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 - August 20th, 2019

Watch WION Speed News, August 19th, 2019

Even as Pakistan continues to face massive international pressure over tackling terrorism, the country's Army continues to push infiltrators across the Line of Control (LoC) to carry out their nefarious activities in India.

But with <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/india-planning-bigger-attack-than-balakot-imran-khan-in-pok-assembly-243024">Prime Minister Imran Khan</a> repeatedly stating that his government has been taking steps to crack down on the menace, a rift could widen between the cricketer-turned-politician and the armed forces over providing support to jihadi groups operating unabated on its soil.

It is a well-known fact that terror groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) enjoy the patronage of the Pakistan Army. Terrorists like Hafiz Saeed are regularly seen ranting anti-India rhetoric and collecting the so-called "donations" in their "charitable organisations" to fuel unrest in the neighbouring country.

It may be recalled that in October 2017, Pakistan Army spokesman Major General Asif Ghafoor said that the country was working on a "mainstreaming" programme to induct members of armed groups into the political process.

According to a commentary written by EFSAS, a European-based think-tank, the integration of terrorists and terror-linked groups into Pakistan's mainstream politics is an aim, according to Ghafoor, "to develop a constructive role for them".

A classic example of Pakistan harbouring terrorists is the US raid at Al-Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden's compound in the garrison town of Abbottabad in 2011. The raid ultimately killed the notorious 9/11 attacks mastermind, ending a nearly 10-year search. The dramatic development left Islamabad red-faced as they had repeatedly denied Osama's presence in the country.

Similarly, following the designation as a global terrorist by the UN in May, JeM chief Masood Azhar has been shifted to a safe house in Islamabad from his residence in Bahawalpur by Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), sources said in May. Pakistan has been hiding Azhar and his relatives from the public glare ever since the terror group carried out the gruesome Pulwama attack in February, which killed 40 CRPF personnel, fearing a direct Indian strike on him.

"Pakistan has not dealt effectively (militarily, politically, or legally) with domestic extremists and is also afflicted by spillover from events in Afghanistan. Attempts to manipulate violent groups to use them against India have contributed to the loss of control and credibility," The Express Tribune quoted Martha Crenshaw, a terrorism expert professor as saying.

Watch:&nbsp;Has Imran Khan delivered 'Naya Pakistan'?

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/has-imran-khan-delivered-naya-pakistan-243964/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Imran Khan, who assumed office last year, in an election widely termed as rigged by the Pakistan Army, had recently visited the US where he made a startling revelation that his country has around 30,000-40,000 terrorists.

Imran Khan's revelation in the US that there are terrorists in Pakistan has irked Army generals who train terror groups.

He even went on to say that there was no room for any "jihadi outfits or culture" in Pakistan. He claimed that his government made "sincere efforts" in eradicating the culture of "jihadism" and terrorism from the country through what he said short-term and long-term policies.

In an indirect admission that the Balakot was a major operation that rattled Pakistan, Imran Khan said in his Independence Day address that India was planning an even bigger operation in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) in the aftermath of the abrogation of Article 370 by New Delhi.

"We have information and we have had two National Security Committee (NSC) meetings. The Pakistan Army has full knowledge that India has made a plan to take action in PoK. Just like how after Pulwama, they took the action in Balakot, according to the information we have, they have made more sinister plans now," Khan said while addressing the Legislative Assembly in Muzaffarabad, PoK on the occasion of 73rd Independence Day of Pakistan.

Imran Khan's latest admission hasn't gone down well with the Army which kept denying that the incident indeed took place. The Army had even invited a group of foreign journalists to the site and tried to claim that no air raid had taken place and no casualties were reported.

Action against terrorism, because of international watch and diplomatic pressure, means Imran Khan earning wrath of the Army, which shields and trains terrorists. Pakistan has a history of the Army taking power by usurping governments. Though Imran Khan is a pawn in their hands, they would not hesitate to gain control.

Reportedly, Azhar was granted "VVIP shield" in the wake of the Pulwama attack in February even as Pakistan took control of the "Islamic seminaries" of the terror group in Bahawalpur.

Both Azhar and Saeed are wanted by New Delhi for their roles in terror attacks in India. Saeed, who carries a USD 10 million bounty on his head, is the mastermind of the gruesome 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, while Azhar's JeM attacked the Indian Parliament in 2001 and most recently carried out the Pulwama attack.

Recently, India abrogated Article 370 that granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir. Rattled by the neighbouring country's historic move, Islamabad has ramped up its rhetoric against New Delhi and is endlessly trying to internationalise the strictly internal Indian matter.

The move was "condemned" by both the Imran Khan government and the Pakistan Army who said they would continue to "stand in solidarity" with the Kashmiris and would respond to what it called any "Indian misadventure".

Unsurprisingly, Azhar, in a purported message, claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi "accepted his defeat" over the Kashmir issue by stripping its special status and said that industrialists will buy land there which will result in Kashmiri Muslims "losing their existence".

Meanwhile, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has given a stern message to Pakistan to "swiftly" complete its action plan to curb terror financing by October or face consequences by getting itself blacklisted, which could pose problems to the country's already stagnant economy.

Even as Pakistan continues to face massive international pressure over tackling terrorism, the country's Army continues to push infiltrators across the Line of Control (LoC) to carry out their nefarious activities in India.

Even as Pakistan continues to face massive international pressure over tackling terrorism, the country's Army continues to push infiltrators across the Line of Control (LoC) to carry out their nefarious activities in India. But with Prime Minister Imran Khan repeatedly stating that his government has been taking steps to crack down on the menace, a rift could widen between the cricketer-turned-politician and the armed forces over providing support to jihadi groups operating unabated on its soil. It is a well-known fact that terror groups like Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) enjoy the patronage of the Pakistan Army. Terrorists like Hafiz Saeed are regularly seen ranting anti-India rhetoric and collecting the so-called "donations" in their "charitable organisations" to fuel unrest in the neighbouring country. It may be recalled that in October 2017, Pakistan Army spokesman Major General Asif Ghafoor said that the country was working on a "mainstreaming" programme to induct members of armed groups into the political process. According to a commentary written by EFSAS, a European-based think-tank, the integration of terrorists and terror-linked groups into Pakistan's mainstream politics is an aim, according to Ghafoor, "to develop a constructive role for them". A classic example of Pakistan harbouring terrorists is the US raid at Al-Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden's compound in the garrison town of Abbottabad in 2011. The raid ultimately killed the notorious 9/11 attacks mastermind, ending a nearly 10-year search. The dramatic development left Islamabad red-faced as they had repeatedly denied Osama's presence in the country. Similarly, following the designation as a global terrorist by the UN in May, JeM chief Masood Azhar has been shifted to a safe house in Islamabad from his residence in Bahawalpur by Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), sources said in May. Pakistan has been hiding Azhar and his relatives from the public glare ever since the terror group carried out the gruesome Pulwama attack in February, which killed 40 CRPF personnel, fearing a direct Indian strike on him. "Pakistan has not dealt effectively (militarily, politically, or legally) with domestic extremists and is also afflicted by spillover from events in Afghanistan. Attempts to manipulate violent groups to use them against India have contributed to the loss of control and credibility," The Express Tribune quoted Martha Crenshaw, a terrorism expert professor as saying. Watch: Has Imran Khan delivered 'Naya Pakistan'? Imran Khan, who assumed office last year, in an election widely termed as rigged by the Pakistan Army, had recently visited the US where he made a startling revelation that his country has around 30,000-40,000 terrorists. Imran Khan's revelation in the US that there are terrorists in Pakistan has irked Army generals who train terror groups. He even went on to say that there was no room for any "jihadi outfits or culture" in Pakistan. He claimed that his government made "sincere efforts" in eradicating the culture of "jihadism" and terrorism from the country through what he said short-term and long-term policies. In an indirect admission that the Balakot was a major operation that rattled Pakistan, Imran Khan said in his Independence Day address that India was planning an even bigger operation in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) in the aftermath of the abrogation of Article 370 by New Delhi. "We have information and we have had two National Security Committee (NSC) meetings. The Pakistan Army has full knowledge that India has made a plan to take action in PoK. Just like how after Pulwama, they took the action in Balakot, according to the information we have, they have made more sinister plans now," Khan said while addressing the Legislative Assembly in Muzaffarabad, PoK on the occasion of 73rd Independence Day of Pakistan. Imran Khan's latest admission hasn't gone down well with the Army which kept denying that the incident indeed took place. The Army had even invited a group of foreign journalists to the site and tried to claim that no air raid had taken place and no casualties were reported. Action against terrorism, because of international watch and diplomatic pressure, means Imran Khan earning wrath of the Army, which shields and trains terrorists. Pakistan has a history of the Army taking power by usurping governments. Though Imran Khan is a pawn in their hands, they would not hesitate to gain control. Reportedly, Azhar was granted "VVIP shield" in the wake of the Pulwama attack in February even as Pakistan took control of the "Islamic seminaries" of the terror group in Bahawalpur. Both Azhar and Saeed are wanted by New Delhi for their roles in terror attacks in India. Saeed, who carries a USD 10 million bounty on his head, is the mastermind of the gruesome 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, while Azhar's JeM attacked the Indian Parliament in 2001 and most recently carried out the Pulwama attack. Recently, India abrogated Article 370 that granted special status to Jammu and Kashmir. Rattled by the neighbouring country's historic move, Islamabad has ramped up its rhetoric against New Delhi and is endlessly trying to internationalise the strictly internal Indian matter. The move was "condemned" by both the Imran Khan government and the Pakistan Army who said they would continue to "stand in solidarity" with the Kashmiris and would respond to what it called any "Indian misadventure". Unsurprisingly, Azhar, in a purported message, claimed that Prime Minister Narendra Modi "accepted his defeat" over the Kashmir issue by stripping its special status and said that industrialists will buy land there which will result in Kashmiri Muslims "losing their existence". Meanwhile, the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) has given a stern message to Pakistan to "swiftly" complete its action plan to curb terror financing by October or face consequences by getting itself blacklisted, which could pose problems to the country's already stagnant economy.

