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 9th, 2019

Pak PM rushes to Beijing for 3rd meet with China's Xi Jinping in a year. Watch this video to know more in detail.

Pak PM rushes to Beijing for 3rd meet with China's Xi Jinping in a year

China's diplomatic shift. China asks Pakistan to resolve Kashmir issue bilaterally with India. Watch this video to know in detail.

China's diplomatic shift, asks Pakistan to resolve Kashmir issue bilaterally with India

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $2.7 billion lending programme which will provide $ 2.7 billion in approved financing to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-prime-minister-imran-khan-discusses-bilateral-issues-with-chinese-president-xi-jinping-254769">Pakistan</a> during the outgoing calendar year. 
 
The ADB announced via a tweet that it "recently approved Country Operations Business Plan (COBP) 2020-2022, it will increase average lending to the country to 2.4 billion dollars a year -&nbsp;showing a whopping increase from the 1.4 billion on average from 2015 to 2018," Dawn said in a news report. 
 
It also stated that ADB will leverage Islamabad's lending through the mobilisation of co-financing and funding from other sources, including regional concessional resources. 
 
"The new COBP will support <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-opposition-parties-call-cpecas-formation-as-illegal-254704">Pakistan's development goals</a> and complement efforts by other development partners," it added. 
 
Earlier in July, the ADB had announced to extend up to 10 billion dollars indicative lendings to Pakistan for various development projects and programmes during the next five years. 
 
Meanwhile, on Tuesday it was reported that the Pakistan government has accumulated a record level of debt under the first year of Imran Khan's prime ministership. 
 
Islamabad has accumulated a record public debt of PKR 7,509 billion during its first year in power, as per local media reports.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $2.7 billion lending programme which will provide $ 2.7 billion in approved financing to Pakistan during the outgoing calendar year.

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a $2.7 billion lending programme which will provide $ 2.7 billion in approved financing to Pakistan during the outgoing calendar year. The ADB announced via a tweet that it "recently approved Country Operations Business Plan (COBP) 2020-2022, it will increase average lending to the country to 2.4 billion dollars a year - showing a whopping increase from the 1.4 billion on average from 2015 to 2018," Dawn said in a news report. It also stated that ADB will leverage Islamabad's lending through the mobilisation of co-financing and funding from other sources, including regional concessional resources. "The new COBP will support Pakistan's development goals and complement efforts by other development partners," it added. Earlier in July, the ADB had announced to extend up to 10 billion dollars indicative lendings to Pakistan for various development projects and programmes during the next five years. Meanwhile, on Tuesday it was reported that the Pakistan government has accumulated a record level of debt under the first year of Imran Khan's prime ministership. Islamabad has accumulated a record public debt of PKR 7,509 billion during its first year in power, as per local media reports.

Asian Development Bank approves lending $2.7 billion to Pakistan

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan met Chinese President Xi Jinping&nbsp;on Wednesday and discussed bilateral relations and matters of mutual interests. 
 
According to Dawn, the Prime Minister's Office in a statement said that Khan briefed Xi about the current situation in the country, and said that Pakistan has come out of the difficult economic situation and will never forget China's financial cooperation in this regard. 
 
"We will never forget China's financial cooperation in this regard," he was quoted as saying, adding that China had helped Pakistan without "any conditionality". 
 
Imran Khan thanked China for providing Pakistan with the opportunity to come out of a very difficult economic situation and appreciated Beijing's support under the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) framework. 
 
"Pakistan and China are all-weather friends and strategic cooperative partners", he said. 
 
The Chinese president lauded Khan for speaking on China-Pakistan relations during UN General Assembly's session last month, Geo News reported. 
 
Khan who is on a two-day visit to Beijing will also meet with Chairman of the National People's Congress today, besides attending the closing ceremony of Beijing International Horticultural Exhibition 2019. 
 
Khan's visit comes just days before Xi's scheduled visit to India and Nepal on October 11-13. 
 
On Tuesday, Khan had held bilateral talks with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. 
 
The meeting revolved primarily around the strengthening of bilateral economic partnership. During the meeting, Pakistan and China, both agreed to strengthen socio-economic ties, along with signing a number of agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs). 
 
It should be noted that despite Khan's top of the voice chant over internationalising Kashmir, Beijing, just ahead of Xi's visit to India, has apparently softened its stance over the issue and voiced that a dialogue may be a "way forward" to resolve the downgraded ties between the two neighbours.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan met Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday and discussed bilateral relations and matters of mutual interests. According to Dawn, the Prime Minister's Office in a statement said that Khan briefed Xi about the current situation in the country, and said that Pakistan has come out of the difficult economic situation and will never forget China's financial cooperation in this regard.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan met Chinese President Xi Jinping on Wednesday and discussed bilateral relations and matters of mutual interests. According to Dawn, the Prime Minister's Office in a statement said that Khan briefed Xi about the current situation in the country, and said that Pakistan has come out of the difficult economic situation and will never forget China's financial cooperation in this regard. "We will never forget China's financial cooperation in this regard," he was quoted as saying, adding that China had helped Pakistan without "any conditionality". Imran Khan thanked China for providing Pakistan with the opportunity to come out of a very difficult economic situation and appreciated Beijing's support under the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) framework. "Pakistan and China are all-weather friends and strategic cooperative partners", he said. The Chinese president lauded Khan for speaking on China-Pakistan relations during UN General Assembly's session last month, Geo News reported. Khan who is on a two-day visit to Beijing will also meet with Chairman of the National People's Congress today, besides attending the closing ceremony of Beijing International Horticultural Exhibition 2019. Khan's visit comes just days before Xi's scheduled visit to India and Nepal on October 11-13. On Tuesday, Khan had held bilateral talks with Chinese Premier Li Keqiang at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. The meeting revolved primarily around the strengthening of bilateral economic partnership. During the meeting, Pakistan and China, both agreed to strengthen socio-economic ties, along with signing a number of agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs). It should be noted that despite Khan's top of the voice chant over internationalising Kashmir, Beijing, just ahead of Xi's visit to India, has apparently softened its stance over the issue and voiced that a dialogue may be a "way forward" to resolve the downgraded ties between the two neighbours.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan discusses bilateral issues with Chinese President Xi Jinping

Pakistan has decided to grant a tax exemption to a Chinese firm for 23 years to facilitate the establishment of its industrial units at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-approves-tax-relief-for-gwadar-port-254040">Gwadar Port in Balochistan.</a>

Pakistan's Minister for Maritime Affairs Ali Haider Zaidi, along with the firm's Chief Executive Officer Zhang Baozhong, said that the China Overseas Ports Holding Company (COPHC) has already been operating at Gwadar Port since a long time and would get tax exemption for installation of machinery and other equipment at the port, Dawn News reported.

The initiative was a step towards the relocation of the Chinese manufacturing industry in Gwadar and engaging the local labour, the minister said, adding that the move would ultimately boost Pakistan's economy.

He also said that the Chinese firm would also set up a desalination plant with the cost of Rs 1.95 billion to provide 5,000 gallons of water per day to the people.

It should be noted that the following developments have come at a time when Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan is on a two-day visit to Beijing to hold meeting with Chinese authorities over the recent regional developments and projects under the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-president-signs-ordinance-to-ensure-timely-completion-of-cpec-related-projects-254481">China-Pakistan Economic Corridor</a> (CPEC) being on top of his agenda.

