Minority Shi'ite Hazaras blocked traffic in a sit-in protest for a third day in the southwestern Pakistani city of Quetta on Sunday (April 14) after a suicide bomb killed 19 people in an outdoor market, many of them ethnic Hazaras.

Minority Hazaras in Pakistan protest for third day after Quetta attack

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-opted-for-measured-response-to-indias-february-26-air-strikes-pm-imran-khan-209355">Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan</a> will embark on his first ever official visit to Iran on April 21 as part of Islamabad's efforts to promote bilateral ties with the neighbouring nation.

The two countries had recently witnessed downward spiral in their relationship after Tehran accused Islamabad of "harbouring terrorists" following a suicide attack in Iran's southeastern province of Sistan-Balochistan, bordering Pakistan, on February 13 that left 27 Revolutionary Guards Corps personnel dead.&nbsp;

Iran and Pakistan share a nearly 1,000 km border.&nbsp;

According to a Foreign Office (FO) statement, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani invited Khan for the visit.&nbsp;

The two-day visit will include a brief stop-over in Mashhad before arriving in Tehran for bilateral talks with the Iranian leadership, it stated.

During his trip, Khan will hold meetings with Iranian supreme leader Ali Khamenei and President Rouhani.

He will be accompanied by a high-level delegation, including ministers for Finance, Human Rights, Maritime Affairs, Inter-Provincial Coordination, and adviser on Commerce and Taskforce on Energy, and Special Assistant for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resources besides other senior officials.&nbsp;

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan will embark on his first ever official visit to Iran on April 21 as part of Islamabad's efforts to promote bilateral ties with the neighbouring nation.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan will embark on his first ever official visit to Iran on April 21 as part of Islamabad's efforts to promote bilateral ties with the neighbouring nation. The two countries had recently witnessed downward spiral in their relationship after Tehran accused Islamabad of "harbouring terrorists" following a suicide attack in Iran's southeastern province of Sistan-Balochistan, bordering Pakistan, on February 13 that left 27 Revolutionary Guards Corps personnel dead. Iran and Pakistan share a nearly 1,000 km border. According to a Foreign Office (FO) statement, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani invited Khan for the visit. The two-day visit will include a brief stop-over in Mashhad before arriving in Tehran for bilateral talks with the Iranian leadership, it stated. During his trip, Khan will hold meetings with Iranian supreme leader Ali Khamenei and President Rouhani. He will be accompanied by a high-level delegation, including ministers for Finance, Human Rights, Maritime Affairs, Inter-Provincial Coordination, and adviser on Commerce and Taskforce on Energy, and Special Assistant for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resources besides other senior officials.

Pakistan PM Imran Khan to embark on maiden Iran visit from April 21

Minority Shia Hazaras blocked traffic in a sit-in protest for a third day in the southwestern Pakistani city of Quetta on Sunday after a suicide bomb killed 19 people in an outdoor market, many of them ethnic Hazaras.

Dozens were wounded in the blast on Friday on the outskirts of Quetta, capital of resource-rich Baluchistan.province, officials said. Islamic State claimed responsibility.

Hazaras have been frequently targeted by Taliban and Islamic State.militants and other Sunni Muslim militant groups in both Pakistan and Afghanistan.

"We've lost hundreds of our loved ones in the last 10 years," Tahir Hazara, leading the sit-in, told Reuters. "The government failed to protect our community. Terrorists are free to target us." "Stop killing Hazaras," the crowd chanted. "Down with terrorism and sectarianism."

The protesters, who include many women and children, have set up camps and burn wood to keep warm at night. One police official said there were about 200 people taking part on Sunday, blocking the key arterial Western Bypass leading into Quetta. About 50 Hazaras gathered in the southern city of Karachi, some holding signs saying "Shia lives matter".

Friday's bloodshed came two days after authorities freed Ramzan Mengal, a top leader of a banned sectarian group, Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ), Quetta police chief Abdul Razzaq Cheema said. Mengal had been detained for three months suspected of public order offences, he said.

The LeJ has worked both with al Qaeda and Islamic State in Pakistan and has claimed several coordinated attacks in Baluchistan against what it terms Shia heretics. In 2013, three bombings killed more than 200 people in Hazara neighbourhoods, prompting security forces to escort Hazara buses to the market. The same practice was followed on Friday, but the bomb exploded inside the market.

Minority Shia Hazaras blocked traffic in a sit-in protest for a third day in the southwestern Pakistani city of Quetta on Sunday after a suicide bomb killed 19 people in an outdoor market, many of them ethnic Hazaras.

Minority Shia Hazaras blocked traffic in a sit-in protest for a third day in the southwestern Pakistani city of Quetta on Sunday after a suicide bomb killed 19 people in an outdoor market, many of them ethnic Hazaras. Dozens were wounded in the blast on Friday on the outskirts of Quetta, capital of resource-rich Baluchistan.province, officials said. Islamic State claimed responsibility. Hazaras have been frequently targeted by Taliban and Islamic State.militants and other Sunni Muslim militant groups in both Pakistan and Afghanistan. "We've lost hundreds of our loved ones in the last 10 years," Tahir Hazara, leading the sit-in, told Reuters. "The government failed to protect our community. Terrorists are free to target us." "Stop killing Hazaras," the crowd chanted. "Down with terrorism and sectarianism." The protesters, who include many women and children, have set up camps and burn wood to keep warm at night. One police official said there were about 200 people taking part on Sunday, blocking the key arterial Western Bypass leading into Quetta. About 50 Hazaras gathered in the southern city of Karachi, some holding signs saying "Shia lives matter". Friday's bloodshed came two days after authorities freed Ramzan Mengal, a top leader of a banned sectarian group, Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ), Quetta police chief Abdul Razzaq Cheema said. Mengal had been detained for three months suspected of public order offences, he said. The LeJ has worked both with al Qaeda and Islamic State in Pakistan and has claimed several coordinated attacks in Baluchistan against what it terms Shia heretics. In 2013, three bombings killed more than 200 people in Hazara neighbourhoods, prompting security forces to escort Hazara buses to the market. The same practice was followed on Friday, but the bomb exploded inside the market.

Hazaras protest continues for 3rd day in Pakistan after deadly suicide bombing

At least five persons were killed and 36 others injured in Karachi after strong winds and dust storm hit Pakistan's biggest city, officials said Monday.

The blustery winds have uprooted electricity poles and trees in different parts of the city, causing traffic blockages.

Rescue officials and police confirmed the death of five persons and injuries to dozens in different parts of Karachi as the Met office forecast rains and more dust storms and gutsy winds for the next 48 hours.

Faisal Edhi of the Edhi welfare trust said that many of the deaths and injuries have been caused by the blustery winds and dust storms uprooting electricity poles and trees in different areas on Monday.

According to rescue officials, a five-year-old girl was killed when the roof of a house in Haji Ibrahim collapsed. Another child was killed near Peoples Chowrangi near Mazar-i-Quaid when a tree fell. &nbsp; &nbsp;

Multiple traffic accidents along the Karachi-Quetta highway resulted in the deaths of three persons, while many others were injured.

Seemi Jamali, medical superintendent at the state-owned Jinnah Hospital, said that 36 people were brought to the hospital with different injuries, one of them died Sunday night.

A senior police official said injuries were reported from Lyari, Surjani town where roofs of a religious seminary and school collapsed.

Karachi is expected to receive light rain today as a western disturbance that has already caused downpours in Balochistan is entering Sindh and the rest of the country, Dawn reported.

The Met Office forecast light rain on Monday and thunderstorm accompanied by a dust storm on Tuesday.

Many other parts of Sindh and elsewhere in the country will also experience similar weather patterns in the coming two days, said officials at the Pakistan Meteorological Department.

At least five persons were killed and 36 others injured in Karachi after strong winds and dust storm hit Pakistan's biggest city, officials said Monday. The blustery winds have uprooted electricity poles and trees in different parts of the city, causing traffic blockages.

At least five persons were killed and 36 others injured in Karachi after strong winds and dust storm hit Pakistan's biggest city, officials said Monday. The blustery winds have uprooted electricity poles and trees in different parts of the city, causing traffic blockages. Rescue officials and police confirmed the death of five persons and injuries to dozens in different parts of Karachi as the Met office forecast rains and more dust storms and gutsy winds for the next 48 hours. Faisal Edhi of the Edhi welfare trust said that many of the deaths and injuries have been caused by the blustery winds and dust storms uprooting electricity poles and trees in different areas on Monday. According to rescue officials, a five-year-old girl was killed when the roof of a house in Haji Ibrahim collapsed. Another child was killed near Peoples Chowrangi near Mazar-i-Quaid when a tree fell. Multiple traffic accidents along the Karachi-Quetta highway resulted in the deaths of three persons, while many others were injured. Seemi Jamali, medical superintendent at the state-owned Jinnah Hospital, said that 36 people were brought to the hospital with different injuries, one of them died Sunday night. A senior police official said injuries were reported from Lyari, Surjani town where roofs of a religious seminary and school collapsed. Karachi is expected to receive light rain today as a western disturbance that has already caused downpours in Balochistan is entering Sindh and the rest of the country, Dawn reported. The Met Office forecast light rain on Monday and thunderstorm accompanied by a dust storm on Tuesday. Many other parts of Sindh and elsewhere in the country will also experience similar weather patterns in the coming two days, said officials at the Pakistan Meteorological Department.

