<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/shooting-at-several-locations-in-hollands-utrecht-city-counter-terrorism-agency-204108">Shooting at several locations in Holland's Utrecht city: Counter-terrorism agency</a>

Head of Dutch counter-terrorism agency said that shooting was taking place at "several" locations at Utrecht city in Holland, Reuters reported after a gunman opened fire at a tram on Monday morning.

Police quickly moved in to cordon off the area even as a government spokesman said one person was killed in the attack.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/regional-tensions-to-be-discussed-during-talks-with-pakistan-foreign-minister-qureshi-china-204052">Regional tensions to be discussed during talks with Pakistan foreign minister Qureshi: China</a>

China said on Monday that tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pulwama terrorist attack would figure in the first strategic dialogue between foreign minister Wang Yi and his Pakistani counterpart Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Tuesday.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/indonesia-summons-australian-foreign-minister-over-senators-remark-204048">Indonesia summons Australian foreign minister over Senator's remark</a>

Indonesia summoned Canberra's ambassador Monday after an Australian senator blamed last week's mosque attacks by a white supremacist in New Zealand on immigration.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-pays-tribute-to-manohar-parrikar-in-goa-204051">PM Modi pays tribute to Manohar Parrikar in Goa</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday paid tribute to Goa chief minister Manohar Parrikar, who died of pancreatic cancer on Sunday.

After arriving in the coastal state, Modi reached the Kala Academy in Panaji where he paid his last respect to the 63-year-old senior leader. He met Parrikar's family members and offered his condolences to them.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/acid-attack-uncivilised-heartless-crime-does-not-deserve-any-clemency-supreme-court-204079">Acid attack 'uncivilised &amp; heartless crime', does not deserve any clemency: Supreme Court</a>

The Supreme Court has said that acid attack is an "uncivilised and heartless crime" which does not deserve any clemency.

The apex court observed this while asking two convicts, who have already undergone five-year jail for throwing acid on a 19-year-old girl in 2004, to pay Rs 1.5 lakh each as additional compensation to the victim.

Shooting at several locations in Holland's Utrecht city: Counter-terrorism agency Head of Dutch counter-terrorism agency said that shooting was taking place at "several" locations at Utrecht city in Holland, Reuters reported after a gunman opened fire at a tram on Monday morning.

Shooting at several locations in Holland's Utrecht city: Counter-terrorism agency Head of Dutch counter-terrorism agency said that shooting was taking place at "several" locations at Utrecht city in Holland, Reuters reported after a gunman opened fire at a tram on Monday morning. Police quickly moved in to cordon off the area even as a government spokesman said one person was killed in the attack. Regional tensions to be discussed during talks with Pakistan foreign minister Qureshi: China China said on Monday that tensions between India and Pakistan following the Pulwama terrorist attack would figure in the first strategic dialogue between foreign minister Wang Yi and his Pakistani counterpart Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Tuesday. Indonesia summons Australian foreign minister over Senator's remark Indonesia summoned Canberra's ambassador Monday after an Australian senator blamed last week's mosque attacks by a white supremacist in New Zealand on immigration. PM Modi pays tribute to Manohar Parrikar in Goa Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday paid tribute to Goa chief minister Manohar Parrikar, who died of pancreatic cancer on Sunday. After arriving in the coastal state, Modi reached the Kala Academy in Panaji where he paid his last respect to the 63-year-old senior leader. He met Parrikar's family members and offered his condolences to them. Acid attack 'uncivilised & heartless crime', does not deserve any clemency: Supreme Court The Supreme Court has said that acid attack is an "uncivilised and heartless crime" which does not deserve any clemency. The apex court observed this while asking two convicts, who have already undergone five-year jail for throwing acid on a 19-year-old girl in 2004, to pay Rs 1.5 lakh each as additional compensation to the victim.

News brief: Big stories of the day

United Arab Emirates (UAE)'s envoy to India, Ahmed Albanna on Monday said that his country did not mediate in India-Pakistan tensions that happened in February but did played an important role in reducing tension between the two countries.

In response to a question Albanna said, "We did not mediate. When we talk about mediation, it has to be requested from both parties and then after that. We tried to decrease the tension by that special relationship."

"We have played an important role in reducing tension. On the day of a big escalation, our Crown Prince spoke to PM Modi and PM Imran Khan. Our role was to give word of wisdom and trying to sort out difference in a peaceful manner. UAE played an important role," Albanna added.

PM Modi and Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan spoke two times in the last three weeks.

On the issue of cross border terror emanating from Pakistan, the envoy said, "Without mentioning any specific person, name or country UAE has a long-standing in preventing, fighting act of terrorism and those radicalise, radical organisation, so we work with all partners, with many different countries, with all the countries in the region to make our region peaceful that we can live together and coexist".

Albanna also welcomed India's presence at Organisation of Islamic Cooperation Foreign Ministers meet in Abu Dhabi saying New Delhi was invited because of special relationship shared by both the countries.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj represented India during the two-day OIC FMs meet in the country in early March. This is the first time India was invited as the guest of honour at the meet.

On oil import, one of the key commodities India imports from West Asia, Albanna said, UAE and Saudi Arabia covered the shortage of oil for India after Iran Sanction.

India and UAE ties have been on an upward trajectory with number of high levels visits between the two countries in the last few years with PM Modi visiting the country twice.

United Arab Emirates (UAE)'s envoy to India, Ahmed Albanna on Monday said that his country did not mediate in India-Pakistan tensions that happened in February but did played an important role in reducing tension between the two countries.

United Arab Emirates (UAE)'s envoy to India, Ahmed Albanna on Monday said that his country did not mediate in India-Pakistan tensions that happened in February but did played an important role in reducing tension between the two countries. In response to a question Albanna said, "We did not mediate. When we talk about mediation, it has to be requested from both parties and then after that. We tried to decrease the tension by that special relationship." "We have played an important role in reducing tension. On the day of a big escalation, our Crown Prince spoke to PM Modi and PM Imran Khan. Our role was to give word of wisdom and trying to sort out difference in a peaceful manner. UAE played an important role," Albanna added. PM Modi and Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan spoke two times in the last three weeks. On the issue of cross border terror emanating from Pakistan, the envoy said, "Without mentioning any specific person, name or country UAE has a long-standing in preventing, fighting act of terrorism and those radicalise, radical organisation, so we work with all partners, with many different countries, with all the countries in the region to make our region peaceful that we can live together and coexist". Albanna also welcomed India's presence at Organisation of Islamic Cooperation Foreign Ministers meet in Abu Dhabi saying New Delhi was invited because of special relationship shared by both the countries. External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj represented India during the two-day OIC FMs meet in the country in early March. This is the first time India was invited as the guest of honour at the meet. On oil import, one of the key commodities India imports from West Asia, Albanna said, UAE and Saudi Arabia covered the shortage of oil for India after Iran Sanction. India and UAE ties have been on an upward trajectory with number of high levels visits between the two countries in the last few years with PM Modi visiting the country twice.

We played important role in reducing India-Pak tensions: UAE envoy Ahmed Albanna

Pakistan's former military ruler Pervez Musharraf has been admitted to a hospital in Dubai after suffering a reaction from a rare disease that has weakened his nervous system, his party has said.

General (retd) Musharraf, 75, who has been living in Dubai since March 2016, is facing the treason case for suspending the Constitution in 2007, a punishable offence for which he was indicted in 2014.

A conviction for high treason carries the death penalty or life imprisonment.

The former army chief left for Dubai for medical treatment and has not returned since, citing security and health reasons.&nbsp;

Musharraf was rushed to the hospital as an emergency on Saturday night after his condition suddenly worsened, All Pakistan Muslim League (APML)&nbsp; 
Secretary-General Mehrene Adam Malik said Sunday.

APML Overseas President Afzaal Siddiqui told DawnNewsTV that Musharraf suffered a reaction from amyloidosis, a rare condition for which the former president has been receiving medical care.

According to the party, the former president has been advised complete bed rest by doctors till his full recovery.&nbsp;

Siddiqui informed about Musharraf's illness in October last year, saying the former president's disease has "weakened his nervous system". At the time, he was being treated for the condition in London.

"Due to amyloidosis, broken protein starts getting deposited in various organs," Siddiqui said. "[As a result] Pervez Musharraf has difficulty in standing and walking."

Amyloidosis is a rare disease that occurs when a substance called amyloid builds up in a person's organs. Amyloid is an abnormal protein that is produced in the bone marrow and can be deposited in any tissue or organ.

Amyloidosis can affect different organs in different people. Amyloidosis frequently affects the heart, kidneys, liver, spleen, nervous system and digestive tract. Severe amyloidosis can lead to life-threatening organ failure.

