Security forces surrounded the attackers in a staircase leading to the top floor of the building, it said, adding that a security operation to clear the area was ongoing. Watch WION Pak Bureau chief Anas Mallick reports from Pakistan.

Security guard killed as Gunmen attack hotel in Pakistan's Gwadar

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 - May 11th, 2019

A terror attack is reportedly underway at the Pearl Continent Hotel in Pakistan's Gwadar port city. Reports have confirmed the presence of terrorists inside the hotel. The exchange of gunfire is underway between terrorists and security forces, the reports said. Gunshots also heard around the hotel.

Breaking: Terrorists storm Pearl Continental Hotel in Pakistan's Gwadar, gunfight underway

The talks between cash-strapped Pakistan and the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/imran-khan-asks-people-of-pakistan-to-bear-with-rising-inflation-217696">IMF</a> will continue over the weekend after the parleys between the two sides reached a deadlock due to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-growth-to-hit-eight-year-low-as-imf-bailout-looms-217509">Prime Minister Imran Khan</a>'s reservations over heavy taxation the people would have to bear, according to a media report on Saturday.

Head of IMF Mission to Pakistan Ernesto Rigo is currently in Islamabad as the country hopes to strike a deal with the global lender for a three-year bailout package totalling around $6.5 billion.

We have made good progress in our discussions with the visiting IMF Mission. Consultations will continue over the weekend, Khaqan Hasan Najeeb, the spokesman of the Finance Ministry, was quoted as saying by the Express Tribune.

Sources in the ministry of finance said that there were at least three main sticking points that led to inconclusive talks till the last day of the IMF visit. As of Thursday, the top management of the Ministry of Finance was hopeful to conclude the deal and the IMF team had planned to return on May 11, the report said.

But things went off the track after the IMF insisted on the inclusion of some new conditions in the programme, which appeared unreasonable.

Prime Minister Imran Khan also expressed reservations over massive additional taxes burden that the nation will bear from July this year, provided both sides reach an agreement, it said.

Pakistan has accepted the IMF's demands of flexible exchange rate regime, withdrawal of subsidies, containing borrowing from the central bank and reinitiating the privatisation programme.

The talks remained inconclusive despite Pakistan conceded to almost everything that the IMF asked for, the report said.

Pakistan and the IMF are engaged to finalise the bailout package for the past eight months. It was the second visit by the IMF staff level team during the past five months that again could not conclude the deal within the due time.

The sources said the IMF has sent a draft of the proposed agreement to Washington for vetting that includes some new conditions which were not part of negotiations in the first round of talks.&nbsp;

The talks between cash-strapped Pakistan and the IMF will continue over the weekend after the parleys between the two sides reached a deadlock due to Prime Minister Imran Khan's reservations over heavy taxation the people would have to bear, according to a media report on Saturday.

The talks between cash-strapped Pakistan and the IMF will continue over the weekend after the parleys between the two sides reached a deadlock due to Prime Minister Imran Khan's reservations over heavy taxation the people would have to bear, according to a media report on Saturday. Head of IMF Mission to Pakistan Ernesto Rigo is currently in Islamabad as the country hopes to strike a deal with the global lender for a three-year bailout package totalling around $6.5 billion. We have made good progress in our discussions with the visiting IMF Mission. Consultations will continue over the weekend, Khaqan Hasan Najeeb, the spokesman of the Finance Ministry, was quoted as saying by the Express Tribune. Sources in the ministry of finance said that there were at least three main sticking points that led to inconclusive talks till the last day of the IMF visit. As of Thursday, the top management of the Ministry of Finance was hopeful to conclude the deal and the IMF team had planned to return on May 11, the report said. But things went off the track after the IMF insisted on the inclusion of some new conditions in the programme, which appeared unreasonable. Prime Minister Imran Khan also expressed reservations over massive additional taxes burden that the nation will bear from July this year, provided both sides reach an agreement, it said. Pakistan has accepted the IMF's demands of flexible exchange rate regime, withdrawal of subsidies, containing borrowing from the central bank and reinitiating the privatisation programme. The talks remained inconclusive despite Pakistan conceded to almost everything that the IMF asked for, the report said. Pakistan and the IMF are engaged to finalise the bailout package for the past eight months. It was the second visit by the IMF staff level team during the past five months that again could not conclude the deal within the due time. The sources said the IMF has sent a draft of the proposed agreement to Washington for vetting that includes some new conditions which were not part of negotiations in the first round of talks.

Pakistan to continue talks with IMF on bailout over weekend

Threats, arrests, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/never-been-on-social-media-your-privacy-may-still-be-at-risk-says-study-191971">blocked accounts and restricted posts</a> -- Big Brother is watching more closely than ever in Pakistan as authorities accelerate efforts to censor <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nepal-social-media-bill-sparks-freedom-of-speech-concerns-198633">social networks</a>, further reducing an already shrunken space for dissent.

In the past 18 months, a slew of journalists, activists, and government opponents –- both at home and overseas -- have faced intimidation or the threat of legal action for their online posts.&nbsp;

Censorship is already rife among Pakistan's mainstream media, with the Committee to Protect Journalists noting last year that the military had "quietly but effectively" imposed strict limits on the scope of general news reporting.

Platforms such as Facebook and Twitter were regarded as the last holdouts of dissenting voices, but now that has changed.

In February, authorities announced the creation of a new enforcement arm to root out social media users accused of spreading "hate speech and violence" as part of the crackdown.

Gul Bukhari, a columnist and sometime government critic who was briefly abducted by unidentified men last year, said the assault on social media was carefully organised and coordinated.

"It is the last frontier they try to conquer," Bukhari explained.

&nbsp;Silence dissent&nbsp;

Journalist Rizwan-ur-Rehman Razi was among the people targeted. He was arrested in February at home in the eastern city of Lahore for publishing "defamatory and obnoxious" content against the state.

A few days earlier, he had criticised extra-judicial executions allegedly committed by the security forces, according to a copy of his tweets seen by AFP.

Released after two nights, he has not tweeted since, and his posts have been deleted.

The net cast by the crackdown is a wide one, with Shahzad Ahmad, director of the digital security NGO Bytes for All, pointing to the harassment of civil rights activists, the political opposition, and bloggers.

According to Annie Zaman, an expert on cyber-censorship in Pakistan, this is made possible by an all-encompassing 2016 law that prohibits online posts that are deemed to compromise state security or offend anything from "the glory of Islam" to non-defined notions of "decency and morality".

"Because this law is vague, it gave more space to the authorities to censor online," Zaman said.

Offenders can face up to 14 years in prison.

The military signalled its involvement in the campaign as early as June last year, when spokesman Major General Asif Ghafoor boasted of the capacity to monitor social media accounts during a televised press conference.

In a clear warning, Ghafoor briefly showed an image of what appeared to be specific Twitter handles and names.

Facebook and Twitter transparency reports show the crackdown was already well underway last year, with a huge spike in requests by the Pakistani government seeking to censor online activity.

Facebook restricted more content in Pakistan than in any other country in the first six months of 2018, according to its transparency figures from that time period, which are the most recently available.

The social media giant said it restricted the availability of 2,203 pieces of content in total -- a seven-fold jump from the previous six months.

All but 87 of the items had been reported by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority "as allegedly violating local laws prohibiting blasphemy, anti-judiciary content, and condemnation of the country's independence," it said.

The Pakistan Telecommunications Authority did not respond to requests for comment.

&nbsp;'Overstepping boundaries'&nbsp;

Twitter figures for the same time period showed a similar trend, with requests to remove content from 3,004 accounts in Pakistan compared to 674 in the second half of 2017.

A Twitter spokesman said the vast majority of the requests had come from the government and stressed that the company had acquiesced to none of them.

"The authorities are no longer hiding their agenda (or policy) to silence internet-mediated dissent," said Rabia Mehmood, a researcher for Amnesty International.

"While the current censorship is exceptionally intense, over the years, one message has been consistent that criticism of policies of the Pakistan military will not be tolerated."

Even those posting on social media from overseas have found themselves targeted.

Twitter routinely sends out a notice to users notifying them when the company receives complaints that their posts have violated a country's laws.

AFP has found dozens of users who received such a message warning they had violated Pakistani laws -- including 11 who had tweeted from beyond Pakistan's borders, in countries such as Australia, the US and Canada.

The requests represent "a government censor overstepping jurisdiction boundaries", said Jillian York, an expert at the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), an American NGO.

Threats, arrests, blocked accounts and restricted posts -- Big Brother is watching more closely than ever in Pakistan as authorities accelerate efforts to censor social networks, further reducing an already shrunken space for dissent.