Imran Khan's tackling of terrorism may irk Pakistan Army

Afghanistan has slammed Pakistan for linking developments in Kashmir with the Afghan peace process, calling such statements "reckless, unwarranted and irresponsible" and asked the country to act on terror groups it has been hosting.

Pakistan's Ambassador to US Asad Maheed Khan in an interview said the current India Pakistan escalation "comes at a wrong time" as it could impact the Afghan peace process.

Calling the statement a poor excuse by Pakistan to justify "It's inaction against the Taliban and to avoid taking a decisive stance against the militant group" Afghan Embassy in US in a statement said, "We believe Pakistan's motive and insistence to purposely tie Afghanistan to the Kashmir issue is a deliberate attempt to prolong violence happening on Afghan soil."

Asking Islamabad to take sincere and forceful law and order measure through police action inside Pakistan, Afghan embassy said, "Afghan stability is frequently threatened by Pakistan based, sanctioned and supported militant and terrorist group which operate openly from Pakistan's governed space and regularly spills over into Afghanistan that undermines Afghan security."

It is not the first time the Pakistan government has linked India and Pakistan tensions with the stability of Afghan Peace Process. Earlier, Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said New Delhi's action at Line of Control (LoC) can be a distraction.

Former envoys see statements by Pakistani foreign minister and Pakistan envoy to US as Islamabad's attempt to blackmail Washington who wants to leave Afghanistan as soon as possible.

Kanwal Sibal, former foreign secretary said, "Imran Khan is playing the old game of linking India’s legitimate actions in J&amp;K to curb Pak-supported terrorism to its complying with US demands to bring the Taliban to the negotiating table to promote the so-called&nbsp;peace process in Afghanistan which is a sham."

In February, Afghan foreign ministry had summoned the Pakistani envoy to Kabul Zahid Nasrullah who had said any action by Indian army post-Pulwama, which was perpetrated by Pakistan based terror group--Jaish-e-Mohammed, could impact the peace process.

Afghanistan has slammed Pakistan for linking developments in Kashmir with the Afghan peace process, calling such statements "reckless, unwarranted and irresponsible" and asked the country to act on terror groups it has been hosting.

Afghanistan has slammed Pakistan for linking developments in Kashmir with the Afghan peace process, calling such statements "reckless, unwarranted and irresponsible" and asked the country to act on terror groups it has been hosting. Pakistan's Ambassador to US Asad Maheed Khan in an interview said the current India Pakistan escalation "comes at a wrong time" as it could impact the Afghan peace process. Calling the statement a poor excuse by Pakistan to justify "It's inaction against the Taliban and to avoid taking a decisive stance against the militant group" Afghan Embassy in US in a statement said, "We believe Pakistan's motive and insistence to purposely tie Afghanistan to the Kashmir issue is a deliberate attempt to prolong violence happening on Afghan soil." Asking Islamabad to take sincere and forceful law and order measure through police action inside Pakistan, Afghan embassy said, "Afghan stability is frequently threatened by Pakistan based, sanctioned and supported militant and terrorist group which operate openly from Pakistan's governed space and regularly spills over into Afghanistan that undermines Afghan security." It is not the first time the Pakistan government has linked India and Pakistan tensions with the stability of Afghan Peace Process. Earlier, Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said New Delhi's action at Line of Control (LoC) can be a distraction. Former envoys see statements by Pakistani foreign minister and Pakistan envoy to US as Islamabad's attempt to blackmail Washington who wants to leave Afghanistan as soon as possible. Kanwal Sibal, former foreign secretary said, "Imran Khan is playing the old game of linking India’s legitimate actions in J&K to curb Pak-supported terrorism to its complying with US demands to bring the Taliban to the negotiating table to promote the so-called peace process in Afghanistan which is a sham." In February, Afghan foreign ministry had summoned the Pakistani envoy to Kabul Zahid Nasrullah who had said any action by Indian army post-Pulwama, which was perpetrated by Pakistan based terror group--Jaish-e-Mohammed, could impact the peace process.

Afghanistan slams Pakistan's 'reckless' claim that Kashmir issue may impact peace process

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - August 19th, 2019

Leading an official ceremony held on the Defence Ministry compound in Kabul to mark the country's 100th Independence Day, Ghani called the attackers cowardly and weak. Watch this video to know more.

WION Dispatch: Afghan president Ashraf Ghani condemns Kabul terror attack

Pakistan Army chief Gen Bajwa term extended for another three years. Watch this video to know more.

Pak Army chief Gen Bajwa term extended for another 3 years

Islamic State terror group has claimed the responsibility of the deadly blast in Afghanistan's Kabul which claims lives of 63 & 182 got injured. An I.S. fighter blew himself up in a wedding hall. The suicide bomber was a Pakistani National. Watch this video to know more.

Kabul tragedy: IS terror group claims responsibility, suicide bomber was Pakistani

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - August 18th, 2019

Indian Defence Minister Rajnath Singh gives a stiff message for Pakistan during addressing an assembly. He said that talks between India & Pakistan will only be on PoK now.

Defence Minister Rajnath's stiff message for Pakistan, ''will talk now only on PoK''

Pakistan PM Imran Khan discusses kashmir issue with Donald Trump. Watch video to know more.

Pakistan PM Imran Khan discusses kashmir issue with Donald Trump

The United States President Donald <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/trumps-kashmir-mediation-offer-not-on-table-anymore-indian-envoy-242696">Trump's offer to mediate</a> between India and Pakistan is off the table as Trump has told Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan that New Delhi and Islamabad have to resolve issues bilaterally.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-prime-minister-imran-khan-calls-us-president-donald-trump-to-discuss-kashmir-243492">Imran Khan had called Trump</a> on Friday ahead of the United Nations Security Council consultation meetings on how to react to Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi's letter.

Qureshi had earlier written a letter to UNSC president Joanna Wronecka, urging the council to urgently convene a session on India's decision to reorganise Jammu and Kashmir and revoking of Article 370.