The APML official had then said that Musharraf's treatment could continue for up to five or six months.

Upon his full recovery, Siddiqui had said, Musharraf intends to return to Pakistan.

Musharraf, who ruled Pakistan from 1999 to 2008, has been declared a fugitive in the Benazir Bhutto assassination case and the Red Mosque cleric killing case.

Pakistan's former military ruler Pervez Musharraf has been admitted to a hospital in Dubai after suffering a reaction from a rare disease that has weakened his nervous system, his party has said.

Pakistan's former military ruler Pervez Musharraf has been admitted to a hospital in Dubai after suffering a reaction from a rare disease that has weakened his nervous system, his party has said. General (retd) Musharraf, 75, who has been living in Dubai since March 2016, is facing the treason case for suspending the Constitution in 2007, a punishable offence for which he was indicted in 2014. A conviction for high treason carries the death penalty or life imprisonment. The former army chief left for Dubai for medical treatment and has not returned since, citing security and health reasons. Musharraf was rushed to the hospital as an emergency on Saturday night after his condition suddenly worsened, All Pakistan Muslim League (APML) Secretary-General Mehrene Adam Malik said Sunday. APML Overseas President Afzaal Siddiqui told DawnNewsTV that Musharraf suffered a reaction from amyloidosis, a rare condition for which the former president has been receiving medical care. According to the party, the former president has been advised complete bed rest by doctors till his full recovery. Siddiqui informed about Musharraf's illness in October last year, saying the former president's disease has "weakened his nervous system". At the time, he was being treated for the condition in London. "Due to amyloidosis, broken protein starts getting deposited in various organs," Siddiqui said. "[As a result] Pervez Musharraf has difficulty in standing and walking." Amyloidosis is a rare disease that occurs when a substance called amyloid builds up in a person's organs. Amyloid is an abnormal protein that is produced in the bone marrow and can be deposited in any tissue or organ. Amyloidosis can affect different organs in different people. Amyloidosis frequently affects the heart, kidneys, liver, spleen, nervous system and digestive tract. Severe amyloidosis can lead to life-threatening organ failure. The APML official had then said that Musharraf's treatment could continue for up to five or six months. Upon his full recovery, Siddiqui had said, Musharraf intends to return to Pakistan. Musharraf, who ruled Pakistan from 1999 to 2008, has been declared a fugitive in the Benazir Bhutto assassination case and the Red Mosque cleric killing case.

Former Pak President Pervez Musharraf admitted to Dubai hospital after reaction from rare disease: Party

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi is visiting China to participate in strategic dialogue and hold talks with the top Chinese leadership on a range of issues, including the multi-billion CPEC project, to strengthen the bilateral ties, the Foreign Office said Sunday.

The announcement of the four-day visit comes days after China for the fourth time blocked a bid in the United Nations (UN) Security Council on Wednesday to designate chief of Jaish-e-Mohammed terror group Masood Azhar as a "global terrorist" by putting a technical hold on the proposal, a move India termed as disappointing.

The proposal to designate Azhar under the 1267 al Qaeda Sanctions Committee of the UN Security Council was moved by France, the UK and the US on February 27, days after the Pulwama terror attack which killed forty Indian soldiers.

The Foreign Office (FO) said in a statement that "Qureshi is visiting China from March 17 to 20 for the first Pakistan-China Foreign Ministers' Strategic Dialogue".

Apart from the talks on other issues, "both sides shall also discuss the regional situation and cooperation at multilateral fora," the Foreign Office said.

They will specifically hold comprehensive discussions on the entire range of bilateral relations including the $60 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), it said.

The Foreign Minister will also address Political Parties Forum on the CPEC and participate in the ruling parties' dialogue between his Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) and Communist Party of China (CPC) during the visit.

The Foreign Office said that Qureshi will also call on the Chinese leadership.

The Foreign Minister's visit will add momentum to close and broad-based bilateral ties and will reinforce efforts to deepen economic engagement under the CPEC, it said.

The 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).

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi is visiting China to participate in strategic dialogue and hold talks with the top Chinese leadership on a range of issues, including the multi-billion CPEC project, to strengthen the bilateral ties, the Foreign Office said Sunday.

Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi is visiting China to participate in strategic dialogue and hold talks with the top Chinese leadership on a range of issues, including the multi-billion CPEC project, to strengthen the bilateral ties, the Foreign Office said Sunday. The announcement of the four-day visit comes days after China for the fourth time blocked a bid in the United Nations (UN) Security Council on Wednesday to designate chief of Jaish-e-Mohammed terror group Masood Azhar as a "global terrorist" by putting a technical hold on the proposal, a move India termed as disappointing. The proposal to designate Azhar under the 1267 al Qaeda Sanctions Committee of the UN Security Council was moved by France, the UK and the US on February 27, days after the Pulwama terror attack which killed forty Indian soldiers. The Foreign Office (FO) said in a statement that "Qureshi is visiting China from March 17 to 20 for the first Pakistan-China Foreign Ministers' Strategic Dialogue". Apart from the talks on other issues, "both sides shall also discuss the regional situation and cooperation at multilateral fora," the Foreign Office said. They will specifically hold comprehensive discussions on the entire range of bilateral relations including the $60 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), it said. The Foreign Minister will also address Political Parties Forum on the CPEC and participate in the ruling parties' dialogue between his Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) and Communist Party of China (CPC) during the visit. The Foreign Office said that Qureshi will also call on the Chinese leadership. The Foreign Minister's visit will add momentum to close and broad-based bilateral ties and will reinforce efforts to deepen economic engagement under the CPEC, it said. The 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).

Pakistan's Qureshi visits China to boost bilateral ties: Foreign Office 

Sindhi, Pashtuns, Kashmiris in Canada's Toronto stage protest against Pakistan

Kartarpur Corridor: Pakistan dismisses proposals made by India

Organisers of an International Women's Day march in Pakistan say they have had death and rape threats on social media over the event, which prompted complaints from some conservative groups.

Nighat Daad told Reuters that the march organisers are looking into filing a complaint with Pakistan's Federal Investigation Authority about the online harassment.

"It has gone too far in terms of death and rape threats to the organisers and also to the marchers," Daad said, adding that one of the threatening accounts had been suspended by Twitter.

The event, which attracted tens of thousands of women on March 8, was only the second of its kind in Pakistan, which A Thomson Reuters Foundation poll found to be the sixth most dangerous country for women in 2018.

A Human Rights Watch report last year estimated that 1,000 "honour killings" -- the practice of relatives murdering girls or women because they think the victim has brought shame or dishonour on the family -- take place in Pakistan each year.

Another march organiser, who asked not to be identified, said the backlash "shows that this collective organisation of women has threatened the patriarchal forces".

Pakistan has experienced a surge in social media usage with more than 40 million Facebook users. The rapid growth has sparked an online debate about misogyny, with some women highlighting daily hate and pornographic messaging.

The days following the march have seen social media attacks on women, while some prominent men have complained about "obscene" signs carried by protesters.

A member of the country's largest religious political party filed a complaint with police, seen by Reuters, in the southern city of Karachi where 7,000 women attended the march, saying the protesters "provoked religious sentiments" and spread vulgarity.

The march organisers also said the media had focused on the backlash more than the original aims of the event.

"The media played a massively negative role in this campaign ... they just looked at what trolls were saying online and picked up (on) a few placards that were provocative to try and sell their content," Daad said.

Organisers of an International Women's Day march in Pakistan say they have had death and rape threats on social media over the event, which prompted complaints from some conservative groups.

Organisers of an International Women's Day march in Pakistan say they have had death and rape threats on social media over the event, which prompted complaints from some conservative groups. Nighat Daad told Reuters that the march organisers are looking into filing a complaint with Pakistan's Federal Investigation Authority about the online harassment. "It has gone too far in terms of death and rape threats to the organisers and also to the marchers," Daad said, adding that one of the threatening accounts had been suspended by Twitter. The event, which attracted tens of thousands of women on March 8, was only the second of its kind in Pakistan, which A Thomson Reuters Foundation poll found to be the sixth most dangerous country for women in 2018. A Human Rights Watch report last year estimated that 1,000 "honour killings" -- the practice of relatives murdering girls or women because they think the victim has brought shame or dishonour on the family -- take place in Pakistan each year. Another march organiser, who asked not to be identified, said the backlash "shows that this collective organisation of women has threatened the patriarchal forces". Pakistan has experienced a surge in social media usage with more than 40 million Facebook users. The rapid growth has sparked an online debate about misogyny, with some women highlighting daily hate and pornographic messaging. The days following the march have seen social media attacks on women, while some prominent men have complained about "obscene" signs carried by protesters. A member of the country's largest religious political party filed a complaint with police, seen by Reuters, in the southern city of Karachi where 7,000 women attended the march, saying the protesters "provoked religious sentiments" and spread vulgarity. The march organisers also said the media had focused on the backlash more than the original aims of the event. "The media played a massively negative role in this campaign ... they just looked at what trolls were saying online and picked up (on) a few placards that were provocative to try and sell their content," Daad said.