Pakistan: Five killed, 36 injured as dust storm hits Karachi

Pakistan's independent human rights watchdog Monday raised concerns about incidents of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/forced-conversion-of-hindu-girls-pakistan-court-says-girls-not-minors-allows-them-to-be-with-their-husbands-209492">forced conversions and marriages of Hindu and Christian girls</a>, saying around 1,000 such cases were reported just in the southern Sindh province alone last year.

In its annual report, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) said the government has done little in the past to stop such forced marriages and asked the lawmakers to pass effective legislation to end the practice.

"Around one thousand cases of Hindu and Christian girls were estimated in the province of Sindh alone in 2018. The cities where such cases occurred frequently included Umerkot, Tharparkar, Mirpurkhas, Badin, Karachi, Tando Allahyar, Kashmore and Ghotki," said the 335-page report titled 'State of Human Rights in 2018'.

Stating that no authentic data is available on forced conversions and forced marriages in Pakistan, the report said that the Sindh Child Marriage Restraint Act 2013 has not been enforced effectively and the state's response to forced marriages has been mixed.

"If not accomplices, police are insensitive and indifferent at best in most cases," the report said.

It said that the "minorities continued to face harassment, arrest or even death for simply living their lives in accordance with their beliefs in Pakistan in 2018."

The report came less than a week after the Islamabad High Court declared that the two Hindu teenage sisters - Raveena (13) and Reena (15) - were not forcibly converted from Hinduism to Islam, and permitted them to live with their spouses.

The two Hindu girls were allegedly kidnapped by a group of "influential" men from their home in Ghotki district in Sindh on the eve of Holi. Soon after the kidnapping, a video went viral in which a cleric was purportedly shown solemnising the marriage of the two girls, triggering a nationwide outrage.

The Hindu community members took out massive demonstrations seeking strict action against those responsible for forced conversion and marriages of Hindu girls.

Prime Minister Imran Khan also ordered a probe to ascertain if the two girls were abducted and forcibly converted and married.

A five-member commission probed the matter and concluded that it was not a forced conversion.

The counsel for the girls' parents, however, asserted that the case pertained to forced conversion.

A Hindu lawmaker from Prime Minister Khan's party last month moved two bills in Parliament seeking enhancement of punishment for those involved in forced conversion and for making child marriage a cognisable offence.

The bills were accompanied by a resolution with the support of minority lawmakers from all major political parties condemning such incidents.

The five-point resolution called for immediate passage of the bill against forced conversions, which had been unanimously passed by the Sindh Assembly in 2016 and then reverted due to the pressure of extremist elements, from all the legislatures.

Hindus form the biggest minority community in Pakistan.

According to official estimates, 75 lakh Hindus live in Pakistan. Majority of Pakistan's Hindu population is settled in Sindh province.

According to media reports, approximately 25 forced marriages take place every month only in Umerkot district in Sindh province.

Pakistan's independent human rights watchdog Monday raised concerns about incidents of forced conversions and marriages of Hindu and Christian girls, saying around 1,000 such cases were reported just in the southern Sindh province alone last year.

Pakistan's independent human rights watchdog Monday raised concerns about incidents of forced conversions and marriages of Hindu and Christian girls, saying around 1,000 such cases were reported just in the southern Sindh province alone last year. In its annual report, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) said the government has done little in the past to stop such forced marriages and asked the lawmakers to pass effective legislation to end the practice. "Around one thousand cases of Hindu and Christian girls were estimated in the province of Sindh alone in 2018. The cities where such cases occurred frequently included Umerkot, Tharparkar, Mirpurkhas, Badin, Karachi, Tando Allahyar, Kashmore and Ghotki," said the 335-page report titled 'State of Human Rights in 2018'. Stating that no authentic data is available on forced conversions and forced marriages in Pakistan, the report said that the Sindh Child Marriage Restraint Act 2013 has not been enforced effectively and the state's response to forced marriages has been mixed. "If not accomplices, police are insensitive and indifferent at best in most cases," the report said. It said that the "minorities continued to face harassment, arrest or even death for simply living their lives in accordance with their beliefs in Pakistan in 2018." The report came less than a week after the Islamabad High Court declared that the two Hindu teenage sisters - Raveena (13) and Reena (15) - were not forcibly converted from Hinduism to Islam, and permitted them to live with their spouses. The two Hindu girls were allegedly kidnapped by a group of "influential" men from their home in Ghotki district in Sindh on the eve of Holi. Soon after the kidnapping, a video went viral in which a cleric was purportedly shown solemnising the marriage of the two girls, triggering a nationwide outrage. The Hindu community members took out massive demonstrations seeking strict action against those responsible for forced conversion and marriages of Hindu girls. Prime Minister Imran Khan also ordered a probe to ascertain if the two girls were abducted and forcibly converted and married. A five-member commission probed the matter and concluded that it was not a forced conversion. The counsel for the girls' parents, however, asserted that the case pertained to forced conversion. A Hindu lawmaker from Prime Minister Khan's party last month moved two bills in Parliament seeking enhancement of punishment for those involved in forced conversion and for making child marriage a cognisable offence. The bills were accompanied by a resolution with the support of minority lawmakers from all major political parties condemning such incidents. The five-point resolution called for immediate passage of the bill against forced conversions, which had been unanimously passed by the Sindh Assembly in 2016 and then reverted due to the pressure of extremist elements, from all the legislatures. Hindus form the biggest minority community in Pakistan. According to official estimates, 75 lakh Hindus live in Pakistan. Majority of Pakistan's Hindu population is settled in Sindh province. According to media reports, approximately 25 forced marriages take place every month only in Umerkot district in Sindh province.

Pakistan's rights body raises concern over forced conversions of Hindu, Christian girls

Court reunited both girls to reunite with their husbands. Watch complete video to know more.

Sindh govt report reveals fresh details

A mission team from the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-imf-to-reach-agreement-soon-on-bailout-package-finance-minister-205590">International Monetary Fund</a> (IMF) will travel to Pakistan this month, the IMF said on Monday, amid growing expectation that talks on a long-delayed bailout are due to be wrapped up soon.

Pakistan was last year expected to sign up for its 13th IMF bailout programme since the late 1980s but talks ground to a halt, with Pakistani officials saying the conditions attached to the proposed IMF loans could hurt economic growth.

Pakistan's macroeconomic outlook has deteriorated in recent months, with the central bank lowering growth forecasts and raising rates at a time when inflation is at a five-year high. The rupee currency has also lost about 35 per cent since December 2017.

"At the request of the authorities, an IMF mission will be going to Pakistan before the end of April to continue the discussions," the IMF said in a statement.

Pakistani Finance Minister Asad Umar earlier this month visited Washington for talks with the IMF, which on Monday described those talks as "constructive discussions".

The government of Prime Minister Imran Khan, who took power in August, has obtained temporary relief from close allies such as China and Saudi Arabia with short-term loans worth more than $10 billion to buffer foreign currency reserves and ease pressures on the country's current account.

But analysts have been saying an IMF bailout is inevitable, with Pakistan also facing an increasing fiscal crunch ahead of the annual budget spending review for the next financial year starting July 1.

"After today's IMF statement, the expectation is that the bailout is pretty much there," said Saad Hashemy, Chief Economist for Pakistani brokerage house Topline Securities.

But he added that there are questions regarding the time frame of when Pakistan would start receiving the money and the exact contours of the assistance programme.

"There are questions if there will be any further devaluations, how much interest rates will be hiked, what taxation measures are expected of Pakistan, and will there be any further increase in electricity or gas prices?" Hashemy added.

Khan's government is facing increasing anger from the population on the back of rising utility prices, many of which have been subsidized by successive cash-strapped governments.

Inflation was over 9.4 per cent in March, its highest since November 2013, with strong increases in food and energy, the two most sensitive items for most consumers.

The central bank forecasts growth at 3.5 to 4 per cent in the 12 months to end-June, well off a government target of 6.2 per cent.

A mission team from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) will travel to Pakistan this month, the IMF said on Monday, amid growing expectation that talks on a long-delayed bailout are due to be wrapped up soon.