Zaidi also announced that China would build Pakistan-China Technical and Vocational Training Institute in Gwadar at a cost of around $10 million, which, he said, would open job opportunities for locals.

"About 360 students equipped with technical skills would pass out from the institute every year," he was quoted as saying.

He stated that the Pakistan-China Friendship Hospital would also be established on 68-acre land at an estimated cost of $100 million.

Besides, a coal power plant for generating 300MW electricity would also be set up in Gwadar, the minister added.

On the issue of Gwadar Port's connectivity with Makran Coastal Highway, he said the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) had approved construction of three bridges on the Eastbay Expressway to resolve the grievances of local fisherman.

Around 40 per cent construction work on the Eastbay Expressway had been completed while the rest would be completed by December 2020, he added.

Meanwhile, addressing the tax exemption proposal of the Chinese firm, Baozhong said that the present government had resolved the issue that had been pending for the past seven years.&nbsp;

Pakistan has decided to grant a tax exemption to a Chinese firm for 23 years to facilitate the establishment of its industrial units at Gwadar Port in Balochistan.

Pakistan has decided to grant a tax exemption to a Chinese firm for 23 years to facilitate the establishment of its industrial units at Gwadar Port in Balochistan. Pakistan's Minister for Maritime Affairs Ali Haider Zaidi, along with the firm's Chief Executive Officer Zhang Baozhong, said that the China Overseas Ports Holding Company (COPHC) has already been operating at Gwadar Port since a long time and would get tax exemption for installation of machinery and other equipment at the port, Dawn News reported. The initiative was a step towards the relocation of the Chinese manufacturing industry in Gwadar and engaging the local labour, the minister said, adding that the move would ultimately boost Pakistan's economy. He also said that the Chinese firm would also set up a desalination plant with the cost of Rs 1.95 billion to provide 5,000 gallons of water per day to the people. It should be noted that the following developments have come at a time when Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan is on a two-day visit to Beijing to hold meeting with Chinese authorities over the recent regional developments and projects under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) being on top of his agenda. Zaidi also announced that China would build Pakistan-China Technical and Vocational Training Institute in Gwadar at a cost of around $10 million, which, he said, would open job opportunities for locals. "About 360 students equipped with technical skills would pass out from the institute every year," he was quoted as saying. He stated that the Pakistan-China Friendship Hospital would also be established on 68-acre land at an estimated cost of $100 million. Besides, a coal power plant for generating 300MW electricity would also be set up in Gwadar, the minister added. On the issue of Gwadar Port's connectivity with Makran Coastal Highway, he said the Executive Committee of the National Economic Council (ECNEC) had approved construction of three bridges on the Eastbay Expressway to resolve the grievances of local fisherman. Around 40 per cent construction work on the Eastbay Expressway had been completed while the rest would be completed by December 2020, he added. Meanwhile, addressing the tax exemption proposal of the Chinese firm, Baozhong said that the present government had resolved the issue that had been pending for the past seven years.

Pakistan gives 23-year tax exemption to Chinese firm operating in Gwadar

Two more incidents of child abuse have been reported from Kasur's Pattoki Tehsil this week.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistani-town-grapples-with-child-abuse-and-abduction-251666">After the Chunian incident,</a> the victims of child abuse in Pakistan have started raising their voices with the hope of seeking justice and unmasking the pedophiles.

Pattoki City police on Tuesday lodged a case of child molestation against a suspect, who was part of a five-member racket busted in another case of sexual abuse, Dawn News reported.

In the recently lodged complaint, the victim has accused the suspect of inviting him to a rented house in Naroki Majha village to celebrate his birthday and abusing him there. The accused belonged to a sensitive agency and was part of the five-member gang involved in such crime. The crime came to fore after the victim told his father about his ordeal when the suspect tried to blackmail him again with his objectionable pictures and videos.

Earlier on Monday, the police had busted the five-member pedophile racket for its involvement in abuse of a student of the third year for the last three years.

According to the first information report (FIR) lodged on Monday, the suspects had abused and blackmailed the boy for years through his objectionable pictures and videos.

The police claim to have recovered the pictures and videos from the suspects.

Police claimed that the racket would abuse the boys belonging to the age group of 10 to 20 years and blackmail them through pictures and videos.

Police Superintendent Mirza Quddus Baig told Dawn that they have not yet taken the two suspects belonging to the agencies in their custody.

"We would follow the due procedure and write to the sensitive agency to demand custody of the suspects for investigation," said Baig, adding that every suspect would be treated as per law.

Two more incidents of child abuse have been reported from Kasur's Pattoki Tehsil this week. After the Chunian incident, the victims of child abuse in Pakistan have started raising their voices with the hope of seeking justice and unmasking the pedophiles.

Two more incidents of child abuse have been reported from Kasur's Pattoki Tehsil this week. After the Chunian incident, the victims of child abuse in Pakistan have started raising their voices with the hope of seeking justice and unmasking the pedophiles. Pattoki City police on Tuesday lodged a case of child molestation against a suspect, who was part of a five-member racket busted in another case of sexual abuse, Dawn News reported. In the recently lodged complaint, the victim has accused the suspect of inviting him to a rented house in Naroki Majha village to celebrate his birthday and abusing him there. The accused belonged to a sensitive agency and was part of the five-member gang involved in such crime. The crime came to fore after the victim told his father about his ordeal when the suspect tried to blackmail him again with his objectionable pictures and videos. Earlier on Monday, the police had busted the five-member pedophile racket for its involvement in abuse of a student of the third year for the last three years. According to the first information report (FIR) lodged on Monday, the suspects had abused and blackmailed the boy for years through his objectionable pictures and videos. The police claim to have recovered the pictures and videos from the suspects. Police claimed that the racket would abuse the boys belonging to the age group of 10 to 20 years and blackmail them through pictures and videos. Police Superintendent Mirza Quddus Baig told Dawn that they have not yet taken the two suspects belonging to the agencies in their custody. "We would follow the due procedure and write to the sensitive agency to demand custody of the suspects for investigation," said Baig, adding that every suspect would be treated as per law.

Pakistan: 2 more cases of child abuse surface in Kasur

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - October 8th, 2019

Pakistan PM Imran Khan Makes His Third Visit To China In A Year Ahead Of Modi-Xi Second Informal Summit Chinese President Xi Jinping is due to travel to India to hold an informal summit with Indian PM Modi. But Imran Khan has rushed to China. What is he doing in China now? What is the Pakistan Army Chief doing in Beijing?

Gravitas: Before Modi-Xi Summit In India, Imran Rushes To Beijing

Prioritising Ties With Pakistan Over India Is A Dangerous Proposition For China On #WionEdit, @Palkisu explains the changing geopolitical power game in the region. China would be better served if it prioritises ties with India over Pakistan. There is a firm political logic to it and serious economic opportunities for both India and China.

WION Edit: Is India China's Best Bet In The New Geopolitical Game?

BSF on alert after Pakistan drone spotted near Ferozepur. Watch video to know more.

BSF on alert after Pakistan drone spotted near Ferozepur

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/iaf-symbol-of-valour-and-courage-amit-shah-on-air-force-day-254437">BJP president Amit Shah</a> on Monday said that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi had repealed Article 370 within months of returning to power with an increased majority and urged people to take to task those who had "opposed" the move. 
 