A statement from White House Deputy press secretary Hogan Gidley said, "The President conveyed the importance of India and Pakistan reducing tensions through bilateral dialogue regarding the situation in Jammu and Kashmir."&nbsp;

The development comes after the&nbsp;Indian Envoy to the United States, Harsh Shringla in an interview to a private US channel said, "President Trump has made it very clear that his offer to mediate on Jammu and Kashmir is dependent on both India and Pakistan accepting it."

Harsh Shringla further added, "Since India has not accepted the offer of mediation, he has made it clear that this is not on the table anymore."

Last month, Trump, while sitting next to Imran Khan in White House said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had called for mediation on Kashmir during Trump-Modi bilateral on the sidelines of Osaka G20 summit and he is willing to mediate. He again reiterated the offer in early August.

This was dismissed by the Indian side with Minister of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar saying all bilateral issues between India and Pakistan are governed by Shimla and Lahore agreements under which no third party mediation will be allowed.&nbsp;

The United States President Donald Trump's offer to mediate between India and Pakistan is off the table as Trump has told Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan that New Delhi and Islamabad have to resolve issues bilaterally.

The United States President Donald Trump's offer to mediate between India and Pakistan is off the table as Trump has told Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan that New Delhi and Islamabad have to resolve issues bilaterally. Imran Khan had called Trump on Friday ahead of the United Nations Security Council consultation meetings on how to react to Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi's letter. Qureshi had earlier written a letter to UNSC president Joanna Wronecka, urging the council to urgently convene a session on India's decision to reorganise Jammu and Kashmir and revoking of Article 370. A statement from White House Deputy press secretary Hogan Gidley said, "The President conveyed the importance of India and Pakistan reducing tensions through bilateral dialogue regarding the situation in Jammu and Kashmir." The development comes after the Indian Envoy to the United States, Harsh Shringla in an interview to a private US channel said, "President Trump has made it very clear that his offer to mediate on Jammu and Kashmir is dependent on both India and Pakistan accepting it." Harsh Shringla further added, "Since India has not accepted the offer of mediation, he has made it clear that this is not on the table anymore." Last month, Trump, while sitting next to Imran Khan in White House said Prime Minister Narendra Modi had called for mediation on Kashmir during Trump-Modi bilateral on the sidelines of Osaka G20 summit and he is willing to mediate. He again reiterated the offer in early August. This was dismissed by the Indian side with Minister of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar saying all bilateral issues between India and Pakistan are governed by Shimla and Lahore agreements under which no third party mediation will be allowed.

Mediation off table as US President Donald Trump says Indian and Pakistan should resolve issues bilaterally

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/trump-gets-update-from-aides-on-afghan-peace-plan-with-troop-pullout-possible-243530">Trump gets update from aides on Afghan peace plan with troop pullout possible</a>

US President Donald Trump was briefed on Friday by top national security advisers on the status of negotiations with the Taliban on a US troop pullout from Afghanistan and the potential for a political settlement between the warring sides.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/2g-mobile-internet-restored-in-some-parts-of-jammu-and-kashmir-243538">2G mobile internet restored in some parts of Jammu and Kashmir</a>

A day after Jammu and Kashmir Chief Secretary BVR Subrahmanyam announced measures to ease restrictions in valley, 2G mobile internet services have been restored in Jammu, Reasi, Samba, Kathua and Udhampur, reported news agency ANI.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-cuts-440-million-financial-aid-to-pakistan-243537">US cuts $440 million financial aid to Pakistan amid Kashmir tensions</a>

In another jolt to Pakistan, the United States slashed the aid to the cash-strapped nation by nearly $440 million, bringing down its commitment to just $ 4.1 billion.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mediation-off-table-as-trump-calls-for-bilateral-between-india-and-pakistan-243529">Mediation off table as US President Donald Trump says Indian and Pakistan should resolve issues bilaterally</a>

The United States President Donald Trump's offer to mediate between India and Pakistan is off the table as Trump has told Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan that New Delhi and Islamabad have to resolve issues bilaterally.&nbsp;

<a href="wionews.com/world/having-dinner-on-friday-with-tim-cook-of-apple-trump-243533">Having dinner on Friday with Tim Cook of Apple: Trump</a>

US President Donald Trump said he was having dinner on Friday with Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook of Apple, a company the president has criticized for not manufacturing more of its products in the United States.

Trump gets update from aides on Afghan peace plan with troop pullout possible US President Donald Trump was briefed on Friday by top national security advisers on the status of negotiations with the Taliban on a US troop pullout from Afghanistan and the potential for a political settlement between the warring sides.

Trump gets update from aides on Afghan peace plan with troop pullout possible US President Donald Trump was briefed on Friday by top national security advisers on the status of negotiations with the Taliban on a US troop pullout from Afghanistan and the potential for a political settlement between the warring sides. 2G mobile internet restored in some parts of Jammu and Kashmir A day after Jammu and Kashmir Chief Secretary BVR Subrahmanyam announced measures to ease restrictions in valley, 2G mobile internet services have been restored in Jammu, Reasi, Samba, Kathua and Udhampur, reported news agency ANI. US cuts $440 million financial aid to Pakistan amid Kashmir tensions In another jolt to Pakistan, the United States slashed the aid to the cash-strapped nation by nearly $440 million, bringing down its commitment to just $ 4.1 billion. Mediation off table as US President Donald Trump says Indian and Pakistan should resolve issues bilaterally The United States President Donald Trump's offer to mediate between India and Pakistan is off the table as Trump has told Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan that New Delhi and Islamabad have to resolve issues bilaterally. Having dinner on Friday with Tim Cook of Apple: Trump US President Donald Trump said he was having dinner on Friday with Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook of Apple, a company the president has criticized for not manufacturing more of its products in the United States.

News brief: Big stories of the day

In another jolt to Pakistan, the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-calls-for-a-high-level-meeting-to-deliberate-future-course-of-action-on-kashmir-243534">United States slashed the aid to the cash-strapped nation</a> by nearly $440 million, bringing down its commitment to just $ 4.1 billion.

The aid was disbursed under Pakistan Enhanced Partnership Agreement (PEPA) 2010, reported Express Tribune.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/president-trump-offers-to-mediate-on-kashmir-issue-during-meeting-with-pakistan-pm-imran-khan-report-237780">US apprised Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan</a> about its decision to cut aid three weeks before his planned visit to Washington.

Notably, the PEPA was signed in September 2010 to make operational the Kerry Lugar Berman (KLB) Act that was passed by the US Congress in October 2009 to disburse $7.5 billion to Pakistan over a period of 5 years.

Earlier the aid under the KLB stood at nearly $4.5 billion. Following the cut, the aid will come down to $4.1 billion.

Last year in September, the United States' military cancelled the financial aid worth $300 million to Pakistan due to the growing concerns regarding Islamabad's failure to tackle terrorism.

In January that year, Pentagon had cut $1 billion worth financial aid to Pakistan, with Defense Secretary James Mattis and other officials citing Islamabad's failure to crack down on the Haqqani terror outfit as the reason behind it, Fox News reported.

During his meeting with Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, last month, US President Donald Trump strongly criticised Islamabad for its behaviour which led to the cancellation of US aid amounting to $1.3 billion to the country.

"We were paying $1.3 billion to Pakistan as aid, for many years. The problem was...Pakistan was not doing anything for us. They were really subversive.

They were going against us. I ended that about a year and a half ago, the $1.3 billion (aid)," Trump said during his meeting with Khan.

In another jolt to Pakistan, the United States slashed the aid to the cash-strapped nation by nearly $440 million, bringing down its commitment to just $ 4.1 billion.

