Elimination of terrorism in all its forms is a precondition not only for fruitful cooperation but also for the very survival of the South Asian region, says EAM S. Jaishankar

Foreign Minister S Jaishankar raises the issue of terrorism at SAARC

Incessant rain threatened the first day-night international between Pakistan and Sri Lanka on Friday, the first in Karachi for 10 years.

The pitch and its adjoining areas were covered as the scheduled toss at 2:30 pm (0930 GMT) were delayed with both teams inside their dressing rooms.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/karachi-gears-up-for-first-one-day-international-in-10-years-252234">Karachi</a> has not hosted a one-day international since January 2009 when Sri Lanka played two back-to-back matches at the National Stadium.

But in March of that year, during the same tour, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/sri-lanka-squad-leave-for-pakistan-despite-security-concerns-251698">Sri Lankan team</a> bus was <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/watch-pakistani-bus-driver-for-2009-sri-lanka-team-recalls-attack-23006">attacked in Lahore</a>,&nbsp;forcing the suspension of international cricket in Pakistan.

Pakistan, forced to play home matches in the neutral venues of the United Arab Emirates, convinced Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) to send their team, assuring them of stringent security with 2,000 personnel guarding the teams around the hotel and stadium.

Ten top Sri Lankan players, including their ODI captain Dimuth Karunaratne and former captains Angelo Mathews and Dinesh Chandimal, withdrew from the tour.

The tour was stalled after SLC received threats of possible terror attacks on their team in Pakistan before getting the all-clear last week.

The remaining two ODIs will be played in Karachi on Sunday and Wednesday.

Sri Lanka will also play three Twenty20 internationals in Lahore on October 5, 7 and 9.

Incessant rain threatened the first day-night international between Pakistan and Sri Lanka on Friday, the first in Karachi for 10 years. The pitch and its adjoining areas were covered as the scheduled toss at 2:30 pm (0930 GMT) were delayed with both teams inside their dressing rooms.

Incessant rain threatened the first day-night international between Pakistan and Sri Lanka on Friday, the first in Karachi for 10 years. The pitch and its adjoining areas were covered as the scheduled toss at 2:30 pm (0930 GMT) were delayed with both teams inside their dressing rooms. Karachi has not hosted a one-day international since January 2009 when Sri Lanka played two back-to-back matches at the National Stadium. But in March of that year, during the same tour, the Sri Lankan team bus was attacked in Lahore, forcing the suspension of international cricket in Pakistan. Pakistan, forced to play home matches in the neutral venues of the United Arab Emirates, convinced Sri Lanka Cricket (SLC) to send their team, assuring them of stringent security with 2,000 personnel guarding the teams around the hotel and stadium. Ten top Sri Lankan players, including their ODI captain Dimuth Karunaratne and former captains Angelo Mathews and Dinesh Chandimal, withdrew from the tour. The tour was stalled after SLC received threats of possible terror attacks on their team in Pakistan before getting the all-clear last week. The remaining two ODIs will be played in Karachi on Sunday and Wednesday. Sri Lanka will also play three Twenty20 internationals in Lahore on October 5, 7 and 9.

Rain threatens one-day international return in Karachi

Calling Pakistan a "blot on humanity", a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/baloch-activists-hold-anti-pakistan-protest-outside-un-office-seek-intervention-250262">Baloch activist</a> has said the country which was created for Islam has emerged as the biggest enemy of the religion itself.

He also accused the Pakistani establishment of kidnapping children of the Baloch community.

<iframe data-google-container-id="5" data-load-complete="true" frameborder="0" height="1" id="google_ads_iframe_/6516239/outofpage_1x1_desktop_0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" name="google_ads_iframe_/6516239/outofpage_1x1_desktop_0" scrolling="no" srcdoc="" title="3rd party ad content" width="1"></iframe>"We aim to expose the real face of Pakistan before the&nbsp;world&nbsp;and let the&nbsp;world&nbsp;know that Pakistan is a blot on humanity. Pakstan is the biggest enemy of Islam. Pakistan was created for Islam and now it has become the biggest enemy of that religion," Shams Baloch, Central Council Member of Free Balochistan Movement.

"Pakistan gained control over Balochistan. Pakistan is a virus not just for India, Afghanistan or Balochistan, but for the entire&nbsp;world&nbsp;&amp; humanity," he added.

Pakistan has been condemned internationally for cracking down on the minorities living in the country.

Islamabad is also reportedly discriminating against its religious minorities, which is manifested in various forms of targeted violence, mass murders, extrajudicial killings, abduction, rapes, forced conversion to Islam, etc, making the Pakistani Hindus, Christians, Sikhs, Ahmadiyyas, and Shias one of the most persecuted minorities in the region.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/baloch-activists-demand-suspension-of-paks-membership-from-unhrc-165497">Various activists</a> belonging to the Baloch, Pashtuns, and Sindhi communities have been holding protests in Geneva to expose Pakistan over its illegal occupation and suppression of the minorities.

For long, Pakistan's establishment has been criticised over its practice of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings by international bodies and local human rights organisations that dare to speak out on the issue.

According to the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances, an entity established by the Pakistani government, about 5,000 cases of enforced disappearances have been registered since 2014.

Most of them are still unresolved.

Independent local and international human rights organisations put the numbers much higher.

Around 20,000 have reportedly been abducted only from Balochistan, out of which more than 2,500 have turned up dead as bullet-riddled dead bodies, bearing signs of extreme torture.

Before being elected as Prime Minister, Imran Khan had admitted in multiple interviews about the involvement of Pakistan's intelligence agencies in enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings and vowed to resign if he was unable to put an end to the practice, holding those involved responsible.

Calling Pakistan a "blot on humanity", a Baloch activist has said the country which was created for Islam has emerged as the biggest enemy of the religion itself.

Calling Pakistan a "blot on humanity", a Baloch activist has said the country which was created for Islam has emerged as the biggest enemy of the religion itself. He also accused the Pakistani establishment of kidnapping children of the Baloch community. "We aim to expose the real face of Pakistan before the world and let the world know that Pakistan is a blot on humanity. Pakstan is the biggest enemy of Islam. Pakistan was created for Islam and now it has become the biggest enemy of that religion," Shams Baloch, Central Council Member of Free Balochistan Movement. "Pakistan gained control over Balochistan. Pakistan is a virus not just for India, Afghanistan or Balochistan, but for the entire world & humanity," he added. Pakistan has been condemned internationally for cracking down on the minorities living in the country. Islamabad is also reportedly discriminating against its religious minorities, which is manifested in various forms of targeted violence, mass murders, extrajudicial killings, abduction, rapes, forced conversion to Islam, etc, making the Pakistani Hindus, Christians, Sikhs, Ahmadiyyas, and Shias one of the most persecuted minorities in the region. Various activists belonging to the Baloch, Pashtuns, and Sindhi communities have been holding protests in Geneva to expose Pakistan over its illegal occupation and suppression of the minorities. For long, Pakistan's establishment has been criticised over its practice of enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings by international bodies and local human rights organisations that dare to speak out on the issue. According to the Commission of Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances, an entity established by the Pakistani government, about 5,000 cases of enforced disappearances have been registered since 2014. Most of them are still unresolved. Independent local and international human rights organisations put the numbers much higher. Around 20,000 have reportedly been abducted only from Balochistan, out of which more than 2,500 have turned up dead as bullet-riddled dead bodies, bearing signs of extreme torture. Before being elected as Prime Minister, Imran Khan had admitted in multiple interviews about the involvement of Pakistan's intelligence agencies in enforced disappearances and extrajudicial killings and vowed to resign if he was unable to put an end to the practice, holding those involved responsible.