Pakistan womens' march organisers highlight online death threats

The US, France and the UK are believed to be in intense "good faith" discussions with China to arrive at a "compromise", including on the language on the UN designation of Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed chief <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/will-show-patience-with-china-as-long-as-it-takes-india-on-blacklisting-masood-azhar-203687">Masood Azhar as a global terrorist</a>, according to people familiar with the matter.

On Wednesday, China blocked for the fourth consecutive time a resolution at the UN Security Council Committee on designating Azhar, head of the JeM terror group, as a global terrorist.

The proposal to designate Azhar under the 1267 Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee of the UN Security Council was moved by France, the UK and the US on February 27, days after a suicide bomber of the JeM killed 44 CRPF soldiers in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama, leading to a flare-up in tensions between India and Pakistan.

If the fresh efforts by the US, France and the UK does not end up in the formal designation of Azhar, the three permanent members are planning to soon move a resolution for his listing in the most powerful wing of the UN which would be preceded by an open debate on the issue, according to people familiar with the matter.

India had expressed disappointment over the Chinese stance and the original co-sponsors of the resolution had warned they will consider "other actions" to achieve their goal.

While the internal consultations of the Security Council committee remain private, this time several Council members, frustrated at China's unreasonable stance to protect a terrorist, privately spoke to the media the negative role being played by Beijing.

"If China continues to block this designation, responsible member-states may be forced to pursue other actions at the Security Council. It shouldn't have to come to that," a Security Council diplomat told PTI on Wednesday in an unusual tough warning to Beijing.

In the last 50 hours, it is believed that the original sponsors of the Azhar resolution are having intense "good faith" consultations with China on what many familiar with the matter describe as a "compromise". This probably means Azhar would be designated as a global terrorist by the UN body, but the language of designation would include a language acceptable to China.

China is believed to have suggested "certain changes" in the language of the terrorist designation. The US, Britain and France are believed to be currently looking at the suggestions. It is understood that there is back-and-forth exchange of texts on the matter.&nbsp;

The three countries have indicated that they are willing to accommodate Chinese request for changes in the language as long as it does not change the substance of the resolution and it ends up designating Azhar as a UN global terrorist.

But unlike in the past, the US, France, Britain and other members of the Security Council are not willing to wait for long to conclude their discussion with China.

It is learnt that China has been informed by these countries that they are seriously looking for other options, in particular an open debate followed by a vote on a resolution to designate Azhar as a global terrorist, pretty soon.

Not months, not weeks but days. This is what Beijing has been conveyed.

At the same time, officials of these countries believe that China this time has been much more co-operative than in the past. But in case at any point the three countries get a feeling that China is not doing a good faith negotiation on the "compromise formula" that is being negotiated, they are ready with the other move.

China, after its decision to put a technical hold on the resolution, has invited criticism and its stance has also resulted in an outrage in India.

Beijing would have to calculate the risk of being isolate globally on the issue of fight against terrorism or signing off to a compromised language that would designate Azhar as a global terrorist, since except China, all other UNSC members supported the resolution.

Getting Chinese support to designate Azhar as a global terrorist, at the UN, in any format, would be considered as a terrific accomplishment. The very fact that there has been discussions going on between China and the US, Britain and France, is considered as a positive development.

Those familiar with China's working pattern are still not confident and that's the reason why they are seriously working on other options including an open debate in the Security Council, where Beijing might find it difficult to defend a terrorist in public.&nbsp;

The US, France and the UK are believed to be in intense "good faith" discussions with China to arrive at a "compromise", including on the language on the UN designation of Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist, according to people familiar with the matter.

The US, France and the UK are believed to be in intense "good faith" discussions with China to arrive at a "compromise", including on the language on the UN designation of Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist, according to people familiar with the matter. On Wednesday, China blocked for the fourth consecutive time a resolution at the UN Security Council Committee on designating Azhar, head of the JeM terror group, as a global terrorist. The proposal to designate Azhar under the 1267 Al Qaeda Sanctions Committee of the UN Security Council was moved by France, the UK and the US on February 27, days after a suicide bomber of the JeM killed 44 CRPF soldiers in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama, leading to a flare-up in tensions between India and Pakistan. If the fresh efforts by the US, France and the UK does not end up in the formal designation of Azhar, the three permanent members are planning to soon move a resolution for his listing in the most powerful wing of the UN which would be preceded by an open debate on the issue, according to people familiar with the matter. India had expressed disappointment over the Chinese stance and the original co-sponsors of the resolution had warned they will consider "other actions" to achieve their goal. While the internal consultations of the Security Council committee remain private, this time several Council members, frustrated at China's unreasonable stance to protect a terrorist, privately spoke to the media the negative role being played by Beijing. "If China continues to block this designation, responsible member-states may be forced to pursue other actions at the Security Council. It shouldn't have to come to that," a Security Council diplomat told PTI on Wednesday in an unusual tough warning to Beijing. In the last 50 hours, it is believed that the original sponsors of the Azhar resolution are having intense "good faith" consultations with China on what many familiar with the matter describe as a "compromise". This probably means Azhar would be designated as a global terrorist by the UN body, but the language of designation would include a language acceptable to China. China is believed to have suggested "certain changes" in the language of the terrorist designation. The US, Britain and France are believed to be currently looking at the suggestions. It is understood that there is back-and-forth exchange of texts on the matter. The three countries have indicated that they are willing to accommodate Chinese request for changes in the language as long as it does not change the substance of the resolution and it ends up designating Azhar as a UN global terrorist. But unlike in the past, the US, France, Britain and other members of the Security Council are not willing to wait for long to conclude their discussion with China. It is learnt that China has been informed by these countries that they are seriously looking for other options, in particular an open debate followed by a vote on a resolution to designate Azhar as a global terrorist, pretty soon. Not months, not weeks but days. This is what Beijing has been conveyed. At the same time, officials of these countries believe that China this time has been much more co-operative than in the past. But in case at any point the three countries get a feeling that China is not doing a good faith negotiation on the "compromise formula" that is being negotiated, they are ready with the other move. China, after its decision to put a technical hold on the resolution, has invited criticism and its stance has also resulted in an outrage in India. Beijing would have to calculate the risk of being isolate globally on the issue of fight against terrorism or signing off to a compromised language that would designate Azhar as a global terrorist, since except China, all other UNSC members supported the resolution. Getting Chinese support to designate Azhar as a global terrorist, at the UN, in any format, would be considered as a terrific accomplishment. The very fact that there has been discussions going on between China and the US, Britain and France, is considered as a positive development. Those familiar with China's working pattern are still not confident and that's the reason why they are seriously working on other options including an open debate in the Security Council, where Beijing might find it difficult to defend a terrorist in public.

US, France and UK in intense discussions with China on Azhar listing at United Nations

Just like its false promises on terrorism, Pakistan has been found indulging in a duplicitous game on the much-hyped Kartarpur issue too as it has proposed a number of restrictions on the movement of pilgrims, thus defeating the very purpose of having a dedicated corridor.

Pakistan has said that the number of Indian pilgrims visiting the shrine in that country should be capped at 500 even while India has approved facilities wherein up to 5,000 pilgrims can be handled daily and over 15,000 pilgrims on special occasions, government sources said here on Friday.

Pakistan, after having assured visa-free passage to Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib, has now brought in, through the back door, the requirement of issue special permits by them to pilgrim, which defeats the basic purpose of having a dedicated corridor, the sources said, a day after the two countries first delegation-level talks to operationalise the corridor.

The meeting was held at Attari in Gurdaspur district of Punjab yesterday during which issues like finalisation of the draft agreement between the two countries for facilitating smooth and easy access to Corridor Kartarpur Sahib to the visiting Indian pilgrims were discussed.

Against the hype created by the Pakistan government and Pakistan media, its actual offer on the ground turned out to be a damp squib, the sources said.

Pakistan's double-speak on the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor stood exposed in the first meeting on the proposal as there is a considerable difference in what Pakistan authorities, including Prime Minister Imran Khan, had announced on various occasions, and in what they have offered now, the sources said.

The sources likened it to Pakistan’s old reputation of making false promises and tall claims but delivering nothing as has been the case of so-called ‘Naya’ (new) Pakistan which has failed to act against the terror infrastructure and terrorist havens on its soil, despite assurances given to the international community.