In another jolt to Pakistan, the United States slashed the aid to the cash-strapped nation by nearly $440 million, bringing down its commitment to just $ 4.1 billion. The aid was disbursed under Pakistan Enhanced Partnership Agreement (PEPA) 2010, reported Express Tribune. The US apprised Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan about its decision to cut aid three weeks before his planned visit to Washington. Notably, the PEPA was signed in September 2010 to make operational the Kerry Lugar Berman (KLB) Act that was passed by the US Congress in October 2009 to disburse $7.5 billion to Pakistan over a period of 5 years. Earlier the aid under the KLB stood at nearly $4.5 billion. Following the cut, the aid will come down to $4.1 billion. Last year in September, the United States' military cancelled the financial aid worth $300 million to Pakistan due to the growing concerns regarding Islamabad's failure to tackle terrorism. In January that year, Pentagon had cut $1 billion worth financial aid to Pakistan, with Defense Secretary James Mattis and other officials citing Islamabad's failure to crack down on the Haqqani terror outfit as the reason behind it, Fox News reported. During his meeting with Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan, last month, US President Donald Trump strongly criticised Islamabad for its behaviour which led to the cancellation of US aid amounting to $1.3 billion to the country. "We were paying $1.3 billion to Pakistan as aid, for many years. The problem was...Pakistan was not doing anything for us. They were really subversive. They were going against us. I ended that about a year and a half ago, the $1.3 billion (aid)," Trump said during his meeting with Khan.

US cuts $440 million financial aid to Pakistan amid Kashmir tensions

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the evening - August 17th, 2019

After failing to censure <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/matter-related-to-article-370-of-indian-constitution-entirely-internal-issue-india-reiterates-after-unsc-meet-on-kashmir-concludes-243517">India at United Nations Security Council</a>, baffled Pakistan government has called high-level meeting on Saturday to discuss its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/mediation-off-table-as-trump-calls-for-bilateral-between-india-and-pakistan-243529">future plan of action on Kashmir issue</a>.

It will see the participation of various Pakistani institutions.

Speaking to media following the&nbsp;UNSC closed-door meeting, Pakistan foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said: "I have called for a meeting tomorrow at 11 am in which various Pakistani institutions would take part."

"We will deliberate on the future course of action and what further steps can be taken to help and support the people of Kashmir," he said.

Earlier in the day, the UNSC held a closed-door consultation on Kashmir. The meeting was called by China on the behest of Pakistan.

However, the China-Pakistan axis failed at the UNSC closed-door meeting when a majority of the Council members refused to take up the Kashmir matter and rejected the Chinese position.

China and Pakistan stood isolated as a member after member refused to endorse their position.

When asked whether Pakistan is ready for dialogue with India, Qureshi said: "Pakistan has always pushed for engagement and a peaceful resolution. There is no chance of bilateral talks until the curfew is lifted in Kashmir".

However, India has always maintained that it will not initiate a dialogue with Pakistan until it takes actions against terror groups operating from its soil.

After failing to censure India at United Nations Security Council, baffled Pakistan government has called high-level meeting on Saturday to discuss its future plan of action on Kashmir issue.

After failing to censure India at United Nations Security Council, baffled Pakistan government has called high-level meeting on Saturday to discuss its future plan of action on Kashmir issue. It will see the participation of various Pakistani institutions. Speaking to media following the UNSC closed-door meeting, Pakistan foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said: "I have called for a meeting tomorrow at 11 am in which various Pakistani institutions would take part." "We will deliberate on the future course of action and what further steps can be taken to help and support the people of Kashmir," he said. Earlier in the day, the UNSC held a closed-door consultation on Kashmir. The meeting was called by China on the behest of Pakistan. However, the China-Pakistan axis failed at the UNSC closed-door meeting when a majority of the Council members refused to take up the Kashmir matter and rejected the Chinese position. China and Pakistan stood isolated as a member after member refused to endorse their position. When asked whether Pakistan is ready for dialogue with India, Qureshi said: "Pakistan has always pushed for engagement and a peaceful resolution. There is no chance of bilateral talks until the curfew is lifted in Kashmir". However, India has always maintained that it will not initiate a dialogue with Pakistan until it takes actions against terror groups operating from its soil.

Pakistan calls for high-level meeting to deliberate future course of action on Kashmir

Ahead of the closed-door consultations on Kashmir at the United Security Council (UNSC) later on Friday, Pakistan appears to be getting jittery about the outcome and has now started lobbying for support.

Pak's attempt to raise Jammu and kashmir issue at UNSC fails

A Pakistani post opposite the Rajouri sector in Jammu Kashmir was hit inaction by the Indian Army on Saturday.

Army sources said the exchange of fire between the two sides is still on after Pakistan violated the ceasefire.

One Indian Army soldier lost his life this morning in Pakistani firing in Rajouri.

The deceased soldier was identified as Lance Naik Sandeep Thapa.

Indian Army during the intervening night of Thursday-Friday had foiled multiple infiltration attempts by terrorists backed by the Pakistani Army.

Army sources had told ANI on Friday that to push terrorists from multiple points inside Indian territory, Pakistan has activated a major communication hub in the Kali Ghati area near Neelam Valley in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) to facilitate terrorists trying to infiltrate.

The communication hub with a range of 50-60 kilometres, allows terrorists to communicate with their guides even across the LoC.

Indian Army positions on the Line of Control have been alerted to prevent any misadventure by Pakistan Army.

On Thursday, Northern Army Commander Lt Gen Ranbir Singh had said that Pakistan was trying to push in infiltrators in the last few days.

The developments come in the wake of the Central government's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/article-370-responsible-for-corruption-poverty-underdevelopment-in-jammu-and-kashmir-amit-shah-240865">decision to scrap Article 370</a> which gave special status to Jammu Kashmir.

A Pakistani post opposite the Rajouri sector in Jammu Kashmir was hit inaction by the Indian Army on Saturday. Army sources said the exchange of fire between the two sides is still on after Pakistan violated the ceasefire.

A Pakistani post opposite the Rajouri sector in Jammu Kashmir was hit inaction by the Indian Army on Saturday. Army sources said the exchange of fire between the two sides is still on after Pakistan violated the ceasefire. One Indian Army soldier lost his life this morning in Pakistani firing in Rajouri. The deceased soldier was identified as Lance Naik Sandeep Thapa. Indian Army during the intervening night of Thursday-Friday had foiled multiple infiltration attempts by terrorists backed by the Pakistani Army. Army sources had told ANI on Friday that to push terrorists from multiple points inside Indian territory, Pakistan has activated a major communication hub in the Kali Ghati area near Neelam Valley in Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) to facilitate terrorists trying to infiltrate. The communication hub with a range of 50-60 kilometres, allows terrorists to communicate with their guides even across the LoC. Indian Army positions on the Line of Control have been alerted to prevent any misadventure by Pakistan Army. On Thursday, Northern Army Commander Lt Gen Ranbir Singh had said that Pakistan was trying to push in infiltrators in the last few days. The developments come in the wake of the Central government's decision to scrap Article 370 which gave special status to Jammu Kashmir.

Jammu and Kashmir: Indian Army hits Pakistan post opposite Rajouri sector

An Indian army man Lance Naik Sandeep Thapa was killed as Pakistan violated ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir's Nowshera sector of Rajouri district on Saturday.

The 35-year-old had succumbed to his injuries in the firing.&nbsp;He was a resident of Dehradun.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Indian Army: Lance Naik Sandeep Thapa has lost his life in ceasefire violation by Pakistan in Nowshera Sector, Rajouri; firing underway. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a> <a href="https://t.co/guCG4i1hgj">pic.twitter.com/guCG4i1hgj</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1162629000906326016?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 17, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The firing began at around 6.30 am.&nbsp;

Pakistan initiated unprovoked firing with small arms and mortar shells. The Indian Army is retaliating effectively.

Thapa's death is the seventh instance of casualty in ceasefire violations by Pakistan this year.

An Indian army man Lance Naik Sandeep Thapa was killed as Pakistan violated ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir's Nowshera sector of Rajouri district on Saturday.