Threats, arrests, blocked accounts and restricted posts -- Big Brother is watching more closely than ever in Pakistan as authorities accelerate efforts to censor social networks, further reducing an already shrunken space for dissent. In the past 18 months, a slew of journalists, activists, and government opponents –- both at home and overseas -- have faced intimidation or the threat of legal action for their online posts. Censorship is already rife among Pakistan's mainstream media, with the Committee to Protect Journalists noting last year that the military had "quietly but effectively" imposed strict limits on the scope of general news reporting. Platforms such as Facebook and Twitter were regarded as the last holdouts of dissenting voices, but now that has changed. In February, authorities announced the creation of a new enforcement arm to root out social media users accused of spreading "hate speech and violence" as part of the crackdown. Gul Bukhari, a columnist and sometime government critic who was briefly abducted by unidentified men last year, said the assault on social media was carefully organised and coordinated. "It is the last frontier they try to conquer," Bukhari explained. Silence dissent Journalist Rizwan-ur-Rehman Razi was among the people targeted. He was arrested in February at home in the eastern city of Lahore for publishing "defamatory and obnoxious" content against the state. A few days earlier, he had criticised extra-judicial executions allegedly committed by the security forces, according to a copy of his tweets seen by AFP. Released after two nights, he has not tweeted since, and his posts have been deleted. The net cast by the crackdown is a wide one, with Shahzad Ahmad, director of the digital security NGO Bytes for All, pointing to the harassment of civil rights activists, the political opposition, and bloggers. According to Annie Zaman, an expert on cyber-censorship in Pakistan, this is made possible by an all-encompassing 2016 law that prohibits online posts that are deemed to compromise state security or offend anything from "the glory of Islam" to non-defined notions of "decency and morality". "Because this law is vague, it gave more space to the authorities to censor online," Zaman said. Offenders can face up to 14 years in prison. The military signalled its involvement in the campaign as early as June last year, when spokesman Major General Asif Ghafoor boasted of the capacity to monitor social media accounts during a televised press conference. In a clear warning, Ghafoor briefly showed an image of what appeared to be specific Twitter handles and names. Facebook and Twitter transparency reports show the crackdown was already well underway last year, with a huge spike in requests by the Pakistani government seeking to censor online activity. Facebook restricted more content in Pakistan than in any other country in the first six months of 2018, according to its transparency figures from that time period, which are the most recently available. The social media giant said it restricted the availability of 2,203 pieces of content in total -- a seven-fold jump from the previous six months. All but 87 of the items had been reported by the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority "as allegedly violating local laws prohibiting blasphemy, anti-judiciary content, and condemnation of the country's independence," it said. The Pakistan Telecommunications Authority did not respond to requests for comment. 'Overstepping boundaries' Twitter figures for the same time period showed a similar trend, with requests to remove content from 3,004 accounts in Pakistan compared to 674 in the second half of 2017. A Twitter spokesman said the vast majority of the requests had come from the government and stressed that the company had acquiesced to none of them. "The authorities are no longer hiding their agenda (or policy) to silence internet-mediated dissent," said Rabia Mehmood, a researcher for Amnesty International. "While the current censorship is exceptionally intense, over the years, one message has been consistent that criticism of policies of the Pakistan military will not be tolerated." Even those posting on social media from overseas have found themselves targeted. Twitter routinely sends out a notice to users notifying them when the company receives complaints that their posts have violated a country's laws. AFP has found dozens of users who received such a message warning they had violated Pakistani laws -- including 11 who had tweeted from beyond Pakistan's borders, in countries such as Australia, the US and Canada. The requests represent "a government censor overstepping jurisdiction boundaries", said Jillian York, an expert at the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), an American NGO.

Social networks under intense surveillance in Pakistan

A spate of arrests of Chinese nationals allegedly involved in fake marriages with Pakistani women and reports of human trafficking and organ trade have forced China to send a "task force" to Islamabad to quickly deal with the issues that could "undermine" the bilateral all-weather ties.

Pakistan's Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) on Friday arrested three more <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/over-20-chinese-arrested-for-girls-trafficking-in-pakistan-217106">Chinese nationals suspected of involvement in fake marriages</a> and human trafficking from the Islamabad airport, Dawn newspaper reported.

The FIA's immigration cell also took into custody three local women who were accompanying the Chinese men. The three couples were intercepted as they were about to leave for China, it said.

On Thursday, the FIA announced that it had taken 11 Chinese nationals into custody for a probe into a transnational gang allegedly involved in prostitution and illegal organ trade.

In Islamabad, the Chinese embassy said it has noted media reports and that Pakistan has taken measures in accordance with its domestic laws and regulations.&nbsp;

"Relevant cases are now under investigation," the mission said in a press release, adding that the Ministry of Public Security of China has sent a "task force to Pakistan to carry out law enforcement cooperation with the Pakistani side".

An FIA press release detailed how the agency had come to know about the suspected ring, which involves large sums of money changing hands for the contracting of fake marriages between vulnerable Pakistani women and Chinese men. The women are later allegedly trafficked into prostitution in China.

Nazir Ahmad, the father of one of the victims, registered a complaint with the FIA and told them that how some agents contacted him and lured him into marrying his daughter to a Chinese, the Express Tribune reported.

The agents assured Nazir, for a brief period, he would be accompanying his daughter abroad where she would also be allowed to work.

After marrying 'Musa', the girl travelled to Islamabad and left for China.&nbsp;

After some time, the girl called her father to reveal that the family had been duped, the report said.

According to Nazir's daughter, her husband who had not converted to Islam was forcing her into prostitution.

When Nazir contacted the agents, he was told to contact their boss Wei Linping in Islamabad. When Nazir contacted Wei, he was told that the agents had received Rs 2 million and he would have to pay the amount to get his daughter back.

Nazir was warned that the girl would be forced into prostitution or illegal organ transplantation if he did not pay the amount, the Express Tribune report said.

After the Pakistani High Commission intervened, the victim was recovered. In her appearance before the FIA, she revealed that the den of this gang was located in Johar Town in Lahore, Punjab province.

The Chinese embassy statement said Beijing will further strengthen cooperation with the law enforcement agencies in Pakistan, effectively combat crime, so as to protect the legitimate rights and interests of the two peoples, and jointly safeguard China-Pakistan friendly relations.

"It is worth noting that several media reports have fabricated facts and spread rumours. According to investigations by the Ministry of Public Security of China, there is no forced prostitution or sale of human organs for those Pakistani women who stay in China after marriage with Chinese," the statement said.&nbsp;

"We hope that the media reports should seek truth from facts, be objective and fair. We hope the people of China and Pakistan do not believe the rumours.&nbsp;

"We will never allow a few criminals to undermine China-Pakistan friendship and hurt the friendly feelings between two peoples," the statement said.&nbsp;

A spate of arrests of Chinese nationals allegedly involved in fake marriages with Pakistani women and reports of human trafficking and organ trade have forced China to send a "task force" to Islamabad to quickly deal with the issues that could "undermine" the bilateral all-weather ties.

A spate of arrests of Chinese nationals allegedly involved in fake marriages with Pakistani women and reports of human trafficking and organ trade have forced China to send a "task force" to Islamabad to quickly deal with the issues that could "undermine" the bilateral all-weather ties. Pakistan's Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) on Friday arrested three more Chinese nationals suspected of involvement in fake marriages and human trafficking from the Islamabad airport, Dawn newspaper reported. The FIA's immigration cell also took into custody three local women who were accompanying the Chinese men. The three couples were intercepted as they were about to leave for China, it said. On Thursday, the FIA announced that it had taken 11 Chinese nationals into custody for a probe into a transnational gang allegedly involved in prostitution and illegal organ trade. In Islamabad, the Chinese embassy said it has noted media reports and that Pakistan has taken measures in accordance with its domestic laws and regulations. "Relevant cases are now under investigation," the mission said in a press release, adding that the Ministry of Public Security of China has sent a "task force to Pakistan to carry out law enforcement cooperation with the Pakistani side". An FIA press release detailed how the agency had come to know about the suspected ring, which involves large sums of money changing hands for the contracting of fake marriages between vulnerable Pakistani women and Chinese men. The women are later allegedly trafficked into prostitution in China. Nazir Ahmad, the father of one of the victims, registered a complaint with the FIA and told them that how some agents contacted him and lured him into marrying his daughter to a Chinese, the Express Tribune reported. The agents assured Nazir, for a brief period, he would be accompanying his daughter abroad where she would also be allowed to work. After marrying 'Musa', the girl travelled to Islamabad and left for China. After some time, the girl called her father to reveal that the family had been duped, the report said. According to Nazir's daughter, her husband who had not converted to Islam was forcing her into prostitution. When Nazir contacted the agents, he was told to contact their boss Wei Linping in Islamabad. When Nazir contacted Wei, he was told that the agents had received Rs 2 million and he would have to pay the amount to get his daughter back. Nazir was warned that the girl would be forced into prostitution or illegal organ transplantation if he did not pay the amount, the Express Tribune report said. After the Pakistani High Commission intervened, the victim was recovered. In her appearance before the FIA, she revealed that the den of this gang was located in Johar Town in Lahore, Punjab province. The Chinese embassy statement said Beijing will further strengthen cooperation with the law enforcement agencies in Pakistan, effectively combat crime, so as to protect the legitimate rights and interests of the two peoples, and jointly safeguard China-Pakistan friendly relations. "It is worth noting that several media reports have fabricated facts and spread rumours. According to investigations by the Ministry of Public Security of China, there is no forced prostitution or sale of human organs for those Pakistani women who stay in China after marriage with Chinese," the statement said. "We hope that the media reports should seek truth from facts, be objective and fair. We hope the people of China and Pakistan do not believe the rumours. "We will never allow a few criminals to undermine China-Pakistan friendship and hurt the friendly feelings between two peoples," the statement said.