A mission team from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) will travel to Pakistan this month, the IMF said on Monday, amid growing expectation that talks on a long-delayed bailout are due to be wrapped up soon. Pakistan was last year expected to sign up for its 13th IMF bailout programme since the late 1980s but talks ground to a halt, with Pakistani officials saying the conditions attached to the proposed IMF loans could hurt economic growth. Pakistan's macroeconomic outlook has deteriorated in recent months, with the central bank lowering growth forecasts and raising rates at a time when inflation is at a five-year high. The rupee currency has also lost about 35 per cent since December 2017. "At the request of the authorities, an IMF mission will be going to Pakistan before the end of April to continue the discussions," the IMF said in a statement. Pakistani Finance Minister Asad Umar earlier this month visited Washington for talks with the IMF, which on Monday described those talks as "constructive discussions". The government of Prime Minister Imran Khan, who took power in August, has obtained temporary relief from close allies such as China and Saudi Arabia with short-term loans worth more than $10 billion to buffer foreign currency reserves and ease pressures on the country's current account. But analysts have been saying an IMF bailout is inevitable, with Pakistan also facing an increasing fiscal crunch ahead of the annual budget spending review for the next financial year starting July 1. "After today's IMF statement, the expectation is that the bailout is pretty much there," said Saad Hashemy, Chief Economist for Pakistani brokerage house Topline Securities. But he added that there are questions regarding the time frame of when Pakistan would start receiving the money and the exact contours of the assistance programme. "There are questions if there will be any further devaluations, how much interest rates will be hiked, what taxation measures are expected of Pakistan, and will there be any further increase in electricity or gas prices?" Hashemy added. Khan's government is facing increasing anger from the population on the back of rising utility prices, many of which have been subsidized by successive cash-strapped governments. Inflation was over 9.4 per cent in March, its highest since November 2013, with strong increases in food and energy, the two most sensitive items for most consumers. The central bank forecasts growth at 3.5 to 4 per cent in the 12 months to end-June, well off a government target of 6.2 per cent.

IMF team to visit Pakistan this month in final bailout push

China on Monday hailed its all-weather ally Pakistan for announcing new guidelines for implementing the UNSC sanctions targeting proscribed individuals and entities operating in the country and urged the international community to back Islamabad's "great efforts" in combatting terrorism. &nbsp; &nbsp;

Amid intense global pressure to rein in terror outfits, Pakistan on Friday launched guidelines for implementing the UNSC sanctions targeting UN-proscribed individuals and entities in the country.

The guidelines were prepared by the National Committee for overseeing implementation of sanctions against individuals and entities designated by the UN Security Council 1267 Al Qaida/Da'esh Sanctions regime and Security Council 1988 (Taliban Sanctions regime).&nbsp;

"The newly released guidelines are Pakistan's latest measure to implement the National Action Plan. I think it shows Pakistan's position and resolve to fight terrorism and to firmly implement the relevant UN resolutions.&nbsp;

"China highly applauds that. Pakistan is an important participant in the international counter-terrorism campaign," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang told media briefing here replying to a question on the recently released guidelines by Pakistan's Foreign Ministry for the federal and provincial governments to further implement the relevant UN sanctions on individuals and terrorist organisations.

"The international community should enhance support to Islamabad," the spokesperson said, adding that Pakistan has "long been making great efforts and sacrifices towards this goal".

He also said that China supports Pakistan in advancing the counter-terrorism efforts based on its own national conditions, and "we hope the international community can enhance cooperation and jointly uphold the regional peace and stability."

Pakistan is under intense global pressure to rein in terrorist outfits operating from its soil after the Pulwama attack, carried out by a suicide bomber of Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), that killed 40 CRPF personnel in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on&nbsp; 
February 14.

Pakistan also came under intense pressure from the international community to crackdown on terror outfits and leaders after the Paris-based international terror financing watchdog, Financial Action Task Force (FATF), in June last year, placed it on the "grey list" of countries whose domestic laws are considered weak to tackle the challenges of money laundering and terrorism financing.

The FATF, which recently reviewed steps taken by Pakistan, has asked Islamabad to implement a new set of constraints in its crackdown against terror financing, including documenting and regulating all gold markets.

The new list of recommendations from the FATF which requires Pakistan to document all gold markets and purchase and sale of gold in the country, ensure restriction on supply of gold and jewellery to banned outfits and terrorist organisations.

The FATF has asked Pakistan to collect data of all trusts operating across the country as well as their bank accounts on the district level, and ensure regulation of thousands of registered trust organisations.

The compliance report would be taken up by the FATF review group in its meeting scheduled in May.&nbsp;

China on Monday hailed its all-weather ally Pakistan for announcing new guidelines for implementing the UNSC sanctions targeting proscribed individuals and entities operating in the country and urged the international community to back Islamabad's "great efforts" in combatting terrorism.

China on Monday hailed its all-weather ally Pakistan for announcing new guidelines for implementing the UNSC sanctions targeting proscribed individuals and entities operating in the country and urged the international community to back Islamabad's "great efforts" in combatting terrorism. Amid intense global pressure to rein in terror outfits, Pakistan on Friday launched guidelines for implementing the UNSC sanctions targeting UN-proscribed individuals and entities in the country. The guidelines were prepared by the National Committee for overseeing implementation of sanctions against individuals and entities designated by the UN Security Council 1267 Al Qaida/Da'esh Sanctions regime and Security Council 1988 (Taliban Sanctions regime). "The newly released guidelines are Pakistan's latest measure to implement the National Action Plan. I think it shows Pakistan's position and resolve to fight terrorism and to firmly implement the relevant UN resolutions. "China highly applauds that. Pakistan is an important participant in the international counter-terrorism campaign," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang told media briefing here replying to a question on the recently released guidelines by Pakistan's Foreign Ministry for the federal and provincial governments to further implement the relevant UN sanctions on individuals and terrorist organisations. "The international community should enhance support to Islamabad," the spokesperson said, adding that Pakistan has "long been making great efforts and sacrifices towards this goal". He also said that China supports Pakistan in advancing the counter-terrorism efforts based on its own national conditions, and "we hope the international community can enhance cooperation and jointly uphold the regional peace and stability." Pakistan is under intense global pressure to rein in terrorist outfits operating from its soil after the Pulwama attack, carried out by a suicide bomber of Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), that killed 40 CRPF personnel in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on February 14. Pakistan also came under intense pressure from the international community to crackdown on terror outfits and leaders after the Paris-based international terror financing watchdog, Financial Action Task Force (FATF), in June last year, placed it on the "grey list" of countries whose domestic laws are considered weak to tackle the challenges of money laundering and terrorism financing. The FATF, which recently reviewed steps taken by Pakistan, has asked Islamabad to implement a new set of constraints in its crackdown against terror financing, including documenting and regulating all gold markets. The new list of recommendations from the FATF which requires Pakistan to document all gold markets and purchase and sale of gold in the country, ensure restriction on supply of gold and jewellery to banned outfits and terrorist organisations. The FATF has asked Pakistan to collect data of all trusts operating across the country as well as their bank accounts on the district level, and ensure regulation of thousands of registered trust organisations. The compliance report would be taken up by the FATF review group in its meeting scheduled in May.

China hails Pakistan's action plan to implement UN resolutions to fight terrorism

At least seven people were killed on Monday in rain-related incidents in Pakistan's northwest Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province, police said.

There were two different incidents.&nbsp;

In the Chitral district, at least three persons were killed due to a landslide. One was in Danin village after huge boulders and debris fell from the hill on houses and killed people.&nbsp;

The second was in Bunner district where four people were hit by a van which plunged into a deep ravine while taking a sharp turn. they died on the spot.

The local people rushed to the site retrieved the bodies and shifted them to the nearby hospital.

Rains and snowfall often cause landslides and flash floods in northern Pakistan where millions live in mountainous areas.

At least seven people were killed on Monday in rain-related incidents in Pakistan's northwest Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province, police said. There were two different incidents.

At least seven people were killed on Monday in rain-related incidents in Pakistan's northwest Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province, police said. There were two different incidents. In the Chitral district, at least three persons were killed due to a landslide. One was in Danin village after huge boulders and debris fell from the hill on houses and killed people. The second was in Bunner district where four people were hit by a van which plunged into a deep ravine while taking a sharp turn. they died on the spot. The local people rushed to the site retrieved the bodies and shifted them to the nearby hospital. Rains and snowfall often cause landslides and flash floods in northern Pakistan where millions live in mountainous areas.

At least seven people dead in rain-related incidents in Pakistan

As many as 513 ceasefire violations by Pakistan have taken place along the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/month-after-balakot-strikes-pakistan-continues-to-block-airspace-205852">line of control </a>(LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir in the past one-and-a-half month and the Pakistan Army has suffered five to six times more casualties than the Indian Army in the retaliatory action, a senior officer said on Saturday.

The Pakistan Army also used heavy weaponry like mortars and artillery guns in over 100 times during these violations and targeted civilian areas but was given a befitting response by the Indian Army, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of White Knight Corps Lt. Gen. Paramjit Singh told reporters in Rajouri.

“Almost 513 ceasefire violations happened in the past one-and-a-half month and over 100 times during these violations, the Pakistan Army used heavy weapons like mortars and artillery guns and targeted civilian areas. Only yesterday [Friday], four civilians, including two girls, were injured in Poonch,” the GOC said.

However, he said the Pakistan Army is being given a befitting response by the Indian Army.

Responding to a question about the casualties suffered by Pakistan in the retaliatory action, he said unlike the Indian Army, Pakistan does not announce the number of its casualties.

“However, as per our sources, the Pakistan Army suffered five to six times more casualties than the casualties on our side,” Lt. Gen. Singh said.

Ten people, including four security personnel, have been killed and nearly 45 others, mostly civilians, injured in the twin districts since India’s preemptive air strike on a Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terror camp in Pakistan’s Balakot on February 26 in response to the February 14 Pulwama terror attack in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed.

