&nbsp;An accountability court Wednesday remanded Opposition leader in Pakistan's Punjab Assembly <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-court-restrains-anti-graft-body-from-arresting-hamza-shehbaz-208787">Hamza Shahbaz</a> to 14-day physical custody, a day after the country's anti-graft body arrested him in cases related to money laundering and corruption.

The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) was granted Hamza's custody till June 26. Judge Jawadul Hassan pronounced the reserved verdict after hearing the arguments from both sides in the case.

A NAB team earlier brought Hamza, 44, to the court amid tight security. Hamza is the son of PML-N president and National Assembly opposition leader Shahbaz Sharif.

The NAB prosecutor informed the court that the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) vice president had failed to disclose the means from which he received Rs 500 million transferred into his account.

The NAB had requested for a 15-day physical remand of the PML-N leader. The court has ordered Hamza to be presented before the accountability court on June 26, Geo News reported.

Hamza was arrested Tuesday by the NAB officials after a two-member Lahore High Court (LHC) bench dismissed bail applications filed by him.

His arrest came a day after former president Asif Ali Zardari was arrested by NAB in Islamabad.

Hamza is accused of laundering money through his front men who are already in NAB's custody.

He is under investigation in the Ramzan Sugar Mills, Saaf Paani project and assets beyond known means of income cases.

The NAB has found evidence of money laundering on a massive scale through which Shehbaz and his family accumulated assets in the UK.

According to sources privy to NAB's investigation, the illegally accumulated assets are worth Rs 85 billion to Rs 100 billion and were bought during Shebaz's tenure as the Punjab Chief Minister.

In the Ramzan Sugar Mills corruption case, Shehbaz and his son Hamza are accused of "fraudulently and dishonestly" causing a Rs 213 million loss to the national exchequer.

Shehbaz was arrested by the National Accountability Bureau in October 2018 and released on bail on February 14.

His brother and three-time Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif have been serving a seven-year prison term at Kot Lakhpat Jail in Lahore since December 24, 2018, when an accountability court convicted him in one of the three corruption cases filed in the wake of the apex court's July 28, 2017 order in the Panama Papers case.

Both Sharif and his daughter Maryam have been sentenced to seven years in prison, respectively. Maryam's husband Muhammad Safdar was jailed for one year in the same case.

Sharif and his family have denied any wrongdoing and allege that the corruption cases against them are politically motivated.

An accountability court Wednesday remanded Opposition leader in Pakistan's Punjab Assembly Hamza Shahbaz to 14-day physical custody, a day after the country's anti-graft body arrested him in cases related to money laundering and corruption.

An accountability court Wednesday remanded Opposition leader in Pakistan's Punjab Assembly Hamza Shahbaz to 14-day physical custody, a day after the country's anti-graft body arrested him in cases related to money laundering and corruption. The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) was granted Hamza's custody till June 26. Judge Jawadul Hassan pronounced the reserved verdict after hearing the arguments from both sides in the case. A NAB team earlier brought Hamza, 44, to the court amid tight security. Hamza is the son of PML-N president and National Assembly opposition leader Shahbaz Sharif. The NAB prosecutor informed the court that the Pakistan Muslim League Nawaz (PML-N) vice president had failed to disclose the means from which he received Rs 500 million transferred into his account. The NAB had requested for a 15-day physical remand of the PML-N leader. The court has ordered Hamza to be presented before the accountability court on June 26, Geo News reported. Hamza was arrested Tuesday by the NAB officials after a two-member Lahore High Court (LHC) bench dismissed bail applications filed by him. His arrest came a day after former president Asif Ali Zardari was arrested by NAB in Islamabad. Hamza is accused of laundering money through his front men who are already in NAB's custody. He is under investigation in the Ramzan Sugar Mills, Saaf Paani project and assets beyond known means of income cases. The NAB has found evidence of money laundering on a massive scale through which Shehbaz and his family accumulated assets in the UK. According to sources privy to NAB's investigation, the illegally accumulated assets are worth Rs 85 billion to Rs 100 billion and were bought during Shebaz's tenure as the Punjab Chief Minister. In the Ramzan Sugar Mills corruption case, Shehbaz and his son Hamza are accused of "fraudulently and dishonestly" causing a Rs 213 million loss to the national exchequer. Shehbaz was arrested by the National Accountability Bureau in October 2018 and released on bail on February 14. His brother and three-time Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif have been serving a seven-year prison term at Kot Lakhpat Jail in Lahore since December 24, 2018, when an accountability court convicted him in one of the three corruption cases filed in the wake of the apex court's July 28, 2017 order in the Panama Papers case. Both Sharif and his daughter Maryam have been sentenced to seven years in prison, respectively. Maryam's husband Muhammad Safdar was jailed for one year in the same case. Sharif and his family have denied any wrongdoing and allege that the corruption cases against them are politically motivated.

Hamza Shahbaz remanded into 14-day National Accountability Bureau custody

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has vowed to go after the "thieves" who left the country badly in debt and set up a high-powered commission to probe <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/our-debt-has-gone-up-to-205-billion-in-the-last-decade-pakistan-pm-imran-khan-in-national-address-225840">huge debts incurred during the last 10 years</a>, as he defended arrests of several key political figures in corruption cases.&nbsp;

In an unusual midnight speech after the first budget of his cash-strapped government was presented, Khan said that all economic problem was due to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imran-khan-asks-pakistanis-to-declare-their-undisclosed-assets-by-jun-30-225963">debt which increased to Rs 300 crore</a> from Rs 60 crore in 10 years.&nbsp;

His speech came on the day when Leader of the Opposition in the Punjab Assembly, Hamza Shehbaz was arrested by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) in cases related to money laundering.&nbsp;

On Monday, former president <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/zardari-produced-before-court-anti-graft-body-seeks-physical-remand-226185">Asif Ali Zardari </a>was also arrested by the NAB in connection with a multi-million dollar money laundering case.&nbsp;

Former Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/nawaz-sharif-quizzed-in-jail-by-anti-graft-body-over-illegal-purchase-of-over-30-bulletproof-vehicles-222338">Nawaz Sharif </a>(from the PML-N party) is already in jail having been sentenced in another corruption case in 2018.

Khan announced that after putting to rest the initial focus of the government to stabilise the economy, his attention would be more targeted towards bringing the ones to task who had caused the country to fall into such dire straits.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-to-stay-on-fatfs-grey-list-official-to-wion-222508">Pakistan to stay on FATF's grey list: Official to WION</a>

"Pakistan is stable now. That pressure [to stabilise the economy] has been relieved. Now I will go after them [the corrupt politicians]," declared the prime minister.

"I'm making a high-powered enquiry commission with a one-point agenda: how did they raise the debt to Rs 24,000 billion (240 crore) in 10 years?"

He said that the commission shall comprise the FIA (Federal Investigation Agency), IB (Intelligence Bureau), ISI (the Inter-services Intelligence Directorate), FBR (Federal Board of Revenue) and SECP (Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan).&nbsp;

The Pakistan Peoples Party and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz served in two successive terms since 2008 when Khan claimed debt increased.

Khan said that the commission will include representatives of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), Intelligence Bureau (IB), Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), Federal Bureau of Revenue (FBR) and Security and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP).

He said that those who were in helms of affairs during last 10 years will not be spared.

Watch: Is the IMF bailout a&nbsp;Lifeline for Pakistan's economy?

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"All those in power will be fully investigated by this commission which will prepare a report so that no one dares leave the country in tatters ever again," he said.&nbsp;

"Even if my life goes, I will not leave these thieves alone. I had prayed to God to give me one chance. I will not leave them."

He blamed the two previous governments for all ills including low growth, joblessness and devaluations.

Khan's government has been heavily criticised for the politically-motivated arrests in corruption cases, but he defended them.

Khan said he would not be "blackmailed" with protests.&nbsp;

Talking about the recent arrests of the bigwigs, Khan said, "I am grateful to Allah, the big figures who are now jailed, no one could have imagined [it could be done]."&nbsp;

"People are crying that Sharif and Zardari have been jailed [...] both of them used to call each other corrupt. Mian Nawaz Sharif jailed Zardari twice during his two tenures.