Pakistan is blot on humanity, virus for entire world: Baloch activist

Pakistan Foreign Minister avoids facing Indian FM at SAARC meet

WION US Direct: Pakistan Double standards exposed again

In a bid to politicise the Kashmir issue, huge billboards have been put by the Pak government at New York's Times Square. On one of the buildings it said "Stand with Kashmir".

Pak govt endorses billboards on Kashmir at Times Square

Despite support from China and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/saudi-crown-prince-expected-to-seal-multi-billion-dollar-deals-in-pakistan-196969">Saudi Arabia</a> and a huge <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imf-approves-6-billion-loan-for-pakistan-to-right-the-nations-economy-232863">IMF loan that helped Pakistan</a> to address its immediate economic crisis, the United Nations on Thursday said that the country is still in the midst of a crisis.

In a brief comment on Pakistan in the Asia section, UN's Trade and Development Report 2019 said that "Pakistan is in the midst of a crisis" as the growth rate has halved, the balance of payments is in poor shape, the rupee has depreciated significantly and external debt is large and rising, reported The Dawn.

Meanwhile, the report also stated that slowdown observed in the rate of growth of the Chinese economy from 2017 onwards is projected to intensify in 2019 because of the trade and technology tensions.

The slowing of China's trade growth has a major impact on other East Asian and South-East Asian economies since it is likely that the integrated value chains spread across these economies and linked to China would be disrupted, the report noted.

The report further stated that public banking should be given back its traditional, bigger role if the environmental and economic landscape is to be transformed by 2030.

The annual fiscal deficit of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pakistans-belly-dance-formula-to-revive-economy-248440">Pakistan</a>&nbsp;to the highest in the last three decades at 8.9 per cent for the financial year 2018-19.

The fiscal deficit is a difference between revenues and expenditures of the federal government.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, who was elected on an anti-corruption plank and a pledge to end austerity measures, had vowed to improve the depleting economic situation of the cash-strapped country.

In reality, prices of gas and oil products and electricity in Pakistan have risen considerably, burning a hole in common man's pocket.

Despite support from China and Saudi Arabia and a huge IMF loan that helped Pakistan to address its immediate economic crisis, the United Nations on Thursday said that the country is still in the midst of a crisis.

Despite support from China and Saudi Arabia and a huge IMF loan that helped Pakistan to address its immediate economic crisis, the United Nations on Thursday said that the country is still in the midst of a crisis. In a brief comment on Pakistan in the Asia section, UN's Trade and Development Report 2019 said that "Pakistan is in the midst of a crisis" as the growth rate has halved, the balance of payments is in poor shape, the rupee has depreciated significantly and external debt is large and rising, reported The Dawn. Meanwhile, the report also stated that slowdown observed in the rate of growth of the Chinese economy from 2017 onwards is projected to intensify in 2019 because of the trade and technology tensions. The slowing of China's trade growth has a major impact on other East Asian and South-East Asian economies since it is likely that the integrated value chains spread across these economies and linked to China would be disrupted, the report noted. The report further stated that public banking should be given back its traditional, bigger role if the environmental and economic landscape is to be transformed by 2030. The annual fiscal deficit of Pakistan to the highest in the last three decades at 8.9 per cent for the financial year 2018-19. The fiscal deficit is a difference between revenues and expenditures of the federal government. Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, who was elected on an anti-corruption plank and a pledge to end austerity measures, had vowed to improve the depleting economic situation of the cash-strapped country. In reality, prices of gas and oil products and electricity in Pakistan have risen considerably, burning a hole in common man's pocket.

Pakistan in midst of economic crisis despite support from China, IMF: U.N.

D-day at United Nations General Assembly as Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address the annual high-level UN General Assembly (UNGA) session today along with his Pakistani counterpart Imran Khan.

D-day at United Nations General Assembly

Pakistan continues to play hide and seek game with the international community as far as Mumbai terror attack mastermind and Jammat-ud-Dawah chief Hafiz Saeed is concerned. Within a month of Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) arresting Saeed in connection with a terrorism financing case on July 17 this year, Pakistani authorities moved swiftly to move the United Nations to allow him to use his bank account for his family's basic monthly expenses.&nbsp;

It is baffling to figure out the purpose behind Pakistan writing a letter to the United Nations Security Council, which though approved its request as no objections were raised by member countries by the deadline of August 15. Pakistan seems to have scored a self-goal by approaching the United Nations, which shows its apathy for a terrorist. Does Saeed really need access to his bank account to meet his daily expenses when he is hosted by the Pakistani authorities? Couldn’t Pakistan bear his expenses covertly as it has been doing for the last several decades?&nbsp;

The recent development has not only put Pakistani foreign policy mandarins shamefaced but also exposed their shady character. This comes at a time when Prime Minister Imran Khan is besieging the international community on the sidelines of the ongoing United Nations General Assembly against possible blacklisting of his almost bankrupt country by the inter-governmental Financial Action Task Force (FATF). Pakistan, which has been placed on the grey list of countries whose domestic laws are considered weak to tackle challenges of money laundering and terror&nbsp;financing, has time till October to get the decision revoked. The Paris-based body is holding its week-long plenary meeting from October 13 when Pakistan’s fate will be sealed. Pakistan, which has been reeling under double-digit inflation, high-interest rates and massive discontentment as unemployment rises, will be dealt a major body blow if it is blacklisted by FATF.

It should be recalled that the Asia Pacific Group (APG) under the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) during its last month meeting in Bangkok had placed Pakistan in the Enhanced Expedited Follow Up List (Blacklist) for its failure to meet 21 of the 27 action parameters. Out of 118 UN-designated terrorists, Pakistan could show action against only five, including Hafiz Saeed. The agency noted that no demonstrable action could be shown against individuals like Masood Azhar, Rauf Azhar and Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi or groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, Falah-e-Insaniat, Haqqani network or Daesh (Islamic State).

Last year also, Pakistan had made a mockery of its so-called avowed commitment to the implementation of the United Nations Security Council 1267 sanctions regime on terrorists when it freed Saeed from the purported “house arrest” with the lame excuse that the Lahore court did not merit his detention. If that was not enough, Pakistan allowed Saeed to open the first office of his political group Milli Muslim League (MML) in Lahore. Ironically, according to Pakistani government records, the MML is the offshoot of the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and JuD.