China sends 'task force' to Pakistan to deal with fake marriage, human trafficking

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-taliban-faction-claims-responsibility-for-blast-in-lahore-216950">Pakistan</a>'s growth rate is set to hit an eight-year low, a government report predicted Friday, with all major indicators down as the country continues negotiating its 22nd bailout from the International Monetary Fund.

A report by the National Accounts Committee, released late Thursday, forecast growth of a mere 3.3 per cent in the current fiscal year against a projected target of 6.2 per cent.&nbsp;

"These are provisional data, not final, but <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-appoints-former-imf-official-as-new-state-bank-of-pakistan-governor-216057">Pakistan's economy</a> is witnessing a slowdown," Muzammil Aslam, an independent economist, said.

The report came as an IMF mission to Pakistan was expected to conclude its visit Friday, where it has been holding negotiations over a long-delayed bailout to stave off a potential balance-of-payments crisis.&nbsp;

A deal could be announced shortly, according to local media.

"We expect an IMF package similar to the one Pakistan obtained in 2008," Aslam, who heads Emerging Economic Research, said.

Then, Pakistan got a $7.6 billion loan for five years to support its programme to stabilise and rebuild the economy.

Analysts have warned that any fresh IMF deal could come with restrictions that would hobble Prime Minister Imran Khan's grand promises to build an Islamic welfare state.&nbsp;

Discontent is already growing over the measures the government has taken to fend off the crisis, including devaluing the rupee by some 30 per cent since January 2018, sending inflation to five-year highs.&nbsp;

"I had to halve my blood pressure medicine does as we can't afford to buy expensive medicines," Shehla Samad, a 45-year housewife, told AFP in Karachi recently.

The IMF has issued an even more grim forecast for Pakistan, predicting economic growth of 2.9 per cent -- a 10-year low -- for the current fiscal year.

Government officials said last month they have reached an "agreement in principle" with the IMF.

But Khan's finance minister Asad Umar, who was leading negotiations, quit after a cabinet reshuffle last month.

"We need to take some difficult decisions and we need to show some patience... Don't expect that there will be miracles and rivers of honey and milk," Umar warned after his resignation.

The negotiations are now being led by Abdul Hafeez Sheikh, a former World Bank official who was Pakistan's finance minister from 2010-2013.

The US has warned that 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, which joined the IMF in 1950, has had 21 bailouts since then. Its most recent loan was issued in 2013, worth $6.6 billion.

The United Arab Emirates, Pakistan's largest trading partner in the Middle East and a major investment source, recently offered $3 billion to support the battered economy.

Islamabad also secured $6 billion in funding from Saudi Arabia and struck a 12-month deal for a cash lifeline during Khan's visit to the kingdom in October.

Pakistan's growth rate is set to hit an eight-year low, a government report predicted Friday, with all major indicators down as the country continues negotiating its 22nd bailout from the International Monetary Fund.

Pakistan's growth rate is set to hit an eight-year low, a government report predicted Friday, with all major indicators down as the country continues negotiating its 22nd bailout from the International Monetary Fund. A report by the National Accounts Committee, released late Thursday, forecast growth of a mere 3.3 per cent in the current fiscal year against a projected target of 6.2 per cent. "These are provisional data, not final, but Pakistan's economy is witnessing a slowdown," Muzammil Aslam, an independent economist, said. The report came as an IMF mission to Pakistan was expected to conclude its visit Friday, where it has been holding negotiations over a long-delayed bailout to stave off a potential balance-of-payments crisis. A deal could be announced shortly, according to local media. "We expect an IMF package similar to the one Pakistan obtained in 2008," Aslam, who heads Emerging Economic Research, said. Then, Pakistan got a $7.6 billion loan for five years to support its programme to stabilise and rebuild the economy. Analysts have warned that any fresh IMF deal could come with restrictions that would hobble Prime Minister Imran Khan's grand promises to build an Islamic welfare state. Discontent is already growing over the measures the government has taken to fend off the crisis, including devaluing the rupee by some 30 per cent since January 2018, sending inflation to five-year highs. "I had to halve my blood pressure medicine does as we can't afford to buy expensive medicines," Shehla Samad, a 45-year housewife, told AFP in Karachi recently. The IMF has issued an even more grim forecast for Pakistan, predicting economic growth of 2.9 per cent -- a 10-year low -- for the current fiscal year. Government officials said last month they have reached an "agreement in principle" with the IMF. But Khan's finance minister Asad Umar, who was leading negotiations, quit after a cabinet reshuffle last month. "We need to take some difficult decisions and we need to show some patience... Don't expect that there will be miracles and rivers of honey and milk," Umar warned after his resignation. The negotiations are now being led by Abdul Hafeez Sheikh, a former World Bank official who was Pakistan's finance minister from 2010-2013. The US has warned that 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, which joined the IMF in 1950, has had 21 bailouts since then. Its most recent loan was issued in 2013, worth $6.6 billion. The United Arab Emirates, Pakistan's largest trading partner in the Middle East and a major investment source, recently offered $3 billion to support the battered economy. Islamabad also secured $6 billion in funding from Saudi Arabia and struck a 12-month deal for a cash lifeline during Khan's visit to the kingdom in October.

Pakistan's growth to hit eight-year low as IMF bailout looms

The death toll rose to 11 on Thursday in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-blast-near-elite-police-vehicle-in-lahore-2-dead-19-injured-216892">powerful suicide blast</a> outside one of Pakistan's oldest and most revered Sufi shrines in Lahore as another policeman succumbed to his injuries, officials said.

The attack, which occurred during the Muslim holy month of Ramazan, was carried out by a teenage <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-taliban-faction-claims-responsibility-for-blast-in-lahore-216950">Taliban suicide bomber</a> who blew himself up outside the densely-populated 11th-century shrine on Wednesday.

So far, 11 people, including six police commandos, have lost their lives, Geo News reported, adding that as many as 26 others have been injured.

The powerful blast took place outside the Data Darbar shrine, the largest Sufi shrine in South Asia, where the elite police personnel were deployed for security.

A CCTV footage showed that a teenage boy wearing black 'shalwar kameez' and a suicide vest came closer to the vehicle of elite force and blew himself up.

"The suicide bomber is about 15 years old and made no suspected movement before blowing himself up," Lahore police spokesperson Syed Mubashir told PTI on Wednesday.

He said that two suspects have been taken into custody.

The Jamaat-ul-Ahrar (JeA), a breakaway faction of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), claimed responsibility for the attack.

Punjab Inspector General Police Arif Nawaz told reporters that it was a suicide attack and the target was the vehicle of the elite force that was stationed outside the shrine of Sufi saint Ali Hajvari popularly known as Data Darbar.

The blast shattered the windows in nearby vehicles and buildings.

Wednesday was the second day of Muslim holy month of Ramazan. The Data Darbar area is thickly populated and the shrine attracts thousands of visitors every day.

Prime Minister Imran Khan has condemned the attack and directed the Punjab government to provide all assistance to the injured and families of victims. Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar has ordered an inquiry.

Educational institutions near the shrine have been closed for Thursday.

The shrine is visited by hundreds of thousands of people each year.

In 2010, the shrine was targeted in a suicide attack that killed more than 40 people. Since then, the area has been increasingly hemmed in by heavy security, with visitors forced to pass through several layers of screening before they can enter the complex.&nbsp;

The death toll rose to 11 on Thursday in the powerful suicide blast outside one of Pakistan's oldest and most revered Sufi shrines in Lahore as another policeman succumbed to his injuries, officials said.

The death toll rose to 11 on Thursday in the powerful suicide blast outside one of Pakistan's oldest and most revered Sufi shrines in Lahore as another policeman succumbed to his injuries, officials said. The attack, which occurred during the Muslim holy month of Ramazan, was carried out by a teenage Taliban suicide bomber who blew himself up outside the densely-populated 11th-century shrine on Wednesday. So far, 11 people, including six police commandos, have lost their lives, Geo News reported, adding that as many as 26 others have been injured. The powerful blast took place outside the Data Darbar shrine, the largest Sufi shrine in South Asia, where the elite police personnel were deployed for security. A CCTV footage showed that a teenage boy wearing black 'shalwar kameez' and a suicide vest came closer to the vehicle of elite force and blew himself up. "The suicide bomber is about 15 years old and made no suspected movement before blowing himself up," Lahore police spokesperson Syed Mubashir told PTI on Wednesday. He said that two suspects have been taken into custody. The Jamaat-ul-Ahrar (JeA), a breakaway faction of the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), claimed responsibility for the attack. Punjab Inspector General Police Arif Nawaz told reporters that it was a suicide attack and the target was the vehicle of the elite force that was stationed outside the shrine of Sufi saint Ali Hajvari popularly known as Data Darbar. The blast shattered the windows in nearby vehicles and buildings. Wednesday was the second day of Muslim holy month of Ramazan. The Data Darbar area is thickly populated and the shrine attracts thousands of visitors every day. Prime Minister Imran Khan has condemned the attack and directed the Punjab government to provide all assistance to the injured and families of victims. Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar has ordered an inquiry. Educational institutions near the shrine have been closed for Thursday. The shrine is visited by hundreds of thousands of people each year. In 2010, the shrine was targeted in a suicide attack that killed more than 40 people. Since then, the area has been increasingly hemmed in by heavy security, with visitors forced to pass through several layers of screening before they can enter the complex.