On the sniping incidents from across the border, Lt. Gen. Singh said such incidents had come to nought over the past several months, especially after the Balakot strike.

“Some incidents of sniping took place earlier and accordingly we have taken some measures to strengthen our defence. As per the data this year, only three incidents of sniping by the Pakistan Army were reported from January to February 26 in which one of the fatalities include a civilian porter,” he said.

“There was no sniping incident from February 27 till date, which means the steps taken by us have been successful,” the officer said.

He said the morale of the troops is very high and as long as they are deployed on the borders, the people of the country need not worry.

“They have every kind of weaponry and explosives with them and their resolve is rock solid and always prepared for any challenge. As long as they are on the border, you are safe,” he said.

Responding to a question, the officer said, “Our message to Pakistan is given every day whenever some nefarious activity happens on the border.”

When asked for a comment on politics being played in the name of soldiers during the ongoing Lok Sabha elections, he said the Army does not want to get into the debate.

As many as 513 ceasefire violations by Pakistan have taken place along the line of control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir in the past one-and-a-half month and the Pakistan Army has suffered five to six times more casualties than the Indian Army in the retaliatory action, a senior officer said on Saturday.

As many as 513 ceasefire violations by Pakistan have taken place along the line of control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir in the past one-and-a-half month and the Pakistan Army has suffered five to six times more casualties than the Indian Army in the retaliatory action, a senior officer said on Saturday. The Pakistan Army also used heavy weaponry like mortars and artillery guns in over 100 times during these violations and targeted civilian areas but was given a befitting response by the Indian Army, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of White Knight Corps Lt. Gen. Paramjit Singh told reporters in Rajouri. “Almost 513 ceasefire violations happened in the past one-and-a-half month and over 100 times during these violations, the Pakistan Army used heavy weapons like mortars and artillery guns and targeted civilian areas. Only yesterday [Friday], four civilians, including two girls, were injured in Poonch,” the GOC said. However, he said the Pakistan Army is being given a befitting response by the Indian Army. Responding to a question about the casualties suffered by Pakistan in the retaliatory action, he said unlike the Indian Army, Pakistan does not announce the number of its casualties. “However, as per our sources, the Pakistan Army suffered five to six times more casualties than the casualties on our side,” Lt. Gen. Singh said. Ten people, including four security personnel, have been killed and nearly 45 others, mostly civilians, injured in the twin districts since India’s preemptive air strike on a Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terror camp in Pakistan’s Balakot on February 26 in response to the February 14 Pulwama terror attack in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed. On the sniping incidents from across the border, Lt. Gen. Singh said such incidents had come to nought over the past several months, especially after the Balakot strike. “Some incidents of sniping took place earlier and accordingly we have taken some measures to strengthen our defence. As per the data this year, only three incidents of sniping by the Pakistan Army were reported from January to February 26 in which one of the fatalities include a civilian porter,” he said. “There was no sniping incident from February 27 till date, which means the steps taken by us have been successful,” the officer said. He said the morale of the troops is very high and as long as they are deployed on the borders, the people of the country need not worry. “They have every kind of weaponry and explosives with them and their resolve is rock solid and always prepared for any challenge. As long as they are on the border, you are safe,” he said. Responding to a question, the officer said, “Our message to Pakistan is given every day whenever some nefarious activity happens on the border.” When asked for a comment on politics being played in the name of soldiers during the ongoing Lok Sabha elections, he said the Army does not want to get into the debate.

Enraged by Balakot strike Pakistan violated ceasefire 513 times in 45 days, suffered more than India: Army

International Monetary Fund asked Pakistan to disclose the complete details of loan it took from China. Watch complete video to know more.

IMF asks for detail of Pakistan's loan from China

In Pakistan, Inflation at its high in last five year, where its economy is shambling as well. Watch complete video to know more.

Pakistan: Inflation at its high in last five year, economy shambles

Former Pak envoy Hussain Haqqani said that there is no effort by Imran Pak's govt to curb on terror. Watch complete video to know more.

Former Pak envoy: No efforts by Imran govt to curb terror

The third and last day of The Pakistan Fashion Design Council's (PFDC) gala ended on a high note in Lahore on Saturday (13 APRIL) .

Pakistan's Spring Summer 2019 gala ends on a high note

An international terror financing watchdog has asked Pakistan to implement a new set of constraints in its crackdown against terror financing, including documenting and regulating all gold markets, a media report said on Sunday.

The finance ministry has reportedly received a new list of recommendations from the Paris-based Financial Action Task Force (FATF) which requires documentation of all gold markets and purchase and sale of gold in the country, Geo TV reported.

The FATF has asked Islamabad to collect data of all gold markets in the country and to restrict the sale and purchase of gold items using cash, instead requiring payment to be made with a debit or credit card, it said.

The watchdog has also demanded that the country ensure restriction on supply of gold and jewellery to banned outfits and terrorist organisations.

The FATF has urged Pakistan to collect data of all trusts operating across the country as well as their bank accounts on the district level. It has also asked the country to ensure regulation of thousands of registered trust organisations.

Pakistan is due to submit a third report on the measures being taken by the government in compliance with the recommendations of the FATF and its regional affiliate, the Asia-Pacific Group (APG) till April 15.

The compliance report would be taken up by the FATF review group in its meeting scheduled to be held in May.

In June last year, the FATF had placed Pakistan on the 'grey list' of countries whose domestic laws are considered weak to tackle the challenges of money laundering and terrorism financing.

A group of experts from the FATF recently visited Pakistan to review whether Islamabad has made enough progress on global standards against financial crimes to warrant its exclusion from the watchdog's 'grey list'.&nbsp;

An international terror financing watchdog has asked Pakistan to implement a new set of constraints in its crackdown against terror financing, including documenting and regulating all gold markets, a media report said on Sunday.

An international terror financing watchdog has asked Pakistan to implement a new set of constraints in its crackdown against terror financing, including documenting and regulating all gold markets, a media report said on Sunday. The finance ministry has reportedly received a new list of recommendations from the Paris-based Financial Action Task Force (FATF) which requires documentation of all gold markets and purchase and sale of gold in the country, Geo TV reported. The FATF has asked Islamabad to collect data of all gold markets in the country and to restrict the sale and purchase of gold items using cash, instead requiring payment to be made with a debit or credit card, it said. The watchdog has also demanded that the country ensure restriction on supply of gold and jewellery to banned outfits and terrorist organisations. The FATF has urged Pakistan to collect data of all trusts operating across the country as well as their bank accounts on the district level. It has also asked the country to ensure regulation of thousands of registered trust organisations. Pakistan is due to submit a third report on the measures being taken by the government in compliance with the recommendations of the FATF and its regional affiliate, the Asia-Pacific Group (APG) till April 15. The compliance report would be taken up by the FATF review group in its meeting scheduled to be held in May. In June last year, the FATF had placed Pakistan on the 'grey list' of countries whose domestic laws are considered weak to tackle the challenges of money laundering and terrorism financing. A group of experts from the FATF recently visited Pakistan to review whether Islamabad has made enough progress on global standards against financial crimes to warrant its exclusion from the watchdog's 'grey list'.

Financial Action Task Force asks Pakistan to track all gold purchases

Indian Army states that Pakistan breaks ceasefire 513 times post-Balakot air strike. Indian army is giving a befitting response to the Pak army. Watch complete video to know more.

Indian Army: Pakistan breaks ceasefire 513 times post Balakot air strike

Islamic State on Saturday claimed responsibility for the suicide bombing which took place in Pakistan.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-death-toll-in-quetta-blast-rises-to-20-several-injured-209827">At least 20 people were killed and 48 wounded</a> in the blast which targeted the Shia Hazara ethnic minority at a crowded fruit market in Pakistan's Quetta city on Friday.

Earlier, a little faction of the Pakistani Taliban also claimed responsibility for the blast. They also said that they had collaborated with Lakshar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ).

Balochistan home minister Zia Ullah Langu gave the toll and confirmed it was a suicide blast, adding that two of the dead were children.

The bomb detonated near a site where produce was being loaded for distribution around the market.

Islamic State on Saturday claimed responsibility for the suicide bombing which took place in Pakistan. At least 20 people were killed and 48 wounded in the blast which targeted the Shia Hazara ethnic minority at a crowded fruit market in Pakistan's Quetta city on Friday.

Islamic State on Saturday claimed responsibility for the suicide bombing which took place in Pakistan. At least 20 people were killed and 48 wounded in the blast which targeted the Shia Hazara ethnic minority at a crowded fruit market in Pakistan's Quetta city on Friday. Earlier, a little faction of the Pakistani Taliban also claimed responsibility for the blast. They also said that they had collaborated with Lakshar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ). Balochistan home minister Zia Ullah Langu gave the toll and confirmed it was a suicide blast, adding that two of the dead were children. The bomb detonated near a site where produce was being loaded for distribution around the market.

Islamic State claims responsibility for suicide attack in Pakistan's Quetta

The Country May Be Struggling With Economic Distress & Political Instability, But Pakistan Asks UK To Return Kohinoor Diamond To Lahore. Watch video to know more.