An Indian army man Lance Naik Sandeep Thapa was killed as Pakistan violated ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir's Nowshera sector of Rajouri district on Saturday. The 35-year-old had succumbed to his injuries in the firing. He was a resident of Dehradun. Indian Army: Lance Naik Sandeep Thapa has lost his life in ceasefire violation by Pakistan in Nowshera Sector, Rajouri; firing underway. #JammuAndKashmir pic.twitter.com/guCG4i1hgj — ANI (@ANI) August 17, 2019 × The firing began at around 6.30 am. Pakistan initiated unprovoked firing with small arms and mortar shells. The Indian Army is retaliating effectively. Thapa's death is the seventh instance of casualty in ceasefire violations by Pakistan this year.

Army jawan killed as Pakistan violates ceasefire in Jammu and Kashmir's Nowshera sector

Behind closed-door, UNSC members met on Friday for consultations to deliberate on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistans-letter-on-kashmir-china-calls-informal-unsc-consultation-on-friday-243159">Pakistan's letter on Kashmir</a>.

Pakistan and India, both, were not present for the consultation as procedural.&nbsp;

During the consultations, Russia came out in support of India and stated that the Modi-government has taken the Kashmir decision as it is an internal matter.

"#Russia continues to consistently promote normalisation of #India - #Pakistan ties. We hope that existing divergences around #Kashmir will be settled bilaterally by political and diplomatic means only,"&nbsp;Russian Envoy to UN,&nbsp;Dmitry Polyanskiy tweeted out.&nbsp;

"So we will open-heartedly continue to engage with Islamabad and New Delhi in order to help both of them come to terms and have good neighbourly relations on the basis of Simla Agreement of 1972 and Lahore declaration of 1999," Polyanskiy said.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Russian envoy to UN tweeting from inside <a href="https://t.co/9954bv62V4">https://t.co/9954bv62V4</a>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1162379225447522304?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 16, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Russia favoured India-Pak bilateral track, adding there is no UNSC role in the matter.&nbsp;It said that India's move comes under constitutional framework.

The meeting comes after China asked for an informal, closed-door consultation to discuss Pakistan's letter on Kashmir. The consultation took place at the United Nations Security Council in New York, United States.&nbsp;

After the meeting ended, which lasted over an hour, China and Pak UN representatives briefed media.

China said that India and Pakistan should find a proper solution to the Kashmir issue and avoid unilaterality.&nbsp;

Chinese ambassador to the United Nations, Zhang Jun, said on Friday that members of the Security Council generally feel India and Pakistan should both refrain from unilateral action over Kashmir, news agency Reuters reported.&nbsp;

Zhang told reporters that the situation in Kashmir is "already very tense and very dangerous."

France and the US also backed India at the consultation.

India's permanent envoy to United Nation&nbsp;Syed Akbaruddin after the meet got over said, "Article 370 is an internal matter... these have no external ramifications".

On talk with Pakistan, Syed said, "Using terror to push goals is not the way normal states behave... stop terror to start talks".

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
Russian Envoy to UN: hope existing divergences around Kashmir will be settled bilaterally by political &amp; diplomatic means only <a href="https://t.co/9954bv62V4">https://t.co/9954bv62V4</a>
— Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) <a href="https://twitter.com/sidhant/status/1162378670960521216?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">August 16, 2019</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Pakistan's foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi had asked that the plea to the UNSC is disseminated at the earliest and that a meeting of the UNSC is called.&nbsp;

Last week, a letter written by Pakistan on August 6 was not taken in any of UNSC meetings. This came a day after the Centre decided to remove the special status for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/preventive-restrictions-to-rollback-in-phased-manner-says-jk-chief-secretary-schools-offices-open-from-monday-243363">Jammu and Kashmir</a>.&nbsp;

Polish foreign minister Jacek Czaputowicz received calls from External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Pakistan's FM Qureshi.&nbsp;

"We expressed concerns over the current tensions between India and Pakistan... we are in favour of a dialogue between Pakistan and India to sort out differences. We hope both countries can work out a mutually beneficial solution bilaterally," Czaputowicz had said.&nbsp;

Behind closed-door, UNSC members met on Friday for consultations to deliberate on Pakistan's letter on Kashmir. Pakistan and India, both, were not present for the consultation as procedural.

Behind closed-door, UNSC members met on Friday for consultations to deliberate on Pakistan's letter on Kashmir. Pakistan and India, both, were not present for the consultation as procedural. During the consultations, Russia came out in support of India and stated that the Modi-government has taken the Kashmir decision as it is an internal matter. "#Russia continues to consistently promote normalisation of #India - #Pakistan ties. We hope that existing divergences around #Kashmir will be settled bilaterally by political and diplomatic means only," Russian Envoy to UN, Dmitry Polyanskiy tweeted out. "So we will open-heartedly continue to engage with Islamabad and New Delhi in order to help both of them come to terms and have good neighbourly relations on the basis of Simla Agreement of 1972 and Lahore declaration of 1999," Polyanskiy said. Russian envoy to UN tweeting from inside https://t.co/9954bv62V4 — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) August 16, 2019 × Russia favoured India-Pak bilateral track, adding there is no UNSC role in the matter. It said that India's move comes under constitutional framework. The meeting comes after China asked for an informal, closed-door consultation to discuss Pakistan's letter on Kashmir. The consultation took place at the United Nations Security Council in New York, United States. After the meeting ended, which lasted over an hour, China and Pak UN representatives briefed media. China said that India and Pakistan should find a proper solution to the Kashmir issue and avoid unilaterality. Chinese ambassador to the United Nations, Zhang Jun, said on Friday that members of the Security Council generally feel India and Pakistan should both refrain from unilateral action over Kashmir, news agency Reuters reported. Zhang told reporters that the situation in Kashmir is "already very tense and very dangerous." France and the US also backed India at the consultation. India's permanent envoy to United Nation Syed Akbaruddin after the meet got over said, "Article 370 is an internal matter... these have no external ramifications". On talk with Pakistan, Syed said, "Using terror to push goals is not the way normal states behave... stop terror to start talks". Russian Envoy to UN: hope existing divergences around Kashmir will be settled bilaterally by political & diplomatic means only https://t.co/9954bv62V4 — Sidhant Sibal (@sidhant) August 16, 2019 × Pakistan's foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi had asked that the plea to the UNSC is disseminated at the earliest and that a meeting of the UNSC is called. Last week, a letter written by Pakistan on August 6 was not taken in any of UNSC meetings. This came a day after the Centre decided to remove the special status for Jammu and Kashmir. Polish foreign minister Jacek Czaputowicz received calls from External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Pakistan's FM Qureshi. "We expressed concerns over the current tensions between India and Pakistan... we are in favour of a dialogue between Pakistan and India to sort out differences. We hope both countries can work out a mutually beneficial solution bilaterally," Czaputowicz had said.

UNSC meet: Russia backs India's Kashmir move; China asks India, Pakistan to ditch unilaterality

The brother of the leader of the Afghan Taliban was among at least <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/four-killed-in-blast-at-pakistan-mosque-over-20-injured-243408">four people killed in a bomb blast at a mosque in Pakistan</a> on Friday, two Taliban sources told Reuters.

Police said more than 20 people were wounded and the death toll could rise. The imam of the mosque, 25 km (15 miles) from the southwestern city of Quetta, was among those killed, police said.

There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the blast which comes as the Taliban and the United States are in the final stages of negotiations on an agreement letting America end its longest war and withdraw its troops from neighbouring Afghanistan.

Taliban leader Haibatullah Akhundzada was not in the mosque when the bomb went off but his younger brother, Hafiz Ahmadullah, was among those killed. The Taliban leader's son was wounded, one of the sources said.

The mosque was known to be visited by members of the Afghan Taliban, the sources said.

Pakistani police did not confirm the identity of any of the victims.

"It was a timed device planted under the wooden chair of the prayer leader," said Abdul Razzaq Cheema, chief of police in Quetta, capital of Balochistan province.

One of the sources, who visited the site after the blast, said security at the mosque was always very tight.