What makes Saeed such a formidable force that Pakistan wants to protect the UN-designated terrorist, who carries a $10 million American bounty on his head for terror activities. Saeed is an important asset for Pakistani establishment which uses his influence to carry out terror activities in Kashmir and elsewhere. Whilst LeT remains banned in Pakistan, the political arm of the group, Jamat-ud-Dawah (JuD) continues to function unhindered. LeT has been accused of attacking military and civilian targets in India, most notably the 2001 Indian Parliament attack, the 2008 Mumbai attacks and the 2019 Pulwama attack on armed forces. Despite the ban, Pakistan's main intelligence agency, the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), continues to offer LeT help and protection. Not only the ISI, but Saeed also enjoys the support of the powerful army as well. In fact, Pakistan Army chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa had come in full support of him when he appeared before a parliament forum last year and said that Saeed, like every other Pakistani, had the right to raise the Kashmir issue.

Approaching the UN Security Council is nothing but a false show by Pakistan that it has choked all funds to Saeed who desperately needed money to meet his expenses. In the letter, Pakistan has described Saeed, a designated global terrorist, as an assistant professor of engineering and technology in Lahore. In its overzealousness in garnering support for Saeed, Pakistani foreign ministry officials convincingly forgot that the establishment had only a few months ago arrested him on charges of terror financing. The latest development is another concrete proof of Pakistan’s deepening nexus between the establishment and the terrorists and terrorist organisations.

Pakistan’s steadfast support to terrorists like Saeed, that too when the FATF meet is scheduled next month, is something hard to digest. Either it is not aware of the impending dangers or is it confident that it will manage to extricate out of the mess. In the event of Pakistan downgraded further and blacklisted by FATF, not only will it lose its power to approach major international banks for loans, no country or institution will be permitted to invest in Pakistan. Can Pakistan afford this? In the 36-member FATF, Pakistan needs at least 15 votes to escape the humiliation and getting blacklisted, which looks highly unlikely.

It is high time the global community sees through the shenanigans of Pakistan whose Prime Minister Imran Khan has proudly claimed to be hosting 30,000 to 40,000 terrorists and threatening nuclear war with India. Khan also boasted that "40 different militant groups" were operating from Pakistan. What more evidence does the international community need when an elected prime minister of Pakistan himself claims that his country is the hub of terrorists! The world’s major powers have time and again failed to practice what they preach the so-called war against terrorism. The problem is every country looks at terrorism through its only prism. For example, Iran is a ‘number one nation of terror’ according to President Donald Trump who carefully avoids a question on Pakistan as a terrorist country. For President Trump, Pakistan can still prove its worthiness whenever he takes a U-turn, as has been his forte, and wants to reopen talks with the Taliban so as to pull out his forces from Afghanistan before he bids for re-election next year.

Until and unless the world comes round the view that terrorism offers the biggest challenge to mankind and requires concerted action, the war against terrorism is not going to succeed. Or one to understand that some powerful countries don’t really want an end to terrorism so that they can continue selling their military hardware to countries afflicted with terrorism and make capital out of it! &nbsp;&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Pakistan continues to play hide and seek game with the international community as far as Mumbai terror attack mastermind and Jammat-ud-Dawah chief Hafiz Saeed is concerned.

Pakistan continues to play hide and seek game with the international community as far as Mumbai terror attack mastermind and Jammat-ud-Dawah chief Hafiz Saeed is concerned. Within a month of Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) arresting Saeed in connection with a terrorism financing case on July 17 this year, Pakistani authorities moved swiftly to move the United Nations to allow him to use his bank account for his family's basic monthly expenses. It is baffling to figure out the purpose behind Pakistan writing a letter to the United Nations Security Council, which though approved its request as no objections were raised by member countries by the deadline of August 15. Pakistan seems to have scored a self-goal by approaching the United Nations, which shows its apathy for a terrorist. Does Saeed really need access to his bank account to meet his daily expenses when he is hosted by the Pakistani authorities? Couldn’t Pakistan bear his expenses covertly as it has been doing for the last several decades? The recent development has not only put Pakistani foreign policy mandarins shamefaced but also exposed their shady character. This comes at a time when Prime Minister Imran Khan is besieging the international community on the sidelines of the ongoing United Nations General Assembly against possible blacklisting of his almost bankrupt country by the inter-governmental Financial Action Task Force (FATF). Pakistan, which has been placed on the grey list of countries whose domestic laws are considered weak to tackle challenges of money laundering and terror financing, has time till October to get the decision revoked. The Paris-based body is holding its week-long plenary meeting from October 13 when Pakistan’s fate will be sealed. Pakistan, which has been reeling under double-digit inflation, high-interest rates and massive discontentment as unemployment rises, will be dealt a major body blow if it is blacklisted by FATF. It should be recalled that the Asia Pacific Group (APG) under the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) during its last month meeting in Bangkok had placed Pakistan in the Enhanced Expedited Follow Up List (Blacklist) for its failure to meet 21 of the 27 action parameters. Out of 118 UN-designated terrorists, Pakistan could show action against only five, including Hafiz Saeed. The agency noted that no demonstrable action could be shown against individuals like Masood Azhar, Rauf Azhar and Zakiur Rehman Lakhvi or groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba, Jaish-e-Mohammed, Falah-e-Insaniat, Haqqani network or Daesh (Islamic State). Last year also, Pakistan had made a mockery of its so-called avowed commitment to the implementation of the United Nations Security Council 1267 sanctions regime on terrorists when it freed Saeed from the purported “house arrest” with the lame excuse that the Lahore court did not merit his detention. If that was not enough, Pakistan allowed Saeed to open the first office of his political group Milli Muslim League (MML) in Lahore. Ironically, according to Pakistani government records, the MML is the offshoot of the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and JuD. What makes Saeed such a formidable force that Pakistan wants to protect the UN-designated terrorist, who carries a $10 million American bounty on his head for terror activities. Saeed is an important asset for Pakistani establishment which uses his influence to carry out terror activities in Kashmir and elsewhere. Whilst LeT remains banned in Pakistan, the political arm of the group, Jamat-ud-Dawah (JuD) continues to function unhindered. LeT has been accused of attacking military and civilian targets in India, most notably the 2001 Indian Parliament attack, the 2008 Mumbai attacks and the 2019 Pulwama attack on armed forces. Despite the ban, Pakistan's main intelligence agency, the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), continues to offer LeT help and protection. Not only the ISI, but Saeed also enjoys the support of the powerful army as well. In fact, Pakistan Army chief Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa had come in full support of him when he appeared before a parliament forum last year and said that Saeed, like every other Pakistani, had the right to raise the Kashmir issue. Approaching the UN Security Council is nothing but a false show by Pakistan that it has choked all funds to Saeed who desperately needed money to meet his expenses. In the letter, Pakistan has described Saeed, a designated global terrorist, as an assistant professor of engineering and technology in Lahore. In its overzealousness in garnering support for Saeed, Pakistani foreign ministry officials convincingly forgot that the establishment had only a few months ago arrested him on charges of terror financing. The latest development is another concrete proof of Pakistan’s deepening nexus between the establishment and the terrorists and terrorist organisations. Pakistan’s steadfast support to terrorists like Saeed, that too when the FATF meet is scheduled next month, is something hard to digest. Either it is not aware of the impending dangers or is it confident that it will manage to extricate out of the mess. In the event of Pakistan downgraded further and blacklisted by FATF, not only will it lose its power to approach major international banks for loans, no country or institution will be permitted to invest in Pakistan. Can Pakistan afford this? In the 36-member FATF, Pakistan needs at least 15 votes to escape the humiliation and getting blacklisted, which looks highly unlikely. It is high time the global community sees through the shenanigans of Pakistan whose Prime Minister Imran Khan has proudly claimed to be hosting 30,000 to 40,000 terrorists and threatening nuclear war with India. Khan also boasted that "40 different militant groups" were operating from Pakistan. What more evidence does the international community need when an elected prime minister of Pakistan himself claims that his country is the hub of terrorists! The world’s major powers have time and again failed to practice what they preach the so-called war against terrorism. The problem is every country looks at terrorism through its only prism. For example, Iran is a ‘number one nation of terror’ according to President Donald Trump who carefully avoids a question on Pakistan as a terrorist country. For President Trump, Pakistan can still prove its worthiness whenever he takes a U-turn, as has been his forte, and wants to reopen talks with the Taliban so as to pull out his forces from Afghanistan before he bids for re-election next year. Until and unless the world comes round the view that terrorism offers the biggest challenge to mankind and requires concerted action, the war against terrorism is not going to succeed. Or one to understand that some powerful countries don’t really want an end to terrorism so that they can continue selling their military hardware to countries afflicted with terrorism and make capital out of it! (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Why Pakistan’s heart bleeds for Hafiz Saeed?