Pakistan wants Kohinoor diamond in Lahore

Pakistan says it will restore over 400 hindu temples in the country but hindus continue to face discrimination.

WION Gravitas: Pakistan decides to restore hindu temples, but hindus continue to suffer

Thousands of Pakistanis clad in white gathered in the central city of Jhang Friday to make a human image of Christchurch's Al Noor mosque, where 50 people were killed by a white supremacist four weeks ago.

Drone images showed worshippers standing in formation, their snow-white traditional shalwar kameez and prayer caps in stark contrast to the emerald green of a public field, as a second group formed the words "Islam is peace" nearby.

Huge New Zealand and Pakistani flags were also displayed along with a giant banner which read: "Solidarity with the martyrs of Christchurch from Pakistan".&nbsp;

The tribute was organised by the Muslim Institute, a non-government organisation aimed at promoting peace and stability in the Muslim world, which also released the drone footage.

Brenton Tarrant, a 28-year-old Australian and self-avowed white supremacist, has been charged with 50 counts of murder and 39 of attempted murder after opening fire at the Linwood and Al Noor mosques on March 15.

Nine of the victims were of Pakistani origin. One, Naeem Rashid, was posthumously given an award for bravery by Pakistan after he apparently tried to tackle the gunman before being shot.&nbsp;

Tribute organisers praised the New Zealand government after what had been a "very tough time" for Muslims in the country -- especially Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern.&nbsp;

Her response "not only soothed the wounds of Muslims but also assured them that Muslims in their country are safe," Sahibzada Sultan Ahmad Ali, a religious scholar and one of the organisers, told AFP.

"We worked really hard to make this model," one participant, Noor Hassan, told AFP of the tribute.&nbsp;

"It was so pleasant that we were ready to stand like this for the whole day," he added.&nbsp;

Thousands of Pakistanis clad in white gathered in the central city of Jhang Friday to make a human image of Christchurch's Al Noor mosque, where 50 people were killed by a white supremacist four weeks ago.

Thousands of Pakistanis clad in white gathered in the central city of Jhang Friday to make a human image of Christchurch's Al Noor mosque, where 50 people were killed by a white supremacist four weeks ago. Drone images showed worshippers standing in formation, their snow-white traditional shalwar kameez and prayer caps in stark contrast to the emerald green of a public field, as a second group formed the words "Islam is peace" nearby. Huge New Zealand and Pakistani flags were also displayed along with a giant banner which read: "Solidarity with the martyrs of Christchurch from Pakistan". The tribute was organised by the Muslim Institute, a non-government organisation aimed at promoting peace and stability in the Muslim world, which also released the drone footage. Brenton Tarrant, a 28-year-old Australian and self-avowed white supremacist, has been charged with 50 counts of murder and 39 of attempted murder after opening fire at the Linwood and Al Noor mosques on March 15. Nine of the victims were of Pakistani origin. One, Naeem Rashid, was posthumously given an award for bravery by Pakistan after he apparently tried to tackle the gunman before being shot. Tribute organisers praised the New Zealand government after what had been a "very tough time" for Muslims in the country -- especially Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern. Her response "not only soothed the wounds of Muslims but also assured them that Muslims in their country are safe," Sahibzada Sultan Ahmad Ali, a religious scholar and one of the organisers, told AFP. "We worked really hard to make this model," one participant, Noor Hassan, told AFP of the tribute. "It was so pleasant that we were ready to stand like this for the whole day," he added.

Thousands of Pakistanis form human chain in image of Christchurch mosque

The Islamabad High Court on Thursday allowed the two Hindu girls - who were kidnapped and allegedly converted - to go with their husbands. The incident was reported on the eve of Holi festival last month in the Sindh province.

The court today said that the interior secretary will be liable to provide protection to the girls and asked the inquiry commission to submit their final report and recommendations by May 14 when the case will come next for hearing.

"Has it been proved and cleared that the girls were not made to convert forcefully? For the satisfaction of minorities, we have tasked this to a commission. This, however, has been proved that the girls are not minors," Chief Justice Athar Minallah said today. 
&nbsp; 
After the hearing, interior secretary&nbsp;Maj Azam Sulaiman Khan (Retd) said that the government has already given protection to the girls as instructed by the court. 
&nbsp; 
"The girls were not made to convert to Islam forcefully. The court had asked us to inquire on this. Me and IA Rehman will meet the girls and conduct their interviews," he said.

IA Rehman, member of the inquiry commission set up by the court, said that there is an impression that a group is behind forced conversions and pleaded to the court to issue some instructions on the particular group. Justice Minallah was quick to respond saying that the province of Sindh does not come under the judicial territory of Islamabad High Court. Rehman also apprised the court that as per the inquiry commission's investigation, the girls were not converted forcefully. 
&nbsp; 
The court had come down heavily on authorities <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/why-federation-taking-this-case-so-lightly-islamabad-high-court-slams-authorities-over-alleged-forced-conversion-207412">during the last hearing</a>. "Why is it that such incidents happen in your area only? Why is the federation taking this case so lightly? We need to learn from other countries. Whatever the case is, the impact and message internationally are not encouraging," Chief Justice Athar Minallah had the Chief Secretary of Sindh province. 
&nbsp; 
We should learn from the incident in New Zealand. This is an Islamic Welfare state and minorities should have the right to free movement, the chief justice had said. 
&nbsp; 
The two girls were allegedly kidnapped from their home in Sindh's Ghotki district by a group of "influential" men on March 20, a day before Holi. They were converted to Islam and married to Muslim men. A video of a priest purportedly solemnising the marriage of the two girls went viral soon after, triggering nationwide outrage. Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan ordered a probe. 
&nbsp; 
The Pakistan police detained at least seven people, including a nikah khwan (marriage officiator), allegedly involved in the abduction, forced conversion, and marriage of the two sisters.

The Islamabad High Court on Thursday allowed the two Hindu girls - who were kidnapped and allegedly converted - to go with their husbands. The incident was reported on the eve of Holi festival last month in the Sindh province.

The Islamabad High Court on Thursday allowed the two Hindu girls - who were kidnapped and allegedly converted - to go with their husbands. The incident was reported on the eve of Holi festival last month in the Sindh province. The court today said that the interior secretary will be liable to provide protection to the girls and asked the inquiry commission to submit their final report and recommendations by May 14 when the case will come next for hearing. "Has it been proved and cleared that the girls were not made to convert forcefully? For the satisfaction of minorities, we have tasked this to a commission. This, however, has been proved that the girls are not minors," Chief Justice Athar Minallah said today. After the hearing, interior secretary Maj Azam Sulaiman Khan (Retd) said that the government has already given protection to the girls as instructed by the court. "The girls were not made to convert to Islam forcefully. The court had asked us to inquire on this. Me and IA Rehman will meet the girls and conduct their interviews," he said. IA Rehman, member of the inquiry commission set up by the court, said that there is an impression that a group is behind forced conversions and pleaded to the court to issue some instructions on the particular group. Justice Minallah was quick to respond saying that the province of Sindh does not come under the judicial territory of Islamabad High Court. Rehman also apprised the court that as per the inquiry commission's investigation, the girls were not converted forcefully. The court had come down heavily on authorities during the last hearing. "Why is it that such incidents happen in your area only? Why is the federation taking this case so lightly? We need to learn from other countries. Whatever the case is, the impact and message internationally are not encouraging," Chief Justice Athar Minallah had the Chief Secretary of Sindh province. We should learn from the incident in New Zealand. This is an Islamic Welfare state and minorities should have the right to free movement, the chief justice had said. The two girls were allegedly kidnapped from their home in Sindh's Ghotki district by a group of "influential" men on March 20, a day before Holi. They were converted to Islam and married to Muslim men. A video of a priest purportedly solemnising the marriage of the two girls went viral soon after, triggering nationwide outrage. Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan ordered a probe. The Pakistan police detained at least seven people, including a nikah khwan (marriage officiator), allegedly involved in the abduction, forced conversion, and marriage of the two sisters.

Forced conversion of Hindu girls: Pakistan court says girls not minors, allows them to be with their husbands

Pakistan escorts a group of foreign journalists and diplomats to the site of an Indian air strike to show that, contrary to Delhi's claims, no infrastructure was damaged.

Pakistan's Balakot stunt on the eve of India Polls

Imran khan's govt has said to reclaim and restore 400 Hindu temples. Pak govt is aiming to appease Hindu minority in Pakistan. Watch complete video to know more.