Addressing a rally in poll-bound Maharashtra, he said the Modi government had taken steps for empowering the OBCs and given constitutional status to National Commission for Backward Classes. 
 
He said the government was moving in the direction shown by BR&nbsp;Ambedkar to empower the weaker sections. 
 
"You gave Narendra Modiji 300 seats (in the Lok Sabha polls). Modiji removed Article 370 in five months," he said. 
 
"Article 370 should have been scrapped or not? Is Kashmir an integral part of India or not? Prime Minister Narendra Modi has worked for integrating Kashmir with Bharat or not? Will you not question those who oppose it?" Shah asked. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/minimum-use-of-force-should-be-motto-of-police-everywhere-says-amit-shah-254336">The Union Home Minister</a> also heaped praises on Pankaja Munde, a Minister in Maharashtra government, who is contesting from Beed. 
 
He remembered her father and former union minister Gopinath Munde, saying he had done a lot of work for uplifting farmers, labourers and backward sections. 
 
"Gopinath Munde devoted his whole life for the sugarcane farmers, labourers in the sugar mills. Pankaja too is working for the backward sections of society," he said. 
 
Shah also greeted people on Dussehra. " It is the festival of victory of good over evil and inspires us to keep moving forward in life." 
 
BJP is contesting Maharashtra polls in alliance with Shiv Sena. The state will go to the polls on October 21.

BJP president Amit Shah on Monday said that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi had repealed Article 370 within months of returning to power with an increased majority and urged people to take to task those who had "opposed" the move.

BJP president Amit Shah on Monday said that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi had repealed Article 370 within months of returning to power with an increased majority and urged people to take to task those who had "opposed" the move. Addressing a rally in poll-bound Maharashtra, he said the Modi government had taken steps for empowering the OBCs and given constitutional status to National Commission for Backward Classes. He said the government was moving in the direction shown by BR Ambedkar to empower the weaker sections. "You gave Narendra Modiji 300 seats (in the Lok Sabha polls). Modiji removed Article 370 in five months," he said. "Article 370 should have been scrapped or not? Is Kashmir an integral part of India or not? Prime Minister Narendra Modi has worked for integrating Kashmir with Bharat or not? Will you not question those who oppose it?" Shah asked. The Union Home Minister also heaped praises on Pankaja Munde, a Minister in Maharashtra government, who is contesting from Beed. He remembered her father and former union minister Gopinath Munde, saying he had done a lot of work for uplifting farmers, labourers and backward sections. "Gopinath Munde devoted his whole life for the sugarcane farmers, labourers in the sugar mills. Pankaja too is working for the backward sections of society," he said. Shah also greeted people on Dussehra. " It is the festival of victory of good over evil and inspires us to keep moving forward in life." BJP is contesting Maharashtra polls in alliance with Shiv Sena. The state will go to the polls on October 21.

Question those who opposed repealing Article 370, says Amit Shah

Last night, India's Border Security Force (BSF)&nbsp;spotted a Pakistani-origin drone in the Firozpur area of Punjab near the India-Pakistan border.

The BSF spotted the same drone almost five times between ten pm and 12 midnight, during which it crossed the border into India once. Military officials are still investigating the incident in collaboration with the&nbsp;Punjab state police. The state police, on September 22, recovered a large number of AK-47 assault rifles, satellite phones and grenades dropped in Punjab's Tarn Taran district through eight drone sorties between September 9 and 16. One drone crashed&nbsp;due to a technical problem.

Since India scrapped the Article 370 of the Constitution this year, Pakistan's Intel agencies and ISI have&nbsp;been using the terror networks of Khalistan Zindabad Force and others to drop weapons, fake currencies and other material&nbsp;to the Indian side of the border. The state police have made a few arrests in Tarn Taran and allege that the men captured are terrorists of the Khalistan Zindabad Force who are actively working to carry out these drone activities against India with the intention to execute 26/11-like terror attacks at religious places across Punjab.

The Punjab Police's&nbsp;investigation reveals that the Pakistan-based chief of the KZF, Ranjeet Singh, alias Neeta, and his Germany-based associate Gurmeet Singh, alias Bagga, were involved in the delivery of weapons from across the border. Additionally, with the help of local sleeper cells, they radicalised and recruited local members to foment trouble. Punjab police, along with the forensic team have&nbsp;recovered a few parts of the drone which include&nbsp;a GPS antenna fitted in the drone. Some parts of the drone have been disposed of&nbsp;in canals near the villages.

Indian Air Force Chief RKS Bhadauria has already expressed concerns over how small drones can become a big threat to&nbsp;border security in the future. He earlier said that the Indian Air Force was in the process of procuring sensors and other equipment to thwart drone attacks.

The Border Security Force has been kept on high alert following reports of drones dropping weapons into the Indian territory and returning to Pakistan undetected.

Last night, India's Border Security Force (BSF) spotted a Pakistani-origin drone in the Firozpur area of Punjab near the India-Pakistan border. The BSF spotted the same drone almost five times between ten pm and 12 midnight, during which it crossed the border into India once.

Last night, India's Border Security Force (BSF) spotted a Pakistani-origin drone in the Firozpur area of Punjab near the India-Pakistan border. The BSF spotted the same drone almost five times between ten pm and 12 midnight, during which it crossed the border into India once. Military officials are still investigating the incident in collaboration with the Punjab state police. The state police, on September 22, recovered a large number of AK-47 assault rifles, satellite phones and grenades dropped in Punjab's Tarn Taran district through eight drone sorties between September 9 and 16. One drone crashed due to a technical problem. Since India scrapped the Article 370 of the Constitution this year, Pakistan's Intel agencies and ISI have been using the terror networks of Khalistan Zindabad Force and others to drop weapons, fake currencies and other material to the Indian side of the border. The state police have made a few arrests in Tarn Taran and allege that the men captured are terrorists of the Khalistan Zindabad Force who are actively working to carry out these drone activities against India with the intention to execute 26/11-like terror attacks at religious places across Punjab. The Punjab Police's investigation reveals that the Pakistan-based chief of the KZF, Ranjeet Singh, alias Neeta, and his Germany-based associate Gurmeet Singh, alias Bagga, were involved in the delivery of weapons from across the border. Additionally, with the help of local sleeper cells, they radicalised and recruited local members to foment trouble. Punjab police, along with the forensic team have recovered a few parts of the drone which include a GPS antenna fitted in the drone. Some parts of the drone have been disposed of in canals near the villages. Indian Air Force Chief RKS Bhadauria has already expressed concerns over how small drones can become a big threat to border security in the future. He earlier said that the Indian Air Force was in the process of procuring sensors and other equipment to thwart drone attacks. The Border Security Force has been kept on high alert following reports of drones dropping weapons into the Indian territory and returning to Pakistan undetected.

BSF spots drone along India-Pakistan border

A special court on Tuesday adjourned the hearing of the treason case against former <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-top-probe-agency-again-fails-to-explain-transactions-in-pervez-musharrafs-frozen-accounts-228077">Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf</a> till October 24 following which it will hear the case on a daily basis. 
 
The three-judge bench of the special court, presided by Justice Waqar Ahmed Seth, accepted a plea by Musharraf's counsel to postpone the hearing on the grounds that the former military ruler was currently in hospital undergoing treatment for dengue, the Tribune Express reported. 
 