The prime minister said that they [Nawaz and Zardari] came to an agreement that each would rule for five years and "not say anything to each other".&nbsp;

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has vowed to go after the "thieves" who left the country badly in debt and set up a high-powered commission to probe huge debts incurred during the last 10 years, as he defended arrests of several key political figures in corruption cases.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has vowed to go after the "thieves" who left the country badly in debt and set up a high-powered commission to probe huge debts incurred during the last 10 years, as he defended arrests of several key political figures in corruption cases. In an unusual midnight speech after the first budget of his cash-strapped government was presented, Khan said that all economic problem was due to debt which increased to Rs 300 crore from Rs 60 crore in 10 years. His speech came on the day when Leader of the Opposition in the Punjab Assembly, Hamza Shehbaz was arrested by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) in cases related to money laundering. On Monday, former president Asif Ali Zardari was also arrested by the NAB in connection with a multi-million dollar money laundering case. Former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif (from the PML-N party) is already in jail having been sentenced in another corruption case in 2018. Khan announced that after putting to rest the initial focus of the government to stabilise the economy, his attention would be more targeted towards bringing the ones to task who had caused the country to fall into such dire straits. Also read: Pakistan to stay on FATF's grey list: Official to WION "Pakistan is stable now. That pressure [to stabilise the economy] has been relieved. Now I will go after them [the corrupt politicians]," declared the prime minister. "I'm making a high-powered enquiry commission with a one-point agenda: how did they raise the debt to Rs 24,000 billion (240 crore) in 10 years?" He said that the commission shall comprise the FIA (Federal Investigation Agency), IB (Intelligence Bureau), ISI (the Inter-services Intelligence Directorate), FBR (Federal Board of Revenue) and SECP (Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan). The Pakistan Peoples Party and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz served in two successive terms since 2008 when Khan claimed debt increased. Khan said that the commission will include representatives of the Federal Investigation Agency (FIA), Intelligence Bureau (IB), Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), Federal Bureau of Revenue (FBR) and Security and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP). He said that those who were in helms of affairs during last 10 years will not be spared. Watch: Is the IMF bailout a Lifeline for Pakistan's economy? × "All those in power will be fully investigated by this commission which will prepare a report so that no one dares leave the country in tatters ever again," he said. "Even if my life goes, I will not leave these thieves alone. I had prayed to God to give me one chance. I will not leave them." He blamed the two previous governments for all ills including low growth, joblessness and devaluations. Khan's government has been heavily criticised for the politically-motivated arrests in corruption cases, but he defended them. Khan said he would not be "blackmailed" with protests. Talking about the recent arrests of the bigwigs, Khan said, "I am grateful to Allah, the big figures who are now jailed, no one could have imagined [it could be done]." "People are crying that Sharif and Zardari have been jailed [...] both of them used to call each other corrupt. Mian Nawaz Sharif jailed Zardari twice during his two tenures. The prime minister said that they [Nawaz and Zardari] came to an agreement that each would rule for five years and "not say anything to each other".

Imran Khan vows to go after 'thieves' responsible for Pakistan's economic woes 

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 - June 11th, 2019

Players to watch out for in Australia vs Pakistan clash at World Cup

China tried to play facilitator & suggested that India should reciprocate Imran Khan’s peace missive and enter into a dialogue. Watch this video to know more.

China praises 'peace striving' Pakistan

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan’s government was set to present an austerity-focused budget Tuesday, weeks after the country reached an agreement with the International Monetary Fund for a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imf-likely-to-give-6-billion-us-dollar-bailout-package-to-pakistan-197059">$6 billion bailout</a>.

The presentation of Khan's first budget comes just a day after the government released the latest round of bleak economic figures for the cash-strapped country, showing growth for the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistans-economic-growth-falls-to-329-per-cent-in-fy19-226094">current fiscal year falling to 3.3 per cent</a> -- well below the 6.2 per cent target.

The release of the figures comes as discontent simmers in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-pm-imran-khan-announces-militarys-voluntary-cut-in-defence-expenditure-amid-financial-crisis-224402">Pakistan</a> following repeated devaluations of the rupee, soaring inflation, and increasing utility costs.&nbsp;

The economic pain follows months of failed efforts by Khan's administration to stave off ballooning fiscal and balance of payments deficits, along with low tax yields and mounting debt. &nbsp;&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-to-stay-on-fatfs-grey-list-official-to-wion-222508">Pakistan to stay on FATF's grey list: Official to WION</a>

"Prime Minister Imran Khan has committed to... trying to correct things permanently even if we go through hard times for six months or one year or one and a half years,” said the country’s finance advisor, Abdul Hafeez Sheikh, late Monday.

Earlier Monday, Khan took to the country's airways for the second time in recent weeks to plead with Pakistanis to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imran-khan-asks-pakistanis-to-declare-their-undisclosed-assets-by-jun-30-225963">declare their assets in the latest scheme</a> aimed at increasing tax revenues.&nbsp;

Pakistan has struggled for decades to collect taxes with estimates suggesting that only around one per cent of the 200-million strong population filed a return in 2018.

Is The IMF Bailout A Lifeline For Pakistan's Economy?

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The agreement eked out with the IMF still needs final approval by the fund’s board, and it is widely believed the body is waiting for the presentation of the budget before giving the final sign-off.

Analysts have warned the IMF deal would likely come with myriad restrictions that could bridle Khan's grand promises to build an Islamic welfare state, as the country is forced to tighten its purse strings.

Pakistan’s increasing economic woes also come as the country is facing possible sanctions from the Financial Action Task Force -- a money-laundering monitor based in Paris -- for failing to rein-in terror financing.

The organisation will decide soon whether to add Pakistan to a blacklist that would trigger automatic sanctions, further weakening an already-faltering economy.

To add to its troubles, the United States has also warned it will be watching closely to ensure Pakistan does not use IMF money to repay debts to China, which has poured billions into the country for infrastructure projects under its Belt and Road Initiative. 
&nbsp;

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan’s government was set to present an austerity-focused budget Tuesday, weeks after the country reached an agreement with the International Monetary Fund for a $6 billion bailout.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan’s government was set to present an austerity-focused budget Tuesday, weeks after the country reached an agreement with the International Monetary Fund for a $6 billion bailout. The presentation of Khan's first budget comes just a day after the government released the latest round of bleak economic figures for the cash-strapped country, showing growth for the current fiscal year falling to 3.3 per cent -- well below the 6.2 per cent target. The release of the figures comes as discontent simmers in Pakistan following repeated devaluations of the rupee, soaring inflation, and increasing utility costs. The economic pain follows months of failed efforts by Khan's administration to stave off ballooning fiscal and balance of payments deficits, along with low tax yields and mounting debt. Also read: Pakistan to stay on FATF's grey list: Official to WION "Prime Minister Imran Khan has committed to... trying to correct things permanently even if we go through hard times for six months or one year or one and a half years,” said the country’s finance advisor, Abdul Hafeez Sheikh, late Monday. Earlier Monday, Khan took to the country's airways for the second time in recent weeks to plead with Pakistanis to declare their assets in the latest scheme aimed at increasing tax revenues. Pakistan has struggled for decades to collect taxes with estimates suggesting that only around one per cent of the 200-million strong population filed a return in 2018. Is The IMF Bailout A Lifeline For Pakistan's Economy? × The agreement eked out with the IMF still needs final approval by the fund’s board, and it is widely believed the body is waiting for the presentation of the budget before giving the final sign-off. Analysts have warned the IMF deal would likely come with myriad restrictions that could bridle Khan's grand promises to build an Islamic welfare state, as the country is forced to tighten its purse strings. Pakistan’s increasing economic woes also come as the country is facing possible sanctions from the Financial Action Task Force -- a money-laundering monitor based in Paris -- for failing to rein-in terror financing. The organisation will decide soon whether to add Pakistan to a blacklist that would trigger automatic sanctions, further weakening an already-faltering economy. To add to its troubles, the United States has also warned it will be watching closely to ensure Pakistan does not use IMF money to repay debts to China, which has poured billions into the country for infrastructure projects under its Belt and Road Initiative.

Pakistan to present austerity-centred budget following IMF deal

In remote valleys in northern Pakistan, the Kalash minority celebrates spring's arrival with a colourful dance but an influx of camera-wielding visitors is threatening their unique traditions.

Pakistan's Kalash minority battles tourism deluge

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - June 10th, 2019

Imports from Pakistan declined by 92 per cent to $2.84 million in March this year after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/customs-duty-on-all-goods-imported-from-pakistan-hiked-to-200-arun-jaitley-197808">imposition of 200 per cent customs duties </a>on all products following Pulwama terror attack.

On February 16 this year, taking <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indias-mfn-status-to-pakistan-what-it-means-how-it-impacts-trade-197569">strong economic action against Pakistan</a> following the attack, India raised the customs duty to 200 per cent on all goods imported from the neighbouring country, including cotton, fresh fruits, cement, petroleum products and mineral ore.

According to the data of the commerce ministry, the imports from the neighbouring country stood at $34.61 million in March 2018. Out of the $2.84 million imports in March, as much as $1.19 million was accounted for cotton import by India.

According to experts, certain domestic manufacturing exporters could be availing nil import duty benefit under advance authorisation scheme to import products, especially raw materials from Pakistan, as it would not be viable for anyone to import goods at 200 per cent customs duties.

The main commodities imported during the month from the neighbouring country include plastics, knitted fabrics, preparation of vegetables, articles of apparel and clothing, spices, chemicals, man-made filaments, and wool.

During the January-March period of 2018-19 fiscal, the imports from Pakistan declined by 47 per cent to $53.65 million.

India's exports to Pakistan too have dipped by about 32 per cent to $171.34 million in March. However, the exports grew by 7.4 per cent to $2 billion during 2018-19.

The main products being exported by India include organic chemicals; cotton; nuclear reactors, boilers; plastic products; tanning or dyeing extracts; cereals; sugar; coffee, tea; articles of iron and steel; copper and footwear.

India had also revoked the MFN (most favoured nation) status to Pakistan in the aftermath of the terror attack. The country has repealed a security exception clause of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to withdraw this status. Both countries are a member of this body.

India can also restrict the trade of certain goods and impose port-related restrictions on Pakistani goods. India had granted the MFN status to Pakistan way back in 1996, but the neighbouring country had not reciprocated.

Under the MFN pact, a WTO member country is obliged to treat the other trading nation in a non-discriminatory manner, especially with regard to customs duty and other levies.

Forty CRPF personnel were killed in a vehicle-borne IED attack on November 14, 2018, at Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir. This was one of the deadliest terror attacks on security forces in the Kashmir valley.

Imports from Pakistan declined by 92 per cent to $2.84 million in March this year after imposition of 200 per cent customs duties on all products following Pulwama terror attack.