WION Gravitas: Pak Govt efforts to appease Hindus

There are four power centres in Pakistan. Sitting atop the other three is the military, which controls one-third of Pakistan’s economy and almost all its terror groups. The other three centres of quasi-power are the government, the judiciary and the mullahs. The media is powerless. Civil society has no voice.&nbsp;

The Pakistani army is obsessed with India for one overriding reason: it justifies the army’s indispensability to the country and is good for business. The Pakistani army is run like a private limited company. Indian strategists working on counter-terror operations make the mistake of thinking that Pakistan’s “deep state” is responsible for Islamabad’s malignant behaviour. &nbsp;

There is no deep state in Pakistan. The army is the deep state and its tactics are open, even brazen. The Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) makes no secret of its subversive role. Its public relations division (ISPR) is run by Major General Asif Ghafoor, who deals daily in Goebbelsian propaganda.&nbsp;

The Pakistani army’s Fauji Foundation owns businesses across Pakistan. In a written reply to Pakistan’s Senate in 2016, a glimpse of the army’s business holdings was revealed. As Dawn reported: “There were nearly 50 projects and units functioning in the country under the administrative control of Fauji Foundation, Shaheen Foundation, Bahria Foundation, Army Welfare Trust (AWT) and Defence Housing Authorities (DHAs).&nbsp;

According to the details provided in the reply, eight DHAs were established in major cities. These DHAs — mostly created through ordinances — are in Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi-Islamabad, Multan, Gujranwala, Bahawalpur, Peshawar and Quetta. Besides, there are 16 projects/units functioning under the AWT, 15 under the Fauji Foundation and 11 under the Shaheen Foundation.”

Projects under the Fauji Foundation include plants manufacturing everything from cement and fertiliser to energy and cereal. The Fauji Foundation itself claims on its website that it runs 18 industries. Quite apart from official holdings, the Pakistani army controls benami land and foreign bank accounts.&nbsp;

The country’s defence budget at $10 billion is 3.5 per cent of Pakistan’s GDP —nearly double India’s (1.8 per cent) as a ratio of GDP. Few countries spend more on defence as a percentage of GDP than Pakistan. China’s defence budget is 1.4 per cent of GDP. A significant portion of Pakistan’s defence budget is siphoned off by the army’s top brass. There is little oversight.&nbsp;

To keep the defence budget high and the illicit money machine ticking over, the Pakistani army needs an enemy. India fits the bill. The Pakistani army is not interested in Kashmir. It uses the state to prosecute a low-cost, low-intensity proxy conflict with India, deploying its terrorist arms to attack India and keep tensions simmering just below boiling point.&nbsp;

A key part of this strategy is to maintain a facade of seeking talks with India. For the Pakistani military, talks and terror go together. Structured &nbsp;dialogue with India gives Islamabad respectability in the eyes of the international community, diluting the impression that it is a pariah state. But the Pakistani army has no intention of allowing talks, when they do take place, to actually succeed in resolving the Kashmir issue. A resolution would end the conflict. The army’s role in Pakistan would diminish. So would the Fauji Foundation’s fortunes.&nbsp;

India’s peace lobby comprises several well-meaning activists. The Pakistani army’s civil society proxies engage in endless track two meetings with them. The purpose: build a bridge to eventually open a dialogue between India and Pakistan at the political level. Meanwhile, the Pakistani army’s terror proxies — Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba and Hizbul Mujahideen — launch periodic attacks on Indian targets to ensure that the low-intensity conflict continues.&nbsp;

The Indian Air Force’s Balakot strike deep inside Pakistan changed the low-cost terror business model that the Pakistani army had perfected over years. Suddenly, the cost had risen. The loss of hundreds of terrorists and several Pakistani army officers in Balakot was just one blow.&nbsp;

An equally punishing one could be lying around the corner: blacklisting by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). The Paris-based body monitors money laundering and terror financing globally. The Pakistani establishment engages copiously in both. If the FATF blacklists Pakistan, it could severely damage that country’s already fragile economy.&nbsp;

Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Pakistan’s foreign minister, was so rattled by the possibility of blacklisting that he told journalists at a recent press conference in Lahore: “The Foreign Office is calculating the annual loss if Pakistan is pushed in the blacklist by the FATF as India is lobbying for this.”&nbsp;

Indian foreign policymakers have been ambivalent over Pakistan. Diplomatic relations remain unchanged. A private member’s bill to declare Pakistan a state sponsor of terrorism has been shelved. Cross-border trade continues as before, notwithstanding the withdrawal of Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status. Even the ludicrous retreat ceremony at the Wagah border post between BSF jawans and Pakistani Rangers goes on unabated daily. Pakistan craves equivalence with India. Indian policymakers give it far too many opportunities to claim false equivalence.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the Pakistani army keeps a beady eye on India, obsessing over every Pakistani rupee it can extract from the longest geopolitical fraud it has pulled off for decades through its proxy war of terror against &nbsp;India. The new Indian government, whichever alliance forms it, must end the charade that enriches the Pakistani army at the cost of Indian lives.

(This article was originally published on DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-pakistan-army-private-limited-2738313">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;

 
&nbsp;

There are four power centres in Pakistan. Sitting atop the other three is the military, which controls one-third of Pakistan’s economy and almost all its terror groups.

There are four power centres in Pakistan. Sitting atop the other three is the military, which controls one-third of Pakistan’s economy and almost all its terror groups. The other three centres of quasi-power are the government, the judiciary and the mullahs. The media is powerless. Civil society has no voice. The Pakistani army is obsessed with India for one overriding reason: it justifies the army’s indispensability to the country and is good for business. The Pakistani army is run like a private limited company. Indian strategists working on counter-terror operations make the mistake of thinking that Pakistan’s “deep state” is responsible for Islamabad’s malignant behaviour. There is no deep state in Pakistan. The army is the deep state and its tactics are open, even brazen. The Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) makes no secret of its subversive role. Its public relations division (ISPR) is run by Major General Asif Ghafoor, who deals daily in Goebbelsian propaganda. The Pakistani army’s Fauji Foundation owns businesses across Pakistan. In a written reply to Pakistan’s Senate in 2016, a glimpse of the army’s business holdings was revealed. As Dawn reported: “There were nearly 50 projects and units functioning in the country under the administrative control of Fauji Foundation, Shaheen Foundation, Bahria Foundation, Army Welfare Trust (AWT) and Defence Housing Authorities (DHAs). According to the details provided in the reply, eight DHAs were established in major cities. These DHAs — mostly created through ordinances — are in Karachi, Lahore, Rawalpindi-Islamabad, Multan, Gujranwala, Bahawalpur, Peshawar and Quetta. Besides, there are 16 projects/units functioning under the AWT, 15 under the Fauji Foundation and 11 under the Shaheen Foundation.” Projects under the Fauji Foundation include plants manufacturing everything from cement and fertiliser to energy and cereal. The Fauji Foundation itself claims on its website that it runs 18 industries. Quite apart from official holdings, the Pakistani army controls benami land and foreign bank accounts. The country’s defence budget at $10 billion is 3.5 per cent of Pakistan’s GDP —nearly double India’s (1.8 per cent) as a ratio of GDP. Few countries spend more on defence as a percentage of GDP than Pakistan. China’s defence budget is 1.4 per cent of GDP. A significant portion of Pakistan’s defence budget is siphoned off by the army’s top brass. There is little oversight. To keep the defence budget high and the illicit money machine ticking over, the Pakistani army needs an enemy. India fits the bill. The Pakistani army is not interested in Kashmir. It uses the state to prosecute a low-cost, low-intensity proxy conflict with India, deploying its terrorist arms to attack India and keep tensions simmering just below boiling point. A key part of this strategy is to maintain a facade of seeking talks with India. For the Pakistani military, talks and terror go together. Structured dialogue with India gives Islamabad respectability in the eyes of the international community, diluting the impression that it is a pariah state. But the Pakistani army has no intention of allowing talks, when they do take place, to actually succeed in resolving the Kashmir issue. A resolution would end the conflict. The army’s role in Pakistan would diminish. So would the Fauji Foundation’s fortunes. India’s peace lobby comprises several well-meaning activists. The Pakistani army’s civil society proxies engage in endless track two meetings with them. The purpose: build a bridge to eventually open a dialogue between India and Pakistan at the political level. Meanwhile, the Pakistani army’s terror proxies — Jaish-e-Mohammed, Lashkar-e-Taiba and Hizbul Mujahideen — launch periodic attacks on Indian targets to ensure that the low-intensity conflict continues. The Indian Air Force’s Balakot strike deep inside Pakistan changed the low-cost terror business model that the Pakistani army had perfected over years. Suddenly, the cost had risen. The loss of hundreds of terrorists and several Pakistani army officers in Balakot was just one blow. An equally punishing one could be lying around the corner: blacklisting by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF). The Paris-based body monitors money laundering and terror financing globally. The Pakistani establishment engages copiously in both. If the FATF blacklists Pakistan, it could severely damage that country’s already fragile economy. Shah Mahmood Qureshi, Pakistan’s foreign minister, was so rattled by the possibility of blacklisting that he told journalists at a recent press conference in Lahore: “The Foreign Office is calculating the annual loss if Pakistan is pushed in the blacklist by the FATF as India is lobbying for this.” Indian foreign policymakers have been ambivalent over Pakistan. Diplomatic relations remain unchanged. A private member’s bill to declare Pakistan a state sponsor of terrorism has been shelved. Cross-border trade continues as before, notwithstanding the withdrawal of Most Favoured Nation (MFN) status. Even the ludicrous retreat ceremony at the Wagah border post between BSF jawans and Pakistani Rangers goes on unabated daily. Pakistan craves equivalence with India. Indian policymakers give it far too many opportunities to claim false equivalence. Meanwhile, the Pakistani army keeps a beady eye on India, obsessing over every Pakistani rupee it can extract from the longest geopolitical fraud it has pulled off for decades through its proxy war of terror against India. The new Indian government, whichever alliance forms it, must end the charade that enriches the Pakistani army at the cost of Indian lives. (This article was originally published on 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 army is obsessed with India because it justifies its indispensability

Pakistan takes media, diplomats on visit to Indian strike site

Pakistan cabinet on Tuesday approved the construction of a railway station at the Sikh holy city of Nankana Sahib in Punjab and decided to name it after the faith's founder Guru Nanak Dev.