Differing narratives: While PM Modi ticks all boxes at UN, Pak PM Imran Khan harps on Kashmir

India Vs Pakistan Face off in New York Today. To know more watch the video

WION USA Direct: India Vs Pakistan Face off in New York Today

What To Expect From Indian PM Modi's Address & Pakistan PM Imran Khan's Address At The U.N. General Assembly Meeting.

Gravitas U.S. Edition: India-Pakistan faceoff at the U.N. General Assembly: What to expect

Halfway Into the 74th Session Of U.N. General Assembly, Pakistan 's Anti-India Campaign Fails Spectacularly.

Gravitas U.S. Edition: Pakistan's misinformation campaign against India finds no takers

Palki Discusses Indo-Pak Tensions Ahead Of The Big Faceoff At The U.N. General Assembly With Dr. Waheguru Pal Singh Sidhu, Non-Resident Fellow, NYU, Counter-Terrorism Expert Rick C Mathews Of University Of Albany & Arvin Vohra, Presidential Candidate, Libertarian Party.

Gravitas direct from New York: Pakistan: An obsession for destruction (Part-2)

Gravitas direct from New York: Pakistan: An obsession for destruction (Part-3)

Gravitas direct from New York: Pakistan: An obsession for destruction (Part-1)

A Pakistani court on Thursday reserved its verdict on the murder case of social media personality Qandeel Baloch.

The verdict will be announced tomorrow, reported Dawn.<iframe data-google-container-id="5" data-load-complete="true" frameborder="0" height="1" id="google_ads_iframe_/6516239/outofpage_1x1_desktop_0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" name="google_ads_iframe_/6516239/outofpage_1x1_desktop_0" scrolling="no" srcdoc="" title="3rd party ad content" width="1"></iframe>

Qandeel, whose real name was Fouzia Azeem, was allegedly murdered by her brother in a shocking case of 'honour-killing' in July 2016.

Suspects, including <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/brother-arrested-for-qandeel-balochs-murder-2659/amp">Qandeel's brother</a>,&nbsp;the main accused, Muhammad Wasim, her other brothers Aslam Shaheen, Mufti Abdul Qavi, Haq Nawaz and Abdul Basit were present in the model court in Multan during the proceedings.

Around 35 witnesses recorded their statement in the case.

Qandeel's brother had earlier confessed to the crime saying that his sister had brought shame to the family with her bold choice of lifestyle and racy posts.

Wasim confessed that he killed his sister because she "brought dishonour to the Baloch name" with her risque videos and statements posted on social media.

In August, Qandeel's parents had submitted an affidavit in the court stating that they have forgiven their sons and the case against them should be dropped.

However, the trial court rejected their demand.

A Pakistani court on Thursday reserved its verdict on the murder case of social media personality Qandeel Baloch. The verdict will be announced tomorrow, reported Dawn.

A Pakistani court on Thursday reserved its verdict on the murder case of social media personality Qandeel Baloch. The verdict will be announced tomorrow, reported Dawn. Qandeel, whose real name was Fouzia Azeem, was allegedly murdered by her brother in a shocking case of 'honour-killing' in July 2016. Suspects, including Qandeel's brother, the main accused, Muhammad Wasim, her other brothers Aslam Shaheen, Mufti Abdul Qavi, Haq Nawaz and Abdul Basit were present in the model court in Multan during the proceedings. Around 35 witnesses recorded their statement in the case. Qandeel's brother had earlier confessed to the crime saying that his sister had brought shame to the family with her bold choice of lifestyle and racy posts. Wasim confessed that he killed his sister because she "brought dishonour to the Baloch name" with her risque videos and statements posted on social media. In August, Qandeel's parents had submitted an affidavit in the court stating that they have forgiven their sons and the case against them should be dropped. However, the trial court rejected their demand.

Pakistan court reserves verdict in Qandeel Baloch case, verdict tomorrow

Pakistan's National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on Wednesday approved a fresh probe against Leader of the Opposition in the Pakistan National Assembly, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/shahbaz-sharif-casts-vote-as-pakistan-general-election-starts-154370">Shahbaz Sharif</a>, in connection with his alleged involvement in corruption in the Auqaf department during his tenure as Punjab chief minister.

NAB's decision to initiate a probe against Sharif came after an executive board meeting presided over by the bureau's chairman retired Justice Javed Iqbal on Wednesday, reported The Dawn.

NAB also summoned former planning and development minister Ahsan Iqbal in a separate case on Thursday.

Iqbal was summoned in a case regarding the establishment of Sports City in his hometown of Narowal.

He is accused of utilising resources of the federal government and the Pakistan Sports Board for establishing sports facilities in his home town in Punjab.

Pakistan's National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on Wednesday approved a fresh probe against Leader of the Opposition in the Pakistan National Assembly, Shahbaz Sharif, in connection with his alleged involvement in corruption in the Auqaf department during his tenure as Punjab chief minister.

Pakistan's National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on Wednesday approved a fresh probe against Leader of the Opposition in the Pakistan National Assembly, Shahbaz Sharif, in connection with his alleged involvement in corruption in the Auqaf department during his tenure as Punjab chief minister. NAB's decision to initiate a probe against Sharif came after an executive board meeting presided over by the bureau's chairman retired Justice Javed Iqbal on Wednesday, reported The Dawn. NAB also summoned former planning and development minister Ahsan Iqbal in a separate case on Thursday. Iqbal was summoned in a case regarding the establishment of Sports City in his hometown of Narowal. He is accused of utilising resources of the federal government and the Pakistan Sports Board for establishing sports facilities in his home town in Punjab.