Imports from Pakistan declined by 92 per cent to $2.84 million in March this year after imposition of 200 per cent customs duties on all products following Pulwama terror attack. On February 16 this year, taking strong economic action against Pakistan following the attack, India raised the customs duty to 200 per cent on all goods imported from the neighbouring country, including cotton, fresh fruits, cement, petroleum products and mineral ore. According to the data of the commerce ministry, the imports from the neighbouring country stood at $34.61 million in March 2018. Out of the $2.84 million imports in March, as much as $1.19 million was accounted for cotton import by India. According to experts, certain domestic manufacturing exporters could be availing nil import duty benefit under advance authorisation scheme to import products, especially raw materials from Pakistan, as it would not be viable for anyone to import goods at 200 per cent customs duties. The main commodities imported during the month from the neighbouring country include plastics, knitted fabrics, preparation of vegetables, articles of apparel and clothing, spices, chemicals, man-made filaments, and wool. During the January-March period of 2018-19 fiscal, the imports from Pakistan declined by 47 per cent to $53.65 million. India's exports to Pakistan too have dipped by about 32 per cent to $171.34 million in March. However, the exports grew by 7.4 per cent to $2 billion during 2018-19. The main products being exported by India include organic chemicals; cotton; nuclear reactors, boilers; plastic products; tanning or dyeing extracts; cereals; sugar; coffee, tea; articles of iron and steel; copper and footwear. India had also revoked the MFN (most favoured nation) status to Pakistan in the aftermath of the terror attack. The country has repealed a security exception clause of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to withdraw this status. Both countries are a member of this body. India can also restrict the trade of certain goods and impose port-related restrictions on Pakistani goods. India had granted the MFN status to Pakistan way back in 1996, but the neighbouring country had not reciprocated. Under the MFN pact, a WTO member country is obliged to treat the other trading nation in a non-discriminatory manner, especially with regard to customs duty and other levies. Forty CRPF personnel were killed in a vehicle-borne IED attack on November 14, 2018, at Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir. This was one of the deadliest terror attacks on security forces in the Kashmir valley.

Imports from Pakistan plunge 92% in March after imposition of 200% customs duties

Opposition leader in the National Assembly<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/shehbaz-sharif-to-return-to-pakistan-on-june-8-225034"> Shehbaz Sharif</a>, facing corruption charges, returned to Pakistan on Sunday following a "quick visit" to London, a media report said.

Shehbaz, 67, served as the chief minister of the politically crucial Punjab province from 2013 to 2018.

He became Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz&nbsp;president after his elder brother and three-time Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif were disqualified as the party president following a Supreme Court verdict in the Elections Act 2017 case.

Shehbaz arrived at Lahore's Allama Iqbal International Airport on Sunday. In the form of a rally, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party workers took him from the airport till his residence in Model Town, where sweets were distributed, Dawn newspaper reported.

Ahead of Shehbaz's arrival, a large number of PML-N party workers, MPs and senior leaders reached the airport at night.

Shehbaz had announced a "quick visit" to London on April 9 after his name was removed from the no-fly list on Lahore High Court orders. Party sources had said at the time that he intended to return within 10-12 days, the report said.

He faces court cases for corruption and dishonesty.

In the Ashiyana housing scam, Shehbaz is accused of ordering the cancellation of a contract given to a successful bidder for the low-cost housing scheme, resulting in a loss of Rs 193 million to the national exchequer.

In the Ramzan Sugar Mills corruption case, Sharif and his son Hamza Shahbaz are accused of "fraudulently and dishonestly" causing a Rs 213 million loss to the national exchequer.

Shehbaz was arrested by the National Accountability Bureau in October 2018 and released on bail on February 14.

His brother Sharif has been serving a seven-year prison term at Kot Lakhpat Jail in Lahore since December 24, 2018, when an accountability court convicted him in one of the three corruption cases filed in the wake of the apex court's July 28, 2017 order in Panama Papers case.

Both Sharif and his daughter Maryam have been sentenced to seven years in prison, respectively. Maryam's husband Muhammad Safdar was jailed for one year in the same case.

Sharif and his family have denied any wrongdoing and allege that the corruption cases against them are politically motivated.&nbsp;

Opposition leader in the National Assembly Shehbaz Sharif, facing corruption charges, returned to Pakistan on Sunday following a "quick visit" to London, a media report said.

Opposition leader in the National Assembly Shehbaz Sharif, facing corruption charges, returned to Pakistan on Sunday following a "quick visit" to London, a media report said. Shehbaz, 67, served as the chief minister of the politically crucial Punjab province from 2013 to 2018. He became Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz president after his elder brother and three-time Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif were disqualified as the party president following a Supreme Court verdict in the Elections Act 2017 case. Shehbaz arrived at Lahore's Allama Iqbal International Airport on Sunday. In the form of a rally, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party workers took him from the airport till his residence in Model Town, where sweets were distributed, Dawn newspaper reported. Ahead of Shehbaz's arrival, a large number of PML-N party workers, MPs and senior leaders reached the airport at night. Shehbaz had announced a "quick visit" to London on April 9 after his name was removed from the no-fly list on Lahore High Court orders. Party sources had said at the time that he intended to return within 10-12 days, the report said. He faces court cases for corruption and dishonesty. In the Ashiyana housing scam, Shehbaz is accused of ordering the cancellation of a contract given to a successful bidder for the low-cost housing scheme, resulting in a loss of Rs 193 million to the national exchequer. In the Ramzan Sugar Mills corruption case, Sharif and his son Hamza Shahbaz are accused of "fraudulently and dishonestly" causing a Rs 213 million loss to the national exchequer. Shehbaz was arrested by the National Accountability Bureau in October 2018 and released on bail on February 14. His brother Sharif has been serving a seven-year prison term at Kot Lakhpat Jail in Lahore since December 24, 2018, when an accountability court convicted him in one of the three corruption cases filed in the wake of the apex court's July 28, 2017 order in Panama Papers case. Both Sharif and his daughter Maryam have been sentenced to seven years in prison, respectively. Maryam's husband Muhammad Safdar was jailed for one year in the same case. Sharif and his family have denied any wrongdoing and allege that the corruption cases against them are politically motivated.

Pakistan: Shehbaz Sharif returns from a 'quick' London visit

Four Pakistani soldiers have been killed by an improvised explosive device in a tribal region along the Afghan border, Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Saturday.

"Deeply saddened to learn of the shahadat of 3 officers &amp; 1 soldier from a terrorist-planted IED blast in Kharkamar, N.Waziristan," Khan said on his Twitter account.

He gave no more details but Dawn, Pakistan's biggest English-language newspaper, cited the military's media wing as saying four other soldiers were wounded when the blast targeted a military vehicle in North Waziristan on Friday.

The report did not say who was behind the bombing.

Violence in Pakistan has declined in recent years following a series of military operations along the northwestern border with Afghanistan, but militant groups are still able to carry out deadly attacks.

The military said the latest casualties bring to 10 the number of security personnel killed in "terrorist" violence in the area over the past month, Dawn reported.

Four Pakistani soldiers have been killed by an improvised explosive device in a tribal region along the Afghan border, Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Saturday.

Four Pakistani soldiers have been killed by an improvised explosive device in a tribal region along the Afghan border, Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Saturday. "Deeply saddened to learn of the shahadat of 3 officers & 1 soldier from a terrorist-planted IED blast in Kharkamar, N.Waziristan," Khan said on his Twitter account. He gave no more details but Dawn, Pakistan's biggest English-language newspaper, cited the military's media wing as saying four other soldiers were wounded when the blast targeted a military vehicle in North Waziristan on Friday. The report did not say who was behind the bombing. Violence in Pakistan has declined in recent years following a series of military operations along the northwestern border with Afghanistan, but militant groups are still able to carry out deadly attacks. The military said the latest casualties bring to 10 the number of security personnel killed in "terrorist" violence in the area over the past month, Dawn reported.

Blast kills 4 Pakistan soldiers in border region

In a letter to Modi congratulating him on his second term as the prime minister of India, Khan said talks between the two nations were the only solution to help both countries' people overcome poverty and that it was important to work together for regional development.

Imran Khan writes to PM Modi, says Pakistan wants talks with India to resolve all disputes

Pakistan Says Military Won't Get An Increase In Allocation Due To The Ongoing Economic Crisis Imran Khan lauds Pakistani Armed Forces for 'voluntary cuts' in defence spending despite multiple security challenges. But is it really a cutdown in spending, given that Pakistan spends similar amount of money to arm itself? Is Pakistan continuing with high defence spending when prices of essential commodities soar up? Palki explains

Gravitas: Pak military budget cut a sham?

For the first time in years, Mumbai attack mastermind and Jammat-ud-Dawa (JuD) chief <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/opinion-what-pakistan-can-learn-from-hafiz-saeeds-epic-failure-in-elections-160354">Hafiz Saeed</a> was not allowed by the government on Wednesday to lead Eid-ul-Fitr prayers at his favourite venue Qaddafi Stadium here, an official said.

Instead, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-blocks-un-team-from-interviewing-jud-chief-hafiz-saeed-201836">Saeed, chief of UN-designated terrorist organisation JuD</a>, offered prayers at a local mosque adjacent to his Jauhar Town residence here.

"JuD chief Saeed wanted to lead the Eid prayers at the Qaddafi Stadium but he was conveyed by an official of the Punjab government a day before (Tuesday) that he could not do so. In case he goes ahead with his plan (to lead the Eid prayers) the government may arrest him," the official privy to the development told PTI.