The court also directed the concerned parties to submit written documents prior to the next hearing. 
 
Musharraf's advocate Raza Bashir submitted that the former ruler had for Dubai in 2016 to 'seek medical treatment' and is now expected to make a comeback in the national politics by reviving his party, the All Pakistan Muslim League (APML). 
 
In 2013, a case of high treason against Musharraf was filed by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government, alleging that the army general-turned-president had unlawfully suspended the Constitution with the help of the military and instituted an emergency rule in 2007. 
 
The proceeding of the treason case began in May this year.

A special court on Tuesday adjourned the hearing of the treason case against former Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf till October 24 following which it will hear the case on a daily basis.

A special court on Tuesday adjourned the hearing of the treason case against former Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf till October 24 following which it will hear the case on a daily basis. The three-judge bench of the special court, presided by Justice Waqar Ahmed Seth, accepted a plea by Musharraf's counsel to postpone the hearing on the grounds that the former military ruler was currently in hospital undergoing treatment for dengue, the Tribune Express reported. The court also directed the concerned parties to submit written documents prior to the next hearing. Musharraf's advocate Raza Bashir submitted that the former ruler had for Dubai in 2016 to 'seek medical treatment' and is now expected to make a comeback in the national politics by reviving his party, the All Pakistan Muslim League (APML). In 2013, a case of high treason against Musharraf was filed by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government, alleging that the army general-turned-president had unlawfully suspended the Constitution with the help of the military and instituted an emergency rule in 2007. The proceeding of the treason case began in May this year.

Pakistan: Pervez Musharraf's case adjourned till October 24

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/saudi-arabias-crown-prince-mohammad-bin-salman-snubbed-imran-khan-called-back-private-plane-given-to-him-reports-254218">Imran Khan-led Pakistani government</a> has accumulated a record public debt of Pakistani Rupees (PKR) 7,509 billion during its first year in power, as per local media reports. 
 
The foreign debt incurred by Pakistan's Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government from August 2018 to August 2019 stood at PKR 2,804 billion, while the internally accumulated figure stood at PKR 4,705 billion, Geo News reported. 
 
As per the State Bank of Pakistan, the total public debt stood at PKR 31.786 trillion at the end of June 2019. 
 
Additionally, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/after-gen-bipin-rawats-claim-balakot-reactivated-imran-khan-advises-his-people-not-to-cross-loc-253951">the government has projected public debt</a> to increase by 47 per cent to PKR 45.57 trillion in five years. 
 
In April this year, Pakistan Finance Minister Asad Umar had said that Pakistan's basic debts have reached alarmingly high levels and that the country is near bankruptcy. 
 
The Pakistani PM has paid a visit to many countries seeking financial help for Islamabad's ballooning economic crisis ever since coming to power last year. 
 
Several countries, including Saudi Arabia and China, have provided bailout packages to Islamabad in a bid to save its crippling economy.

The Imran Khan-led Pakistani government has accumulated a record public debt of Pakistani Rupees (PKR) 7,509 billion during its first year in power, as per local media reports.

The Imran Khan-led Pakistani government has accumulated a record public debt of Pakistani Rupees (PKR) 7,509 billion during its first year in power, as per local media reports. The foreign debt incurred by Pakistan's Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) government from August 2018 to August 2019 stood at PKR 2,804 billion, while the internally accumulated figure stood at PKR 4,705 billion, Geo News reported. As per the State Bank of Pakistan, the total public debt stood at PKR 31.786 trillion at the end of June 2019. Additionally, the government has projected public debt to increase by 47 per cent to PKR 45.57 trillion in five years. In April this year, Pakistan Finance Minister Asad Umar had said that Pakistan's basic debts have reached alarmingly high levels and that the country is near bankruptcy. The Pakistani PM has paid a visit to many countries seeking financial help for Islamabad's ballooning economic crisis ever since coming to power last year. Several countries, including Saudi Arabia and China, have provided bailout packages to Islamabad in a bid to save its crippling economy.

Pakistan: Record debt accumulated in first year of Imran Khan's term

Australia on Tuesday named Steve Smith and David Warner in their Twenty20 squad for home series against Sri Lanka and Pakistan as selectors firm up plans for next year's World Cup on home soil.

Australia host Sri Lanka in three T20 internationals starting in Adelaide on Oct. 27 before facing top-ranked Pakistan in three matches next month.

"It is almost a year to the day until Australia hosts the men's T20 World Cup and we have selected this squad with that in mind," selector Trevor Hohns said in a statement.

"The squad we have selected is quite role specific and we believe it gives us the flexibility to thrive in all match conditions.

"We're delighted to welcome Smith and Warner back ... Steve is a world-class batsman in all formats while Warner is Australia's highest ever T20I runs-scorer."

Smith is set to play his first T20 international since 2016 and will look to continue the fine form he has shown since his return from a one-year ban for his role in a ball-tampering scandal in South Africa.

The 30-year-old smashed 774 runs in four Ashes tests against England recently as Australia retained the urn.

Warner scored 692 runs in this year's IPL for Sunrisers Hyderabad and 647 runs in the 50-over World Cup in England as Australia reached the semi-finals.

Australia dropped all-rounder Marcus Stoinis while Ashton Turner was preferred ahead of fellow spinner Nathan Lyon. They also included the big-hitting Glenn Maxwell.

The 14-man squad captained by Aaron Finch will travel to Adelaide on Oct. 24 before the first T20 against Sri Lanka.

Australia T20 squad: Aaron Finch (captain), Ashton Agar, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, Glenn Maxwell, Ben McDermott, Kane Richardson, Steve Smith, Billy Stanlake, Mitchell Starc, Ashton Turner, Andrew Tye, David Warner, Adam Zampa. 
&nbsp;

Australia on Tuesday named Steve Smith and David Warner in their Twenty20 squad for home series against Sri Lanka and Pakistan as selectors firm up plans for next year's World Cup on home soil.

Australia on Tuesday named Steve Smith and David Warner in their Twenty20 squad for home series against Sri Lanka and Pakistan as selectors firm up plans for next year's World Cup on home soil. Australia host Sri Lanka in three T20 internationals starting in Adelaide on Oct. 27 before facing top-ranked Pakistan in three matches next month. "It is almost a year to the day until Australia hosts the men's T20 World Cup and we have selected this squad with that in mind," selector Trevor Hohns said in a statement. "The squad we have selected is quite role specific and we believe it gives us the flexibility to thrive in all match conditions. "We're delighted to welcome Smith and Warner back ... Steve is a world-class batsman in all formats while Warner is Australia's highest ever T20I runs-scorer." Smith is set to play his first T20 international since 2016 and will look to continue the fine form he has shown since his return from a one-year ban for his role in a ball-tampering scandal in South Africa. The 30-year-old smashed 774 runs in four Ashes tests against England recently as Australia retained the urn. Warner scored 692 runs in this year's IPL for Sunrisers Hyderabad and 647 runs in the 50-over World Cup in England as Australia reached the semi-finals. Australia dropped all-rounder Marcus Stoinis while Ashton Turner was preferred ahead of fellow spinner Nathan Lyon. They also included the big-hitting Glenn Maxwell. The 14-man squad captained by Aaron Finch will travel to Adelaide on Oct. 24 before the first T20 against Sri Lanka. Australia T20 squad: Aaron Finch (captain), Ashton Agar, Alex Carey, Pat Cummins, Glenn Maxwell, Ben McDermott, Kane Richardson, Steve Smith, Billy Stanlake, Mitchell Starc, Ashton Turner, Andrew Tye, David Warner, Adam Zampa.