Having tried to first create a hype about the Kartarpur Corridor, Pakistan now seeks to impose too many restrictions on the proposed corridor facility, like capping the number of pilgrims to only 500 per day, seeking to restrict the corridor facility to only Indian Sikh `Yatris', not allowing movement, of devotees on foot, restricting the travel into groups of at least 15 persons, issue of special permits despite assurance of visa-free movement, they said.

While the Government of India has made a serious effort to fulfil the long-standing aspiration of the Indian pilgrims and devotees of Shri Guru Nanak Dev abroad, Pakistan has tried to scuttle the move through its highly inadequate and restrictive responses to the Indian requests which were conveyed, in the form of a draft Agreement, to Pakistan few days ago by the Indian High Commission in Islamabad, the sources said.

Its approach to Kartarpur Sahib Corridor reflects a thinly-veiled attempt to conceal its narrow, ulterior objectives of pursuing its subversive and divisive agenda against India and encouraging elements inimical to India, they said.

While India has approved a state-of-the-art passenger terminal building, with all modern amenities and capacity to handle over 5,000 pilgrims daily and over 15,000 pilgrims on special occasions, Pakistan has sought to limit it to mere 500 pilgrims per day, the sources said.

India is also shocked to learn that Pakistan has allowed rampant encroachment on the lands belonging to Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib, the sources said.

These lands, donated to the Gurdwara by Maharaja Ranjeet Singh and other eminent Sikh devotees over a period of time, have also been acquired by the government of Pakistan.

India has protested against the impropriety of arbitrarily depriving the Gurdwara of its legal possessions, in utter disregard to the sentiments of the devotees of Shri Guru Nanak Dev in India, the sources said.

Strong demand has been made by the Indian side for early restoration of these lands to the Gurdwara, keeping in view the strong sentiments on the issue among devotees in India.

Just like its false promises on terrorism, Pakistan has been found indulging in a duplicitous game on the much-hyped Kartarpur issue too as it has proposed a number of restrictions on the movement of pilgrims, thus defeating the very purpose of having a dedicated corridor.

Just like its false promises on terrorism, Pakistan has been found indulging in a duplicitous game on the much-hyped Kartarpur issue too as it has proposed a number of restrictions on the movement of pilgrims, thus defeating the very purpose of having a dedicated corridor. Pakistan has said that the number of Indian pilgrims visiting the shrine in that country should be capped at 500 even while India has approved facilities wherein up to 5,000 pilgrims can be handled daily and over 15,000 pilgrims on special occasions, government sources said here on Friday. Pakistan, after having assured visa-free passage to Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib, has now brought in, through the back door, the requirement of issue special permits by them to pilgrim, which defeats the basic purpose of having a dedicated corridor, the sources said, a day after the two countries first delegation-level talks to operationalise the corridor. The meeting was held at Attari in Gurdaspur district of Punjab yesterday during which issues like finalisation of the draft agreement between the two countries for facilitating smooth and easy access to Corridor Kartarpur Sahib to the visiting Indian pilgrims were discussed. Against the hype created by the Pakistan government and Pakistan media, its actual offer on the ground turned out to be a damp squib, the sources said. Pakistan's double-speak on the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor stood exposed in the first meeting on the proposal as there is a considerable difference in what Pakistan authorities, including Prime Minister Imran Khan, had announced on various occasions, and in what they have offered now, the sources said. The sources likened it to Pakistan’s old reputation of making false promises and tall claims but delivering nothing as has been the case of so-called ‘Naya’ (new) Pakistan which has failed to act against the terror infrastructure and terrorist havens on its soil, despite assurances given to the international community. Having tried to first create a hype about the Kartarpur Corridor, Pakistan now seeks to impose too many restrictions on the proposed corridor facility, like capping the number of pilgrims to only 500 per day, seeking to restrict the corridor facility to only Indian Sikh `Yatris', not allowing movement, of devotees on foot, restricting the travel into groups of at least 15 persons, issue of special permits despite assurance of visa-free movement, they said. While the Government of India has made a serious effort to fulfil the long-standing aspiration of the Indian pilgrims and devotees of Shri Guru Nanak Dev abroad, Pakistan has tried to scuttle the move through its highly inadequate and restrictive responses to the Indian requests which were conveyed, in the form of a draft Agreement, to Pakistan few days ago by the Indian High Commission in Islamabad, the sources said. Its approach to Kartarpur Sahib Corridor reflects a thinly-veiled attempt to conceal its narrow, ulterior objectives of pursuing its subversive and divisive agenda against India and encouraging elements inimical to India, they said. While India has approved a state-of-the-art passenger terminal building, with all modern amenities and capacity to handle over 5,000 pilgrims daily and over 15,000 pilgrims on special occasions, Pakistan has sought to limit it to mere 500 pilgrims per day, the sources said. India is also shocked to learn that Pakistan has allowed rampant encroachment on the lands belonging to Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib, the sources said. These lands, donated to the Gurdwara by Maharaja Ranjeet Singh and other eminent Sikh devotees over a period of time, have also been acquired by the government of Pakistan. India has protested against the impropriety of arbitrarily depriving the Gurdwara of its legal possessions, in utter disregard to the sentiments of the devotees of Shri Guru Nanak Dev in India, the sources said. Strong demand has been made by the Indian side for early restoration of these lands to the Gurdwara, keeping in view the strong sentiments on the issue among devotees in India.

After hype on Kartarpur, Pakistan wants restrictions on movement of pilgrims

Marvel’s latest offering ‘Captain Marvel’ starring Brie Larson as the female superhero may not see the light of the day in Pakistan as news reports suggest that the film has had a delayed release because it won’t be coming out after all.&nbsp;

Taking to Facebook, Pakistan’s Cinepax Cinemas issued a statement revealing that Disney’s regional office did not give their country the rights to run the film. They did not add anything further.

See it here:

<img alt="captain marvel" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="d9a9baa9-bc76-41b8-90dc-01e25946bf1f" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/New%20%2825%29_2.jpg" />

While some fans cried&nbsp;foul over the news accusing the regional office based in India behind the move due to the&nbsp;continued&nbsp;tensions between the two nations, reports also suggest that it is because of an apparent fee issue.&nbsp;

The film, meanwhile, has already earned<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/brie-larsons-captain-marvel-crosses-500-million-at-the-worldwide-box-office-202994"> $500 million in just 5 days of its release</a> and boasts of the sixth-best worldwide start of all time with $455 million. It is the first female-led superhero that has achieved this feat. <a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/captain-marvel-review-brie-larson-takes-samuel-l-jackson-and-viewers-back-in-time-201498">Read the review here.</a>

Marvel’s latest offering ‘Captain Marvel’ starring Brie Larson as the female superhero may not see the light of the day in Pakistan as news reports suggest that the film has had a delayed release because it won’t be coming out after all.

Marvel’s latest offering ‘Captain Marvel’ starring Brie Larson as the female superhero may not see the light of the day in Pakistan as news reports suggest that the film has had a delayed release because it won’t be coming out after all. Taking to Facebook, Pakistan’s Cinepax Cinemas issued a statement revealing that Disney’s regional office did not give their country the rights to run the film. They did not add anything further. See it here: While some fans cried foul over the news accusing the regional office based in India behind the move due to the continued tensions between the two nations, reports also suggest that it is because of an apparent fee issue. The film, meanwhile, has already earned $500 million in just 5 days of its release and boasts of the sixth-best worldwide start of all time with $455 million. It is the first female-led superhero that has achieved this feat. Read the review here.

Here's why 'Captain Marvel' will not release in Pakistan

At a time when tensions with Pakistan are heightened, the Defence Ministry is likely to consider a proposal to buy 10 lakh multi-mode hand grenades for the Indian Army under the 'Make in India' project in the military sector.

''A proposal for buying 10 lakh hand grenades from an Indian firm would be considered by the Defence Ministry at a high-level meeting to be chaired by Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman this week,'' government sources told ANI.

The more than Rs 500 crore proposal is critical as the government has already taken care of the main personal weapon requirements of the Army soldiers by signing two contracts for modern rifles.

In the first case, a contract worth over Rs 700 crore for around 75,000 Sig Sauer assault rifles from an American firm has been signed while a joint venture has been formed with Russia to manufacture 7.5 lakh modern AK-203 assault rifles.

The project for acquiring new hand grenades is required for the replacement of the existing HE-36 grenades manufactured by the Ordnance Factory Board.&nbsp;

The multi-mode grenades have been developed by the DRDO and a production agency has been selected to manufacture them in large numbers.&nbsp;

Hand grenades are among the few critical weapons that soldiers need in the time of war as they can be used to cause heavy&nbsp; 
damage to enemy positions or bunkers apart from taking out their soldiers.