NAB approves fresh probe against Shahbaz Sharif

Pak pleads UNSC to allow Hafiz Saeed to withdraw money for basic needs. Watch video to know more.

Pak pleads UNSC to allow Hafiz Saeed to withdraw money for basic needs

Pakistan requested the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) demanding the release of monthly expenses for 2008 Mumbai attack mastermind and globally designated <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-approaches-unsc-to-allow-release-of-monthly-expenses-for-terrorist-hafiz-saeed-committee-allows-request-252107">terrorist Hafiz Saeed</a>.

The council has 'approved' the letter after no objections were raised to it within the set deadline.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pak-pleads-unsc-to-allow-hafiz-saeed-to-withdraw-money-for-basic-needs-252121">Pakistan</a>, which has time and again proven to be a safe haven for global terrorists, has based its request by outlining the monthly expenses requirement of Jammat-ud Dawah (JuD) chief Saeed, who it claims, has to support a family of four.

In a letter to the UN Security Council Sanctions Committee, Pakistan has requested an asset freeze exemption for Saeed to access frozen funds and withdraw 1,50,000 Pakistani rupees every month to cover the claimed necessary expenses for himself and his family.

Pakistan in its request stated that it has received a request from Pakistani national Saeed, demanding a freeze exemption on his bank account.

Being a proscribed terrorist, Saeed is subjected to comprehensive economic and trade sanctions such as arms embargoes, travel bans, and financial or commodity restrictions.

In a notification, the UNSC Sanctions Committee said that Pakistani authorities had requested it to authorize certain expenditure to the benefit of Saeed.

"The Chair wishes to inform the members that no objections were placed by the set deadline of 15 August 2019 for the consideration of the draft letter.

Consequently, the letter is approved and the Chair will instruct the Secretariat to dispatch it," the notification stated.

Hafiz Saeed, which has been designated as global terrorists by the United States, United Nations, and the European Union is responsible for many terrorist attacks in India including 26/11 attack in which 166 people were killed.

He is also accused of plotting the ghastly 2001 Parliament attack in India.

Both India and the US have repeatedly called for justice to be delivered to the victims of the 2008 Mumbai attacks.

The UNSC on December 10, 2008, had listed Saeed as being associated with Lashkar-e-Tayyiba and Al Qaida for "participating in the financing, planning, facilitating, preparing or perpetrating of acts of activities by, in conjunction with, under the name of, on behalf or in support of" both entities.

While the mastermind of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks was arrested in Pakistan on charges related to terror financing, the Islamabad's recent action of approaching the UN to seek help for Saeed tells a different story.

It appears the recent action by Pakistan of booking Saeed was a mere play to save itself from any sanctions by Financial Action Task Force (FATF), an inter-governmental body.

Pakistan is making weak and fake cases against the proscribed terror outfits knowing well that they do not have legal standing other than to just make a point with the FATF,&nbsp;which is blatantly misleading as evidenced by the nature of the FIRs being filed against the terror groups and their supporters.

India had also labelled Hafiz's latest arrest as mere "drama" and "cosmetic".

The&nbsp;world&nbsp;community then and now has accused Pakistan of providing "sanctuary" to terrorists and providing them with a safe haven to carry out terror activities.

Pakistan requested the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) demanding the release of monthly expenses for 2008 Mumbai attack mastermind and globally designated terrorist Hafiz Saeed.

Pakistan requested the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) demanding the release of monthly expenses for 2008 Mumbai attack mastermind and globally designated terrorist Hafiz Saeed. The council has 'approved' the letter after no objections were raised to it within the set deadline. Pakistan, which has time and again proven to be a safe haven for global terrorists, has based its request by outlining the monthly expenses requirement of Jammat-ud Dawah (JuD) chief Saeed, who it claims, has to support a family of four. In a letter to the UN Security Council Sanctions Committee, Pakistan has requested an asset freeze exemption for Saeed to access frozen funds and withdraw 1,50,000 Pakistani rupees every month to cover the claimed necessary expenses for himself and his family. Pakistan in its request stated that it has received a request from Pakistani national Saeed, demanding a freeze exemption on his bank account. Being a proscribed terrorist, Saeed is subjected to comprehensive economic and trade sanctions such as arms embargoes, travel bans, and financial or commodity restrictions. In a notification, the UNSC Sanctions Committee said that Pakistani authorities had requested it to authorize certain expenditure to the benefit of Saeed. "The Chair wishes to inform the members that no objections were placed by the set deadline of 15 August 2019 for the consideration of the draft letter. Consequently, the letter is approved and the Chair will instruct the Secretariat to dispatch it," the notification stated. Hafiz Saeed, which has been designated as global terrorists by the United States, United Nations, and the European Union is responsible for many terrorist attacks in India including 26/11 attack in which 166 people were killed. He is also accused of plotting the ghastly 2001 Parliament attack in India. Both India and the US have repeatedly called for justice to be delivered to the victims of the 2008 Mumbai attacks. The UNSC on December 10, 2008, had listed Saeed as being associated with Lashkar-e-Tayyiba and Al Qaida for "participating in the financing, planning, facilitating, preparing or perpetrating of acts of activities by, in conjunction with, under the name of, on behalf or in support of" both entities. While the mastermind of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks was arrested in Pakistan on charges related to terror financing, the Islamabad's recent action of approaching the UN to seek help for Saeed tells a different story. It appears the recent action by Pakistan of booking Saeed was a mere play to save itself from any sanctions by Financial Action Task Force (FATF), an inter-governmental body. Pakistan is making weak and fake cases against the proscribed terror outfits knowing well that they do not have legal standing other than to just make a point with the FATF, which is blatantly misleading as evidenced by the nature of the FIRs being filed against the terror groups and their supporters. India had also labelled Hafiz's latest arrest as mere "drama" and "cosmetic". The world community then and now has accused Pakistan of providing "sanctuary" to terrorists and providing them with a safe haven to carry out terror activities.

Pakistan request to disperse monthly expenses for global terrorist Hafiz Saeed gets UNSC's nod

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday said that Pakistan, Turkey and Malaysia will jointly launch an English language channel 'dedicated to confronting the challenges posed by Islamophobia'.

In a tweet, Khan said that the decision was taken during his meeting with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan and Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad in New York.

"President Erdogan, PM Mahatir and I had a meeting today in which we decided our 3 countries would jointly start an English language channel dedicated to confronting the challenges posed by Islamophobia and setting the record straight on our great religion - Islam", Khan tweeted.

He also added that the channel would correct the misperceptions which bring people together against Muslims.

Further, Khan said, "Issue of blasphemy would be properly contextualized; series and films would be produced on Muslim history to educate/inform our own people and the world; Muslims would be given a dedicated media presence.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday said that Pakistan, Turkey and Malaysia will jointly launch an English language channel 'dedicated to confronting the challenges posed by Islamophobia'.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday said that Pakistan, Turkey and Malaysia will jointly launch an English language channel 'dedicated to confronting the challenges posed by Islamophobia'. In a tweet, Khan said that the decision was taken during his meeting with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan and Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad in New York. "President Erdogan, PM Mahatir and I had a meeting today in which we decided our 3 countries would jointly start an English language channel dedicated to confronting the challenges posed by Islamophobia and setting the record straight on our great religion - Islam", Khan tweeted. He also added that the channel would correct the misperceptions which bring people together against Muslims. Further, Khan said, "Issue of blasphemy would be properly contextualized; series and films would be produced on Muslim history to educate/inform our own people and the world; Muslims would be given a dedicated media presence.