He said Saeed having no other option "followed the government direction" and dropped the idea of leading the prayers at the Qaddafi Stadium.&nbsp; 
Saeed had been leading the prayers on both Eid-ul Fitr and Eid-ul Azha at the Qaddafi Stadium for last many years without any hindrance. Rather the government used to provide him foolproof security.&nbsp;

In the past Saeed not only led the prayers but also propagated his views especially on Kashmir before a large gathering of people assembled on such religious festivals.

Also read: Pakistan bans Hafiz Saeed's Jamat-ud-Dawa

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Saeed, who was banned on December 10, 2008 by the UN Security Council after the horrific Mumbai attacks in which 166 people were killed, is keeping a low profile since the Imran Khan government launched a crackdown on proscribed organisations some three months ago to fulfil its obligations regarding international terror financing watchdog Financial Action Task Force (FATF).

In February, Paris-based international terror financing watchdog FATF decided to continue the 'Grey' listing of Pakistan for its failure to stop funding of terrorist groups such as the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and the JuD.

In March, Saeed was barred by the government from delivering weekly Friday sermon at Jamia Masjid Qadsia, the JuD headquarters in Lahore. 
Saeed was never stopped from delivering Friday sermons even during the years when Masjid Qadsia's control was under the Punjab government. 
The JuD is believed to be the front organisation for the LeT which is responsible for carrying out the Mumbai attacks. It had been declared as a foreign terrorist organisation by the US in June 2014.

The US Department of the Treasury has designated Saeed as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist, and the US, since 2012, has offered a USD 10 million reward for information that brings him to justice.

For the first time in years, Mumbai attack mastermind and Jammat-ud-Dawa (JuD) chief Hafiz Saeed was not allowed by the government on Wednesday to lead Eid-ul-Fitr prayers at his favourite venue Qaddafi Stadium here, an official said.

For the first time in years, Mumbai attack mastermind and Jammat-ud-Dawa (JuD) chief Hafiz Saeed was not allowed by the government on Wednesday to lead Eid-ul-Fitr prayers at his favourite venue Qaddafi Stadium here, an official said. Instead, Saeed, chief of UN-designated terrorist organisation JuD, offered prayers at a local mosque adjacent to his Jauhar Town residence here. "JuD chief Saeed wanted to lead the Eid prayers at the Qaddafi Stadium but he was conveyed by an official of the Punjab government a day before (Tuesday) that he could not do so. In case he goes ahead with his plan (to lead the Eid prayers) the government may arrest him," the official privy to the development told PTI. He said Saeed having no other option "followed the government direction" and dropped the idea of leading the prayers at the Qaddafi Stadium. Saeed had been leading the prayers on both Eid-ul Fitr and Eid-ul Azha at the Qaddafi Stadium for last many years without any hindrance. Rather the government used to provide him foolproof security. In the past Saeed not only led the prayers but also propagated his views especially on Kashmir before a large gathering of people assembled on such religious festivals. Also read: Pakistan bans Hafiz Saeed's Jamat-ud-Dawa × Saeed, who was banned on December 10, 2008 by the UN Security Council after the horrific Mumbai attacks in which 166 people were killed, is keeping a low profile since the Imran Khan government launched a crackdown on proscribed organisations some three months ago to fulfil its obligations regarding international terror financing watchdog Financial Action Task Force (FATF). In February, Paris-based international terror financing watchdog FATF decided to continue the 'Grey' listing of Pakistan for its failure to stop funding of terrorist groups such as the Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and the JuD. In March, Saeed was barred by the government from delivering weekly Friday sermon at Jamia Masjid Qadsia, the JuD headquarters in Lahore. Saeed was never stopped from delivering Friday sermons even during the years when Masjid Qadsia's control was under the Punjab government. The JuD is believed to be the front organisation for the LeT which is responsible for carrying out the Mumbai attacks. It had been declared as a foreign terrorist organisation by the US in June 2014. The US Department of the Treasury has designated Saeed as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist, and the US, since 2012, has offered a USD 10 million reward for information that brings him to justice.

Global terrorist Hafiz Saeed not allowed to lead Eid prayers at his 'favourite' venue in Lahore

Pakistan Army chief, General Qamar Javed Bajwa, on Wednesday said that the voluntary decision to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-pm-imran-khan-announces-militarys-voluntary-cut-in-defence-expenditure-amid-financial-crisis-224402">cut the annual increase in defence spending</a> will not impact Pakistan's response to any potential threat.

The News International quoted Bajwa as saying, "This initiative is not a favour to the nation as we are one, through thick and thin."

"Irrespective of the voluntary cut in defence budget coming financial year (FY), there shall be no impact on our response potential to all types of threat and quality of life of the soldiers. The no pay raise decision is also only for the officers and not for the soldiers. We shall manage the shortfall during the FY by tightening our belt in areas where it doesn't affect the two aforesaid aspects," the chief of Pakistan's army staff (COAS) added.

The Pakistani Army, on Tuesday, in an unprecedented move for the betterment of the national economy, decided to not to receive an increased share under defence budget.

Prime Minister Imran Khan further lauded the decision of the Army which was made after viewing the critical financial situation of Pakistan's cash-strapped economy.

"I appreciate Pak Mil's unprecedented voluntary initiative of stringent cuts in their defence expenditures for next FY because of our critical financial situation, despite multiple security challenges. My government will spend this money saved on development of merged tribal areas and Balochistan," he tweeted.

While talking to troops, Bajwa, who spent Eid with troops along Line of Control (LOC) and offered prayer with soldiers on the front line, further noted that the best Eid for a soldier is to have pride for being on duty of defending the motherland even on such festive days away from family.

The News International also reported that the armed forces have decided to forego some of its development programmes, besides cuts in other allowances.

Khan, who earlier in the day chaired a meeting to review the preparations for the national budget 2019-20, said the government would divert "the money saved on development of merged tribal areas and Balochistan.

Soon after the Prime Minister's words, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Major General Asif Ghafoor tweeted,&nbsp;"Voluntary cut in defence budget for a year will not be at the cost of defence and security. We shall maintain effective response potential to all threats. Three services will manage impact of the cut through appropriate internal measures. It was imp to participate in dev of tribal areas and Balochistan."

Pakistan Army chief, General Qamar Javed Bajwa, on Wednesday said that the voluntary decision to cut the annual increase in defence spending will not impact Pakistan's response to any potential threat.

Pakistan Army chief, General Qamar Javed Bajwa, on Wednesday said that the voluntary decision to cut the annual increase in defence spending will not impact Pakistan's response to any potential threat. The News International quoted Bajwa as saying, "This initiative is not a favour to the nation as we are one, through thick and thin." "Irrespective of the voluntary cut in defence budget coming financial year (FY), there shall be no impact on our response potential to all types of threat and quality of life of the soldiers. The no pay raise decision is also only for the officers and not for the soldiers. We shall manage the shortfall during the FY by tightening our belt in areas where it doesn't affect the two aforesaid aspects," the chief of Pakistan's army staff (COAS) added. The Pakistani Army, on Tuesday, in an unprecedented move for the betterment of the national economy, decided to not to receive an increased share under defence budget. Prime Minister Imran Khan further lauded the decision of the Army which was made after viewing the critical financial situation of Pakistan's cash-strapped economy. "I appreciate Pak Mil's unprecedented voluntary initiative of stringent cuts in their defence expenditures for next FY because of our critical financial situation, despite multiple security challenges. My government will spend this money saved on development of merged tribal areas and Balochistan," he tweeted. While talking to troops, Bajwa, who spent Eid with troops along Line of Control (LOC) and offered prayer with soldiers on the front line, further noted that the best Eid for a soldier is to have pride for being on duty of defending the motherland even on such festive days away from family. The News International also reported that the armed forces have decided to forego some of its development programmes, besides cuts in other allowances. Khan, who earlier in the day chaired a meeting to review the preparations for the national budget 2019-20, said the government would divert "the money saved on development of merged tribal areas and Balochistan. Soon after the Prime Minister's words, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) Director General Major General Asif Ghafoor tweeted, "Voluntary cut in defence budget for a year will not be at the cost of defence and security. We shall maintain effective response potential to all threats. Three services will manage impact of the cut through appropriate internal measures. It was imp to participate in dev of tribal areas and Balochistan."

Cut in annual defence budget won't impact our response to any threat: Pakistan Army chief Bajwa

Two rival groups opened indiscriminate fire at each other after Eid prayers in Pakistan Punjab province, killing at least 10&nbsp;people and injuring nine others.&nbsp;

The incident took place on Wednesday in Jalalpur Pirwala Tehsil of Multan district.

The two groups resorted to indiscriminate firing after a dispute, Geo News reported.

According to sources, the members of one group were returning to their homes after offering Eid prayers when assailants from another group attacked them.&nbsp;

Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar sought a detailed report from the regional police officer (RPO) of Multan on the incident. 
He directed the RPO to arrest the culprits without delay.

Two rival groups opened indiscriminate fire at each other after Eid prayers in Pakistan Punjab province, killing at least 10 people and injuring nine others. The incident took place on Wednesday in Jalalpur Pirwala Tehsil of Multan district.