Smith, Warner in Australia T20 squad for Sri Lanka, Pakistan series

Imran Khan to head for a 3-day visit to China. This visit would come ahead of India-China talks as Xi Jinping to visit India for talks with PM Modi. Pakistan Army General Bajwa will be accompanying him during this visit.

Bajwa will accompany Imran for China visit, Pak Army losing faith in Imran Khan?

An annual mutual evaluation report, October 2019 of the Asia-Pacific group of FATF got released which mentioned that 'Pak not acting against terror outfits & No action against JuD & Hafiz Saeed'. This report may lead to a great role in the blacklisting of Pak in FATF.

FATF's Mutual Evaluation Report: 'Pak not acting against terror outfits'

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - October 7th, 2019

U.S.-Taliban on table talks, 3 Indians set to release who got abducted by Taliban last year. Watch this video to know more.

U.S.-Taliban on table talks, 3 Indians set to release who got abducted by Taliban last year

The Lahore High Court on Monday accepted an application of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-anti-terror-court-grants-interim-pre-arrest-bail-to-hafiz-saeed-in-seminary-land-case-236176">Jamaat-ud-Dawah (JuD) chief Hafiz Saeed</a>, challenging his arrest in the terror-financing case. 
 
The two-member bench of the Lahore HC, after hearing the arguments, has sought a detailed report from the Punjab government and counter-terrorism department in this regard on October 28. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-must-account-for-basic-expenses-being-given-to-hafiz-saeed-us-252624">The UN-designated global terrorist</a> was arrested on July 17 in connection with the terror-financing case while on his way from Lahore to Gujranwala. The terrorist was charged with gathering funds for banned outfits. 
 
On July 3, the top 13 leaders of the banned JuD, including Saeed and Naib Emir Abdul Rehman Makki, were booked in nearly two dozen cases of terror financing and money laundering under the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997.

The Lahore High Court on Monday accepted an application of Jamaat-ud-Dawah (JuD) chief Hafiz Saeed, challenging his arrest in the terror-financing case. The two-member bench of the Lahore HC, after hearing the arguments, has sought a detailed report from the Punjab government and counter-terrorism department in this regard on October 28.

The Lahore High Court on Monday accepted an application of Jamaat-ud-Dawah (JuD) chief Hafiz Saeed, challenging his arrest in the terror-financing case. The two-member bench of the Lahore HC, after hearing the arguments, has sought a detailed report from the Punjab government and counter-terrorism department in this regard on October 28. The UN-designated global terrorist was arrested on July 17 in connection with the terror-financing case while on his way from Lahore to Gujranwala. The terrorist was charged with gathering funds for banned outfits. On July 3, the top 13 leaders of the banned JuD, including Saeed and Naib Emir Abdul Rehman Makki, were booked in nearly two dozen cases of terror financing and money laundering under the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997.

Lahore High Court accepts Hafiz Saaed's application challenging his arrest in terror financing case

There have been recent rumours about an impending military coup in Pakistan. That is not something new or surprising in that country, since civilian rule is a nominal mask for military dictatorship. 
 
Pakistan is not a normal country with political leaders, a Parliament, a constitution, the army and other branches of the state. It is one of the few places in the world where the army owns a country and runs it. The army is also in charge of a substantial portion of its economy.&nbsp;

After Indian action on Article 370, Pakistan appears to be very concerned about our 'secular’ fabric. They are trying to raise the issue in every way possible, without success.

In their ignorance or over enthusiasm, they claim that Kashmir is the jugular 'vain’ of Pakistan, as a recent press release by their official spokesperson, Director General ISPR revealed: “Pak Army is fully configured, prepared &amp; determined to defend honour, dignity &amp; territorial integrity of motherland at all cost. Kashmir is jugular vain (sic) of Pakistan &amp; no compromise shall be made which denies right of self-determination to our brave Kashmiri brethren” - COAS. Such is their level of vain about the jugular!&nbsp;

Their Constitution – the 1973 version visualises– to quote from its preamble, “Whereas sovereignty over the entire Universe belongs to Almighty Allah alone, and the authority to be exercised by the people of Pakistan within the limits prescribed by Him is a sacred trust; wherein the principles of democracy, freedom, equality, tolerance and social justice, as enunciated by Islam, shall be fully observed”&nbsp;

It is the Pakistani Army which is the chosen instrument to implement the will of God. This was clearly enunciated by its former Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani; protecting Islam and protecting Pakistan are the sovereign duties of the armed forces. Actually, Kayani suggested that the role of army is more than protecting the country – it is to protect the idea and religion.&nbsp;

An UN investigating team appointed by former Pakistan President Asif Zardari probing the death of slain Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto could interview all civil leaders, including the PM and the President, but not the military brass. When the army objected to the Kerry–Lugar bill, the President had to bring in Kerry himself to convince the army chief.&nbsp;

It does not stop there. The army does not recognise some sects of Islam as Muslims. Ahmadis are an example. Abdus Salam, a Pak-origin scientist got the Nobel Prize in Physics, along with Steven Wienberg in 1979. His home town municipality erected an arch in memory of him, which said: ‘First Muslim Nobel Laureate in Physics’. There was a big hue and cry since he was an Ahmadi. So the word Muslim was erased. The revised plaque read: “First Nobel Laureate in Physics”!

Very recently, an MP brought a bill in the Pakistan senate to allow non-Muslims to occupy positions like Prime Minister, President etc. That was out rightly rejected by the parliamentarians. Forget about other ethnic groups like Hindus and Christians, minorities even within Islamic sects like Ahmadis and Bahais cannot occupy high constitutional positions.

In India, the defence minister can ask the army chief to court martial a General, but in Pakistan, any such attempt will result in a coup. That is why Pakistan always negotiates with a gun to its own head. It wants to assert its suicidal tendencies.&nbsp;

Many studies have found that a large number of companies in Pakistan are ultimately owned by Fauji Foundation (FF), Army Welfare Trust (AWT), Bahria Foundation (BF) and Shaheen Foundation (SF), all different wings of its armed forces.

Also, a significant portion of its GDP is attributed to army-controlled entities. (See Military Inc. inside Pakistan’s Military Economy Ayesha Siddiqa—OUP—2007). &nbsp;One can easily conclude that the Pakistan economy and its army and spy agency, ISI, are synonymous.

At least 70% of the market capitalisation of the Karachi stock exchange is owned by the army and other related groups. Hence, never think of Pakistan without its army, whoever may be temporarily and nominally ruling that country.&nbsp;

At the moment, Pakistan is facing acute economic crisis. Its inflation rate is around 13% and the rupee has declined by more than 25% this year. Its GDP growth rate has fallen to sub-3% and there is a move to put it on black list by FATF because of its role in terror financing. A group of industrialists and businessmen recently met the powerful Pakistan army chief, Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa, without Prime Minister Imran Khan being present at the meeting. It is to be noted that the army chief is a member of the Prime Minister’s Development Council.&nbsp;

If the economy is in crisis, the main loser will be the defence forces since they control a significant portion of it. They are certainly not going to allow the benefits to go away from them.