Death toll rises to 11 in Lahore suicide attack outside Sufi shrine

Pakistan has an important role to play in the ongoing <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/united-states-to-consult-india-on-afghan-peace-process-216789">Afghan peace process</a>, the Acting US Defence Secretary Patrick Shanahan told lawmakers Wednesday with another top American general opposing any move to withdraw troops from the war-torn country.

General Joseph Dunford, the Chairman of US Joint Chiefs of Staff, agreed with Shanahan during a Senate Committee hearing on the country's defence budget for the fiscal year 2020 beginning October 1, when Senator Lindsay Graham asked a question on the ongoing Afghan peace process.

"It's in our national security interest to have a counterterrorism platform. Do you agree that we'll never get a peaceful resolution until Pakistan denies the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/taliban-says-india-pakistan-clashes-will-affect-afghan-peace-process-200007">Taliban</a>'s safe haven?" Graham asked during the Congressional hearing.

"I believe Pakistan plays an important role," Shanahan said in response.&nbsp;

"I do (agree), senator," Dunford said.

Responding to a question, Shanahan agreed ISISK is getting larger, not smaller in Afghanistan and a counterterrorism platform is still required in the war-torn country. Shanahan said the current South Asia strategy of President Trump offers the best chance for peace in Afghanistan. "Our current policy remains the South Asia strategy. Our best chance for peace and this is probably the best in 40 years, is taking place right now. I would say our policy is to fight and talk. We're fighting the Taliban to pressure them into a reduction in violence," he said.

The United States is making progress on its South Asia policy, he said.

"Do you anticipate US forces coming home from Afghanistan anytime soon, or are we looking at an indefinite garrison type situation? How would you explain our current policy and the conditions for US withdrawal for the American people in a clear and simple way?" Senator Tom Udall asked.

General Dunford insisted that the US policy should be to put pressure on terrorist groups that pose threat to the US. "It's my judgment today, based on the threat from South Asia, that we need to continue to put pressure on those terrorist groups or they'll pose a threat to the United States," he said.

"I know it's frustrating to you and the American people for us to be there for such a long period of time. It's just my judgment right now that the conditions for a complete withdrawal aren't there," he said.&nbsp;

"The conditions for continuing to decrease our presence in the region as we have and increase the responsibility of, in this case, the Afghan forces to provide security for themselves, I think we can expect that to happen," he added.

"While I'm not anything other than realistic about the current negotiations we have and the peace process, it is the first time in many, many years where we've had some opportunity now to pursue a peaceful resolution to the war in Afghanistan. And at the end of the day, I don't believe there is a military solution, and I think will need to maintain a counterterrorism presence as long as an insurgency continues in Afghanistan," Dunford said.

Dunford said that there are about 20 groups in the region that he would describe as violent extremist groups. A handful of those groups have clearly demonstrated the intent to attack the homeland and to attack American citizens. The pressure that US's counterterrorism efforts have put on those groups over the last years have prevented another 9/11, he noted.

"Difficult to prove, but from the time I've spent Afghanistan -- I have been a commander there -- I am confident, if you want to think about this in terms of term insurance, once you stop paying the premium, you no longer have insurance. What we are doing in Afghanistan today, in my judgment, is a commensurate level of effort to threat," Dunford told the lawmakers.&nbsp;

Pakistan has an important role to play in the ongoing Afghan peace process, the Acting US Defence Secretary Patrick Shanahan told lawmakers Wednesday with another top American general opposing any move to withdraw troops from the war-torn country.

Pakistan has an important role to play in the ongoing Afghan peace process, the Acting US Defence Secretary Patrick Shanahan told lawmakers Wednesday with another top American general opposing any move to withdraw troops from the war-torn country. General Joseph Dunford, the Chairman of US Joint Chiefs of Staff, agreed with Shanahan during a Senate Committee hearing on the country's defence budget for the fiscal year 2020 beginning October 1, when Senator Lindsay Graham asked a question on the ongoing Afghan peace process. "It's in our national security interest to have a counterterrorism platform. Do you agree that we'll never get a peaceful resolution until Pakistan denies the Taliban's safe haven?" Graham asked during the Congressional hearing. "I believe Pakistan plays an important role," Shanahan said in response. "I do (agree), senator," Dunford said. Responding to a question, Shanahan agreed ISISK is getting larger, not smaller in Afghanistan and a counterterrorism platform is still required in the war-torn country. Shanahan said the current South Asia strategy of President Trump offers the best chance for peace in Afghanistan. "Our current policy remains the South Asia strategy. Our best chance for peace and this is probably the best in 40 years, is taking place right now. I would say our policy is to fight and talk. We're fighting the Taliban to pressure them into a reduction in violence," he said. The United States is making progress on its South Asia policy, he said. "Do you anticipate US forces coming home from Afghanistan anytime soon, or are we looking at an indefinite garrison type situation? How would you explain our current policy and the conditions for US withdrawal for the American people in a clear and simple way?" Senator Tom Udall asked. General Dunford insisted that the US policy should be to put pressure on terrorist groups that pose threat to the US. "It's my judgment today, based on the threat from South Asia, that we need to continue to put pressure on those terrorist groups or they'll pose a threat to the United States," he said. "I know it's frustrating to you and the American people for us to be there for such a long period of time. It's just my judgment right now that the conditions for a complete withdrawal aren't there," he said. "The conditions for continuing to decrease our presence in the region as we have and increase the responsibility of, in this case, the Afghan forces to provide security for themselves, I think we can expect that to happen," he added. "While I'm not anything other than realistic about the current negotiations we have and the peace process, it is the first time in many, many years where we've had some opportunity now to pursue a peaceful resolution to the war in Afghanistan. And at the end of the day, I don't believe there is a military solution, and I think will need to maintain a counterterrorism presence as long as an insurgency continues in Afghanistan," Dunford said. Dunford said that there are about 20 groups in the region that he would describe as violent extremist groups. A handful of those groups have clearly demonstrated the intent to attack the homeland and to attack American citizens. The pressure that US's counterterrorism efforts have put on those groups over the last years have prevented another 9/11, he noted. "Difficult to prove, but from the time I've spent Afghanistan -- I have been a commander there -- I am confident, if you want to think about this in terms of term insurance, once you stop paying the premium, you no longer have insurance. What we are doing in Afghanistan today, in my judgment, is a commensurate level of effort to threat," Dunford told the lawmakers.

Pakistan plays important role in Afghan peace process: Acting US Defence Secretary

Did India concede ground to ensure China dropped its objection to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) listing Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist? &nbsp;The finger of suspicion points at the imminent proceedings of the Paris-based Financial Action Task force (FATF).&nbsp;

China’s Xiangming Liu takes over as president of the FATF on July 1, 2019 – just in time to save Pakistan from being blacklisted. Did China, Pakistan’s all-weather ally, drive a bargain at the UNSC last week to keep Pakistan out of the blacklist at the FATF’s scheduled October 2019 meeting in return for Masood Azhar’s listing?&nbsp;

The FATF’s Asian affiliate will later this month evaluate the progress Pakistan has made in 29 specific areas of terror financing and money laundering where the FATF says Pakistan is in violation of its guidelines.

The Imran Khan government says “Naya” Pakistan is determined to root out terrorism emanating from Pakistani soil and that most of FATF’s concerns have been taken care of.&nbsp;

No one in the FATF — or in Pakistan itself — believes that. Terror financing continues unabated. Money laundering through routes in Afghanistan and the Middle East to fund terror groups has not reduced. The listing of JeM’s Masood Azhar as a global terrorist by the UNSC is merely symbolic. The Lashkar-e-Toiba’s Hafiz Saeed was designated a global terrorist by the UNSC way back in 2001. He has been untouched by the Pakistani authorities and continues to preach jihad against India.