Two rival groups opened indiscriminate fire at each other after Eid prayers in Pakistan Punjab province, killing at least 10 people and injuring nine others. The incident took place on Wednesday in Jalalpur Pirwala Tehsil of Multan district. The two groups resorted to indiscriminate firing after a dispute, Geo News reported. According to sources, the members of one group were returning to their homes after offering Eid prayers when assailants from another group attacked them. Punjab Chief Minister Sardar Usman Buzdar sought a detailed report from the regional police officer (RPO) of Multan on the incident. He directed the RPO to arrest the culprits without delay.

10 killed in Pakistan during armed clash on Eid

England's narrow defeat by <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/inept-to-inspiring-i-always-say-be-patient-with-us-says-captain-sarfaraz-after-beating-england-224025">Pakistan </a>in their second World Cup match was by no means a 'car crash' and the hosts are determined to bounce back quickly from the disappointment, fast bowler Chris Woakes has said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/englands-joe-root-scores-first-hundred-of-cricket-world-cup-2019-223998">England </a>thumped South Africa in their World Cup opener but fell 14 runs short of Pakistan in their second game of the tournament at Trent Bridge on Monday.

Woakes, who took three wickets against <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/pakistan-stun-england-by-14-runs-in-cricket-world-cup-224013">Pakistan </a>but also conceded 71 runs in his eight overs, added that England were probably better off for getting their first defeat of the tournament out of the way early.

"You probably want to lose one earlier rather than later. You don't want to produce a performance as we did against Pakistan in a more high-pressure game, maybe a must-win or something," he told reporters.

"The good thing about this group is that when we've had a bad performance or lost a game of cricket, we bounce back very well," Woakes said.

England next face Bangladesh in Cardiff on Saturday and Woakes said the squad would try and put a stop to the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-2019-england-skipper-eoin-morgan-says-fielding-let-team-down-in-loss-against-pakistan-224075">fielding errors that had cost them against Pakistan</a>.

"Against South Africa, we put in an unbelievable fielding performance. We know that's our standard, so whenever you drop below that you're always going to be a little bit disappointed," the 30-year-old added.

"Fielding creates momentum for a team – if you're fielding well, constantly taking diving stops, stopping those twos and putting the batsman under pressure then it makes a difference. I don't think it was a car crash by any means, we just left a few out there. We'll get back on the practice field, put in a hard shift and try and practice some of the things we didn't get quite right," said Woakes.

England's narrow defeat by Pakistan in their second World Cup match was by no means a 'car crash' and the hosts are determined to bounce back quickly from the disappointment, fast bowler Chris Woakes has said.

England's narrow defeat by Pakistan in their second World Cup match was by no means a 'car crash' and the hosts are determined to bounce back quickly from the disappointment, fast bowler Chris Woakes has said. England thumped South Africa in their World Cup opener but fell 14 runs short of Pakistan in their second game of the tournament at Trent Bridge on Monday. Woakes, who took three wickets against Pakistan but also conceded 71 runs in his eight overs, added that England were probably better off for getting their first defeat of the tournament out of the way early. "You probably want to lose one earlier rather than later. You don't want to produce a performance as we did against Pakistan in a more high-pressure game, maybe a must-win or something," he told reporters. "The good thing about this group is that when we've had a bad performance or lost a game of cricket, we bounce back very well," Woakes said. England next face Bangladesh in Cardiff on Saturday and Woakes said the squad would try and put a stop to the fielding errors that had cost them against Pakistan. "Against South Africa, we put in an unbelievable fielding performance. We know that's our standard, so whenever you drop below that you're always going to be a little bit disappointed," the 30-year-old added. "Fielding creates momentum for a team – if you're fielding well, constantly taking diving stops, stopping those twos and putting the batsman under pressure then it makes a difference. I don't think it was a car crash by any means, we just left a few out there. We'll get back on the practice field, put in a hard shift and try and practice some of the things we didn't get quite right," said Woakes.

World Cup: Chris Woakes backs England to bounce back from Pakistan defeat

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - June 05th, 2019

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/will-take-unprecedented-action-to-ensure-supply-of-rare-earths-critical-to-tech-military-us-224397">Will take unprecedented action to ensure supply of rare earths critical to tech, military: US</a>

The United States will take "unprecedented actions" to ensure the supply of strategic minerals and rare earth critical to the tech sector and the military, Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said Tuesday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-pm-imran-khan-announces-militarys-voluntary-cut-in-defence-expenditure-amid-financial-crisis-224402">Pak PM Imran Khan announces military's 'voluntary cut' in defence expenditure amid financial crisis</a>

Pakistan PM Imran Khan announced today that the country's military has decided on "unprecedented voluntary initiative of stringent cuts in its defence expenditures" due to the critical financial situation prevailing in the country.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-2019-virat-kohlis-india-begins-campaign-against-stunned-south-africa-224406">World Cup 2019: Virat Kohli's India begins campaign against 'stunned' South Africa</a>

Virat Kohli-led Team India will start their 2019 World Cup campaign against South Africa today at Southampton. &nbsp;All the participating teams have played at least one match in the ongoing edition and now the 'Men in Blue' will begin their quest to win the World Cup for the third time.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-may-limit-access-to-everest-after-mountaineering-deaths-224409">Nepal may limit access to Everest after mountaineering deaths</a>

Eleven people died during the climbing season that ended this week, as record numbers lined the route to the summit. Although overcrowding was blamed for at least four deaths, many say inexperience is a bigger killer.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/huawei-willing-to-sign-no-spy-agreement-with-us-government-chairman-224403">Huawei willing to sign 'no-spy agreement' with US government: Chairman Liang Hua</a>

In response to years of allegations by the United States and its allies that Huawei`s products could be accessed by Chinese Intelligence Agencies for spying, the company said on Tuesday that it is willing to sign a "no-spy agreement" with the US government if the opportunity opens up.

Will take unprecedented action to ensure supply of rare earths critical to tech, military: US The United States will take "unprecedented actions" to ensure the supply of strategic minerals and rare earth critical to the tech sector and the military, Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said Tuesday.

Will take unprecedented action to ensure supply of rare earths critical to tech, military: US The United States will take "unprecedented actions" to ensure the supply of strategic minerals and rare earth critical to the tech sector and the military, Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross said Tuesday. Pak PM Imran Khan announces military's 'voluntary cut' in defence expenditure amid financial crisis Pakistan PM Imran Khan announced today that the country's military has decided on "unprecedented voluntary initiative of stringent cuts in its defence expenditures" due to the critical financial situation prevailing in the country. World Cup 2019: Virat Kohli's India begins campaign against 'stunned' South Africa Virat Kohli-led Team India will start their 2019 World Cup campaign against South Africa today at Southampton. All the participating teams have played at least one match in the ongoing edition and now the 'Men in Blue' will begin their quest to win the World Cup for the third time. Nepal may limit access to Everest after mountaineering deaths Eleven people died during the climbing season that ended this week, as record numbers lined the route to the summit. Although overcrowding was blamed for at least four deaths, many say inexperience is a bigger killer. Huawei willing to sign 'no-spy agreement' with US government: Chairman Liang Hua In response to years of allegations by the United States and its allies that Huawei`s products could be accessed by Chinese Intelligence Agencies for spying, the company said on Tuesday that it is willing to sign a "no-spy agreement" with the US government if the opportunity opens up.

News brief: Big stories of the day

India-Pakistan troops exchange gifts as world celebrates Eid

Deadly Clashes Erupted In Pakistan's North Waziristan. Pakistan's Army Is Leading A Mission To Crush The Pashtun Protests. Here Is What Happened.

Gravitas: Pashtun Protests In Pakistan: Activists And Protesters Clash

Jason Roy and Jofra Archer have each been fined 15 per cent of their match fees for incidents during <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/world-cup-2019-england-skipper-eoin-morgan-says-fielding-let-team-down-in-loss-against-pakistan-224075">England's World Cup defeat by Pakistan</a> at Trent Bridge.

The International Cricket Council found opener Roy had breached level one of its code of conduct, using an audible obscenity after a misfield during Pakistan's innings.

Fast bowler Archer was found guilty of dissent towards an umpire's decision following a wide delivery.

Both players have also had one demerit point added to their records.

Pakistan captain <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/inept-to-inspiring-i-always-say-be-patient-with-us-says-captain-sarfaraz-after-beating-england-224025">Sarfaraz Ahmed</a> was fined 20 per cent of his fee, and his teammates 10 per cent, for a minor over-rate offence.

Pakistan won Monday's match by 14 runs after setting England a target of 349.

It was an occasionally fractious encounter, with the umpires warning England skipper Eoin Morgan about his side throwing the ball in on the bounce and later issuing the same reminder to Sarfaraz.

The tactic is often used to scuff up the ball and promote reverse swing.

Morgan said,&nbsp;"There were discussions throughout the whole of the two innings. The umpires came to me mid-innings and seemed to think that we were throwing the ball in on the bounce too much or it was being over-exaggerated.

England batsman Jos Buttler appeared to take a look at the ball on his walk back to the pavilion after his knock of 103 came to an end.

"They emphasised it would be the same for both. The conversations that were stopping the game were that Pakistan were&nbsp;doing the same thing,'' Morgan said.

"Jos was just intrigued to see the ball. When the ball is hit against the LED boards it does scuff it up quite a lot so he was just interested to see if the ball was more scuffed up," the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/englands-joe-root-scores-first-hundred-of-cricket-world-cup-2019-223998">England </a>captain added.

Jason Roy and Jofra Archer have each been fined 15 per cent of their match fees for incidents during England's World Cup defeat by Pakistan at Trent Bridge. The International Cricket Council found opener Roy had breached level one of its code of conduct, using an audible obscenity after a misfield during Pakistan's innings.