There will be attempts to side line Imran Khan, who is considered as a 'selected’ PM rather than an elected one. Hence there is every possibility that he may be thrown out and once again, the actual rulers, namely the Army and ISI will assume power. As we have explained, Pakistan is the only place in the world in which the army has a country. 
 
There have been recent rumours about an impending military coup in Pakistan. That is not something new or surprising in that country, since civilian rule is a nominal mask for military dictatorship.

Also, a significant portion of its GDP is attributed to army-controlled entities. (See Military Inc. inside Pakistan’s Military Economy Ayesha Siddiqa—OUP—2007). &nbsp;One can easily conclude that the Pakistan economy and its army and spy agency, ISI, are synonymous.

At least 70% of the market capitalisation of the Karachi stock exchange is owned by the army and other related groups. Hence, never think of Pakistan without its army, whoever may be temporarily and nominally ruling that country.&nbsp;

At the moment, Pakistan is facing acute economic crisis. Its inflation rate is around 13% and the rupee has declined by more than 25% this year. Its GDP growth rate has fallen to sub-3% and there is a move to put it on black list by FATF because of its role in terror financing. A group of industrialists and businessmen recently met the powerful Pakistan army chief, Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa, without Prime Minister Imran Khan being present at the meeting. It is to be noted that the army chief is a member of the Prime Minister’s Development Council.&nbsp;

If the economy is in crisis, the main loser will be the defence forces since they control a significant portion of it. They are certainly not going to allow the benefits to go away from them.

There will be attempts to side line Imran Khan, who is considered as a 'selected’ PM rather than an elected one. Hence there is every possibility that he may be thrown out and once again, the actual rulers, namely the Army and ISI will assume power. As we have explained, Pakistan is the only place in the world in which the army has a country.

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-pak-an-army-with-a-country-2795225">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) &nbsp;

There have been recent rumours about an impending military coup in Pakistan. That is not something new or surprising in that country, since civilian rule is a nominal mask for military dictatorship.

There have been recent rumours about an impending military coup in Pakistan. That is not something new or surprising in that country, since civilian rule is a nominal mask for military dictatorship. Pakistan is not a normal country with political leaders, a Parliament, a constitution, the army and other branches of the state. It is one of the few places in the world where the army owns a country and runs it. The army is also in charge of a substantial portion of its economy. After Indian action on Article 370, Pakistan appears to be very concerned about our 'secular’ fabric. They are trying to raise the issue in every way possible, without success. In their ignorance or over enthusiasm, they claim that Kashmir is the jugular 'vain’ of Pakistan, as a recent press release by their official spokesperson, Director General ISPR revealed: “Pak Army is fully configured, prepared & determined to defend honour, dignity & territorial integrity of motherland at all cost. Kashmir is jugular vain (sic) of Pakistan & no compromise shall be made which denies right of self-determination to our brave Kashmiri brethren” - COAS. Such is their level of vain about the jugular! Their Constitution – the 1973 version visualises– to quote from its preamble, “Whereas sovereignty over the entire Universe belongs to Almighty Allah alone, and the authority to be exercised by the people of Pakistan within the limits prescribed by Him is a sacred trust; wherein the principles of democracy, freedom, equality, tolerance and social justice, as enunciated by Islam, shall be fully observed” It is the Pakistani Army which is the chosen instrument to implement the will of God. This was clearly enunciated by its former Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Ashfaq Parvez Kayani; protecting Islam and protecting Pakistan are the sovereign duties of the armed forces. Actually, Kayani suggested that the role of army is more than protecting the country – it is to protect the idea and religion. An UN investigating team appointed by former Pakistan President Asif Zardari probing the death of slain Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto could interview all civil leaders, including the PM and the President, but not the military brass. When the army objected to the Kerry–Lugar bill, the President had to bring in Kerry himself to convince the army chief. It does not stop there. The army does not recognise some sects of Islam as Muslims. Ahmadis are an example. Abdus Salam, a Pak-origin scientist got the Nobel Prize in Physics, along with Steven Wienberg in 1979. His home town municipality erected an arch in memory of him, which said: ‘First Muslim Nobel Laureate in Physics’. There was a big hue and cry since he was an Ahmadi. So the word Muslim was erased. The revised plaque read: “First Nobel Laureate in Physics”! Very recently, an MP brought a bill in the Pakistan senate to allow non-Muslims to occupy positions like Prime Minister, President etc. That was out rightly rejected by the parliamentarians. Forget about other ethnic groups like Hindus and Christians, minorities even within Islamic sects like Ahmadis and Bahais cannot occupy high constitutional positions. In India, the defence minister can ask the army chief to court martial a General, but in Pakistan, any such attempt will result in a coup. That is why Pakistan always negotiates with a gun to its own head. It wants to assert its suicidal tendencies. Many studies have found that a large number of companies in Pakistan are ultimately owned by Fauji Foundation (FF), Army Welfare Trust (AWT), Bahria Foundation (BF) and Shaheen Foundation (SF), all different wings of its armed forces. Also, a significant portion of its GDP is attributed to army-controlled entities. (See Military Inc. inside Pakistan’s Military Economy Ayesha Siddiqa—OUP—2007). One can easily conclude that the Pakistan economy and its army and spy agency, ISI, are synonymous. At least 70% of the market capitalisation of the Karachi stock exchange is owned by the army and other related groups. Hence, never think of Pakistan without its army, whoever may be temporarily and nominally ruling that country. At the moment, Pakistan is facing acute economic crisis. Its inflation rate is around 13% and the rupee has declined by more than 25% this year. Its GDP growth rate has fallen to sub-3% and there is a move to put it on black list by FATF because of its role in terror financing. A group of industrialists and businessmen recently met the powerful Pakistan army chief, Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa, without Prime Minister Imran Khan being present at the meeting. It is to be noted that the army chief is a member of the Prime Minister’s Development Council. If the economy is in crisis, the main loser will be the defence forces since they control a significant portion of it. They are certainly not going to allow the benefits to go away from them. There will be attempts to side line Imran Khan, who is considered as a 'selected’ PM rather than an elected one. Hence there is every possibility that he may be thrown out and once again, the actual rulers, namely the Army and ISI will assume power. As we have explained, Pakistan is the only place in the world in which the army has a country. There have been recent rumours about an impending military coup in Pakistan. That is not something new or surprising in that country, since civilian rule is a nominal mask for military dictatorship. Also, a significant portion of its GDP is attributed to army-controlled entities. (See Military Inc. inside Pakistan’s Military Economy Ayesha Siddiqa—OUP—2007). One can easily conclude that the Pakistan economy and its army and spy agency, ISI, are synonymous. At least 70% of the market capitalisation of the Karachi stock exchange is owned by the army and other related groups. Hence, never think of Pakistan without its army, whoever may be temporarily and nominally ruling that country. At the moment, Pakistan is facing acute economic crisis. Its inflation rate is around 13% and the rupee has declined by more than 25% this year. Its GDP growth rate has fallen to sub-3% and there is a move to put it on black list by FATF because of its role in terror financing. A group of industrialists and businessmen recently met the powerful Pakistan army chief, Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa, without Prime Minister Imran Khan being present at the meeting. It is to be noted that the army chief is a member of the Prime Minister’s Development Council. If the economy is in crisis, the main loser will be the defence forces since they control a significant portion of it. They are certainly not going to allow the benefits to go away from them. There will be attempts to side line Imran Khan, who is considered as a 'selected’ PM rather than an elected one. Hence there is every possibility that he may be thrown out and once again, the actual rulers, namely the Army and ISI will assume power. As we have explained, Pakistan is the only place in the world in which the army has a country. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Pakistan: An army with a country

The Asia-Pacific group of FATF released the report on Pakistan. Watch this video to know more.