Masood Azhar is currently under the protection of the Pakistani army’s ISI. Islamabad says the UNSC listing will be implemented in all key areas, including imposing an arms embargo on Azhar and freezing his assets.&nbsp;

Since the JeM’s weaponry and funds come surreptitiously from the Pakistani Army, neither the arms embargo nor the asset freeze will alter the status quo. For the JeM, it is terror as usual.&nbsp;

Pakistan’s real fear is not the occasional UNSC listing of the terrorists it arms, funds and protects. Its real fear is blacklisting by the FATF. Already on the greylist, Pakistan simply cannot afford to be blacklisted. The only two countries currently on the FATF’s blacklist are Iran and North Korea. Blacklisting of a country cuts off all global financial aid and loans, imposes sanctions on the country’s banks, and cripples its economy. Iran and North Korea are examples of how FATF blacklisting (along with other US-specific sanctions) have devastated their economies.&nbsp;

Pakistan has been warned by the FATF that unless it shows real progress on ending terror financing, blacklisting by the watchdog body at its October 2019 meeting could follow. Pakistan’ fragile economy, already beset by low foreign exchange reserves, a depreciating rupee and a bloated current account deficit, could collapse if FATF blacklisted it. Islamabad has, therefore, spent the past several months working on a strategy to avoid this financial Armaggedon. The strategy has two prongs.&nbsp;

First, package “Naya” Pakistan as a break from the past. Prime Minister Imran Khan has promised action against all terror groups operating from Pakistan. Shortly after Masood Azhar was designated a global terrorist, Pakistan’s foreign office spokesman Mohammad Faisal declared piously: “The UNSC decision entails travel restrictions, asset freeze and arms embargo. Pakistan is a responsible state and we will take responsible action.”&nbsp;

This charm offensive is aimed squarely at the FATF and the United States. Talks between US special envoy on Afghanistan Zalmay Khalizad and the Pakistan-created Taliban terror organisation have recently run into a wall.&nbsp;

This is the second prong of Pakistan’s strategy: leverage its influence over the Taliban to reboot negotiations and offer US President Donald Trump a rapid exit from Afghanistan he seeks for US and NATO troops.&nbsp;

The two-pronged strategy thus relies on deception and blackmail. Deception because “Naya” Pakistan is a mirage. Blackmail because the Taliban is Pakistan’s bargaining chip with a US President desperate to end the country’s 18-year war in Afghanistan. Will the Pakistani strategy work? In the short term, yes. In the medium and long term, no.&nbsp;

Consider why: China will shortly head the FATF and sell the false “Naya” Pakistan narrative to members of the FATF to ensure Islamabad is not blacklisted in October. This though, will prove a pyrrhic victory for both Pakistan and China. Lulled into complacency by the China-headed FATF’s enforced generosity, terror groups in Pakistan will attack targets in India and Afghanistan with renewed vigour.&nbsp;

The drawdown of US and NATO troops will allow the Taliban free rein. If it is part of the new Afghan government following elections scheduled for later this year, Afghanistan will join a select group of countries ruled by a terror group.&nbsp;

For Pakistan, a Taliban-controlled Afghanistan constitutes the “strategic depth” it craves. But habits die hard. And bad habits die harder. Ordinary Afghans haven’t forgotten the last time the Taliban was part of the government in 1996-2001. They despise the Taliban and Pakistan in equal measure. India hasn’t forgotten Taliban rule either. In 1999, the Taliban played a venal role in helping the ISI-backed Harkat-ul-Mujahideen hijackers of Indian Airlines Flight 814 in Kandahar to free Masood Azhar from an Indian jail. &nbsp;

A return to “old” Pakistan is therefore guaranteed with help from its Taliban terror partners. The reprieve for Pakistan from the FATF could prove both temporary and illusory.&nbsp; 
 
(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-fatf-pakistan-s-achilles-heel-2747319">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;

Did India concede ground to ensure China dropped its objection to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) listing Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist?

Did India concede ground to ensure China dropped its objection to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) listing Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist? The finger of suspicion points at the imminent proceedings of the Paris-based Financial Action Task force (FATF). China’s Xiangming Liu takes over as president of the FATF on July 1, 2019 – just in time to save Pakistan from being blacklisted. Did China, Pakistan’s all-weather ally, drive a bargain at the UNSC last week to keep Pakistan out of the blacklist at the FATF’s scheduled October 2019 meeting in return for Masood Azhar’s listing? The FATF’s Asian affiliate will later this month evaluate the progress Pakistan has made in 29 specific areas of terror financing and money laundering where the FATF says Pakistan is in violation of its guidelines. The Imran Khan government says “Naya” Pakistan is determined to root out terrorism emanating from Pakistani soil and that most of FATF’s concerns have been taken care of. No one in the FATF — or in Pakistan itself — believes that. Terror financing continues unabated. Money laundering through routes in Afghanistan and the Middle East to fund terror groups has not reduced. The listing of JeM’s Masood Azhar as a global terrorist by the UNSC is merely symbolic. The Lashkar-e-Toiba’s Hafiz Saeed was designated a global terrorist by the UNSC way back in 2001. He has been untouched by the Pakistani authorities and continues to preach jihad against India. Masood Azhar is currently under the protection of the Pakistani army’s ISI. Islamabad says the UNSC listing will be implemented in all key areas, including imposing an arms embargo on Azhar and freezing his assets. Since the JeM’s weaponry and funds come surreptitiously from the Pakistani Army, neither the arms embargo nor the asset freeze will alter the status quo. For the JeM, it is terror as usual. Pakistan’s real fear is not the occasional UNSC listing of the terrorists it arms, funds and protects. Its real fear is blacklisting by the FATF. Already on the greylist, Pakistan simply cannot afford to be blacklisted. The only two countries currently on the FATF’s blacklist are Iran and North Korea. Blacklisting of a country cuts off all global financial aid and loans, imposes sanctions on the country’s banks, and cripples its economy. Iran and North Korea are examples of how FATF blacklisting (along with other US-specific sanctions) have devastated their economies. Pakistan has been warned by the FATF that unless it shows real progress on ending terror financing, blacklisting by the watchdog body at its October 2019 meeting could follow. Pakistan’ fragile economy, already beset by low foreign exchange reserves, a depreciating rupee and a bloated current account deficit, could collapse if FATF blacklisted it. Islamabad has, therefore, spent the past several months working on a strategy to avoid this financial Armaggedon. The strategy has two prongs. First, package “Naya” Pakistan as a break from the past. Prime Minister Imran Khan has promised action against all terror groups operating from Pakistan. Shortly after Masood Azhar was designated a global terrorist, Pakistan’s foreign office spokesman Mohammad Faisal declared piously: “The UNSC decision entails travel restrictions, asset freeze and arms embargo. Pakistan is a responsible state and we will take responsible action.” This charm offensive is aimed squarely at the FATF and the United States. Talks between US special envoy on Afghanistan Zalmay Khalizad and the Pakistan-created Taliban terror organisation have recently run into a wall. This is the second prong of Pakistan’s strategy: leverage its influence over the Taliban to reboot negotiations and offer US President Donald Trump a rapid exit from Afghanistan he seeks for US and NATO troops. The two-pronged strategy thus relies on deception and blackmail. Deception because “Naya” Pakistan is a mirage. Blackmail because the Taliban is Pakistan’s bargaining chip with a US President desperate to end the country’s 18-year war in Afghanistan. Will the Pakistani strategy work? In the short term, yes. In the medium and long term, no. Consider why: China will shortly head the FATF and sell the false “Naya” Pakistan narrative to members of the FATF to ensure Islamabad is not blacklisted in October. This though, will prove a pyrrhic victory for both Pakistan and China. Lulled into complacency by the China-headed FATF’s enforced generosity, terror groups in Pakistan will attack targets in India and Afghanistan with renewed vigour. The drawdown of US and NATO troops will allow the Taliban free rein. If it is part of the new Afghan government following elections scheduled for later this year, Afghanistan will join a select group of countries ruled by a terror group. For Pakistan, a Taliban-controlled Afghanistan constitutes the “strategic depth” it craves. But habits die hard. And bad habits die harder. Ordinary Afghans haven’t forgotten the last time the Taliban was part of the government in 1996-2001. They despise the Taliban and Pakistan in equal measure. India hasn’t forgotten Taliban rule either. In 1999, the Taliban played a venal role in helping the ISI-backed Harkat-ul-Mujahideen hijackers of Indian Airlines Flight 814 in Kandahar to free Masood Azhar from an Indian jail. A return to “old” Pakistan is therefore guaranteed with help from its Taliban terror partners. The reprieve for Pakistan from the FATF could prove both temporary and illusory. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

Pakistan banking on a Chinese incumbent to keep itself off the blacklist

Pakistan to regulate madrasas. About 3 million students enrolled in madrasas. Watch this video to know more.

Pakistan to regulate madrasas, 30,000 seminaries under the scanner

JeM chief Masood Azhar was listed as a "global terrorist" by the UNSC last week in a major diplomatic victory for India over Pakistan.

How India plans to isolate Pakistan after Azhar's listing at UN

Pakistan Plans To Regulate 30,000 Madrasas After Sri Lanka Terror Attacks.

Gravitas: Regulating Madrasas; The Track-Record Of India & Pakistan

Pakistan's deposed <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sharif-will-return-to-jail-on-tuesday-216457&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiWiLCklIviAhUIqI8KHY5VB_8QFjAAegQIAhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw07onlf1HmntrCxAya7rK0N">prime minister Nawaz Sharif</a> has returned to prison to serve his sentence in a corruption case after the end of his six-week bail which was granted to him on medical grounds.

On March 26, the Supreme Court suspended Sharif's seven-year sentence in the Al-Azizia Steel Mills corruption case and granted him bail for six weeks with a condition that he would not leave Pakistan.

Last month, the 69-year-old three-time prime minister sought the apex court's permission to go abroad for medical treatment. However, permission was not granted.

On Tuesday, Sharif left his Jati Umra residence here for the Kot Lakhpat Jail with a procession of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) workers led by his daughter Maryam.