Separatist insurgents and Islamist militants are active in Balochistan but many in Pakistan are likely to suspect the Afghan government, which is battling the Taliban over the border in Afghanistan, of the blast.

Pakistan also accuses India of meddling in Balochistan. India denies that.

Prospects of peace

Pakistan has promised to help the United States end the Afghan war and both US and Taliban negotiators have recently reported significant progress in their talks in Qatar.

But Friday's blast will raise concerns about prospects for peace.

The Taliban, in exchange for a US troop withdrawal, are expected to guarantee that Afghanistan will not be used for international terrorism.

The militants, fighting to expel foreign forces and set up an Islamic state, are also expected to make a commitment to power-sharing talks with the US-backed government and a ceasefire.

US President Donald Trump is keen to bring the troops home but many Afghans fear a US troop withdrawal will leave the government battling the Taliban alone.

The United States has about 14,000 troops in Afghanistan, with a focus on training Afghan forces and counter-terrorism.

The Taliban roam through more territory now than they have since their 2001 ouster and fighting between government forces and the insurgents has been heavy.

The brother of the leader of the Afghan Taliban was among at least four people killed in a bomb blast at a mosque in Pakistan on Friday, two Taliban sources told Reuters.

The brother of the leader of the Afghan Taliban was among at least four people killed in a bomb blast at a mosque in Pakistan on Friday, two Taliban sources told Reuters. Police said more than 20 people were wounded and the death toll could rise. The imam of the mosque, 25 km (15 miles) from the southwestern city of Quetta, was among those killed, police said. There was no immediate claim of responsibility for the blast which comes as the Taliban and the United States are in the final stages of negotiations on an agreement letting America end its longest war and withdraw its troops from neighbouring Afghanistan. Taliban leader Haibatullah Akhundzada was not in the mosque when the bomb went off but his younger brother, Hafiz Ahmadullah, was among those killed. The Taliban leader's son was wounded, one of the sources said. The mosque was known to be visited by members of the Afghan Taliban, the sources said. Pakistani police did not confirm the identity of any of the victims. "It was a timed device planted under the wooden chair of the prayer leader," said Abdul Razzaq Cheema, chief of police in Quetta, capital of Balochistan province. One of the sources, who visited the site after the blast, said security at the mosque was always very tight. Separatist insurgents and Islamist militants are active in Balochistan but many in Pakistan are likely to suspect the Afghan government, which is battling the Taliban over the border in Afghanistan, of the blast. Pakistan also accuses India of meddling in Balochistan. India denies that. Prospects of peace Pakistan has promised to help the United States end the Afghan war and both US and Taliban negotiators have recently reported significant progress in their talks in Qatar. But Friday's blast will raise concerns about prospects for peace. The Taliban, in exchange for a US troop withdrawal, are expected to guarantee that Afghanistan will not be used for international terrorism. The militants, fighting to expel foreign forces and set up an Islamic state, are also expected to make a commitment to power-sharing talks with the US-backed government and a ceasefire. US President Donald Trump is keen to bring the troops home but many Afghans fear a US troop withdrawal will leave the government battling the Taliban alone. The United States has about 14,000 troops in Afghanistan, with a focus on training Afghan forces and counter-terrorism. The Taliban roam through more territory now than they have since their 2001 ouster and fighting between government forces and the insurgents has been heavy.

Brother of Afghan Taliban leader killed in Pakistan mosque blast

Pakistanis attack peaceful Indians gathered in London. Watch video to know more.

Pakistanis attack peaceful Indians gathered in London

UN Security Council to hold closed-door meeting over J&K. Watch video to know more.

UN Security Council to hold closed-door meeting over J&K

Russia on Wednesday told Pakistan that there is no alternative to resolve the Kashmir issue but "bilaterally through political and diplomatic means."

"The statement was made during a phone call that<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/amid-tensions-pakistan-foreign-minister-shah-mehmood-qureshi-departs-for-china-241653"> Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi</a> made to his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov."

During the conversation, the situation in South Asia was discussed amid the worsening relations between Pakistan and India after the decision made by New Delhi to change the legal status of the state of Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;

The Russian side emphasized the need for de-escalation of tensions, and that there is no alternative to resolve differences between Pakistan and India except bilaterally through political and diplomatic means.

&nbsp;Representatives of Russia to the UN adhere to this consistent position," a statement by Russian Foreign Ministery read."

The call was made as part of Pakistan's initiative to outreach world leaders over the Indian government's decision to scrap article 370 that gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir.

Similar calls were earlier made by country's Prime Minister Imran Khan to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Malaysian PM Mahathir Bin Mohamad, and Iranian President Hassan RouhaniRussia had earlier supported India over the abrogation of Article 370, saying that the action taken by the country was under the constitutional framework international community has urged both countries to exercise restraint and ensure that peace and stability prevail across the Line of Control (LoC).

Russia on Wednesday told Pakistan that there is no alternative to resolve the Kashmir issue but "bilaterally through political and diplomatic means." "The statement was made during a phone call that Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi made to his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov.

Russia on Wednesday told Pakistan that there is no alternative to resolve the Kashmir issue but "bilaterally through political and diplomatic means." "The statement was made during a phone call that Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi made to his Russian counterpart Sergei Lavrov." During the conversation, the situation in South Asia was discussed amid the worsening relations between Pakistan and India after the decision made by New Delhi to change the legal status of the state of Jammu and Kashmir. The Russian side emphasized the need for de-escalation of tensions, and that there is no alternative to resolve differences between Pakistan and India except bilaterally through political and diplomatic means. Representatives of Russia to the UN adhere to this consistent position," a statement by Russian Foreign Ministery read." The call was made as part of Pakistan's initiative to outreach world leaders over the Indian government's decision to scrap article 370 that gave special status to Jammu and Kashmir. Similar calls were earlier made by country's Prime Minister Imran Khan to Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, Malaysian PM Mahathir Bin Mohamad, and Iranian President Hassan RouhaniRussia had earlier supported India over the abrogation of Article 370, saying that the action taken by the country was under the constitutional framework international community has urged both countries to exercise restraint and ensure that peace and stability prevail across the Line of Control (LoC).

Resolve Kashmir issue bilaterally with India: Russia tells Pakistan

Indian Army on Thursday said three Pakistani soldiers were killed in punitive proactive response after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-summons-indian-envoy-over-alleged-ceasefire-violation-243097">ceasefire violations by Pakistan Army</a>.

Ceasefire violations are still taking place in Uri and Rajouri sectors, Army sources said.

Sources in the Indian Army also refuted claims made by Pakistani Army that five Indian soldiers were killed in the ceasefire violations along the Line of Control.

Earlier in the day, Pakistani Army while admitting that three of its soldiers were killed in the ceasefire violations had claimed that five Indian soldiers were also killed.

Pakistan had violated the ceasefire in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir earlier.&nbsp;

Meanwhile,&nbsp;Pakistan on Wednesday summoned Indian Deputy High Commissioner Gaurav Ahluwalia over alleged ceasefire violations along the Line of Control (LoC).

He was summoned by Mohammad Faisal, Pakistan's Director General for South Asia and SAARC, over the alleged incidents.

The&nbsp;development came amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan after the former's action to reorganize Jammu and Kashmir and remove provisions in Article 370, which gave special status to the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

New Delhi has repeatedly urged Pakistan to "respect" the 2003 Ceasefire arrangement. However, Pakistan has regularly violated a ceasefire along the LoC.&nbsp;

Indian Army on Thursday said three Pakistani soldiers were killed in punitive proactive response after ceasefire violations by Pakistan Army. Ceasefire violations are still taking place in Uri and Rajouri sectors, Army sources said.