Asia-Pacific FATF report on Pakistan released

At least one person lost his life and two others suffered injuries after a house collapsed in Mirpur following an earthquake measuring 3.8 on Richter scale that struck off the city and its adjoining areas in Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK) on Sunday morning. 
 
Quoting Pakistan Meteorological Department, ARY News, the epicentre of the quake, with a depth of 15 kilometres, was 12 km north-west of Jehlum's course in the Valley. 
 
Mirpur and adjoining areas were shaken by tremors at 10:28 a.m. (local time) for two to three seconds. 
 
Rescue sources were quoted as saying that tremors in the area resulted in a house to collapse, burying three under the debris, with two shifted to a hospital for treatment. 
 
Last month, at least 40 people were killed and 800 were injured when a 5.8-magnitude earthquake jolted the Kashmiri city of Mirpur, roughly 20 kilometres north of Jhelum in agricultural Punjab province. 
 
Tremors were also felt in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Murree, Jhelum, Charsadda, Swat, Khyber, Abbottabad, Bajaur, Nowshera, Mansehra, Battagram, Torghar and Kohistan.

At least one person lost his life and two others suffered injuries after a house collapsed in Mirpur following an earthquake measuring 3.8 on Richter scale that struck off the city and its adjoining areas in Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK) on Sunday morning.

At least one person lost his life and two others suffered injuries after a house collapsed in Mirpur following an earthquake measuring 3.8 on Richter scale that struck off the city and its adjoining areas in Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK) on Sunday morning. Quoting Pakistan Meteorological Department, ARY News, the epicentre of the quake, with a depth of 15 kilometres, was 12 km north-west of Jehlum's course in the Valley. Mirpur and adjoining areas were shaken by tremors at 10:28 a.m. (local time) for two to three seconds. Rescue sources were quoted as saying that tremors in the area resulted in a house to collapse, burying three under the debris, with two shifted to a hospital for treatment. Last month, at least 40 people were killed and 800 were injured when a 5.8-magnitude earthquake jolted the Kashmiri city of Mirpur, roughly 20 kilometres north of Jhelum in agricultural Punjab province. Tremors were also felt in Islamabad, Rawalpindi, Murree, Jhelum, Charsadda, Swat, Khyber, Abbottabad, Bajaur, Nowshera, Mansehra, Battagram, Torghar and Kohistan.

One dead as earthquake of 3.8 magnitude strikes Pakistan occupied Kashmir

The number of polio cases in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/saudi-asks-iraq-pakistan-to-speak-to-iran-about-defusing-tensions-254051">Pakistan</a> climbed to 72 this year with three new cases registered in Sindh, Balochistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, authorities said on Saturday. 
 
In Sindh, a 17-month-old girl from <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/whosoever-comes-to-kartarpur-is-our-guest-says-pakistan-prime-ministers-special-adviser-253969">Karachi's</a> Orangi Town became the latest victim of polio, bringing the total number of cases in the city to four and eighth such case across the province, The Express Tribune reported. 
 
The Emergency Operation Centre for Polio in Sindh said that the child developed a fever and slight weakness in the right leg after which she was taken to the doctors. 
 
The case was classified as acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) following which she was tested positive for the poliovirus, it added. 
 
Meanwhile, the Balochistan Health Department said that the total number of polio cases in the province had reached six this year after a 15-month-old boy was diagnosed with the disease. 
 
According to the victim's parents, the infant from Jaffarabad felt weakness in his legs and became paralysed after suffering from high fever. 
 
The Emergency Polio Centre has also kicked off a special polio vaccination campaign after a recent spike in the cases and officials are optimistic to control the epidemic. 
 
A 21-month-old boy was diagnosed with the deadly disease in Hazara division's Torghar district, raising the total number of such cases to 53 in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. 
 
As per the country-wide figures, 72 polio cases have been reported during the current year including 53 cases from Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, eight from Sindh, six from Balochistan and five from Punjab. 
 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-approves-tax-relief-for-gwadar-port-254040">Prime Minister Imran Khan</a>, last month, expressed serious concern over the recent spike in polio cases in the country and directed federal and provincial government officials to undertake effective awareness and immunisation campaigns to eliminate the disease.

The number of polio cases in Pakistan climbed to 72 this year with three new cases registered in Sindh, Balochistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, authorities said on Saturday.

The number of polio cases in Pakistan climbed to 72 this year with three new cases registered in Sindh, Balochistan and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, authorities said on Saturday. In Sindh, a 17-month-old girl from Karachi's Orangi Town became the latest victim of polio, bringing the total number of cases in the city to four and eighth such case across the province, The Express Tribune reported. The Emergency Operation Centre for Polio in Sindh said that the child developed a fever and slight weakness in the right leg after which she was taken to the doctors. The case was classified as acute flaccid paralysis (AFP) following which she was tested positive for the poliovirus, it added. Meanwhile, the Balochistan Health Department said that the total number of polio cases in the province had reached six this year after a 15-month-old boy was diagnosed with the disease. According to the victim's parents, the infant from Jaffarabad felt weakness in his legs and became paralysed after suffering from high fever. The Emergency Polio Centre has also kicked off a special polio vaccination campaign after a recent spike in the cases and officials are optimistic to control the epidemic. A 21-month-old boy was diagnosed with the deadly disease in Hazara division's Torghar district, raising the total number of such cases to 53 in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa. As per the country-wide figures, 72 polio cases have been reported during the current year including 53 cases from Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, eight from Sindh, six from Balochistan and five from Punjab. Prime Minister Imran Khan, last month, expressed serious concern over the recent spike in polio cases in the country and directed federal and provincial government officials to undertake effective awareness and immunisation campaigns to eliminate the disease.

Pakistan: 72 cases of polio registered

After US President Donald Trump refuse to retaliate against Iran for the September 14 attack on Saudi oil facilities, Riyadh has asked leaders of Pakistan and Iraq to speak with Iran regarding de-escalation of the situation.

In a report published on Saturday, the New York Times said that Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) asked the leaders of Iraq and Pakistan to intervene.

Iran has welcomed the gesture, stating privately and publicly that it was open to talks with Saudi Arabia.

Both the US and Saudi Arabia blamed Iran for the attack on the Saudi Aramco oil facilities and warned of retaliatory action.

The attack knocked out five per cent of global crude supply."Efforts at de-escalation must emanate from the party that began the escalation and launched attacks, not the kingdom," said Saudi's official in a statement.

But the NYT reported that US President Donald Trump's refusal to order a military response "raised questions for the Saudis about the American commitment to Saudi security, which has underpinned the strategic layout of the Persian Gulf for decades".