Pakistan, Turkey, Malaysia to jointly launch English channel for confronting 'Islamophobia'

'Work it out fellas' says Trump on mediating in Kashmir to India-Pak. Watch video to know more.

'Work it out fellas' says Trump on mediating in Kashmir to India-Pak

United States President Donald Trump again <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mediation-only-if-both-india-pakistan-agree-trump-after-meeting-pm-imran-khan-251588">offered mediation over Kashmir</a>&nbsp;on Wednesday, despite India making clear its position&nbsp;that its a bilateral matter between the country and Pakistan.

Confirming that Kashmir was raised during his bilateral&nbsp;meetings with Pakistan and&nbsp;India, Trump said, "We talked about Kashmir and whatever help I can be, I said I offered."

"Whether its arbitration or mediation or whatever it has to be," Trump added.

"I will do whatever I can because they are at very serious odds right now and hopefully that will get better," Trump also said.

"You look at two gentlemen heading those two countries, two good friends of mine, I said fellas work it out, just work it out. Those are two nuclear countries, they've gotta work it out," Trump also said.

Meanwhile, the Ministry of External Affairs reacting to the comments said, "Our position is very clear which was articulated by the PM and as well the foreign minister S Jaishankar."

The ministry clarified that the talks on Jammu and Kashmir took place but on "counterterrorism" and said that "there will be no change in our position".&nbsp;

Earlier this week as well, Trump offered to mediate between India and Pakistan over Kashmir as he met Pak PM Imran Khan on the sidelines of United Nations General Assembly.

Trump had said he is "ready, willing, and able" to meditate on the Kashmir matter if India and Pakistan want him to do so.

"If I can help, I would certainly do that. It will be dependent on both of these gentlemen (Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Imran Khan)," Trump had said in response to a question on whether he will offer to mediate on the issue of Kashmir.

"One without the other does not work, if you want to do the mediation or if you want to do the arbitration. But I would certainly want to help if both India and Pakistan would want to do that. It's a complex issue, but if both want it, I would be willing to do that," he had added.

A similar statement was made by the US President in the presence of Khan at a joint press conference during the latter's visit to Washington in July.

Tensions between India and Pakistan soared following New Delhi's decisions to abrogate Article 370 which gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcated the region into two Union Territories (UTs).&nbsp;

Pakistan has downgraded its diplomatic ties and suspended bilateral trade with India in the aftermath of the move.

India has maintained that its constitutional decisions on Kashmir is its internal matter -- a stance that has been supported by many countries around the world. 
&nbsp;

United States President Donald Trump again offered mediation over Kashmir on Wednesday, despite India making clear its position that its a bilateral matter between the country and Pakistan.

United States President Donald Trump again offered mediation over Kashmir on Wednesday, despite India making clear its position that its a bilateral matter between the country and Pakistan. Confirming that Kashmir was raised during his bilateral meetings with Pakistan and India, Trump said, "We talked about Kashmir and whatever help I can be, I said I offered." "Whether its arbitration or mediation or whatever it has to be," Trump added. "I will do whatever I can because they are at very serious odds right now and hopefully that will get better," Trump also said. "You look at two gentlemen heading those two countries, two good friends of mine, I said fellas work it out, just work it out. Those are two nuclear countries, they've gotta work it out," Trump also said. Meanwhile, the Ministry of External Affairs reacting to the comments said, "Our position is very clear which was articulated by the PM and as well the foreign minister S Jaishankar." The ministry clarified that the talks on Jammu and Kashmir took place but on "counterterrorism" and said that "there will be no change in our position". Earlier this week as well, Trump offered to mediate between India and Pakistan over Kashmir as he met Pak PM Imran Khan on the sidelines of United Nations General Assembly. Trump had said he is "ready, willing, and able" to meditate on the Kashmir matter if India and Pakistan want him to do so. "If I can help, I would certainly do that. It will be dependent on both of these gentlemen (Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Imran Khan)," Trump had said in response to a question on whether he will offer to mediate on the issue of Kashmir. "One without the other does not work, if you want to do the mediation or if you want to do the arbitration. But I would certainly want to help if both India and Pakistan would want to do that. It's a complex issue, but if both want it, I would be willing to do that," he had added. A similar statement was made by the US President in the presence of Khan at a joint press conference during the latter's visit to Washington in July. Tensions between India and Pakistan soared following New Delhi's decisions to abrogate Article 370 which gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir and bifurcated the region into two Union Territories (UTs). Pakistan has downgraded its diplomatic ties and suspended bilateral trade with India in the aftermath of the move. India has maintained that its constitutional decisions on Kashmir is its internal matter -- a stance that has been supported by many countries around the world.

'I'll do whatever I can': Trump again offers to mediate over Kashmir between India, Pakistan

A shallow tremor sent terrified people running into the streets in northeastern Pakistan on Thursday, days after a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/death-toll-rises-to-37-in-pakistan-earthquake-as-families-bury-loved-ones-252005">powerful quake killed 38 people </a>in the same area and destroyed infrastructure and roads.&nbsp;

An AFP reporter in the city of Mirpur in Pakistani-controlled Kashmir described the ground shaking, while Pakistan's top meteorologist, Muhammad Riaz, said the epicentre of the 4.4-magnitude tremor was 12 kilometres (seven miles) deep.

"It's hell. I am running to save my life," Mohammad Bilal, told AFP moments after the tremor.

"I thought most of the building would have tumbled down," said Sagheer Ahmad. "Allah is very kind to us."

The US Geological Survey put the quake at 4.7 magnitude and 10 kilometres deep, adding that it had struck just four kilometres outside of Mirpur.&nbsp;

City residents huddled in the streets, some still barefoot, others reciting verses from the Koran. Some patients were also evacuated from a nearby hospital.

The tremor came as rescuers continued to pick through toppled buildings to reach victims from Tuesday's earthquake.&nbsp;

Pakistan straddles the boundary where the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates meet, making the country susceptible to earthquakes.

In October 2015, a 7.5-magnitude quake in Pakistan and Afghanistan killed almost 400 people, flattening buildings in rugged terrain that impeded relief efforts.

The country was also hit by a 7.6-magnitude quake on October 8, 2005, that killed more than 73,000 people and left about 3.5 million homeless, mainly in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

A shallow tremor sent terrified people running into the streets in northeastern Pakistan on Thursday, days after a powerful quake killed 38 people in the same area and destroyed infrastructure and roads.