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pti-to-challenge-maryams-appointment-as-pml-n-vice-president-216570&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjTx9PPlIviAhWMvo8KHWRwCncQFjAAegQIAhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0sg-zb-SveQetE-vrfvrRi">Maryam </a>and his nephew Hamza Shehbaz along with hundreds of PML-N workers accompanied him. The supporters gathered outside Sharif's Jati Umra residence and accompanied him to jail.

The procession took four hours to reach the Kot Lakhpat Jail, which is otherwise just 30 minutes away. The bail expired on Tuesday midnight (May 7) with the apex court rejecting his review petition, seeking permission to go London for further treatment.

After reaching jail, Sharif thanked his party workers for turning up in large numbers. "I do not have words to thank the workers who turned up in thousands to express solidarity. It is midnight but the workers are still here with me. It is an amazing scene," he said in a message.

The massive support for the PML-N leader included a large number of party workers from different parts of Punjab province who turned up for the rally en-route to the jail. Sharif's daughter Maryam accompanied her father in his car and posted images online of the reception their entourage got from the public.

"The roads to the jail from Jati Umra were jampacked. Only heads and long queues of motorists," Maryam tweeted. Amidst sloganeering in support of Sharif, party workers have seen showering rose petals at his car.

"The people know why I am being punished. What sin I have committed... They know. But I am optimistic that soon the black night of this oppression will end and I will get released from jail," Sharif said.

Though Sharif was to reach jail before midnight, he reported half-an-hour late. The Punjab Home Department directed the jail authorities to receive Sharif and shift him to the barrack, officials said. He was imprisoned in Adiyala Jail and shifted to Kot Lakhpat Jail on request.

Sharif has been serving a seven-year prison term at the jail 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. Sharif and his family have denied any wrongdoing and allege that the corruption cases against them were politically motivated.

Pakistan's deposed prime minister Nawaz Sharif has returned to prison to serve his sentence in a corruption case after the end of his six-week bail which was granted to him on medical grounds.

Pakistan's deposed prime minister Nawaz Sharif has returned to prison to serve his sentence in a corruption case after the end of his six-week bail which was granted to him on medical grounds. On March 26, the Supreme Court suspended Sharif's seven-year sentence in the Al-Azizia Steel Mills corruption case and granted him bail for six weeks with a condition that he would not leave Pakistan. Last month, the 69-year-old three-time prime minister sought the apex court's permission to go abroad for medical treatment. However, permission was not granted. On Tuesday, Sharif left his Jati Umra residence here for the Kot Lakhpat Jail with a procession of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) workers led by his daughter Maryam. Maryam and his nephew Hamza Shehbaz along with hundreds of PML-N workers accompanied him. The supporters gathered outside Sharif's Jati Umra residence and accompanied him to jail. The procession took four hours to reach the Kot Lakhpat Jail, which is otherwise just 30 minutes away. The bail expired on Tuesday midnight (May 7) with the apex court rejecting his review petition, seeking permission to go London for further treatment. After reaching jail, Sharif thanked his party workers for turning up in large numbers. "I do not have words to thank the workers who turned up in thousands to express solidarity. It is midnight but the workers are still here with me. It is an amazing scene," he said in a message. The massive support for the PML-N leader included a large number of party workers from different parts of Punjab province who turned up for the rally en-route to the jail. Sharif's daughter Maryam accompanied her father in his car and posted images online of the reception their entourage got from the public. "The roads to the jail from Jati Umra were jampacked. Only heads and long queues of motorists," Maryam tweeted. Amidst sloganeering in support of Sharif, party workers have seen showering rose petals at his car. "The people know why I am being punished. What sin I have committed... They know. But I am optimistic that soon the black night of this oppression will end and I will get released from jail," Sharif said. Though Sharif was to reach jail before midnight, he reported half-an-hour late. The Punjab Home Department directed the jail authorities to receive Sharif and shift him to the barrack, officials said. He was imprisoned in Adiyala Jail and shifted to Kot Lakhpat Jail on request. Sharif has been serving a seven-year prison term at the jail 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. Sharif and his family have denied any wrongdoing and allege that the corruption cases against them were politically motivated.

Nawaz Sharif back in jail after massive show of strength

Suicide Bomb Blast Kills 9 People In Lahore. Blast Takes Place Outside Data Darbar, The Largest Sufi Shrine In South Asia.

Gravitas: Lahore Suicide Bomb Blast; 9 Killed, 25 Injured

What Transpired In Balakot In The Wee Hours Of February 26, 2019?

Gravitas: Inside India's Balakot Airstrikes; New Report Uncovers Fresh Insights

Just days after Pakistan said it was willing to take Indian journalists to the site of the Balakot air strike, a new report has pegged the number of Jaish-e-Mohammed members killed at between 130 and 170. Italian journalist and author Francesca Marino, in a piece published in StringerAsia, said the strike carried out by India in the wee hours of February 26 “immediately killed a large number of JeM cadres.”

WION Exclusive: Watch exclusive talk of WION with Journalist 'Francesca Marino' directly from Rome

Italian journalist and author Francesca Marino, in a piece published in StringerAsia, said the strike carried out by India in the wee hours of February 26 “immediately killed a large number of JeM cadres.”

Report: Over 130 JeM terrorists killed in Balakot air strike, 45 still under treatment

We get you the latest from Pakistan, where five people have dies and 10 others are in critical condition after blast near major Sufi shrine in Lahore. Watch full video to know more.

Pakistan: 5 dead after blast near major Sufi shrine in Lahore

India has asked <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-keen-to-finalise-pact-for-kartarpur-corridor-opening-211605">Pakistan</a> to build a bridge on Ravi river to manage the flow of water and prevent flood damages.

The matter was raised by Indian authorities in an official note to Islamabad during the first week of May.

The issue was earlier raised on April 16 in the second technical meet on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/500-year-old-well-discovered-near-gurdwara-on-kartarpur-corridor-in-pakistan-214166">Kartarpur</a> .

Work is on in full swing on the Indian side to build the corridor. New Delhi is building a Passenger Terminal Building (PTB ) at the cost of Rs 195 crore on its side of the border, which is expected to be completed by September.

Around 50 acres of land has been demarcated to build the PTB with Rs 10 crore been given as compensation for land acquisition done for the project.

Passenger Terminal Building will be able to cater to 5000 pilgrims per day.

In March, India had postponed the second India-Pakistan official talks over Khalistani concerns.

Khalistani and close aide of Hafiz Saeed, Gopal Singh Chawla was appointed to Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Prabandhak committee by Pakistan, irking New Delhi.&nbsp;

The Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Prabandhak committee will overlook the construction of Kartarpur corridor in Pakistan.

Pakistan is yet to respond on New Delhi's concerns.

India has asked Pakistan to build a bridge on Ravi river to manage the flow of water and prevent flood damages. The matter was raised by Indian authorities in an official note to Islamabad during the first week of May.

India has asked Pakistan to build a bridge on Ravi river to manage the flow of water and prevent flood damages. The matter was raised by Indian authorities in an official note to Islamabad during the first week of May. The issue was earlier raised on April 16 in the second technical meet on Kartarpur . Work is on in full swing on the Indian side to build the corridor. New Delhi is building a Passenger Terminal Building (PTB ) at the cost of Rs 195 crore on its side of the border, which is expected to be completed by September. Around 50 acres of land has been demarcated to build the PTB with Rs 10 crore been given as compensation for land acquisition done for the project. Passenger Terminal Building will be able to cater to 5000 pilgrims per day. In March, India had postponed the second India-Pakistan official talks over Khalistani concerns. Khalistani and close aide of Hafiz Saeed, Gopal Singh Chawla was appointed to Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Prabandhak committee by Pakistan, irking New Delhi. The Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Prabandhak committee will overlook the construction of Kartarpur corridor in Pakistan. Pakistan is yet to respond on New Delhi's concerns.

Kartarpur corridor: India asks Pakistan to build bridge on Ravi river

Pakistani authorities have arrested 12 suspected members of prostitution ring taking young Pakistani women to China, part of a growing human trafficking problem often based on fake marriages, officials said on Monday.

Pakistan busts human-trafficking racket, eight Chinese nationals arrested

A Baloch political activist has accused <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-government-raises-partial-airspace-ban-matter-with-pakistan-216393&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiX79iNzojiAhUfTI8KHSvWATsQFjACegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2mLiBFt0MWC2FIqtRJMXQ5">Pakistan </a>of taking away the resources and eliminating the people of <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-launches-protest-with-iran-over-inaction-against-balochistan-bus-attack-211987&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi0xoTS0YjiAhXMqo8KHVZUAxwQFjACegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw33taDvAponKZBG3vYZ_8H3">Balochistan</a>, the province with immense geo-strategic importance and huge untapped natural resource reserves.

Karima Baloch, former chairperson of Baloch Students Organisation - Azad said in a recent interview, "Pakistan always talks about acquiring the land. They don`t want the Baloch people but want the resources there. It has been its policy of exploiting the resources and make use of its geo-strategic importance since a pro-freedom struggle is ongoing in Balochistan."