Tensions between India and Pakistan have been heightened after the Pulwama attack on February 14 in which 40 CRPF personnel lost their lives.

India avenged the attack by striking the Balakot terrorist training camp of Jaish-e-Mohammed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan.

At a time when tensions with Pakistan are heightened, the Defence Ministry is likely to consider a proposal to buy 10 lakh multi-mode hand grenades for the Indian Army under the 'Make in India' project in the military sector.

At a time when tensions with Pakistan are heightened, the Defence Ministry is likely to consider a proposal to buy 10 lakh multi-mode hand grenades for the Indian Army under the 'Make in India' project in the military sector. ''A proposal for buying 10 lakh hand grenades from an Indian firm would be considered by the Defence Ministry at a high-level meeting to be chaired by Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman this week,'' government sources told ANI. The more than Rs 500 crore proposal is critical as the government has already taken care of the main personal weapon requirements of the Army soldiers by signing two contracts for modern rifles. In the first case, a contract worth over Rs 700 crore for around 75,000 Sig Sauer assault rifles from an American firm has been signed while a joint venture has been formed with Russia to manufacture 7.5 lakh modern AK-203 assault rifles. The project for acquiring new hand grenades is required for the replacement of the existing HE-36 grenades manufactured by the Ordnance Factory Board. The multi-mode grenades have been developed by the DRDO and a production agency has been selected to manufacture them in large numbers. Hand grenades are among the few critical weapons that soldiers need in the time of war as they can be used to cause heavy damage to enemy positions or bunkers apart from taking out their soldiers. Tensions between India and Pakistan have been heightened after the Pulwama attack on February 14 in which 40 CRPF personnel lost their lives. India avenged the attack by striking the Balakot terrorist training camp of Jaish-e-Mohammed in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan.

Defence Ministry plans to buy 10 lakh hand grenades for combat troops

A powerful explosion ripped through a crowded market in Pakistan's restive Balochistan province on Thursday, killing two persons and injuring seven others.

According to officials, the bomb blast took place in Panjgur district's Chitkan market.

"Two people were killed in the blast on the spot and seven others injured," they said.

The deceased were&nbsp;in a car which caught fire after the blast, the officials said.

No group has claimed responsibility for the attack.

Last month, many incidents of violence and terrorism reported from Balochistan.

On February 24, at least one person was killed and 18 others injured in a bomb blast in Dera Murad Jamali.

On February 17, four soldiers were killed in an ambush by terrorists in&nbsp;Goran, some 70 kilometres from Panjgur district.

A powerful explosion ripped through a crowded market in Pakistan's restive Balochistan province on Thursday, killing two persons and injuring seven others. According to officials, the bomb blast took place in Panjgur district's Chitkan market.

A powerful explosion ripped through a crowded market in Pakistan's restive Balochistan province on Thursday, killing two persons and injuring seven others. According to officials, the bomb blast took place in Panjgur district's Chitkan market. "Two people were killed in the blast on the spot and seven others injured," they said. The deceased were in a car which caught fire after the blast, the officials said. No group has claimed responsibility for the attack. Last month, many incidents of violence and terrorism reported from Balochistan. On February 24, at least one person was killed and 18 others injured in a bomb blast in Dera Murad Jamali. On February 17, four soldiers were killed in an ambush by terrorists in Goran, some 70 kilometres from Panjgur district.

Bomb blast kills two in Pakistan's Balochistan

Will China take a stand on terror?

Pakistan's military is taking a key role in the development of one of the world`s biggest untapped copper and gold deposits, which is currently stalled by a multi-billion dollar legal wrangle with foreign mining firms, multiple sources familiar with the situation said.

The Reko Diq mine has become a test case for Prime Minister Imran Khan's ability to attract serious foreign investment to Pakistan as it struggles to stave off an economic crisis that has forced it to seek an International Monetary Fund bailout.

Ten current and former provincial and federal government officials and mining sources familiar with the project in the Baluchistan region say the military has become the most important voice on the future of Reko Diq, which it sees as a strategic national asset.

The military will not only be in a position to decide which investors develop the deposit, but an army-controlled engineering firm, Frontier Works Organization (FWO), is positioning itself to be a member of any consortium involved, these people said.

"This has been taken over by GHQ," said a senior Baluchistan government official, referring to the Pakistan army`s General Headquarters in the garrison city of Rawalpindi.

In a statement in response to Reuters` questions about its role in Reko Diq, the military spokesman`s office said: "(The military) may only participate in government`s plan of development of Reko Diq, as per national requirements."

But it acknowledged that FWO, best known for building roads through Pakistan`s rugged and lawless border regions, has developed "substantial" mining capability in recent years and would be interested in taking a role in the project.

"If an opportunity arises of participating in developing Reko Diq, FWO may work at par with other competitors (or) companies provided the project is financially viable (or) suitable," the statement said. When asked, a spokesman declined to elaborate on the statement.

Pakistan`s Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry said civilian authorities in the insurgency-hit southwestern province of Baluchistan were in charge of Reko Diq and, along with Khan, would take a decision, but added that the military "and all other stakeholders are obviously important players".

FWO referred questions to the military spokesman`s office. Khan`s spokesman Iftikhar Durrani said Baluchistan province was in charge of Reko Diq, and referred questions to the provincial government and the military spokesman`s office.

The manoeuvring behind the project shows how the military, which has historically dictated Pakistan`s security and foreign policy, is leveraging its sway over the civilian government at federal and provincial level to carve a growing role in the nation`s business affairs.

The army has ruled the nuclear-armed nation for nearly half its history and is considered to have a major influence over Khan`s recently elected government. A military spokesman declined to comment.

"The military has taken a front seat," said Ayesha Siddiqa, author of the book "Military Inc.", which analyses the army`s business interests and influence in Pakistan.&nbsp;

"They`ve understood that the economy is important for having a strong military," she said. "Control of the economy also gives the military a handle over expanding their business interests."

TALKS

Buried at the foot of an extinct volcano near the frontier with Iran and Afghanistan, the mine`s development has long been delayed by a dispute with previous investors in the project, Canada`s Barrick Gold and Chile`s Antofagasta.

The government is urgently trying to settle the dispute as a World Bank arbitration tribunal, which ruled against Pakistan in 2017, is in the next few months expected to announce how much in damages the country must pay to the foreign firms, who are claiming more than $11 billion.

The dispute relates to the withholding of a mining lease.

Islamabad is also trying to find new partners to invest in the project.

But any new investors will need the blessing of Pakistan`s military, according to government officials and mining sources.&nbsp;

State-run companies from resource-hungry China have long coveted Reko Diq and more recently Saudi Arabia has shown interest, according to Pakistani officials.

&nbsp;Some Western diplomats say the Reko Diq dispute has been a significant foreign investment deterrent, with international businesses unnerved at how Pakistan dealt with the companies that had pledged to invest $3.3 billion to develop the country`s then-biggest mining project.

Barrick Gold and Antofagasta, whose joint venture Tethyan Copper Company (TCC) discovered vast mineral wealth in Reko Diq, say they had invested more than $220 million by the time the Baluchistan government, in 2011, unexpectedly refused to grant them the critical mining lease needed to keep operating.

Pakistan argued its move was legitimate because TCC`s feasibility study was incomplete and the country`s Supreme Court voided the deal in 2013. But in 2017 the World Bank`s International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) ruled against Pakistan.

TCC did not respond to requests for comment and Antofagasta and Barrick Gold both declined to comment. Reuters could not determine whether either company would be willing to return to the project.

FOREIGN INVESTORS

The last serious attempt at settling the Reko Diq case was scuppered in 2016 by the military, which vetoed paying hundreds of millions of dollars to TCC, according to a senior Baluchistan official and two former senior officials in Islamabad.

But the military has since changed its stance and is more open to a settlement with TCC, according to a lawmaker close to the military and a source close to Prime Minister Khan. The military was also involved in appointing Pakistan`s current legal team.

In response to a Reuters question about blocking the previous settlement effort, the military said: "Let`s see how the case progresses." It did not elaborate or comment on whether it was playing any role in the latest negotiations.

Some mining experts say a likely solution would be for a new investment consortium to pay the settlement fee on behalf of cash-strapped Pakistan in exchange for future royalty fees or mining rights.&nbsp;

Information Minister Chaudhry said Pakistan was engaged in negotiations with "both" the current investors about a settlement and also potential new investors, with interest coming from the Middle East and Europe. He declined to name the potential investors.

