TTP operatives who have been arrested from various populous cities in Pakistan, including Faisalabad and Gujranwala recently.

Not only has the TTP targeted checkpoints in the tribal regions with IED blasts, but it had also sent out a chilling warning in August, barring the residents in Miranshah from listening to music, demanding a ban on women stepping out without a male accomplice and a ban on polio vaccinations.

"We remind you [residents] that similar statements issued by<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-vows-to-continue-attack-on-us-troop-until-peace-deal-is-sealed-254214"> Taliban</a> several times in the past had fallen on deaf ears, but this time we are going to take to task those who violate the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/enemy-fabricated-propaganda-says-taliban-as-it-denies-killing-of-south-asia-region-al-qaeda-chief-asim-umar-in-afghanistan-254669">Taliban</a> order," Shahid quoted the message issued by TTP as saying.

"There will be no use of DJs, neither inside the house nor in open fields and those ignoring the warning will be responsible for consequences," it added.

The terror outfit has also warned health workers against administering polio drops to children. This spells bad news for Pakistan which has seen a resurgence of the poliovirus, with at least 72 people being diagnosed with the infectious disease this year alone, as per local media reports.

The TTP rebound comes despite the military operations by Pakistan which have been highly criticised. The regional resentment against the military has been embodied by the Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement (PTM) -- a political party -- which sheds light on the shortcomings of the military offences and brings to the front issues which continue to plague the locals, including enforced disappearances and fake encounters by the state.

The PTM, led by Manzoor Pashteen, contested the polls held in tribal regions on July 20. Widespread claims of the polling process being influenced by Islamabad were bolstered after two PTM leaders were arrested in the run-up to the polling.

According to Shahid, the arrests were "emblematic of the double-edged sword that military operations in the tribal areas present".

"Despite the reduction in terror incidents, the manner in which the military operations have been carried out in the region has invited criticism from various political leaders, activists, and others," Shahid wrote.

The writer also claimed that despite Pakistan's claims of the reduction in terror attacks in tribal regions, the fact that the military operations have led to the displacement of over a million people from the former FATA is not recognised. No action has been taken over it either.

"As the state looks to silence criticism of its military operations in the tribal areas, the TTP appears to have resurfaced in North Waziristan. Observers find a strategic connection between the TTP`s return to the limelight and the state`s plans for the tribal areas," Shahid wrote.

Quoting Ayesha Siddiqa, the author of `Military Inc.: Inside Pakistan`s Military Economy`, Shahid pointed out that the PTM was trying to bring attention to the connection between the Pakistan military and TTP.

"There is nothing odd about [the TTP resurfacing in the tribal areas] because that`s a relationship that [the] Pakistan military has always had. The PTM was constantly trying to draw attention towards this," Siddiqa wrote, as per Shahid.

"The Taliban are there because the Army has allowed it. I fear the day Americans leave the Taliban in charge of Afghanistan. Pakistan will suffer the most," she added.

"They continue to get the needed strategic support. Yes, the PTM challenged the strategic space and status of the tribal areas, and [as a result] the TTP was pushed back. [Yet] the area continues to be a space for all proxy wars like Afghanistan and in future maybe Kashmir," said tribal activist and blogger Mona Aurangzeb, according to Shahid.

"As we can see from the development in regional politics [that] the American good guys are now the Taliban. The TTP will be instrumental in future Afghan settlement too," Aurangzeb added.

A senior military personnel believes that the TTP`s rise has been influenced by the Afghan Taliban, Shahid wrote.

"The TTP is targeting Pakistani Army personnel in the tribal areas. They are being bolstered by the Afghan Taliban, who want to show their power in territories on both sides of the Afghanistan-Pakistan border to influence the current negotiations with the US," he quoted a senior Army official posted in the tribal areas as saying.

"Also, the Islamist State`s presence in the region is largely made up of former Pakistan Taliban splinter groups. By propping up the TTP, the Afghan Taliban want to weaken [ISIS] as well, and tell Washington that they are the only group that needs to be kept in mind while discussing the future for Afghanistan," the official also said.

The sentiment is echoed by Lieutenant-General Talat Masood, the former secretary of Pakistan`s Ministry of Defense Production.&nbsp;

According to Masood, the "TTP leadership is based in Afghanistan and enjoys the `direct or indirect` patronage of the Afghan Taliban," Shahid further added.

"The Pakistani Taliban are enjoying support and security in Afghanistan. The TTP will increase its presence in the tribal areas -- which they are literally governing -- and will target other areas of Pakistan as well," Masood stated.

The Lieutenant-General added that it`s not in the interests of Pakistan to support the Afghan Taliban.

"They shouldn`t let the Afghan Taliban become a dominant presence in Afghanistan, because that will have serious ramifications for Pakistan. [The TTP`s reemergence] is evidence of that," Shahid quoted Masood as saying.

Despite the Pakistan government's claim of its successes in the tribal regions, the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) remain the prime hideout of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) which has announced its resurgence in the area through IED blasts and warnings which directly threaten women and children.