Jason Roy and Jofra Archer have each been fined 15 per cent of their match fees for incidents during England's World Cup defeat by Pakistan at Trent Bridge. The International Cricket Council found opener Roy had breached level one of its code of conduct, using an audible obscenity after a misfield during Pakistan's innings. Fast bowler Archer was found guilty of dissent towards an umpire's decision following a wide delivery. Both players have also had one demerit point added to their records. Pakistan captain Sarfaraz Ahmed was fined 20 per cent of his fee, and his teammates 10 per cent, for a minor over-rate offence. Pakistan won Monday's match by 14 runs after setting England a target of 349. It was an occasionally fractious encounter, with the umpires warning England skipper Eoin Morgan about his side throwing the ball in on the bounce and later issuing the same reminder to Sarfaraz. The tactic is often used to scuff up the ball and promote reverse swing. Morgan said, "There were discussions throughout the whole of the two innings. The umpires came to me mid-innings and seemed to think that we were throwing the ball in on the bounce too much or it was being over-exaggerated. England batsman Jos Buttler appeared to take a look at the ball on his walk back to the pavilion after his knock of 103 came to an end. "They emphasised it would be the same for both. The conversations that were stopping the game were that Pakistan were doing the same thing,'' Morgan said. "Jos was just intrigued to see the ball. When the ball is hit against the LED boards it does scuff it up quite a lot so he was just interested to see if the ball was more scuffed up," the England captain added.

England's Jofra Archer, Jason Roy fined for breaching ICC code in World Cup defeat against Pakistan

When Pakistan closed its airspace during a conflict with India in February, Malaysia Airlines was not one of the carriers left scrambling to re-route flights because it had already done so two weeks earlier, the carrier's chief executive said.

Nearly five years after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/family-of-mh17-victim-sues-russia-banks-us-money-transfer-companies-208054">Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17</a> was shot down by a missile over Ukraine, killing all 298 people on board, carriers like Malaysia Airlines are increasingly taking steps to uncover any threats to their planes.

But concerns persist over inadequate government intelligence sharing and a reluctance by countries involved in conflict to divulge information or sacrifice overflight fees by shutting their skies, safety experts said.

"The wound is still here in the whole organisation and we take safety very seriously," Malaysia Airlines chief executive Izham Ismail told Reuters on the sidelines of an International Air Transport Association (IATA) conference in Seoul.

In the aftermath of the shooting down of MH17, the aviation industry backed the creation by a UN agency of a conflict zone website as a one-stop repository for route planning.

But when the site was later closed after complaints from some countries over information-sharing, airlines turned elsewhere for advice.

"For the big 50 airlines, they have the resources to dedicate a security department to the job," said Mark Zee, founder of OPSGROUP, which launched the free website Safe Airspace to provide guidance after MH17.

"For everyone else - and that is thousands of operators, I can tell you that many of them have a really hard time making a decent risk assessment. I see it in the emails we get every day."

Airlines are spending millions of dollars a year on extra fuel flying roundabout routes in the Middle East and Africa to avoid conflict zones.

And carriers still see routes above war-torn countries differently, just like before MH17, when British Airways and Air France avoided eastern Ukraine, but Lufthansa and Singapore Airlines flew over it.

"This is where we need better information," IATA Senior Vice President, Safety and Flight Operations Gilberto Lopez-Meyer said in Seoul.

Qatar Airways, for one, recently returned to flying over Syria as part of its efforts to grapple with a two-year Gulf dispute that has blocked it from using the airspace of many of its neighbours. CEO Akbar al-Baker said the airline would not fly anywhere that is not safe.

'More aware'

The United States and other countries ban their airlines from flying over Syrian airspace at any altitude due to safety risks, according to a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) conflict zone website set up after MH17.

Yet the resources that are available to airlines often communicate changing threat levels too slowly and informally to be of use, according to the Dutch Safety Board, which led the MH17 investigation and released post-crash recommendations in February this year.

While the Netherlands shares confidential information on threats to its own carriers on a formal basis, other countries remain reluctant to do so.

The site set up after MH17 by the UN's International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) closed after "states objected to anybody but themselves publishing information about hazards in their airspace", said a source involved with the creation of the site who declined to be identified because of the sensitivity of the matter.

Instead, the use of commercial services like OPSGROUP grew among airlines polled after MH17, the Dutch Safety Board said.

"I think after MH17 people became more aware of the problem. They seek information," said Mohammed Aziz, a former Lebanese air accident investigator who is now a consultant with Aviation Strategies International.

"The problem is before they weren't seeking information. They were waiting for information to come their way."

Montreal-based ICAO has also called for air traffic service authorities to report conflict zone hazards in notices to pilots. But these new requirements do not take effect until November 2020 and still put the onus on countries to share information.

"Rules alone do not change the behaviour of states," said Jeff Poole, director general of the Civil Air Services Navigation Organization (CANSO).

"However, we see that more and more states take the correct responsibility."

When Pakistan closed its airspace during a conflict with India in February, Malaysia Airlines was not one of the carriers left scrambling to re-route flights because it had already done so two weeks earlier, the carrier's chief executive said.

When Pakistan closed its airspace during a conflict with India in February, Malaysia Airlines was not one of the carriers left scrambling to re-route flights because it had already done so two weeks earlier, the carrier's chief executive said. Nearly five years after Malaysia Airlines Flight MH17 was shot down by a missile over Ukraine, killing all 298 people on board, carriers like Malaysia Airlines are increasingly taking steps to uncover any threats to their planes. But concerns persist over inadequate government intelligence sharing and a reluctance by countries involved in conflict to divulge information or sacrifice overflight fees by shutting their skies, safety experts said. "The wound is still here in the whole organisation and we take safety very seriously," Malaysia Airlines chief executive Izham Ismail told Reuters on the sidelines of an International Air Transport Association (IATA) conference in Seoul. In the aftermath of the shooting down of MH17, the aviation industry backed the creation by a UN agency of a conflict zone website as a one-stop repository for route planning. But when the site was later closed after complaints from some countries over information-sharing, airlines turned elsewhere for advice. "For the big 50 airlines, they have the resources to dedicate a security department to the job," said Mark Zee, founder of OPSGROUP, which launched the free website Safe Airspace to provide guidance after MH17. "For everyone else - and that is thousands of operators, I can tell you that many of them have a really hard time making a decent risk assessment. I see it in the emails we get every day." Airlines are spending millions of dollars a year on extra fuel flying roundabout routes in the Middle East and Africa to avoid conflict zones. And carriers still see routes above war-torn countries differently, just like before MH17, when British Airways and Air France avoided eastern Ukraine, but Lufthansa and Singapore Airlines flew over it. "This is where we need better information," IATA Senior Vice President, Safety and Flight Operations Gilberto Lopez-Meyer said in Seoul. Qatar Airways, for one, recently returned to flying over Syria as part of its efforts to grapple with a two-year Gulf dispute that has blocked it from using the airspace of many of its neighbours. CEO Akbar al-Baker said the airline would not fly anywhere that is not safe. 'More aware' The United States and other countries ban their airlines from flying over Syrian airspace at any altitude due to safety risks, according to a European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) conflict zone website set up after MH17. Yet the resources that are available to airlines often communicate changing threat levels too slowly and informally to be of use, according to the Dutch Safety Board, which led the MH17 investigation and released post-crash recommendations in February this year. While the Netherlands shares confidential information on threats to its own carriers on a formal basis, other countries remain reluctant to do so. The site set up after MH17 by the UN's International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) closed after "states objected to anybody but themselves publishing information about hazards in their airspace", said a source involved with the creation of the site who declined to be identified because of the sensitivity of the matter. Instead, the use of commercial services like OPSGROUP grew among airlines polled after MH17, the Dutch Safety Board said. "I think after MH17 people became more aware of the problem. They seek information," said Mohammed Aziz, a former Lebanese air accident investigator who is now a consultant with Aviation Strategies International. "The problem is before they weren't seeking information. They were waiting for information to come their way." Montreal-based ICAO has also called for air traffic service authorities to report conflict zone hazards in notices to pilots. But these new requirements do not take effect until November 2020 and still put the onus on countries to share information. "Rules alone do not change the behaviour of states," said Jeff Poole, director general of the Civil Air Services Navigation Organization (CANSO). "However, we see that more and more states take the correct responsibility."

Five years after MH17 downing, airline conflict alert system remains patchy

Pakistan beat World Cup favourites England by 14 runs despite centuries for Joe Root and Jos Buttler at Trent Bridge on Monday.

Having scored 348 for eight in their 50 overs thanks to 84 from Mohammad Hafeez and Babar Azam's 63, Pakistan held off the England charge with a late flurry of wickets to leave them 334-9.

Root scored 107 and Buttler made 103, but that was not enough to stop hosts England suffering a first defeat in their second match of the tournament as Pakistan bounced back from a thrashing against the West Indies.

Earlier, Pakistan put their woeful start to the World Cup behind them on Monday, racking up a hefty 348 for eight wickets at Trent Bridge after being put in to bat by hosts and tournament favourites England.