Pakistani Finance Minister Asad Umar said in October that Saudi Arabia has inquired about investing in Reko Diq and another government official confirmed talks were ongoing.

Saudi Arabia did not respond to a Reuters request for comment on Reko Diq. During Crown Prince bin Salman`s visit to Pakistan last month, the kingdom pledged to invest $2 billion in mineral development projects, though the provisional agreements were vague and did not mention any specific projects.

China`s state-owned miner China Metallurgical Group Corporation (MCC), which operates the Saindak copper and gold mine close to Reko Diq, has been eyeing the bigger deposit for more than a decade, according to mining and MCC officials.

A few years ago Chinese state giant Norinco also made an approach, according to two sources familiar with Norinco`s offer.

MCC and Norinco did not respond to requests for comment.

When a mining company approached former general Abdul Quadir Baloch about Reko Diq around 2016, when he was federal minister for the frontier regions, he took their proposal not only to then-premier Nawaz Sharif, but also to the army chief.

"The military has to give a (security) guarantee to any company coming in to explore or exploit this project, so they are a stakeholder," said Baloch.

The military declined to comment on Baloch`s assertions. Sharif, who has since been jailed on corruption charges, could not be reached for comment.

The army-run FWO does not have the funds or the expertise to develop the Reko Diq project, which boasts 5.9 billion tons of ore. But it could be part of a consortium alongside global miners who have the know-how to mine such a gargantuan deposit.

The military`s role in developing natural resources in Baluchistan also carries risks, however, analysts say.

Indigenous Baloch people view outsiders with suspicion, and their anger about Islamabad exploiting the province`s vast natural resources has been one of the key themes fuelling a separatist insurgency that began around 2004.

Pakistan's military is taking a key role in the development of one of the world`s biggest untapped copper and gold deposits, which is currently stalled by a multi-billion dollar legal wrangle with foreign mining firms, multiple sources familiar with the situation said.

Pakistan's military is taking a key role in the development of one of the world`s biggest untapped copper and gold deposits, which is currently stalled by a multi-billion dollar legal wrangle with foreign mining firms, multiple sources familiar with the situation said. The Reko Diq mine has become a test case for Prime Minister Imran Khan's ability to attract serious foreign investment to Pakistan as it struggles to stave off an economic crisis that has forced it to seek an International Monetary Fund bailout. Ten current and former provincial and federal government officials and mining sources familiar with the project in the Baluchistan region say the military has become the most important voice on the future of Reko Diq, which it sees as a strategic national asset. The military will not only be in a position to decide which investors develop the deposit, but an army-controlled engineering firm, Frontier Works Organization (FWO), is positioning itself to be a member of any consortium involved, these people said. "This has been taken over by GHQ," said a senior Baluchistan government official, referring to the Pakistan army`s General Headquarters in the garrison city of Rawalpindi. In a statement in response to Reuters` questions about its role in Reko Diq, the military spokesman`s office said: "(The military) may only participate in government`s plan of development of Reko Diq, as per national requirements." But it acknowledged that FWO, best known for building roads through Pakistan`s rugged and lawless border regions, has developed "substantial" mining capability in recent years and would be interested in taking a role in the project. "If an opportunity arises of participating in developing Reko Diq, FWO may work at par with other competitors (or) companies provided the project is financially viable (or) suitable," the statement said. When asked, a spokesman declined to elaborate on the statement. Pakistan`s Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry said civilian authorities in the insurgency-hit southwestern province of Baluchistan were in charge of Reko Diq and, along with Khan, would take a decision, but added that the military "and all other stakeholders are obviously important players". FWO referred questions to the military spokesman`s office. Khan`s spokesman Iftikhar Durrani said Baluchistan province was in charge of Reko Diq, and referred questions to the provincial government and the military spokesman`s office. The manoeuvring behind the project shows how the military, which has historically dictated Pakistan`s security and foreign policy, is leveraging its sway over the civilian government at federal and provincial level to carve a growing role in the nation`s business affairs. The army has ruled the nuclear-armed nation for nearly half its history and is considered to have a major influence over Khan`s recently elected government. A military spokesman declined to comment. "The military has taken a front seat," said Ayesha Siddiqa, author of the book "Military Inc.", which analyses the army`s business interests and influence in Pakistan. "They`ve understood that the economy is important for having a strong military," she said. "Control of the economy also gives the military a handle over expanding their business interests." TALKS Buried at the foot of an extinct volcano near the frontier with Iran and Afghanistan, the mine`s development has long been delayed by a dispute with previous investors in the project, Canada`s Barrick Gold and Chile`s Antofagasta. The government is urgently trying to settle the dispute as a World Bank arbitration tribunal, which ruled against Pakistan in 2017, is in the next few months expected to announce how much in damages the country must pay to the foreign firms, who are claiming more than $11 billion. The dispute relates to the withholding of a mining lease. Islamabad is also trying to find new partners to invest in the project. But any new investors will need the blessing of Pakistan`s military, according to government officials and mining sources. State-run companies from resource-hungry China have long coveted Reko Diq and more recently Saudi Arabia has shown interest, according to Pakistani officials. Some Western diplomats say the Reko Diq dispute has been a significant foreign investment deterrent, with international businesses unnerved at how Pakistan dealt with the companies that had pledged to invest $3.3 billion to develop the country`s then-biggest mining project. Barrick Gold and Antofagasta, whose joint venture Tethyan Copper Company (TCC) discovered vast mineral wealth in Reko Diq, say they had invested more than $220 million by the time the Baluchistan government, in 2011, unexpectedly refused to grant them the critical mining lease needed to keep operating. Pakistan argued its move was legitimate because TCC`s feasibility study was incomplete and the country`s Supreme Court voided the deal in 2013. But in 2017 the World Bank`s International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes (ICSID) ruled against Pakistan. TCC did not respond to requests for comment and Antofagasta and Barrick Gold both declined to comment. Reuters could not determine whether either company would be willing to return to the project. FOREIGN INVESTORS The last serious attempt at settling the Reko Diq case was scuppered in 2016 by the military, which vetoed paying hundreds of millions of dollars to TCC, according to a senior Baluchistan official and two former senior officials in Islamabad. But the military has since changed its stance and is more open to a settlement with TCC, according to a lawmaker close to the military and a source close to Prime Minister Khan. The military was also involved in appointing Pakistan`s current legal team. In response to a Reuters question about blocking the previous settlement effort, the military said: "Let`s see how the case progresses." It did not elaborate or comment on whether it was playing any role in the latest negotiations. Some mining experts say a likely solution would be for a new investment consortium to pay the settlement fee on behalf of cash-strapped Pakistan in exchange for future royalty fees or mining rights. Information Minister Chaudhry said Pakistan was engaged in negotiations with "both" the current investors about a settlement and also potential new investors, with interest coming from the Middle East and Europe. He declined to name the potential investors. Pakistani Finance Minister Asad Umar said in October that Saudi Arabia has inquired about investing in Reko Diq and another government official confirmed talks were ongoing. Saudi Arabia did not respond to a Reuters request for comment on Reko Diq. During Crown Prince bin Salman`s visit to Pakistan last month, the kingdom pledged to invest $2 billion in mineral development projects, though the provisional agreements were vague and did not mention any specific projects. China`s state-owned miner China Metallurgical Group Corporation (MCC), which operates the Saindak copper and gold mine close to Reko Diq, has been eyeing the bigger deposit for more than a decade, according to mining and MCC officials. A few years ago Chinese state giant Norinco also made an approach, according to two sources familiar with Norinco`s offer. MCC and Norinco did not respond to requests for comment. When a mining company approached former general Abdul Quadir Baloch about Reko Diq around 2016, when he was federal minister for the frontier regions, he took their proposal not only to then-premier Nawaz Sharif, but also to the army chief. "The military has to give a (security) guarantee to any company coming in to explore or exploit this project, so they are a stakeholder," said Baloch. The military declined to comment on Baloch`s assertions. Sharif, who has since been jailed on corruption charges, could not be reached for comment. The army-run FWO does not have the funds or the expertise to develop the Reko Diq project, which boasts 5.9 billion tons of ore. But it could be part of a consortium alongside global miners who have the know-how to mine such a gargantuan deposit. The military`s role in developing natural resources in Baluchistan also carries risks, however, analysts say. Indigenous Baloch people view outsiders with suspicion, and their anger about Islamabad exploiting the province`s vast natural resources has been one of the key themes fuelling a separatist insurgency that began around 2004.