Despite the Pakistan government's claim of its successes in the tribal regions, the former Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) remain the prime hideout of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) which has announced its resurgence in the area through IED blasts and warnings which directly threaten women and children. While Operation Zarb-e-Azb in 2014 led to the decline of the terror outfit, in recent times, reports related to the TTP have resurfaced, according to Kunwar Khuldune Shahid for The Diplomat. Shahid quoted various examples of TTP operatives who have been arrested from various populous cities in Pakistan, including Faisalabad and Gujranwala recently. Not only has the TTP targeted checkpoints in the tribal regions with IED blasts, but it had also sent out a chilling warning in August, barring the residents in Miranshah from listening to music, demanding a ban on women stepping out without a male accomplice and a ban on polio vaccinations. "We remind you [residents] that similar statements issued by Taliban several times in the past had fallen on deaf ears, but this time we are going to take to task those who violate the Taliban order," Shahid quoted the message issued by TTP as saying. "There will be no use of DJs, neither inside the house nor in open fields and those ignoring the warning will be responsible for consequences," it added. The terror outfit has also warned health workers against administering polio drops to children. This spells bad news for Pakistan which has seen a resurgence of the poliovirus, with at least 72 people being diagnosed with the infectious disease this year alone, as per local media reports. The TTP rebound comes despite the military operations by Pakistan which have been highly criticised. The regional resentment against the military has been embodied by the Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement (PTM) -- a political party -- which sheds light on the shortcomings of the military offences and brings to the front issues which continue to plague the locals, including enforced disappearances and fake encounters by the state. The PTM, led by Manzoor Pashteen, contested the polls held in tribal regions on July 20. Widespread claims of the polling process being influenced by Islamabad were bolstered after two PTM leaders were arrested in the run-up to the polling. According to Shahid, the arrests were "emblematic of the double-edged sword that military operations in the tribal areas present". "Despite the reduction in terror incidents, the manner in which the military operations have been carried out in the region has invited criticism from various political leaders, activists, and others," Shahid wrote. The writer also claimed that despite Pakistan's claims of the reduction in terror attacks in tribal regions, the fact that the military operations have led to the displacement of over a million people from the former FATA is not recognised. No action has been taken over it either. "As the state looks to silence criticism of its military operations in the tribal areas, the TTP appears to have resurfaced in North Waziristan. Observers find a strategic connection between the TTP`s return to the limelight and the state`s plans for the tribal areas," Shahid wrote. Quoting Ayesha Siddiqa, the author of `Military Inc.: Inside Pakistan`s Military Economy`, Shahid pointed out that the PTM was trying to bring attention to the connection between the Pakistan military and TTP. "There is nothing odd about [the TTP resurfacing in the tribal areas] because that`s a relationship that [the] Pakistan military has always had. The PTM was constantly trying to draw attention towards this," Siddiqa wrote, as per Shahid. "The Taliban are there because the Army has allowed it. I fear the day Americans leave the Taliban in charge of Afghanistan. Pakistan will suffer the most," she added. "They continue to get the needed strategic support. Yes, the PTM challenged the strategic space and status of the tribal areas, and [as a result] the TTP was pushed back. [Yet] the area continues to be a space for all proxy wars like Afghanistan and in future maybe Kashmir," said tribal activist and blogger Mona Aurangzeb, according to Shahid. "As we can see from the development in regional politics [that] the American good guys are now the Taliban. The TTP will be instrumental in future Afghan settlement too," Aurangzeb added. A senior military personnel believes that the TTP`s rise has been influenced by the Afghan Taliban, Shahid wrote. "The TTP is targeting Pakistani Army personnel in the tribal areas. They are being bolstered by the Afghan Taliban, who want to show their power in territories on both sides of the Afghanistan-Pakistan border to influence the current negotiations with the US," he quoted a senior Army official posted in the tribal areas as saying. "Also, the Islamist State`s presence in the region is largely made up of former Pakistan Taliban splinter groups. By propping up the TTP, the Afghan Taliban want to weaken [ISIS] as well, and tell Washington that they are the only group that needs to be kept in mind while discussing the future for Afghanistan," the official also said. The sentiment is echoed by Lieutenant-General Talat Masood, the former secretary of Pakistan`s Ministry of Defense Production. According to Masood, the "TTP leadership is based in Afghanistan and enjoys the `direct or indirect` patronage of the Afghan Taliban," Shahid further added. "The Pakistani Taliban are enjoying support and security in Afghanistan. The TTP will increase its presence in the tribal areas -- which they are literally governing -- and will target other areas of Pakistan as well," Masood stated. The Lieutenant-General added that it`s not in the interests of Pakistan to support the Afghan Taliban. "They shouldn`t let the Afghan Taliban become a dominant presence in Afghanistan, because that will have serious ramifications for Pakistan. [The TTP`s reemergence] is evidence of that," Shahid quoted Masood as saying.

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