Indian Army on Thursday said three Pakistani soldiers were killed in punitive proactive response after ceasefire violations by Pakistan Army. Ceasefire violations are still taking place in Uri and Rajouri sectors, Army sources said. Sources in the Indian Army also refuted claims made by Pakistani Army that five Indian soldiers were killed in the ceasefire violations along the Line of Control. Earlier in the day, Pakistani Army while admitting that three of its soldiers were killed in the ceasefire violations had claimed that five Indian soldiers were also killed. Pakistan had violated the ceasefire in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir earlier. Meanwhile, Pakistan on Wednesday summoned Indian Deputy High Commissioner Gaurav Ahluwalia over alleged ceasefire violations along the Line of Control (LoC). He was summoned by Mohammad Faisal, Pakistan's Director General for South Asia and SAARC, over the alleged incidents. The development came amid heightened tensions between India and Pakistan after the former's action to reorganize Jammu and Kashmir and remove provisions in Article 370, which gave special status to the people of Jammu and Kashmir. New Delhi has repeatedly urged Pakistan to "respect" the 2003 Ceasefire arrangement. However, Pakistan has regularly violated a ceasefire along the LoC.

3 Pakistan soldiers killed in ceasefire violations, says Army, refutes claims of 5 Indian casualties

Here's the Story Of Pakistan's Invasion & Forced Annexation Of Balochistan. Watch this video to know more.

Gravitas: How Pakistan took Balochistan by force

Charting Pakistan's Systematic Oppression Of Balochistan Since 1947. Watch this video to know more.

Gravitas: The story of Pakistan's oppression of Balochistan

In 1996, the Taliban seized power in Afghanistan. Led by motley warlords, the terrorist group had been created in 1993 by the Pakistani army under the benign gaze of Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto.&nbsp;

It was driven out of Kabul after the United States unleashed its war on terror in 2001 following the 9/11 terror attack in New York and on the Pentagon.&nbsp;

During those five years of Taliban rule, Afghanistan fell under a near-medieval interpretation of Sharia law. Only three countries recognised the Taliban government: Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.&nbsp;

In 1996, the Taliban seized power in Afghanistan. Led by motley warlords, the terrorist group had been created in 1993 by the Pakistani army under the benign gaze of Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto.&nbsp;

It was driven out of Kabul after the United States unleashed its war on terror in 2001 following the 9/11 terror attack in New York and on the Pentagon.&nbsp;

During those five years of Taliban rule, Afghanistan fell under a near-medieval interpretation of Sharia law. Only three countries recognised the Taliban government: Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates.&nbsp;

During his bombastic 30-minute press conference with visiting Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, US President Donald Trump said he could end the Afghan war in 10 days, but wasn’t doing so because 10 million Afghans would be killed.&nbsp;

A stone-faced Khan listened as Trump rambled on about past Pakistani governments’ duplicity in Afghanistan. Khan, however, was in Washington in pursuit of a single-point agenda: to ensure that Trump doubled down on his promise to get US and NATO troops out of Afghanistan as quickly as possible.&nbsp;

Trump’s throwaway remark on mediation in Jammu &amp; Kashmir came as a bonus for Khan even though the subsequent readout of the Trump-Khan meeting in the White House made no mention of mediation. Following the invalidation of Article 370 in the Indian Constitution, Khan’s attempt to draw Trump into J&amp;K has run into a wall.&nbsp;

Khan, though, got what he wanted in Washington: a renewed promise that US and NATO troops would shortly exit Afghanistan, leaving the country at the mercy of a terror group the Pakistani military has armed, funded and nurtured for 25 years.&nbsp;

Pakistan’s chief of army staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa and the new Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) chief Lieutenant General Faiz Hameed left Washington satisfied that they had gamed the Americans once again. However, to Pakistan’s disappointment, the Taliban spokesman last week officially rejected Islamabad’s ploy to link Afghanistan with Kashmir stating: “Linking the issue of Kashmir with that of Afghanistan will not aid in improving the (Afghanistan) crisis.” &nbsp;

What next for Afghanistan? The Taliban’s lethal attack on presidential candidate Amrullah Saleh, Afghanistan’s former Interior Minister and an implacable foe of the terror group, killed 30 people. Saleh miraculously escaped with injuries and has vowed to continue his election campaign. But the Taliban’s gameplan, masterminded in Rawalpindi, is clear: mount terror attacks on Afghan politicians standing for election to cause yet another postponement of the September 28 poll. Pakistan and the Taliban would then seek to establish an interim government with Taliban representatives forming part of a patchwork administration.&nbsp;

This arrangement would suit Pakistan. With US and NATO troops gone (bar a small contingent), the strategic depth it has long sought in Afghanistan would be within reach.&nbsp;

The Ashraf Ghani government has been a roadblock for Rawalpindi. Withdrawal of US/NATO troops and &nbsp;collapse of the Ghani government will give Pakistan and the Taliban free rein over Afghanistan.&nbsp;

Ordinary Afghanis view the future under the Taliban and the Pakistani military with trepidation. At a recent conference in Mumbai, members of Afghan civil society said in an interview with a leading daily: “Everyone wants peace.

It is the most important thing for every Afghan. But we do not know the price of this peace. We had peace before when the Taliban were ruling Afghanistan. But we had no life then – no rights, no jobs, nothing. Will it be different this time? We don’t know. Because of what I do, I am going to be a target if the Taliban come back. Pakistan is the main concern. Pakistan has invited the Taliban, and when the Taliban return, Pakistan will not stop interfering.

They have invested a lot in keeping Afghanistan destabilised.” &nbsp;

For India a destabilised Afghanistan is a worrying prospect. Under an interim government with Taliban representation, the Sharia laws of 1996-2001 may return. India’s infrastructure projects could be in jeopardy. Yet, Pakistan could be biting off more than it can chew. The Taliban is faction-ridden. Dominated by Pashtuns, it does not recognise the colonial Durand Line that artificially splits Pashtuns across Afghanistan and Pakistan.&nbsp;

The demand for a united Pashtunistan, carved out of Afghanistan and Pakistan, is a potential nightmare for Islamabad, already facing an insurgency in Balochistan and deep unrest in Sindh.&nbsp;

The Taliban could give Pakistan a short-term win in Afghanistan. In the long term, however, it could prove the beginning of an end game for Pakistan itself. &nbsp;

(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-taliban-closer-to-power-2781814">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

In 1996, the Taliban seized power in Afghanistan. Led by motley warlords, the terrorist group had been created in 1993 by the Pakistani army under the benign gaze of Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto.