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What. A. Win. <a href="https://t.co/yFW13Xa5os">pic.twitter.com/yFW13Xa5os</a>
— Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketworldcup/status/1135605822090874881?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 3, 2019</a></blockquote>
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11 ODI losses in a row, comprehensively beaten in their opening <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/CWC19?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#CWC19</a> encounter, Pakistan bounce back with a brilliant win over England at Trent Bridge. 🔥 
 
They have beaten the hosts – and tournament favourites – by 14 runs! <a href="https://t.co/Pmz5Am6YdE">pic.twitter.com/Pmz5Am6YdE</a>
— Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) <a href="https://twitter.com/cricketworldcup/status/1135604566127468544?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 3, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Mohammad Hafeez top-scored with 84 off 62 balls including eight fours and two sixes, while Babar Azam made 63 and captain Sarfaraz Ahmed belted a quickfire 55.

England banked on the pace of Chris Woakes and Jofra Archer for early wickets, no doubt hoping to recreate the way the West Indies skittled Pakistan out for 105 on Friday.

Instead, opening batsmen Fakhar Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq delighted their vocal supporters by belting a string of fours and one six in an opening partnership of 82.

England spinner Moeen Ali finally broke the pair up, claiming the wicket of Fakhar (36) when he miscalculated the spin and was stumped by keeper Jos Buttler.

Woakes took a diving catch at extra cover to dismiss Imam-ul-Haq (44) six overs later, giving Moeen his second wicket of the morning and leaving Pakistan on 111-2.

Babar and Mohammad Hafeez then steadied the ship for Pakistan with a partnership of 88 runs - partly helped by England's Jason Roy dropping a relatively easy catch off Hafeez when on 14 at mid-off. The home side, indeed, were uncharacteristically ragged in the field for most of the innings.

Moeen and Woakes combined again for the next wicket, when Babar mistimed and lofted the ball towards mid-on where Woakes dived forwards to scoop up the catch.

Hafeez was eventually caught, hitting the ball low towards mid-off where Woakes gleefully snatched his third catch of the day.

Woakes matched his performance in the field with three late wickets, leaving England with a challenging, record-setting target. The best successful World Cup run chase to date came in 2011 when Ireland made 329 against England.
<img alt="Match 6" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="44b906db-1b0c-40dd-8a9a-d1b184e15cd1" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/match%206.jpg" />
The completed scoreboard in the World Cup match between England and Pakistan in Nottingham on Monday:

Pakistan

Imam-ul-Haq c Woakes b Ali 44

Fakhar Zaman st Buttler b Ali 36

Babar Azam c Woakes b Ali 63

Mohammad Hafeez c Woakes b Wood 84

Sarfaraz Ahmed c and b Woakes 55

Asif Ali c Bairstow b Wood 14

Shoaib Malik c Morgan b Woakes 8

Wahab Riaz c Root b Woakes 4

Hasan Ali not out 10

Shadab Khan not out 10

Extras (b1, lb8, w11) 20

Total (eight wickets, 50 overs) 348

Did not bat: Mohammad Amir

Fall of wickets: 1-82 (Zaman), 2-111 (Imam), 3-199 (Babar), 4-279 (Hafeez), 5-311 (Asif), 6-319 (Sarfaraz), 7-325 (Riaz), 8-337 (Malik)

Bowling: Woakes 8-1-71-3 (2w), Archer 10-0-79-0 (4w), Ali 10-0-50-3, Wood 10-0-53-2 (2w), Stokes 7-0-43-0, Rashid 5-0-43-0 (1w)

England

J&nbsp;Roy lbw b Shadab 8

J&nbsp;Bairstow c Sarfaraz b Riaz 32

J&nbsp;Root c Hafeez b Shadab 107

E&nbsp;Morgan b Hafeez 9

B&nbsp;Stokes c Sarfaraz b Malik 13

J&nbsp;Buttler c Riaz b Amir 103

M&nbsp;Ali c Zaman b Riaz 19

C&nbsp;Woakes c Sarfaraz b Riaz 21

J&nbsp;Archer c Riaz b Amir 1

A&nbsp;Rashid not out 3

M&nbsp;Wood not out 10

Extras (lb3, w5) 8

Total (nine wickets, 50 overs) 334

Fall of wickets: 1-12 (Roy), 2-60 (Bairstow), 3-86 (Morgan), 4-118 (Stokes), 5-248 (Root), 6-288 (Buttler), 7-320 (Ali), 8-320 (Woakes), 9-322 (Archer)

Bowling: Shadab 10-0-63-2, Amir 10-0-67-2 (3w), Riaz 10-0-82-3 (1w), Hasan 10-0-66-0 (1w), Hafeez 7-0-43-1, Malik 3-0-10-1

Pakistan beat World Cup favourites England by 14 runs despite centuries for Joe Root and Jos Buttler at Trent Bridge on Monday. Having scored 348 for eight in their 50 overs thanks to 84 from Mohammad Hafeez and Babar Azam's 63, Pakistan held off the England charge with a late flurry of wickets to leave them 334-9.

Pakistan beat World Cup favourites England by 14 runs despite centuries for Joe Root and Jos Buttler at Trent Bridge on Monday. Having scored 348 for eight in their 50 overs thanks to 84 from Mohammad Hafeez and Babar Azam's 63, Pakistan held off the England charge with a late flurry of wickets to leave them 334-9. Root scored 107 and Buttler made 103, but that was not enough to stop hosts England suffering a first defeat in their second match of the tournament as Pakistan bounced back from a thrashing against the West Indies. Earlier, Pakistan put their woeful start to the World Cup behind them on Monday, racking up a hefty 348 for eight wickets at Trent Bridge after being put in to bat by hosts and tournament favourites England. What. A. Win. pic.twitter.com/yFW13Xa5os — Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) June 3, 2019 × 11 ODI losses in a row, comprehensively beaten in their opening #CWC19 encounter, Pakistan bounce back with a brilliant win over England at Trent Bridge. 🔥 They have beaten the hosts – and tournament favourites – by 14 runs! pic.twitter.com/Pmz5Am6YdE — Cricket World Cup (@cricketworldcup) June 3, 2019 × Mohammad Hafeez top-scored with 84 off 62 balls including eight fours and two sixes, while Babar Azam made 63 and captain Sarfaraz Ahmed belted a quickfire 55. England banked on the pace of Chris Woakes and Jofra Archer for early wickets, no doubt hoping to recreate the way the West Indies skittled Pakistan out for 105 on Friday. Instead, opening batsmen Fakhar Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq delighted their vocal supporters by belting a string of fours and one six in an opening partnership of 82. England spinner Moeen Ali finally broke the pair up, claiming the wicket of Fakhar (36) when he miscalculated the spin and was stumped by keeper Jos Buttler. Woakes took a diving catch at extra cover to dismiss Imam-ul-Haq (44) six overs later, giving Moeen his second wicket of the morning and leaving Pakistan on 111-2. Babar and Mohammad Hafeez then steadied the ship for Pakistan with a partnership of 88 runs - partly helped by England's Jason Roy dropping a relatively easy catch off Hafeez when on 14 at mid-off. The home side, indeed, were uncharacteristically ragged in the field for most of the innings. Moeen and Woakes combined again for the next wicket, when Babar mistimed and lofted the ball towards mid-on where Woakes dived forwards to scoop up the catch. Hafeez was eventually caught, hitting the ball low towards mid-off where Woakes gleefully snatched his third catch of the day. Woakes matched his performance in the field with three late wickets, leaving England with a challenging, record-setting target. The best successful World Cup run chase to date came in 2011 when Ireland made 329 against England. The completed scoreboard in the World Cup match between England and Pakistan in Nottingham on Monday: Pakistan Imam-ul-Haq c Woakes b Ali 44 Fakhar Zaman st Buttler b Ali 36 Babar Azam c Woakes b Ali 63 Mohammad Hafeez c Woakes b Wood 84 Sarfaraz Ahmed c and b Woakes 55 Asif Ali c Bairstow b Wood 14 Shoaib Malik c Morgan b Woakes 8 Wahab Riaz c Root b Woakes 4 Hasan Ali not out 10 Shadab Khan not out 10 Extras (b1, lb8, w11) 20 Total (eight wickets, 50 overs) 348 Did not bat: Mohammad Amir Fall of wickets: 1-82 (Zaman), 2-111 (Imam), 3-199 (Babar), 4-279 (Hafeez), 5-311 (Asif), 6-319 (Sarfaraz), 7-325 (Riaz), 8-337 (Malik) Bowling: Woakes 8-1-71-3 (2w), Archer 10-0-79-0 (4w), Ali 10-0-50-3, Wood 10-0-53-2 (2w), Stokes 7-0-43-0, Rashid 5-0-43-0 (1w) England J Roy lbw b Shadab 8 J Bairstow c Sarfaraz b Riaz 32 J Root c Hafeez b Shadab 107 E Morgan b Hafeez 9 B Stokes c Sarfaraz b Malik 13 J Buttler c Riaz b Amir 103 M Ali c Zaman b Riaz 19 C Woakes c Sarfaraz b Riaz 21 J Archer c Riaz b Amir 1 A Rashid not out 3 M Wood not out 10 Extras (lb3, w5) 8 Total (nine wickets, 50 overs) 334 Fall of wickets: 1-12 (Roy), 2-60 (Bairstow), 3-86 (Morgan), 4-118 (Stokes), 5-248 (Root), 6-288 (Buttler), 7-320 (Ali), 8-320 (Woakes), 9-322 (Archer) Bowling: Shadab 10-0-63-2, Amir 10-0-67-2 (3w), Riaz 10-0-82-3 (1w), Hasan 10-0-66-0 (1w), Hafeez 7-0-43-1, Malik 3-0-10-1

Pakistan stun England by 14 runs in Cricket World Cup

WION Chat: In conversation with Reham Khan, Journalist on Pak activist harassment

India on Sunday “strongly protested” after guests at an Iftar event organised on Saturday by its mission in Islamabad complained of harassment by Pakistani security agencies.