Balochistan, which is Pakistan`s largest province, is rich in natural reserves including gold, copper, oil, valuable stones, chromite and natural gas.

It has an oceanic coastline that stretches along with one of the world`s most important shipping routes i.e., the Straits of Hormuz. Despite being rich in natural resources, the people in Balochistan are deprived of employment, quality education and clean drinking water.

The people of Balochistan are fighting a decades-long war over their rights with Pakistan, but are being labelled as traitors and extremists. Karima Baloch said, "If raising a voice for our rights is extremism then we are extremists. They have occupied our province by using force. Pakistan always talks about the freedom of Kashmiris at various international forums. Why Pakistan did not criticize the Kashmiris then? If speaking about freedom and preserving our culture, language and territory is extremism, then we are extremists. They can call us anything, but we will not stop our struggle."

A large number of political activists, intellectuals and students have gone missing from Balochistan in the past few years. These people have been allegedly abducted by the Frontier Corps (FC) and other intelligence agencies including ISI, and are languishing in detention centres.

Family members of the missing persons have alleged that they are being brutally tortured without any crime."In Pakistan, no one listens about the missing persons. The Frontier Corps, intelligence agencies and the Army kidnap innocent civilians in broad daylight. They are not answerable to the court. It`s a country where the judiciary is weak and the Army and intelligence agencies are powerful."

The difficulties of Baloch people have multiplied since the launch of the multi-billion dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project as the Pakistan Army has intensified its operations to ensure safe passage to China in Balochistan.

China is investing huge money in building infrastructure at the deep-sea port in Gwadar, which it says, will be used as the hub of transit goods to rest of Asia and Europe.

A Baloch political activist has accused Pakistan of taking away the resources and eliminating the people of Balochistan, the province with immense geo-strategic importance and huge untapped natural resource reserves.

A Baloch political activist has accused Pakistan of taking away the resources and eliminating the people of Balochistan, the province with immense geo-strategic importance and huge untapped natural resource reserves. Karima Baloch, former chairperson of Baloch Students Organisation - Azad said in a recent interview, "Pakistan always talks about acquiring the land. They don`t want the Baloch people but want the resources there. It has been its policy of exploiting the resources and make use of its geo-strategic importance since a pro-freedom struggle is ongoing in Balochistan." Balochistan, which is Pakistan`s largest province, is rich in natural reserves including gold, copper, oil, valuable stones, chromite and natural gas. It has an oceanic coastline that stretches along with one of the world`s most important shipping routes i.e., the Straits of Hormuz. Despite being rich in natural resources, the people in Balochistan are deprived of employment, quality education and clean drinking water. The people of Balochistan are fighting a decades-long war over their rights with Pakistan, but are being labelled as traitors and extremists. Karima Baloch said, "If raising a voice for our rights is extremism then we are extremists. They have occupied our province by using force. Pakistan always talks about the freedom of Kashmiris at various international forums. Why Pakistan did not criticize the Kashmiris then? If speaking about freedom and preserving our culture, language and territory is extremism, then we are extremists. They can call us anything, but we will not stop our struggle." A large number of political activists, intellectuals and students have gone missing from Balochistan in the past few years. These people have been allegedly abducted by the Frontier Corps (FC) and other intelligence agencies including ISI, and are languishing in detention centres. Family members of the missing persons have alleged that they are being brutally tortured without any crime."In Pakistan, no one listens about the missing persons. The Frontier Corps, intelligence agencies and the Army kidnap innocent civilians in broad daylight. They are not answerable to the court. It`s a country where the judiciary is weak and the Army and intelligence agencies are powerful." The difficulties of Baloch people have multiplied since the launch of the multi-billion dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project as the Pakistan Army has intensified its operations to ensure safe passage to China in Balochistan. China is investing huge money in building infrastructure at the deep-sea port in Gwadar, which it says, will be used as the hub of transit goods to rest of Asia and Europe.

Pakistan don't need Baloch, but their resources, claims activist

The ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Monday said that it will challenge the decision of the Pakistan Muslim League - Nawaz (PML-N) to appoint Maryam Nawaz as one of the 16 vice presidents of the party.

Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said that PTI was preparing to challenge PML-N`s decision to grant a party post to a convicted person, Express Tribune reported.

He said that the ruling party was exploring various options and will decide the best way to take the matter forward.

"We have the option to take this up in the Parliament, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), or the country's courts," Qureshi said.

"She (Maryam) has been convicted by the country`s courts and is not eligible to hold a party position. She has been granted temporary relief by the court. Her conviction has not been reversed," he added.

Maryam, along with her husband Captain (retd) Muhammad Safdar and her father and former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, was sentenced by an accountability court on corruption charges in Avenfield reference case in June last year.

While Maryam was sentenced to seven years, her father was awarded a 10-year jail term. Safdar was given a one-year prison sentence.

In September last year, the Islamabad High Court suspended the sentence of the trio.

According to sources, Qureshi has started consulting with party leaders and lawyers on the matter. He is also said to have been thinking of approaching ECP on Maryam`s appointment.

On May 3, the PML-N underwent a major reshuffle initiated by president Shehbaz Sharif. His son, Hamza Shehbaz, along with Maryam, was named as one of the 16 vice presidents of the party.

Former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi was named as PML-N`s senior vice president and former interior minister Ahsan Iqbal was appointed as the party`s general secretary.

While Marriyum Aurangzeb was retained as the party`s spokesperson, former finance minister Ishaq Dar, who is facing corruption charges and is living in London, has been named as the president of the party`s International Affairs Committee.

The ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Monday said that it will challenge the decision of the Pakistan Muslim League - Nawaz (PML-N) to appoint Maryam Nawaz as one of the 16 vice presidents of the party.

The ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Monday said that it will challenge the decision of the Pakistan Muslim League - Nawaz (PML-N) to appoint Maryam Nawaz as one of the 16 vice presidents of the party. Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said that PTI was preparing to challenge PML-N`s decision to grant a party post to a convicted person, Express Tribune reported. He said that the ruling party was exploring various options and will decide the best way to take the matter forward. "We have the option to take this up in the Parliament, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), or the country's courts," Qureshi said. "She (Maryam) has been convicted by the country`s courts and is not eligible to hold a party position. She has been granted temporary relief by the court. Her conviction has not been reversed," he added. Maryam, along with her husband Captain (retd) Muhammad Safdar and her father and former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, was sentenced by an accountability court on corruption charges in Avenfield reference case in June last year. While Maryam was sentenced to seven years, her father was awarded a 10-year jail term. Safdar was given a one-year prison sentence. In September last year, the Islamabad High Court suspended the sentence of the trio. According to sources, Qureshi has started consulting with party leaders and lawyers on the matter. He is also said to have been thinking of approaching ECP on Maryam`s appointment. On May 3, the PML-N underwent a major reshuffle initiated by president Shehbaz Sharif. His son, Hamza Shehbaz, along with Maryam, was named as one of the 16 vice presidents of the party. Former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi was named as PML-N`s senior vice president and former interior minister Ahsan Iqbal was appointed as the party`s general secretary. While Marriyum Aurangzeb was retained as the party`s spokesperson, former finance minister Ishaq Dar, who is facing corruption charges and is living in London, has been named as the president of the party`s International Affairs Committee.

PTI to challenge Maryam's appointment as PML-N vice president

In the narrow alleys of the poor Pakistani neighbourhood of Lyari -- known for drugs, gang wars and a low literacy rate -- young children and youths are learning about peace and love crossing the boundaries of faith, from string puppets.

Puppet show in Pakistan teaches compassion regardless of faith

Worshippers in the Pakistani city of Rawalpindi made a last minute dash for food as they prepare to begin the Muslim holy fasting month of Ramadan.

Muslims in Pakistan buy food before holy month starts

Even as China increases its presence in Pakistan through China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) that crosses the south-Asian country and gives China crucial connectivity to West Asia, it is Islamabad that could be in the receiving end.

Instances of brides being trafficked by Chinese men has come to the forefront with New York-based international NGO Human Rights Watch has raised the concern of Pakistani girls being trafficked by Chinese men. The NGO in a release said, "Pakistan’s government should be alarmed by recent reports of trafficking of women and girls to China. These allegations are disturbingly similar to the pattern of trafficking of “brides” to China from at least five other Asian countries."

The NGO stated, "Pakistan government has also acknowledged that bride trafficking is occurring and pledged to work with China to combat the trade."

Pakistan media channels have been exposing a number of cases in which Chinese men have married Pakistani girls with their families being given money and sometimes even visa for the male members. Media reports from the country suggest they are taken to China and forced into nefarious activities. Most of the cases belong to the minority Christian community and the underprivileged ones. &nbsp;

The Chinese embassy has reacted to the local media reports saying "We remind both Chinese and Pakistani citizens to remain vigilant and not to be cheated. We also welcome valuable clues to combat such offences."

Meanwhile, the Pentagon in its report has said, China plans to establish a military base in Pakistan.

In its annual report to US Congress on Military and security developments involving China in 2019, the Pentagon said, "China will seek to establish additional military bases in countries with which it has a longstanding friendly relationship and similar strategic interests, such as Pakistan".