A shallow tremor sent terrified people running into the streets in northeastern Pakistan on Thursday, days after a powerful quake killed 38 people in the same area and destroyed infrastructure and roads. An AFP reporter in the city of Mirpur in Pakistani-controlled Kashmir described the ground shaking, while Pakistan's top meteorologist, Muhammad Riaz, said the epicentre of the 4.4-magnitude tremor was 12 kilometres (seven miles) deep. "It's hell. I am running to save my life," Mohammad Bilal, told AFP moments after the tremor. "I thought most of the building would have tumbled down," said Sagheer Ahmad. "Allah is very kind to us." The US Geological Survey put the quake at 4.7 magnitude and 10 kilometres deep, adding that it had struck just four kilometres outside of Mirpur. City residents huddled in the streets, some still barefoot, others reciting verses from the Koran. Some patients were also evacuated from a nearby hospital. The tremor came as rescuers continued to pick through toppled buildings to reach victims from Tuesday's earthquake. Pakistan straddles the boundary where the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates meet, making the country susceptible to earthquakes. In October 2015, a 7.5-magnitude quake in Pakistan and Afghanistan killed almost 400 people, flattening buildings in rugged terrain that impeded relief efforts. The country was also hit by a 7.6-magnitude quake on October 8, 2005, that killed more than 73,000 people and left about 3.5 million homeless, mainly in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

Shallow tremor rocks quake-hit area in Pakistan days after 38 killed

India is set to participate at the SAARC foreign ministers meeting that is to be held on Thursday on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly (UNGA) session amid heightened tensions with Pakistan after scrapping of special status to Jammu and Kashmir under Article 370.

India's Jaishankar, Pakistan's Qureshi likely to come face-to-face

Families bury loved ones as Pakistan quake toll climbs; rescue operations underway

Bangladesh Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sheikh-hasina-expects-positive-response-from-india-over-unresolved-issues-including-teesta-249183">Sheikh Hasina</a>&nbsp;on Tuesday said that Mahatma Gandhi's love for common people and ideals of non-violence contributed to shaping Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's vision of struggle and peaceful movement against oppression by the then Pakistani rulers against peace-loving Bengalis during the country's freedom struggle in 1971.

"Gandhi Ji's love for common people and ideals of non-violence contributed to shaping Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib's vision of struggle, non-cooperation and peaceful movement against oppression and tyranny by the then Pakistani rulers against the peace-loving Bengalis," she said at the 'Relevance of Mahatma Gandhi in the Contemporary World'&nbsp;programme at UN headquarters here.

"He (Sheikh Mujib), however, declared the independence of Bangladesh on March 26, 1971, and called for armed struggle against the Pakistani military dictators when they unleashed an unprecedented genocide against the unarmed civilians in Bangladesh," she remarked.

Hasina described Mahatma Gandhi as a true patriot, statesman and a saint and dedicated his life for humankind.

"He was a beacon of hope and light in darkness and saviour in despair. His brilliant and mesmerising leadership showed the world that an individual could bring social and political change in a non-violent way," she said.

Hasina said that Mahatma Gandhi believed in people's power and his ideals of diversity are celebrated all over the world wherever democracy is practised.

"Gandhi Ji believed in people's power, which rests on individuals and who are their own masters. His principles of tolerance, non-violence and harmonious co-existence continue to guide us as we seek to build nations. His ideals of diversity are cherished and celebrated all over the globe wherever democracy is practised," she underlined.

India hosted the event at the UN to celebrate the 150th birth anniversary of the Mahatma, which underlined the continuing relevance of Gandhian thoughts and values in today's world.

World leaders including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and South Korean President Moon-Jae-in were also present at the occasion in New York.

They inaugurated a 50 kilowatt 'Gandhi Solar Park'&nbsp;and unveiled a special commemorative stamp to mark the occasion.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday said that Mahatma Gandhi's love for common people and ideals of non-violence contributed to shaping Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's vision of struggle and peaceful movement against oppression by the then Pakistani rulers against peace-loving Bengalis during the country's freedom struggle in 1971.

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on Tuesday said that Mahatma Gandhi's love for common people and ideals of non-violence contributed to shaping Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman's vision of struggle and peaceful movement against oppression by the then Pakistani rulers against peace-loving Bengalis during the country's freedom struggle in 1971. "Gandhi Ji's love for common people and ideals of non-violence contributed to shaping Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujib's vision of struggle, non-cooperation and peaceful movement against oppression and tyranny by the then Pakistani rulers against the peace-loving Bengalis," she said at the 'Relevance of Mahatma Gandhi in the Contemporary World' programme at UN headquarters here. "He (Sheikh Mujib), however, declared the independence of Bangladesh on March 26, 1971, and called for armed struggle against the Pakistani military dictators when they unleashed an unprecedented genocide against the unarmed civilians in Bangladesh," she remarked. Hasina described Mahatma Gandhi as a true patriot, statesman and a saint and dedicated his life for humankind. "He was a beacon of hope and light in darkness and saviour in despair. His brilliant and mesmerising leadership showed the world that an individual could bring social and political change in a non-violent way," she said. Hasina said that Mahatma Gandhi believed in people's power and his ideals of diversity are celebrated all over the world wherever democracy is practised. "Gandhi Ji believed in people's power, which rests on individuals and who are their own masters. His principles of tolerance, non-violence and harmonious co-existence continue to guide us as we seek to build nations. His ideals of diversity are cherished and celebrated all over the globe wherever democracy is practised," she underlined. India hosted the event at the UN to celebrate the 150th birth anniversary of the Mahatma, which underlined the continuing relevance of Gandhian thoughts and values in today's world. World leaders including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina, Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong and South Korean President Moon-Jae-in were also present at the occasion in New York. They inaugurated a 50 kilowatt 'Gandhi Solar Park' and unveiled a special commemorative stamp to mark the occasion.

Gandhi's non-violence contributed to shaping Bangabandhu's vision of struggle against Pakistan: Hasina

A special court has decided to hear a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-court-orders-musharraf-to-appear-before-on-may-2-in-treason-case-206351">high treason case</a> against the former Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf on a daily basis in an effort to conclude the trial pending since December 2013. 
 
The special court comprising Justices Nazar Akbar and Shahid Karim resumed proceedings in the treason trial on Tuesday, Dawn news reported. 
 
Advocate Raza Bashir, the defence counsel appointed by the Law Ministry on the directive of the special court, filed an application seeking his meeting with Musharraf to&nbsp;getting instructions from him to argue the case. 
 
The court however, expressed displeasure over the filing of the application and said that the absconding accused had already been summoned for recording his statement. 
 
The court has adjourned the hearing until October 8. 
 
On June 12, the court had rejected Musharraf`s plea for adjournment of hearing on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pervez-musharraf-shifted-to-icu-in-dubai-hospital-remains-critical-pakistan-media-222640">medical grounds</a> and decided to conclude the trial even in his absence. 
 
The then ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz government had registered the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-top-probe-agency-again-fails-to-explain-transactions-in-pervez-musharrafs-frozen-accounts-228077">treason case</a> against Musharraf in 2013 over the former President`s imposition of extra-constitutional emergency in November 2007, which led to house confinement of several superior court judges and sacking of over 100 judges. 
 
Musharraf left for Dubai in 2016 to "seek medical treatment" and has not returned since. 
 