India demands clarification from Pakistan over harassment with Indian officials

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/british-airways-resumes-flights-to-pakistan-after-over-10-years-223733">Pakistan welcomed the first British Airways</a> (BA) flight on Monday after a decade-long absence due to security fears, with ministers saying it will boost business, trade and tourism between the South Asian nation and Britain.

BA's Boeing 787 Dreamliner landed in Islamabad from Heathrow airport to begin three flights per week service, Pakistan's Civil Aviation spokesperson Farah Hussain said. High-ranking Pakistani and British embassy officials welcomed the flight, which returned to Britain the same day.

"With this kind of connectivity that we now have, British investors will find it so easy, Pakistani diaspora will find it very easy, our own exporters, our own business people will now have great connectivity of going from here to London," said Pakistan's trade and industry minister Abdul Razaq Dawood.

"From London, the whole world is open to us."

British High Commissioner Thomas Drew and BA's Chief Commercial Officer Andrew Brem called on Prime Minister Imran Khan, who said the resumption of BA flights to Pakistan will boost tourism in the country and encourage increased trade and investment.

"The links between Britain and Pakistan are already extra-ordinary from commerce, cricket and culture to people, politics and education," Drew added.

"This launch is a vote of confidence in the future of those links."

BA halted service to Pakistan following the 2008 Marriott Hotel bombing in the capital Islamabad which took place during a period of devastating Islamist militant violence in Pakistan.

Security has improved since, with militant attacks sharply down in the mainly Muslim country of 208 million people, reviving Pakistan as a destination for tourist and investors.

At present, only loss-making national carrier Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flies directly from Pakistan to Britain, but its ageing fleet of planes is a frequent source of complaints by passengers.

BA's Brem said the airline decided to resume operations due to increasing demand and the improved security situation in Pakistan.

"The priority for us is to fly where our passengers want to go and we absolutely had a demand to travel to Islamabad," Brem told a news conference.

Pakistan welcomed the first British Airways (BA) flight on Monday after a decade-long absence due to security fears, with ministers saying it will boost business, trade and tourism between the South Asian nation and Britain.

Pakistan welcomed the first British Airways (BA) flight on Monday after a decade-long absence due to security fears, with ministers saying it will boost business, trade and tourism between the South Asian nation and Britain. BA's Boeing 787 Dreamliner landed in Islamabad from Heathrow airport to begin three flights per week service, Pakistan's Civil Aviation spokesperson Farah Hussain said. High-ranking Pakistani and British embassy officials welcomed the flight, which returned to Britain the same day. "With this kind of connectivity that we now have, British investors will find it so easy, Pakistani diaspora will find it very easy, our own exporters, our own business people will now have great connectivity of going from here to London," said Pakistan's trade and industry minister Abdul Razaq Dawood. "From London, the whole world is open to us." British High Commissioner Thomas Drew and BA's Chief Commercial Officer Andrew Brem called on Prime Minister Imran Khan, who said the resumption of BA flights to Pakistan will boost tourism in the country and encourage increased trade and investment. "The links between Britain and Pakistan are already extra-ordinary from commerce, cricket and culture to people, politics and education," Drew added. "This launch is a vote of confidence in the future of those links." BA halted service to Pakistan following the 2008 Marriott Hotel bombing in the capital Islamabad which took place during a period of devastating Islamist militant violence in Pakistan. Security has improved since, with militant attacks sharply down in the mainly Muslim country of 208 million people, reviving Pakistan as a destination for tourist and investors. At present, only loss-making national carrier Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flies directly from Pakistan to Britain, but its ageing fleet of planes is a frequent source of complaints by passengers. BA's Brem said the airline decided to resume operations due to increasing demand and the improved security situation in Pakistan. "The priority for us is to fly where our passengers want to go and we absolutely had a demand to travel to Islamabad," Brem told a news conference.

Pakistan sees business boost in British Airways flights resumption

Shopping centers, street markets and high-end stores in Pakistan have been bustling with customers for the past few days in preparation for the Eid-el Fitr, a religious festival that marks the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan.

Shops busy in Karachi ahead of Eid el Fitr

Pakistan on Sunday told the US that it will continue to play the role of a mediator for the establishment of peace in war-torn Afghanistan and in the region.

Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Aftab Khokhar, during his meeting with the visiting US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad, also said,"Islamabad encourages all sides to seize the moment to end the prolonged conflict through political settlement".

Khalilzad, who is leading US President Donald Trump's push to broker a peace deal with Taliban, arrived in Pakistan on Sunday.

He is on a 17-day long peace mission during which he will visit Afghanistan, Belgium, Germany, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates in efforts to end the long-running Afghan war.

The US envoy will resume peace talks with Taliban in Doha, where the terror group has a political office. He has met with Taliban six times to broker a deal under which the US will pull out troops who were first deployed following the September 11, 2001 attacks.

Ahead of Khalilzad's two-weeks tour, the US State Department had said that he will resume talks with the group after a break of around a month to move the peace process forward.

Khalilzad, during his meeting with Khokhar, appreciated the pivotal role played by Pakistan for establishment of enduring peace in the region.

"In line with Prime Minister Imran Khan's vision, Pakistan reiterated its commitment for peace. It encouraged all sides to seize the moment to end the prolonged conflict through political settlement," Foreign Office spokesman Mohammad Faisal said.

Khokhar said, "Pakistan will continue playing its mediatory role in establishment of peace in the region, including Afghan peace process."

Khalilzad was lead a US delegation which include representatives from the Defense and the State departments, while Khokhar led the Pakistani side.&nbsp; 
The two sides also discussed bilateral issues.

Pakistan on Sunday told the US that it will continue to play the role of a mediator for the establishment of peace in war-torn Afghanistan and in the region. Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Aftab Khokhar, during his meeting with the visiting US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad, also said,"Islamabad encourages all sides to seize the moment to end the prolonged conflict through political settlement".

Pakistan on Sunday told the US that it will continue to play the role of a mediator for the establishment of peace in war-torn Afghanistan and in the region. Additional Secretary in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs Aftab Khokhar, during his meeting with the visiting US Special Representative for Afghanistan Reconciliation Zalmay Khalilzad, also said,"Islamabad encourages all sides to seize the moment to end the prolonged conflict through political settlement". Khalilzad, who is leading US President Donald Trump's push to broker a peace deal with Taliban, arrived in Pakistan on Sunday. He is on a 17-day long peace mission during which he will visit Afghanistan, Belgium, Germany, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates in efforts to end the long-running Afghan war. The US envoy will resume peace talks with Taliban in Doha, where the terror group has a political office. He has met with Taliban six times to broker a deal under which the US will pull out troops who were first deployed following the September 11, 2001 attacks. Ahead of Khalilzad's two-weeks tour, the US State Department had said that he will resume talks with the group after a break of around a month to move the peace process forward. Khalilzad, during his meeting with Khokhar, appreciated the pivotal role played by Pakistan for establishment of enduring peace in the region. "In line with Prime Minister Imran Khan's vision, Pakistan reiterated its commitment for peace. It encouraged all sides to seize the moment to end the prolonged conflict through political settlement," Foreign Office spokesman Mohammad Faisal said. Khokhar said, "Pakistan will continue playing its mediatory role in establishment of peace in the region, including Afghan peace process." Khalilzad was lead a US delegation which include representatives from the Defense and the State departments, while Khokhar led the Pakistani side. The two sides also discussed bilateral issues.

Will continue to play mediatory role for peace in Afghanistan and region: Pakistan tells US

China and Pakistan are both involved in infiltration, but Pakistan does it more and the government is finding ways to tackle it, Minister of State for Defence Shripad Naik said on Sunday.

"I thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi for showing his trust in me and giving me the responsibility of MoS in the Defence Ministry. PM Modi is taking measures to end terrorism in our country. We will work to strengthen his hands. We will work to spread peace and tranquillity in the country," he told ANI.

Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant "welcomed" the decision of the Prime Minister to give the portfolio to Naik.

"Naik was a senior Cabinet minister in Goa and so he will definitely do well in the important portfolio," Sawant said.

"PM Modi and Naik know the requirement of Goa. Mining is an important issue for the state and I hope it is taken into consideration soon," the chief minister added.&nbsp;

China and Pakistan are both involved in infiltration, but Pakistan does it more and the government is finding ways to tackle it, Minister of State for Defence Shripad Naik said on Sunday.

China and Pakistan are both involved in infiltration, but Pakistan does it more and the government is finding ways to tackle it, Minister of State for Defence Shripad Naik said on Sunday. "I thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi for showing his trust in me and giving me the responsibility of MoS in the Defence Ministry. PM Modi is taking measures to end terrorism in our country. We will work to strengthen his hands. We will work to spread peace and tranquillity in the country," he told ANI. Goa Chief Minister Pramod Sawant "welcomed" the decision of the Prime Minister to give the portfolio to Naik. "Naik was a senior Cabinet minister in Goa and so he will definitely do well in the important portfolio," Sawant said. "PM Modi and Naik know the requirement of Goa. Mining is an important issue for the state and I hope it is taken into consideration soon," the chief minister added.

Both China, Pakistan involved in infiltration: MoS for Defence Shripad Naik

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - 2 July 2019

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Five years after MH17 downing, airline conflict alert system remains patchy