The report said that Iran has been trying to "wrest" the Saudis from the alliance of Tehran's archenemies, Israel and the United States.

NYT, while quoting the unnamed Iraqi and Pakistani officials, said that MBS told Pakistan`s Prime Minister Imran Khan that "I want to avoid war" and asked him to mediate. Khan visited Saudi Arabia from September 19 to 20.

When Iraq's Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi visited Jeddah on September 25, the crown prince made a similar request.

The unnamed Iraqi official said that the government had suggested its capital Baghdad, as the venue for a potential meeting between Saudi and Iranian leaders.&nbsp;

After US President Donald Trump refuse to retaliate against Iran for the September 14 attack on Saudi oil facilities, Riyadh has asked leaders of Pakistan and Iraq to speak with Iran regarding de-escalation of the situation.

After US President Donald Trump refuse to retaliate against Iran for the September 14 attack on Saudi oil facilities, Riyadh has asked leaders of Pakistan and Iraq to speak with Iran regarding de-escalation of the situation. In a report published on Saturday, the New York Times said that Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (MBS) asked the leaders of Iraq and Pakistan to intervene. Iran has welcomed the gesture, stating privately and publicly that it was open to talks with Saudi Arabia. Both the US and Saudi Arabia blamed Iran for the attack on the Saudi Aramco oil facilities and warned of retaliatory action. The attack knocked out five per cent of global crude supply."Efforts at de-escalation must emanate from the party that began the escalation and launched attacks, not the kingdom," said Saudi's official in a statement. But the NYT reported that US President Donald Trump's refusal to order a military response "raised questions for the Saudis about the American commitment to Saudi security, which has underpinned the strategic layout of the Persian Gulf for decades". The report said that Iran has been trying to "wrest" the Saudis from the alliance of Tehran's archenemies, Israel and the United States. NYT, while quoting the unnamed Iraqi and Pakistani officials, said that MBS told Pakistan`s Prime Minister Imran Khan that "I want to avoid war" and asked him to mediate. Khan visited Saudi Arabia from September 19 to 20. When Iraq's Prime Minister Adel Abdul Mahdi visited Jeddah on September 25, the crown prince made a similar request. The unnamed Iraqi official said that the government had suggested its capital Baghdad, as the venue for a potential meeting between Saudi and Iranian leaders.

Saudi asks Iraq, Pakistan to speak to Iran about defusing tensions

The federal cabinet has approved legislative changes to address a longstanding issue of tax concessions for Gwadar Port and Gwadar Free Zone.

The move came, earlier this week, just days before Prime Minister Imran Khan's departure for a three-day visit to China on Monday, where he would discuss with the Chinese leadership several affairs, including the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and the Kashmir dispute, The Express Tribune reported.

The amendment made to settle the three-year-old issue with China came after a push from the National Development Council (NDC) that is chaired by the prime minister and Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa is its member.The government is expected to promulgate a presidential ordinance to bring these legal changes as the National Assembly is currently not in session.

The new tax concessions will be limited to only the Gwadar zone as the government has been unable to finalise a tax incentive package for the prioritised Special Economic Zones (SEZs) that are being set up under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

"The federal cabinet has approved legislative changes to grant tax concessions to Gwadar Free Zone and Gwadar Port," said Khusro Bakhtiar, Federal Minister for Planning and Development.

"Coastal development is the government's top priority and focus will be on Gwadar's development, which will usher in a new era of galvanised economic activities in Pakistan," the minister added.

China is developing Gwadar Port as a strategic and commercial hub under its Belt and Road Initiative.

In February 2013, China Overseas Port Holding Company Limited (COPHCL) took over operations of the port from a Singaporean company.

The concession agreement included a tax holiday for both the operators of Gwadar Port and the businesses being set up there.

The cabinet approved income tax exemption for Gwadar Free Zone on the income of operating companies from port operations.

The income tax holiday was also extended to China Overseas Port Holding Company Pakistan Private Limited, Gwadar Marine Services, and Gwadar Free Zone Company.

The cabinet also approved sales tax and federal excise duty exemptions on the import of machinery, equipment, and material either for use in Gwadar Free Zone or for export, subject to the condition that all such imports were made by investors of the free zone.

It approved tax exemptions for the businesses to be established in the Gwadar Free Zone area for a period of 23 years with effect from July 2016 on their packaging, distribution, stuffing and de-stuffing, CFS, container yard, warehousing including cool and cold rooms, transhipments, labelling, light-end assembly, re-assembly, imports, exports and their value addition, and all related commercial activities.

The federal cabinet has approved legislative changes to address a longstanding issue of tax concessions for Gwadar Port and Gwadar Free Zone. The move came, earlier this week, just days before Prime Minister Imran Khan's departure for a three-day visit to China on Monday, where he would discuss with the Chinese leadership several affairs, including the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and the Kashmir dispute, The Express Tribune reported.

The federal cabinet has approved legislative changes to address a longstanding issue of tax concessions for Gwadar Port and Gwadar Free Zone. The move came, earlier this week, just days before Prime Minister Imran Khan's departure for a three-day visit to China on Monday, where he would discuss with the Chinese leadership several affairs, including the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor and the Kashmir dispute, The Express Tribune reported. The amendment made to settle the three-year-old issue with China came after a push from the National Development Council (NDC) that is chaired by the prime minister and Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa is its member.The government is expected to promulgate a presidential ordinance to bring these legal changes as the National Assembly is currently not in session. The new tax concessions will be limited to only the Gwadar zone as the government has been unable to finalise a tax incentive package for the prioritised Special Economic Zones (SEZs) that are being set up under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). "The federal cabinet has approved legislative changes to grant tax concessions to Gwadar Free Zone and Gwadar Port," said Khusro Bakhtiar, Federal Minister for Planning and Development. "Coastal development is the government's top priority and focus will be on Gwadar's development, which will usher in a new era of galvanised economic activities in Pakistan," the minister added. China is developing Gwadar Port as a strategic and commercial hub under its Belt and Road Initiative. In February 2013, China Overseas Port Holding Company Limited (COPHCL) took over operations of the port from a Singaporean company. The concession agreement included a tax holiday for both the operators of Gwadar Port and the businesses being set up there. The cabinet approved income tax exemption for Gwadar Free Zone on the income of operating companies from port operations. The income tax holiday was also extended to China Overseas Port Holding Company Pakistan Private Limited, Gwadar Marine Services, and Gwadar Free Zone Company. The cabinet also approved sales tax and federal excise duty exemptions on the import of machinery, equipment, and material either for use in Gwadar Free Zone or for export, subject to the condition that all such imports were made by investors of the free zone. It approved tax exemptions for the businesses to be established in the Gwadar Free Zone area for a period of 23 years with effect from July 2016 on their packaging, distribution, stuffing and de-stuffing, CFS, container yard, warehousing including cool and cold rooms, transhipments, labelling, light-end assembly, re-assembly, imports, exports and their value addition, and all related commercial activities.

Pakistan approves tax relief for Gwadar port

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Once Again, It's The Army That's Calling The Shots In Pakistan As Pakistan's business community seeks the assistance of Pakistan's Army Chief Gen. Bajwa to fix the economy, it's evident that it's the army that's in control in Islamabad. On #WionEdit, @Palkisu raises the question - Is Pakistan, an army with a country?

WION Edit: Pakistan - an Army With A Country?

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