Earlier in March, he was admitted to a hospital in Dubai after suffering a reaction to a rare disease for which he is under treatment.

A special court has decided to hear a high treason case against the former Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf on a daily basis in an effort to conclude the trial pending since December 2013.

A special court has decided to hear a high treason case against the former Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf on a daily basis in an effort to conclude the trial pending since December 2013. The special court comprising Justices Nazar Akbar and Shahid Karim resumed proceedings in the treason trial on Tuesday, Dawn news reported. Advocate Raza Bashir, the defence counsel appointed by the Law Ministry on the directive of the special court, filed an application seeking his meeting with Musharraf to getting instructions from him to argue the case. The court however, expressed displeasure over the filing of the application and said that the absconding accused had already been summoned for recording his statement. The court has adjourned the hearing until October 8. On June 12, the court had rejected Musharraf`s plea for adjournment of hearing on medical grounds and decided to conclude the trial even in his absence. The then ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz government had registered the treason case against Musharraf in 2013 over the former President`s imposition of extra-constitutional emergency in November 2007, which led to house confinement of several superior court judges and sacking of over 100 judges. Musharraf left for Dubai in 2016 to "seek medical treatment" and has not returned since. Earlier in March, he was admitted to a hospital in Dubai after suffering a reaction to a rare disease for which he is under treatment.

Treason case against Ex-Pakistan president Musharraf to be heard daily

Rescue workers battled on Wednesday to reach people affected by a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/quake-kills-22-flattens-buildings-in-pakistani-kashmir-251815">shallow earthquake</a> that rocked northeast Pakistan yesterday, killing at least 22 people and injuring hundreds more as it tore roads apart and destroyed buildings.

Schools were shut near the quake-hit city of Mirpur in Pakistan occupied&nbsp;Kashmir where poor areas were reduced to rubble and the towering brick fences surrounding expensive homes had crumbled.&nbsp;

Residents combed through the wreckage and assessed the damage inflicted on their homes, with large cracks defacing the walls in the houses that still stood.&nbsp;

"I lost my house. I lost everything," said Abdullah Khan, whose three-bedroom home in Jatlan village on the outskirts of Mirpur was flattened by the quake.&nbsp;

The Pakistan military continued to lead search and rescue operations as day broke with fears growing that the death toll may jump again.&nbsp;

"Damage assessment based on aerial and initial physical survey done -&nbsp;22 people lost life including an army soldier," the military's information wing said late Tuesday.&nbsp;

Rain continued to inundate the area after overnight showers turned already&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/one-dead-several-injured-in-58-magnitude-quake-near-jhelum-pakistan-government-official-251783">damaged roads</a> into muddy thoroughfares where livestock roamed freely.

Roads Destroyed

Mirpur, a city known for its palatial houses, has strong ties to Britain with the majority of its 450,000 residents carrying both British and Pakistani passports.

Rescue operations continued through the night in the area as local hospitals swelled with many patients suffering from multiple fractures.

"I was going to see a friend when the entire area shook with a bang and a huge wall crumbled over me. When I regained my senses I found myself here in this bed," Ali Badshah, a fifth-grade student, told AFP from a hospital in Mirpur where he was being treated for a broken leg.&nbsp;

Near Mirpur, roads were completely destroyed and vehicles overturned by the tremors while bridges, mobile phone towers, and electricity poles were also badly damaged in the melee.&nbsp;

The quake sent people in Lahore and Islamabad running into the streets, while tremors were also felt as far as New Delhi.&nbsp;

The Press Trust of India reported that panicking people rushed out of their homes and offices in several places, including in Rajasthan, Punjab, and Haryana.

Pakistan straddles a part of the boundary where the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates meet, making the country susceptible to earthquakes.

The country was also hit by a 7.6-magnitude quake on October 8, 2005, that killed more than 73,000 people and left about 3.5 million homeless, mainly in Pakistan occupied Kashmir.

Rescue workers battled on Wednesday to reach people affected by a shallow earthquake that rocked northeast Pakistan yesterday, killing at least 22 people and injuring hundreds more as it tore roads apart and destroyed buildings.

Rescue workers battled on Wednesday to reach people affected by a shallow earthquake that rocked northeast Pakistan yesterday, killing at least 22 people and injuring hundreds more as it tore roads apart and destroyed buildings. Schools were shut near the quake-hit city of Mirpur in Pakistan occupied Kashmir where poor areas were reduced to rubble and the towering brick fences surrounding expensive homes had crumbled. Residents combed through the wreckage and assessed the damage inflicted on their homes, with large cracks defacing the walls in the houses that still stood. "I lost my house. I lost everything," said Abdullah Khan, whose three-bedroom home in Jatlan village on the outskirts of Mirpur was flattened by the quake. The Pakistan military continued to lead search and rescue operations as day broke with fears growing that the death toll may jump again. "Damage assessment based on aerial and initial physical survey done - 22 people lost life including an army soldier," the military's information wing said late Tuesday. Rain continued to inundate the area after overnight showers turned already damaged roads into muddy thoroughfares where livestock roamed freely. Roads Destroyed Mirpur, a city known for its palatial houses, has strong ties to Britain with the majority of its 450,000 residents carrying both British and Pakistani passports. Rescue operations continued through the night in the area as local hospitals swelled with many patients suffering from multiple fractures. "I was going to see a friend when the entire area shook with a bang and a huge wall crumbled over me. When I regained my senses I found myself here in this bed," Ali Badshah, a fifth-grade student, told AFP from a hospital in Mirpur where he was being treated for a broken leg. Near Mirpur, roads were completely destroyed and vehicles overturned by the tremors while bridges, mobile phone towers, and electricity poles were also badly damaged in the melee. The quake sent people in Lahore and Islamabad running into the streets, while tremors were also felt as far as New Delhi. The Press Trust of India reported that panicking people rushed out of their homes and offices in several places, including in Rajasthan, Punjab, and Haryana. Pakistan straddles a part of the boundary where the Indian and Eurasian tectonic plates meet, making the country susceptible to earthquakes. The country was also hit by a 7.6-magnitude quake on October 8, 2005, that killed more than 73,000 people and left about 3.5 million homeless, mainly in Pakistan occupied Kashmir.

Death toll in Pakistan earthquake climbs to 22 as rescuers assess damage

U.S. President Donald Trump Offers To Mediate The Kashmir Issue, Once Again.

Gravitas U.S. Edition: Is Trump Playing Both India & Pakistan?

Pak PM Imran Khan raises nuclear threat again. Watch video to know more.

Pak PM Imran Khan raises nuclear threat again

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and US President Donald Trump have addressed media before their bilateral meeting in New York.

Donald Trump: PM Modi's message to Pak loud and clear

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Pakistan court reserves verdict in Qandeel Baloch case, verdict tomorrow

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Pakistan request to disperse monthly expenses for global terrorist Hafiz Saeed gets UNSC's nod

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'Work it out fellas' says Trump on mediating in Kashmir to India-Pak

'I'll do whatever I can': Trump again offers to mediate over Kashmir between India, Pakistan

Shallow tremor rocks quake-hit area in Pakistan days after 38 killed