Pakistan military eyes key role developing giant copper and gold mine: Sources

The Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, in a recent statement, mentioned ‘age-old ties’ and ‘friendship’ that India and China have sustained using the metaphor of life-sustaining streams of water meandering through vast stretches of land in their long journey from source to the sea.&nbsp;

Names of rivers like Ganga and Yangtze do evoke historic civilisational memories of people but it would be naive to imagine that poetic imagery alone can help sustain meaningful, substantial relationships between nations. In the same speech, Wang reiterated that for China friendship with Pakistan remain important and he expressed hope that both India and Pakistan would respect each other's sovereignty and work for a stable peace. 
 
We can’t overlook that even after the terrorist attack in Pulwama and its aftermath nothing seems to have changed as far as China is concerned. 
 
It may be argued that the great rivers in the northern part of the Indian subcontinent all originate in the Tibetan plateau-conceded by India to be an integral part of the Peoples Republic of China albeit autonomous, and hence, China is entwined inextricably with events in neighbourhood downstream. It cant be denied that the most populous country in the world also shares thousands of kilometres long land border with India Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan and Myanmar. 
 
Bilateral disputes regarding border apart, this fact too appears to strengthen China’s claims to be ‘an interested party’ in South Asia’s future. However, to concede this without voicing legitimate apprehensions can only jeopardise our national interests. 
 
At the moment China, like the US, has also offered to help resolve explosive outstanding disputes between India and Pakistan. The wording may be cautious and euphemistic but let there be no doubt it is trying to make bilateral issues trilateral. By no stretch of imagination can China be considered an unbiased ‘honest broker’.&nbsp; 
 
Ever since Donald Trump declared ‘trade war’ against China there has been loose talk about unprecedented opportunities opening up for India to leverage this in its relations with China particularly in the context of its relations with Pakistan. Months have passed and by now it is clear there is no point in chasing this mirage. If we are to successfully resist arm twisting by anyone we have to rely on our own strength and unwavering resolve. Once we concede that any external power is ‘required’ to reduce ‘dangerous tensions’ in South Asian Nuclear Flashpoint, we will lose our autonomy forever. It is only in Pakistan’s interest to ‘invite’ friends getting impatient to gatecrash.

India at the moment should be consolidating its ties with other South Asian neighbours to make the point that it is a predominant regional power.

Much too easily, we have fallen in the trap laid by foreign analysts who have ‘theorised’ that India’s smaller neighbours look at it as a ‘bullying Big Brother’; they don’t trust her. In the past few decades, this analysis has spawned diplomatic strategies and economic aid programmes by the US, China and some European countries to alienate Nepal and Sri Lanka from India. Apprehensions have been systematically fuelled to become anxieties causing serious alienation.&nbsp; 
 
Take a close look, from Bangladesh and Myanmar to the Maldives, India is being encircled to cripple and curb it from operating in its natural sphere of influence. After all the subcontinent and the Ocean are identified as Indian. The legacy of history can't be wished away. The footprint of Indian civilisation-Hindu, Buddhist, Islamic- extends from Central Asia to Farthest reaches of South East Asia. It is this footprint that China is keen to erode and as fast as possible. If it succeeds in this design then it will emerge as the solitary power in Asia. Neither the US nor Russia could then think of balancing it with India.&nbsp; 
 
It is in this context that India needs to assess developments in the region and recast its policies. In Nepal, the rebel leadership has made peace with Kathmandu and the remains splinter group of Maoist guerrillas have signalled a willingness to join mainstream politics. This should remove outstanding irritants in our bilateral relationships with that landlocked neighbour. Rohingya refugees are a common problem shared by Myanmar, Bangladesh and India. One has to be extremely sensitive to its dangerous potential. The violation of human rights and genocide are allegations that are used opportunistically as weapons of mass destructions by Big Powers. Sri Lanka continues to be in the dock for atrocities committed by its armed forces particularly in the last phase of its long drawn civil war but one dare not question the US about its savagery in Iraq and Syria.

Nor are such concerns raised about Israel and Palestine or China and Tibet. Words like ‘People’s Inherent and Inalienable Right to Self Determination’ have lost all meaning due to selective prejudiced use and hypocrisy. India doesn’t have to be defensive at all.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

&nbsp;

The Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, in a recent statement, mentioned ‘age-old ties’ and ‘friendship’ that India and China have sustained using the metaphor of life-sustaining streams of water meandering through vast stretches of land in their long journey from source to the sea.

The Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, in a recent statement, mentioned ‘age-old ties’ and ‘friendship’ that India and China have sustained using the metaphor of life-sustaining streams of water meandering through vast stretches of land in their long journey from source to the sea. Names of rivers like Ganga and Yangtze do evoke historic civilisational memories of people but it would be naive to imagine that poetic imagery alone can help sustain meaningful, substantial relationships between nations. In the same speech, Wang reiterated that for China friendship with Pakistan remain important and he expressed hope that both India and Pakistan would respect each other's sovereignty and work for a stable peace. We can’t overlook that even after the terrorist attack in Pulwama and its aftermath nothing seems to have changed as far as China is concerned. It may be argued that the great rivers in the northern part of the Indian subcontinent all originate in the Tibetan plateau-conceded by India to be an integral part of the Peoples Republic of China albeit autonomous, and hence, China is entwined inextricably with events in neighbourhood downstream. It cant be denied that the most populous country in the world also shares thousands of kilometres long land border with India Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan and Myanmar. Bilateral disputes regarding border apart, this fact too appears to strengthen China’s claims to be ‘an interested party’ in South Asia’s future. However, to concede this without voicing legitimate apprehensions can only jeopardise our national interests. At the moment China, like the US, has also offered to help resolve explosive outstanding disputes between India and Pakistan. The wording may be cautious and euphemistic but let there be no doubt it is trying to make bilateral issues trilateral. By no stretch of imagination can China be considered an unbiased ‘honest broker’. Ever since Donald Trump declared ‘trade war’ against China there has been loose talk about unprecedented opportunities opening up for India to leverage this in its relations with China particularly in the context of its relations with Pakistan. Months have passed and by now it is clear there is no point in chasing this mirage. If we are to successfully resist arm twisting by anyone we have to rely on our own strength and unwavering resolve. Once we concede that any external power is ‘required’ to reduce ‘dangerous tensions’ in South Asian Nuclear Flashpoint, we will lose our autonomy forever. It is only in Pakistan’s interest to ‘invite’ friends getting impatient to gatecrash. India at the moment should be consolidating its ties with other South Asian neighbours to make the point that it is a predominant regional power. Much too easily, we have fallen in the trap laid by foreign analysts who have ‘theorised’ that India’s smaller neighbours look at it as a ‘bullying Big Brother’; they don’t trust her. In the past few decades, this analysis has spawned diplomatic strategies and economic aid programmes by the US, China and some European countries to alienate Nepal and Sri Lanka from India. Apprehensions have been systematically fuelled to become anxieties causing serious alienation. Take a close look, from Bangladesh and Myanmar to the Maldives, India is being encircled to cripple and curb it from operating in its natural sphere of influence. After all the subcontinent and the Ocean are identified as Indian. The legacy of history can't be wished away. The footprint of Indian civilisation-Hindu, Buddhist, Islamic- extends from Central Asia to Farthest reaches of South East Asia. It is this footprint that China is keen to erode and as fast as possible. If it succeeds in this design then it will emerge as the solitary power in Asia. Neither the US nor Russia could then think of balancing it with India. It is in this context that India needs to assess developments in the region and recast its policies. In Nepal, the rebel leadership has made peace with Kathmandu and the remains splinter group of Maoist guerrillas have signalled a willingness to join mainstream politics. This should remove outstanding irritants in our bilateral relationships with that landlocked neighbour. Rohingya refugees are a common problem shared by Myanmar, Bangladesh and India. One has to be extremely sensitive to its dangerous potential. The violation of human rights and genocide are allegations that are used opportunistically as weapons of mass destructions by Big Powers. Sri Lanka continues to be in the dock for atrocities committed by its armed forces particularly in the last phase of its long drawn civil war but one dare not question the US about its savagery in Iraq and Syria. Nor are such concerns raised about Israel and Palestine or China and Tibet. Words like ‘People’s Inherent and Inalienable Right to Self Determination’ have lost all meaning due to selective prejudiced use and hypocrisy. India doesn’t have to be defensive at all. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

India needs to recast its neighbourhood policies as China remains cryptic on Masood Azhar

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning, 12th March, 2019

European researcher lashes out at Pakistan at UNHRC

Afghanistan's National Security Adviser Hamdullah Mohib has slammed Pakistan for providing support to terror and for not abiding by its United Nations Security Council commitments by allowing free rein to terrorists on its territory.