In 1996, the Taliban seized power in Afghanistan. Led by motley warlords, the terrorist group had been created in 1993 by the Pakistani army under the benign gaze of Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto. It was driven out of Kabul after the United States unleashed its war on terror in 2001 following the 9/11 terror attack in New York and on the Pentagon. During those five years of Taliban rule, Afghanistan fell under a near-medieval interpretation of Sharia law. Only three countries recognised the Taliban government: Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. In 1996, the Taliban seized power in Afghanistan. Led by motley warlords, the terrorist group had been created in 1993 by the Pakistani army under the benign gaze of Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto. It was driven out of Kabul after the United States unleashed its war on terror in 2001 following the 9/11 terror attack in New York and on the Pentagon. During those five years of Taliban rule, Afghanistan fell under a near-medieval interpretation of Sharia law. Only three countries recognised the Taliban government: Pakistan, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. During his bombastic 30-minute press conference with visiting Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, US President Donald Trump said he could end the Afghan war in 10 days, but wasn’t doing so because 10 million Afghans would be killed. A stone-faced Khan listened as Trump rambled on about past Pakistani governments’ duplicity in Afghanistan. Khan, however, was in Washington in pursuit of a single-point agenda: to ensure that Trump doubled down on his promise to get US and NATO troops out of Afghanistan as quickly as possible. Trump’s throwaway remark on mediation in Jammu & Kashmir came as a bonus for Khan even though the subsequent readout of the Trump-Khan meeting in the White House made no mention of mediation. Following the invalidation of Article 370 in the Indian Constitution, Khan’s attempt to draw Trump into J&K has run into a wall. Khan, though, got what he wanted in Washington: a renewed promise that US and NATO troops would shortly exit Afghanistan, leaving the country at the mercy of a terror group the Pakistani military has armed, funded and nurtured for 25 years. Pakistan’s chief of army staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa and the new Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) chief Lieutenant General Faiz Hameed left Washington satisfied that they had gamed the Americans once again. However, to Pakistan’s disappointment, the Taliban spokesman last week officially rejected Islamabad’s ploy to link Afghanistan with Kashmir stating: “Linking the issue of Kashmir with that of Afghanistan will not aid in improving the (Afghanistan) crisis.” What next for Afghanistan? The Taliban’s lethal attack on presidential candidate Amrullah Saleh, Afghanistan’s former Interior Minister and an implacable foe of the terror group, killed 30 people. Saleh miraculously escaped with injuries and has vowed to continue his election campaign. But the Taliban’s gameplan, masterminded in Rawalpindi, is clear: mount terror attacks on Afghan politicians standing for election to cause yet another postponement of the September 28 poll. Pakistan and the Taliban would then seek to establish an interim government with Taliban representatives forming part of a patchwork administration. This arrangement would suit Pakistan. With US and NATO troops gone (bar a small contingent), the strategic depth it has long sought in Afghanistan would be within reach. The Ashraf Ghani government has been a roadblock for Rawalpindi. Withdrawal of US/NATO troops and collapse of the Ghani government will give Pakistan and the Taliban free rein over Afghanistan. Ordinary Afghanis view the future under the Taliban and the Pakistani military with trepidation. At a recent conference in Mumbai, members of Afghan civil society said in an interview with a leading daily: “Everyone wants peace. It is the most important thing for every Afghan. But we do not know the price of this peace. We had peace before when the Taliban were ruling Afghanistan. But we had no life then – no rights, no jobs, nothing. Will it be different this time? We don’t know. Because of what I do, I am going to be a target if the Taliban come back. Pakistan is the main concern. Pakistan has invited the Taliban, and when the Taliban return, Pakistan will not stop interfering. They have invested a lot in keeping Afghanistan destabilised.” For India a destabilised Afghanistan is a worrying prospect. Under an interim government with Taliban representation, the Sharia laws of 1996-2001 may return. India’s infrastructure projects could be in jeopardy. Yet, Pakistan could be biting off more than it can chew. The Taliban is faction-ridden. Dominated by Pashtuns, it does not recognise the colonial Durand Line that artificially splits Pashtuns across Afghanistan and Pakistan. The demand for a united Pashtunistan, carved out of Afghanistan and Pakistan, is a potential nightmare for Islamabad, already facing an insurgency in Balochistan and deep unrest in Sindh. The Taliban could give Pakistan a short-term win in Afghanistan. In the long term, however, it could prove the beginning of an end game for Pakistan itself. (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.)

Taliban could give Pakistan a short-term win in Afghanistan

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/you-are-a-thief-pakistans-un-representative-maleeha-lodhi-heckled-in-new-york-242594">Pakistan</a> on Tuesday asked the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/let-people-in-pakistan-kashmir-be-aware-unsc-not-waiting-for-you-qureshi-242536">United Nations Security Council </a>to meet over India's decision to revoke the special status of Jammu and Kashmir.

&nbsp;"Pakistan will not provoke a conflict. But India should not mistake our restraint for weakness," Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi wrote in a letter to the Security Council.&nbsp;

"If India chooses to resort again to the use of force, Pakistan will be obliged to respond, in self defence, with all its capabilities," he said, adding that "in view of the dangerous implications" Pakistan requested the meeting.

It was not immediately clear how the 15-member council would respond to the request and whether a member of the body would also need to make a formal request. Pakistan said on Saturday it had China's support for the move.

Watch: Pakistan seeks special UNSC session over J&amp;K

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/pakistan-seeks-special-unsc-session-over-jk-242872/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Poland is president of the Security Council for August. Polish Foreign Minister Jacek Czaputowicz told reporters at the United Nations on Tuesday that the council had received a letter from Pakistan and "will discuss that issue and take a proper decision."

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called on India and Pakistan to refrain from any steps that could affect the special status of Jammu and Kashmir. Guterres also said he was concerned about reports of restrictions in Jammu and Kashmir.

The UN Security Council adopted several resolutions in 1948 and in the 1950s on the Kashmir issue, including one which says a plebiscite should be held to determine the state's future.

Another resolution also calls upon both sides to "refrain from making any statements and from doing or causing to be done or permitting any acts which might aggravate the situation."

UN peacekeepers have been deployed since 1949 to observe a ceasefire between India and Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir.

Pakistan on Tuesday asked the United Nations Security Council to meet over India's decision to revoke the special status of Jammu and Kashmir. "Pakistan will not provoke a conflict.

Pakistan on Tuesday asked the United Nations Security Council to meet over India's decision to revoke the special status of Jammu and Kashmir. "Pakistan will not provoke a conflict. But India should not mistake our restraint for weakness," Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi wrote in a letter to the Security Council. "If India chooses to resort again to the use of force, Pakistan will be obliged to respond, in self defence, with all its capabilities," he said, adding that "in view of the dangerous implications" Pakistan requested the meeting. It was not immediately clear how the 15-member council would respond to the request and whether a member of the body would also need to make a formal request. Pakistan said on Saturday it had China's support for the move. Watch: Pakistan seeks special UNSC session over J&K × Poland is president of the Security Council for August. Polish Foreign Minister Jacek Czaputowicz told reporters at the United Nations on Tuesday that the council had received a letter from Pakistan and "will discuss that issue and take a proper decision." UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called on India and Pakistan to refrain from any steps that could affect the special status of Jammu and Kashmir. Guterres also said he was concerned about reports of restrictions in Jammu and Kashmir. The UN Security Council adopted several resolutions in 1948 and in the 1950s on the Kashmir issue, including one which says a plebiscite should be held to determine the state's future. Another resolution also calls upon both sides to "refrain from making any statements and from doing or causing to be done or permitting any acts which might aggravate the situation." UN peacekeepers have been deployed since 1949 to observe a ceasefire between India and Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir.

Pakistan asks UN Security Council to meet over India's move in Jammu and Kashmir

Despite being snubbed by the world in its bid to thwart India’s decision to scrap the special status of Jammu and Kashmir, it seems that Pakistan is not willing to give up just yet. In a fresh desperate attempt, Pakistan on Tuesday wrote to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC).

Pakistan seeks special UNSC session over J&K

pakistan-0

Pakistan, News on Pakistan, stories on Pakistan, articles on Pakistan, Pakistan stories at Wion, Pakistan news, Pakistan latest news

pakistan 0

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - August 20th, 2019

Watch WION Speed News, August 19th, 2019

Imran Khan's tackling of terrorism may irk Pakistan Army

Afghanistan slams Pakistan's 'reckless' claim that Kashmir issue may impact peace process

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - August 19th, 2019

WION Dispatch: Afghan president Ashraf Ghani condemns Kabul terror attack

Pak Army chief Gen Bajwa term extended for another 3 years

Watch WION Speed News, August 19th, 2019

Kabul tragedy: IS terror group claims responsibility, suicide bomber was Pakistani

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - August 18th, 2019

Defence Minister Rajnath's stiff message for Pakistan, ''will talk now only on PoK''

Pakistan PM Imran Khan discusses kashmir issue with Donald Trump

Mediation off table as US President Donald Trump says Indian and Pakistan should resolve issues bilaterally

Mediation off table as US President Donald Trump says Indian and Pakistan should resolve issues bilaterally

News brief: Big stories of the day

US cuts $440 million financial aid to Pakistan amid Kashmir tensions

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the evening - August 17th, 2019

Pakistan calls for high-level meeting to deliberate future course of action on Kashmir

Pak's attempt to raise Jammu and kashmir issue at UNSC fails

Jammu and Kashmir: Indian Army hits Pakistan post opposite Rajouri sector

Army jawan killed as Pakistan violates ceasefire in Jammu and Kashmir's Nowshera sector

UNSC meet: Russia backs India's Kashmir move; China asks India, Pakistan to ditch unilaterality

Brother of Afghan Taliban leader killed in Pakistan mosque blast

Pakistanis attack peaceful Indians gathered in London