Nankana Sahib is the birthplace of Guru Nanak Dev, who also first began preaching here. The city has high historic and religious value and a popular pilgrimage site for Sikhs from all over the world.

"The cabinet has approved the construction of a train station at Sikh holy city of Nankana Sahib in Punjab and it will be named after Baba Guru Nanak, founder of Sikhism," Fawad Chaudhry, Information Minister, told reporters here.&nbsp;

Last November, India and Pakistan agreed to set up the border crossing linking Gurudwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur, the final resting place of Guru Nanak Dev, to Dera Baba Nanak shrine in India's Gurdaspur district.

Kartarpur Sahib is located in Pakistan's Narowal district across the river Ravi, about four km from the Dera Baba Nanak shrine.

Pakistan had said that it would provide land for the construction of a railway station.&nbsp;

The Pakistan cabinet also gave it's nod for the construction of 135,000 apartments for the shelterless and government employees as part of a major election promise by Prime Minister Imran Khan.

Khan had pledged to start building 5 million low-priced houses under his pet Naya Pakistan Housing Authority project in the first 100 days of his government. But the project was delayed inviting a lot of criticism from the opposition.

Chaudhry said the cabinet meeting chaired by PM Khan has decided to start the Naya Pakistan Housing Authority project.

Initially, 135,000 apartments are being constructed and Prime Minister will inaugurate the project on April 17 in Islamabad where 25,000 units will be built, Chaudhry said.

Another 110,000 apartments will be built in the coastal city Gwadar in Balochistan, which is also hub of economic activities under China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, the flagship project of Chinese President Xi Jinping's ambitious Belt and Road Initiative.

The Gwadar project will be launched by the prime minister in provincial capital Quetta after April 20.

Pakistan cabinet on Tuesday approved the construction of a railway station at the Sikh holy city of Nankana Sahib in Punjab and decided to name it after the faith's founder Guru Nanak Dev.

Pakistan cabinet on Tuesday approved the construction of a railway station at the Sikh holy city of Nankana Sahib in Punjab and decided to name it after the faith's founder Guru Nanak Dev. Nankana Sahib is the birthplace of Guru Nanak Dev, who also first began preaching here. The city has high historic and religious value and a popular pilgrimage site for Sikhs from all over the world. "The cabinet has approved the construction of a train station at Sikh holy city of Nankana Sahib in Punjab and it will be named after Baba Guru Nanak, founder of Sikhism," Fawad Chaudhry, Information Minister, told reporters here. Last November, India and Pakistan agreed to set up the border crossing linking Gurudwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur, the final resting place of Guru Nanak Dev, to Dera Baba Nanak shrine in India's Gurdaspur district. Kartarpur Sahib is located in Pakistan's Narowal district across the river Ravi, about four km from the Dera Baba Nanak shrine. Pakistan had said that it would provide land for the construction of a railway station. The Pakistan cabinet also gave it's nod for the construction of 135,000 apartments for the shelterless and government employees as part of a major election promise by Prime Minister Imran Khan. Khan had pledged to start building 5 million low-priced houses under his pet Naya Pakistan Housing Authority project in the first 100 days of his government. But the project was delayed inviting a lot of criticism from the opposition. Chaudhry said the cabinet meeting chaired by PM Khan has decided to start the Naya Pakistan Housing Authority project. Initially, 135,000 apartments are being constructed and Prime Minister will inaugurate the project on April 17 in Islamabad where 25,000 units will be built, Chaudhry said. Another 110,000 apartments will be built in the coastal city Gwadar in Balochistan, which is also hub of economic activities under China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, the flagship project of Chinese President Xi Jinping's ambitious Belt and Road Initiative. The Gwadar project will be launched by the prime minister in provincial capital Quetta after April 20.

Pakistan cabinet approves construction of railway station at Nankana Sahib 

IAF gives further proof on downed Pakistan F-16

A popcorn seller in Pakistan is waiting for the country’s Civil Aviation Authority to allow him to fly his homemade airplane after police had stopped him from performing an unauthorized take-off.

On Thursday, the police had returned the plane they had confiscated from Muhammad Fayaz on March 31, after stopping him from taking off using a metal link road as a makeshift runway near his village.

The 30-year-old had dreamed of becoming an Air Force pilot and flying an airplane since he was in school. However, he had to drop out of school before he could finish his senior year due to poverty.

“Whenever I looked up to watch planes overhead, I longed to fly one myself. And then I thought I should use the creativity that God has bestowed on me to build my own plane and fly it,” Fayaz told EFE.

Fayaz, who lives in the Pakpattan district in central Punjab province, spent around Rs 90,000 by dipping into his savings, taking a bank loan and by selling a piece of his land, to build the plane.&nbsp;

To fulfil his childhood dream, he took on a job as a night watchman, alongside selling popcorn during the day, but the dream to fly a plane did not abandon him.&nbsp;

Fayaz began to build his plane a year and a half ago at home without any technical help from anyone.&nbsp;

He learned the basic rules of air pressure and flying techniques with the help of experiments that he carried out on his own, including one when he was in the fifth standard (fifth grade in elementary) and was riding on the passenger seat of his father’s motorcycle on his way to school.

He experienced air pressure by holding a writing slate in his hand and moving it in different directions.

“When I put it straight it didn’t make any difference but when I put it a bit downward my hands went up creating an airlift, and when I moved it upward my hands were going down, so I understood air does keep its pressure and what role an engine plays to push forward the plane,” said Fayaz.

Fayaz also watched National Geographic channel's Air Crash Investigation show meticulously to learn about why planes crashed and to understand the different parts of an aircraft and their functions.&nbsp;

He had also closely examined a grounded Pakistan International Airline plane that was displayed for public viewing at the Chauburji square in the eastern city of Lahore.

Fayaz had initially planned to take off on his maiden flight with his single-seater plane – which sports a national flag – on Mar. 23 to mark Pakistan Day.

However, his application to the police and other security agencies seeking permission for the flight was never acknowledged.&nbsp;

Fayaz says he conducted an unauthorized test flight around a year ago with a smaller engine and made some rounds of his village.

“It went up high about five feet and travelled around 2 kilometres (1.24 miles), and then I made different changes on the plane because I wanted to go higher, with accelerated speed,” he said.

The country’s Civil Aviation Authority said in a statement they appreciated the passion and skills of the “mini airplane” maker and would provide him with the required guidance to achieve more expertise in the field.&nbsp;

Under the New Aviation Policy 2019, developed in line with the vision of Prime Minister Imran Khan, every effort will be taken to promote the sector and support innovation, it added.

“We are considering whether he should be allowed to fly his plane or not. A technical team will inspect the plane’s airworthiness, safety parameters and if it meets all the requirements, then he will be allowed to fly,” Mujtaba Baig, a spokesperson for the CAA, told EFE.

“He has tried to make a simpler version of already-existing technology. It doesn’t look like a patent product with a new formula. If the technical team passes it, he will have to register with the CAA before he can fly,” Baig said.&nbsp;

If it were approved as a patented product, Fayaz would even be able to sell it to a company and earn money, he added.&nbsp;

A popcorn seller in Pakistan is waiting for the country’s Civil Aviation Authority to allow him to fly his homemade airplane after police had stopped him from performing an unauthorized take-off.