In August of 2017, China officially opened its first overseas military base in Djibouti.

Even as China increases its presence in Pakistan through China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) that crosses the south-Asian country and gives China crucial connectivity to West Asia, it is Islamabad that could be in the receiving end.

Even as China increases its presence in Pakistan through China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) that crosses the south-Asian country and gives China crucial connectivity to West Asia, it is Islamabad that could be in the receiving end. Instances of brides being trafficked by Chinese men has come to the forefront with New York-based international NGO Human Rights Watch has raised the concern of Pakistani girls being trafficked by Chinese men. The NGO in a release said, "Pakistan’s government should be alarmed by recent reports of trafficking of women and girls to China. These allegations are disturbingly similar to the pattern of trafficking of “brides” to China from at least five other Asian countries." The NGO stated, "Pakistan government has also acknowledged that bride trafficking is occurring and pledged to work with China to combat the trade." Pakistan media channels have been exposing a number of cases in which Chinese men have married Pakistani girls with their families being given money and sometimes even visa for the male members. Media reports from the country suggest they are taken to China and forced into nefarious activities. Most of the cases belong to the minority Christian community and the underprivileged ones. The Chinese embassy has reacted to the local media reports saying "We remind both Chinese and Pakistani citizens to remain vigilant and not to be cheated. We also welcome valuable clues to combat such offences." Meanwhile, the Pentagon in its report has said, China plans to establish a military base in Pakistan. In its annual report to US Congress on Military and security developments involving China in 2019, the Pentagon said, "China will seek to establish additional military bases in countries with which it has a longstanding friendly relationship and similar strategic interests, such as Pakistan". In August of 2017, China officially opened its first overseas military base in Djibouti.

China's omnipresence in Pakistan increases 

A polio officer was killed by unidentified gunmen on Sunday in a tribal district of northwest Pakistan.&nbsp;

The 35-year-old official, Abdullah Jan, was on way to his home when the gunmen opened fire on him in Mamond tehsil of Bajaur district near Pak-Afghan border, police said.

He was taken to a hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. The administration has started an investigation into the incident to know about the causes behind the murder.

Pakistan is one of the three countries, along with Afghanistan and Nigeria, where polio is still endemic.

Militant groups have killed nearly 100 polio workers and their guards since 2012 on the pretext that they could be Western spies.&nbsp;

A polio officer was killed by unidentified gunmen on Sunday in a tribal district of northwest Pakistan. The 35-year-old official, Abdullah Jan, was on way to his home when the gunmen opened fire on him in Mamond tehsil of Bajaur district near Pak-Afghan border, police said.

A polio officer was killed by unidentified gunmen on Sunday in a tribal district of northwest Pakistan. The 35-year-old official, Abdullah Jan, was on way to his home when the gunmen opened fire on him in Mamond tehsil of Bajaur district near Pak-Afghan border, police said. He was taken to a hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. The administration has started an investigation into the incident to know about the causes behind the murder. Pakistan is one of the three countries, along with Afghanistan and Nigeria, where polio is still endemic. Militant groups have killed nearly 100 polio workers and their guards since 2012 on the pretext that they could be Western spies.

Polio officer killed by gunmen in northwest Pakistan

New Evidence was provided to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC)1267 committee after China had put a hold on March 13 on the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/jem-chief-masood-azhar-designated-as-a-global-terrorist-in-un-sanctions-list-215076">listing of Masood Azhar as a global terrorist</a>.

On the basis of the evidence,&nbsp;Beijing had agreed to remove its hold paving way for the listing of Azhar as an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/we-want-fatf-for-pakistan-should-be-downgraded-arun-jaitley-215344">international terrorist</a>.

"We submitted more evidence, they were convinced",&nbsp;a diplomatic source replied to WION when asked why China change its stance on Masood Azhar, after blocking it for ten&nbsp;years.

Asked about no mention of Pulwama in the notification on the listing of Azhar, the source said, "Link to Pulwama in the whole process is obvious. The whole process started after Pulwama. It started with a clear statement from UNSC. The process started with Pulwama and ended with a listing of Masood Azhar as an international terrorist."

Masood Azhar was declared as an international terrorist by the UN on May 1. India had first proposed listing of Azhar in 2009 but it was blocked by China many times.

"I have no reason to doubt", the diplomatic source, replied when asked if India was able to hit Jaish-e-Mohammed's terror camps in Balakot on February 26.

French Envoy to India Alexandre Ziegler, at a press conference in New Delhi on Friday, called listing of Masood Azhar as "Good news for world community and India" further adding, "It has been a long process. A process in which we have played a role."

He said, "it's&nbsp;a very important decision. Very important political decision. The first-time world reached consensus."

The US, along with France and the UK had proposed the listing of Masood Azhar after the Pulwama attack on February 14 that killed more than 40 Indian security personnel.

Meanwhile, Indonesian Envoy, Sidharto Suryodipuro speaking to WION, on what went on the negotiation said, "There were a number of dimensions to the negotiations. We understand there is the political side to it."

Explaining further he said, "So countries with particular interest will have there own negotiation. We understand that there are discussions between the capitals. The other side of it, the committee, in particular, the chair of the committee, has to ensure, the ground is right, the ground is mature."

Indonesia is the President of United Nations Security Council for May 2019 and is also the chair of the UN Sanction Committee which listed Masood Azhar as an international terrorist.

Meanwhile, India and Australia held the 11th Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism on Friday during which,"Both sides welcomed the listing of Masood Azhar, leader of the Jaish-e-Mohammed, as a Global Terrorist by the UNSC 1267 Sanctions Committee", according to a Ministry of External Affairs release.&nbsp;

India during the meet thanked Australia for co-sponsoring the listing proposal of Masood Azhar along with US, UK, France and other count 
&nbsp;

New Evidence was provided to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC)1267 committee after China had put a hold on March 13 on the listing of Masood Azhar as a global terrorist.

New Evidence was provided to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC)1267 committee after China had put a hold on March 13 on the listing of Masood Azhar as a global terrorist. On the basis of the evidence, Beijing had agreed to remove its hold paving way for the listing of Azhar as an international terrorist. "We submitted more evidence, they were convinced", a diplomatic source replied to WION when asked why China change its stance on Masood Azhar, after blocking it for ten years. Asked about no mention of Pulwama in the notification on the listing of Azhar, the source said, "Link to Pulwama in the whole process is obvious. The whole process started after Pulwama. It started with a clear statement from UNSC. The process started with Pulwama and ended with a listing of Masood Azhar as an international terrorist." Masood Azhar was declared as an international terrorist by the UN on May 1. India had first proposed listing of Azhar in 2009 but it was blocked by China many times. "I have no reason to doubt", the diplomatic source, replied when asked if India was able to hit Jaish-e-Mohammed's terror camps in Balakot on February 26. French Envoy to India Alexandre Ziegler, at a press conference in New Delhi on Friday, called listing of Masood Azhar as "Good news for world community and India" further adding, "It has been a long process. A process in which we have played a role." He said, "it's a very important decision. Very important political decision. The first-time world reached consensus." The US, along with France and the UK had proposed the listing of Masood Azhar after the Pulwama attack on February 14 that killed more than 40 Indian security personnel. Meanwhile, Indonesian Envoy, Sidharto Suryodipuro speaking to WION, on what went on the negotiation said, "There were a number of dimensions to the negotiations. We understand there is the political side to it." Explaining further he said, "So countries with particular interest will have there own negotiation. We understand that there are discussions between the capitals. The other side of it, the committee, in particular, the chair of the committee, has to ensure, the ground is right, the ground is mature." Indonesia is the President of United Nations Security Council for May 2019 and is also the chair of the UN Sanction Committee which listed Masood Azhar as an international terrorist. Meanwhile, India and Australia held the 11th Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism on Friday during which,"Both sides welcomed the listing of Masood Azhar, leader of the Jaish-e-Mohammed, as a Global Terrorist by the UNSC 1267 Sanctions Committee", according to a Ministry of External Affairs release. India during the meet thanked Australia for co-sponsoring the listing proposal of Masood Azhar along with US, UK, France and other count

New evidence paved way for listing of Masood Azhar as global terrorist: Diplomatic source to WION

Politicians Claim Victory Over Terrorism After Azhar's Listing As A Global Terrorist. But The Fight Against Terrorism Has Only Started With This Listing. India's stance on Masood Azhar, JeM & Pakistan has been vindicated with the former's listing as a global terrorist by the UN Security council. Palki tells us why it's not a final victory, but a firm beginning in the fight against terror. She pulls up Azhar's interrogation report from 1994 & Pakistan's abysmmal trackrecord on terror to validate the point.

Gravitas: India's long-awaited fight against Terrorism 'begins' with Azhar's listing

The international community has welcomed the United Nations' decision to designate Jaish-e-Mohammad Chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist and sought sustained action from Pakistan against terrorism. Watch full video to know more.

UK, US and France welcomes UN move to list Masood Azhar as global terrorist

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said that the United Nations' decision to list Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist is a big victory for India. Watch full video to know more.

PM Modi says UN ban on Masood Azhar is a 'Big Victory'

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