A popcorn seller in Pakistan is waiting for the country’s Civil Aviation Authority to allow him to fly his homemade airplane after police had stopped him from performing an unauthorized take-off. On Thursday, the police had returned the plane they had confiscated from Muhammad Fayaz on March 31, after stopping him from taking off using a metal link road as a makeshift runway near his village. The 30-year-old had dreamed of becoming an Air Force pilot and flying an airplane since he was in school. However, he had to drop out of school before he could finish his senior year due to poverty. “Whenever I looked up to watch planes overhead, I longed to fly one myself. And then I thought I should use the creativity that God has bestowed on me to build my own plane and fly it,” Fayaz told EFE. Fayaz, who lives in the Pakpattan district in central Punjab province, spent around Rs 90,000 by dipping into his savings, taking a bank loan and by selling a piece of his land, to build the plane. To fulfil his childhood dream, he took on a job as a night watchman, alongside selling popcorn during the day, but the dream to fly a plane did not abandon him. Fayaz began to build his plane a year and a half ago at home without any technical help from anyone. He learned the basic rules of air pressure and flying techniques with the help of experiments that he carried out on his own, including one when he was in the fifth standard (fifth grade in elementary) and was riding on the passenger seat of his father’s motorcycle on his way to school. He experienced air pressure by holding a writing slate in his hand and moving it in different directions. “When I put it straight it didn’t make any difference but when I put it a bit downward my hands went up creating an airlift, and when I moved it upward my hands were going down, so I understood air does keep its pressure and what role an engine plays to push forward the plane,” said Fayaz. Fayaz also watched National Geographic channel's Air Crash Investigation show meticulously to learn about why planes crashed and to understand the different parts of an aircraft and their functions. He had also closely examined a grounded Pakistan International Airline plane that was displayed for public viewing at the Chauburji square in the eastern city of Lahore. Fayaz had initially planned to take off on his maiden flight with his single-seater plane – which sports a national flag – on Mar. 23 to mark Pakistan Day. However, his application to the police and other security agencies seeking permission for the flight was never acknowledged. Fayaz says he conducted an unauthorized test flight around a year ago with a smaller engine and made some rounds of his village. “It went up high about five feet and travelled around 2 kilometres (1.24 miles), and then I made different changes on the plane because I wanted to go higher, with accelerated speed,” he said. The country’s Civil Aviation Authority said in a statement they appreciated the passion and skills of the “mini airplane” maker and would provide him with the required guidance to achieve more expertise in the field. Under the New Aviation Policy 2019, developed in line with the vision of Prime Minister Imran Khan, every effort will be taken to promote the sector and support innovation, it added. “We are considering whether he should be allowed to fly his plane or not. A technical team will inspect the plane’s airworthiness, safety parameters and if it meets all the requirements, then he will be allowed to fly,” Mujtaba Baig, a spokesperson for the CAA, told EFE. “He has tried to make a simpler version of already-existing technology. It doesn’t look like a patent product with a new formula. If the technical team passes it, he will have to register with the CAA before he can fly,” Baig said. If it were approved as a patented product, Fayaz would even be able to sell it to a company and earn money, he added.

Watch: Pakistan man waits to fly his $600 homemade airplane

Anti-Pakistan protests outside White House

China on Monday refuted criticism that the $60 billion CPEC has intensified Pakistan's economic risks, saying that less than 20 per cent of the current projects under the initiative is using Chinese loans.

The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which connects Gwadar Port in Balochistan with China's Xinjiang province, is the flagship project of Chinese President Xi Jinping's ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI).

As China pressed ahead with the BRI, it drew strong criticism that Chinese projects are being built with heavy interest rates and without due diligence studies about their viability, leaving the smaller countries in heavy debt.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/india-faces-diplomatic-challenge-as-saudi-arabia-and-china-embrace-pakistan-198320">India</a> has also protested to China over the CPEC as it traverses through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.&nbsp;

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang told the media here on Monday that the CPEC is a symbol of China-Pakistan cooperation in the new era and also an important pilot programme of the BRI.

Defending the massive infusion of Chinese money into Pakistan, which is a close ally of Beijing, Lu said carrying out major projects with international financing is a global practice.

It is also an effective approach for developing countries to handle the financial bottlenecks and foster growth, he said.

"Only less than 20 per cent of the current CPEC projects are using Chinese loans and more than 80 per cent of them are directly invested by China or using Chinese grants," he said.

"So, these CPEC projects didn't further increase Pakistan's burden. On the contrary, it is strengthening Pakistan's economy," he said.

 
"It has greatly improved Pakistan's infrastructure and power supply and of course it is welcomed by Pakistan government and its people," he said.&nbsp;

China on Monday refuted criticism that the $60 billion CPEC has intensified Pakistan's economic risks, saying that less than 20 per cent of the current projects under the initiative is using Chinese loans.

China on Monday refuted criticism that the $60 billion CPEC has intensified Pakistan's economic risks, saying that less than 20 per cent of the current projects under the initiative is using Chinese loans. The China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which connects Gwadar Port in Balochistan with China's Xinjiang province, is the flagship project of Chinese President Xi Jinping's ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). As China pressed ahead with the BRI, it drew strong criticism that Chinese projects are being built with heavy interest rates and without due diligence studies about their viability, leaving the smaller countries in heavy debt. India has also protested to China over the CPEC as it traverses through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang told the media here on Monday that the CPEC is a symbol of China-Pakistan cooperation in the new era and also an important pilot programme of the BRI. Defending the massive infusion of Chinese money into Pakistan, which is a close ally of Beijing, Lu said carrying out major projects with international financing is a global practice. It is also an effective approach for developing countries to handle the financial bottlenecks and foster growth, he said. "Only less than 20 per cent of the current CPEC projects are using Chinese loans and more than 80 per cent of them are directly invested by China or using Chinese grants," he said. "So, these CPEC projects didn't further increase Pakistan's burden. On the contrary, it is strengthening Pakistan's economy," he said. "It has greatly improved Pakistan's infrastructure and power supply and of course it is welcomed by Pakistan government and its people," he said.

China denies CPEC intensified Pakistan's economic risks

A court Monday restrained Pakistan's top anti-graft body from arresting Hamza Shehbaz, the Opposition Leader in the Punjab Assembly and the son of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz chief Shehbaz Sharif.

A two-judge bench of the Lahore High Court, headed by Justice Malik Shehzad Ahmed Khan, restrained the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) from arresting Hamza until further notice, Geo TV reported.

The court also ordered Hamza to pay surety bonds worth Rs 10 million and issued a notice to NAB seeking its reply in the matter.

A NAB team had carried out two successive raids on Friday and Saturday at Shehbaz's Model Town residence to arrest Hamza.&nbsp;

During Monday's hearing, Hamza's lawyer told the court, "In an earlier order, the high court had directed that Hamza is informed 10 days prior to his arrest. The LHC had granted bail to my client in the Ramzan Sugar Mills case."

The PML-N leader's counsel further said Hamza is the opposition leader in the Punjab Assembly and the 10-day order had been issued to the relevant forum can be approached for bail.&nbsp;

Hamza is seeking pre-arrest bail so he can appear before NAB, the council added.

Justice Shehzad then asked the NAB prosecutor regarding the cases in which they are seeking to arrest Hamza. At this, the PML-N leader's counsel said his arrest warrants have been issued in a case pertaining to assets beyond known sources of income.

"Three cases against Hamza are being probed in NAB Lahore," the NAB prosecutor said.

Hamza's lawyer then said, "NAB should share evidence against us and we will respond. Hamza had also approached LHC before this on November 1 and is innocent."

However, the NAB prosecutor stated, "We have solid evidence against Hamza. On April 3, an inquiry against Hamza was upgraded to an investigation. Hamza's earlier bail petition had been declared ineffective and the Supreme Court has issued a ruling on this matter."

At this, the bench said, "Both the matters are separate."

After hearing arguments of both sides, the court restrained NAB from arresting Hamza until further notice and sought a reply from the accountability bureau.&nbsp;

The hearing of the case has been adjourned till April 17.

On Saturday, the LHC issued a short order granting interim bail to Hamza until April 8.&nbsp;

A court Monday restrained Pakistan's top anti-graft body from arresting Hamza Shehbaz, the Opposition Leader in the Punjab Assembly and the son of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz chief Shehbaz Sharif.

A court Monday restrained Pakistan's top anti-graft body from arresting Hamza Shehbaz, the Opposition Leader in the Punjab Assembly and the son of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz chief Shehbaz Sharif. A two-judge bench of the Lahore High Court, headed by Justice Malik Shehzad Ahmed Khan, restrained the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) from arresting Hamza until further notice, Geo TV reported. The court also ordered Hamza to pay surety bonds worth Rs 10 million and issued a notice to NAB seeking its reply in the matter. A NAB team had carried out two successive raids on Friday and Saturday at Shehbaz's Model Town residence to arrest Hamza. During Monday's hearing, Hamza's lawyer told the court, "In an earlier order, the high court had directed that Hamza is informed 10 days prior to his arrest. The LHC had granted bail to my client in the Ramzan Sugar Mills case." The PML-N leader's counsel further said Hamza is the opposition leader in the Punjab Assembly and the 10-day order had been issued to the relevant forum can be approached for bail. Hamza is seeking pre-arrest bail so he can appear before NAB, the council added. Justice Shehzad then asked the NAB prosecutor regarding the cases in which they are seeking to arrest Hamza. At this, the PML-N leader's counsel said his arrest warrants have been issued in a case pertaining to assets beyond known sources of income. "Three cases against Hamza are being probed in NAB Lahore," the NAB prosecutor said. Hamza's lawyer then said, "NAB should share evidence against us and we will respond. Hamza had also approached LHC before this on November 1 and is innocent." However, the NAB prosecutor stated, "We have solid evidence against Hamza. On April 3, an inquiry against Hamza was upgraded to an investigation. Hamza's earlier bail petition had been declared ineffective and the Supreme Court has issued a ruling on this matter." At this, the bench said, "Both the matters are separate." After hearing arguments of both sides, the court restrained NAB from arresting Hamza until further notice and sought a reply from the accountability bureau. The hearing of the case has been adjourned till April 17. On Saturday, the LHC issued a short order granting interim bail to Hamza until April 8.

Pakistan court restrains anti-graft body from arresting Hamza Shehbaz

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