Speaking at the Asia Society in New York, Mohib said, "Until we see willingness to take action we are not going to buy any more words from Pakistan on what they are and willing to say. They are always very nice. They speak about brotherhood, historical linkages, then all we see is terrorist coming our way and no brotherhood"

He said that the Afghanistan Pakistan Action Plan for Peace and Solidarity (APAPPS) which was agreed by the governments of the two countries for peace has not been implemented by the current administration in Islamabad. The plan in Pakistan was agreed under the leadership of former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi.

Mohib who was earlier Afghan envoy to Washington said, "There hasn't been action from Pakistan and there hasn't been any interest from Pakistan to implement. There is no cooperation with Afghanistan in any aspect."

He also highlighted how Pakistan blocked landlocked Afghanistan's trade routes due to which Kabul diversified its routes --in the north via Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan and via Chabahar in Iran connecting to India.

Lauding India Afghanistan air corridor launched in 2017, the NSA said, "it has opened opportunities for Afghanistan not only to increase our trade but &nbsp;also to give us more options to import"

On Monday the corridor was expanded to Herat.

Earlier speaking at United Nation Security Council, Mohib without taking Pakistan's name said, "Strict enforcement of Security Council sanctions measures contained in its resolutions 1988 and 1267 should no longer be compromised. Any failure in this regard translates to a failure of the Security Council’s response to combating terrorist and extremist groups effectively, and also renders these groups capable of continuing their destructive activities."

Pressure has been growing over Islamabad by Kabul, Delhi and Tehran to rein in terror groups on its territory. Over the weekend, in a phone conversation between Iran's president Dr Hassan Rouhani and Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, Rouhani called on Islamabad to act on terrorists on its territory.&nbsp;

Dr Hassan Rouhani said, “We are witnessing many terrorist attacks by terrorists who are unfortunately located on the Pakistani soil, and in dealing with these terrorists, whose existence are not in favour of us, you and the region, we are fully ready to cooperate with the Pakistani army and government".

According to Iranian authorities, 27 Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) were killed in a terror attack in Iran's Sistan and Baluchestan Province which was done by Pakistan based terrorist group. 
&nbsp;

Afghanistan's National Security Adviser Hamdullah Mohib has slammed Pakistan for providing support to terror and for not abiding by its United Nations Security Council commitments by allowing free rein to terrorists on its territory.

Afghanistan's National Security Adviser Hamdullah Mohib has slammed Pakistan for providing support to terror and for not abiding by its United Nations Security Council commitments by allowing free rein to terrorists on its territory. Speaking at the Asia Society in New York, Mohib said, "Until we see willingness to take action we are not going to buy any more words from Pakistan on what they are and willing to say. They are always very nice. They speak about brotherhood, historical linkages, then all we see is terrorist coming our way and no brotherhood" He said that the Afghanistan Pakistan Action Plan for Peace and Solidarity (APAPPS) which was agreed by the governments of the two countries for peace has not been implemented by the current administration in Islamabad. The plan in Pakistan was agreed under the leadership of former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi. Mohib who was earlier Afghan envoy to Washington said, "There hasn't been action from Pakistan and there hasn't been any interest from Pakistan to implement. There is no cooperation with Afghanistan in any aspect." He also highlighted how Pakistan blocked landlocked Afghanistan's trade routes due to which Kabul diversified its routes --in the north via Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan and via Chabahar in Iran connecting to India. Lauding India Afghanistan air corridor launched in 2017, the NSA said, "it has opened opportunities for Afghanistan not only to increase our trade but also to give us more options to import" On Monday the corridor was expanded to Herat. Earlier speaking at United Nation Security Council, Mohib without taking Pakistan's name said, "Strict enforcement of Security Council sanctions measures contained in its resolutions 1988 and 1267 should no longer be compromised. Any failure in this regard translates to a failure of the Security Council’s response to combating terrorist and extremist groups effectively, and also renders these groups capable of continuing their destructive activities." Pressure has been growing over Islamabad by Kabul, Delhi and Tehran to rein in terror groups on its territory. Over the weekend, in a phone conversation between Iran's president Dr Hassan Rouhani and Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, Rouhani called on Islamabad to act on terrorists on its territory. Dr Hassan Rouhani said, “We are witnessing many terrorist attacks by terrorists who are unfortunately located on the Pakistani soil, and in dealing with these terrorists, whose existence are not in favour of us, you and the region, we are fully ready to cooperate with the Pakistani army and government". According to Iranian authorities, 27 Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) were killed in a terror attack in Iran's Sistan and Baluchestan Province which was done by Pakistan based terrorist group.

Pakistan taking no action on terror; talks of brotherhood but sends terrorist: Afghan NSA

Taliban founder Mullah Omar lived within walking distance of US bases in Afghanistan for years, according to a new book that highlights embarrassing failures of American intelligence.

Washington believed the one-eyed, fugitive leader had fled to Pakistan, but the new biography says Omar was, in fact, living just three miles from a major US Forward Operating Base in his home province of Zabul before his death in 2013.

"Searching for an Enemy", by Dutch journalist Bette Dam, reveals the Taliban chief lived as a virtual hermit, refusing visits from his family and filling notebooks with jottings in an imaginary language.

Dam spent more than five years researching the book and interviewed Jabbar Omari, Omar's bodyguard who hid and protected him after the Taliban regime was overthrown.

According to the book, Omar listened to the BBC's Pashto-language news broadcasts in the evenings, but even when he learned about the death of al-Qaeda supremo Osama Bin Laden rarely commented on developments in the outside world.&nbsp;

Following the 9/11 attacks in 2001 which led to the fall of the Taliban, the US put a $10 million bounty on Omar and he went into hiding in a small compound in the regional capital Qalat, Dam writes.&nbsp;

The family living at the compound were not told of the identity of their mystery guest, but US forces twice almost found him.

At one point, a US patrol approached as Omar and Omari were in the courtyard. Alarmed, the two men ducked behind a woodpile, but the soldiers passed without entering.

A second time, US troops even searched the house but did not uncover the concealed entrance to his secret room. It was not clear if the search was the result of a routine patrol or a tip-off.

Omar decided to move when the US started building Forward Operating Base Lagman in 2004, just a few hundred metres from his hideout.

He later moved to a second building but soon afterwards the Pentagon constructed Forward Operating Base Wolverine -- home to 1,000 US troops, and where American and British special forces were sometimes based -- close by.

Despite his terror at being caught, he dared not move again, rarely even going outside and often hiding in tunnels when US planes flew over.&nbsp;

According to Dam, Omar would often only talk to his guard and cook, and used an old Nokia mobile phone, without a sim card, to record himself chanting verses from the Koran.

Omar's Taliban ruled Afghanistan from 1996 until 2001 and has waged an anti-government insurgency since then.

Omar, who delegated effective Taliban leadership after 2001, appears to have acted as more of a spiritual leader, and the militant movement kept his death in 2013 secret for two years.

Taliban founder Mullah Omar lived within walking distance of US bases in Afghanistan for years, according to a new book that highlights embarrassing failures of American intelligence.

Taliban founder Mullah Omar lived within walking distance of US bases in Afghanistan for years, according to a new book that highlights embarrassing failures of American intelligence. Washington believed the one-eyed, fugitive leader had fled to Pakistan, but the new biography says Omar was, in fact, living just three miles from a major US Forward Operating Base in his home province of Zabul before his death in 2013. "Searching for an Enemy", by Dutch journalist Bette Dam, reveals the Taliban chief lived as a virtual hermit, refusing visits from his family and filling notebooks with jottings in an imaginary language. Dam spent more than five years researching the book and interviewed Jabbar Omari, Omar's bodyguard who hid and protected him after the Taliban regime was overthrown. According to the book, Omar listened to the BBC's Pashto-language news broadcasts in the evenings, but even when he learned about the death of al-Qaeda supremo Osama Bin Laden rarely commented on developments in the outside world. Following the 9/11 attacks in 2001 which led to the fall of the Taliban, the US put a $10 million bounty on Omar and he went into hiding in a small compound in the regional capital Qalat, Dam writes. The family living at the compound were not told of the identity of their mystery guest, but US forces twice almost found him. At one point, a US patrol approached as Omar and Omari were in the courtyard. Alarmed, the two men ducked behind a woodpile, but the soldiers passed without entering. A second time, US troops even searched the house but did not uncover the concealed entrance to his secret room. It was not clear if the search was the result of a routine patrol or a tip-off. Omar decided to move when the US started building Forward Operating Base Lagman in 2004, just a few hundred metres from his hideout. He later moved to a second building but soon afterwards the Pentagon constructed Forward Operating Base Wolverine -- home to 1,000 US troops, and where American and British special forces were sometimes based -- close by. Despite his terror at being caught, he dared not move again, rarely even going outside and often hiding in tunnels when US planes flew over. According to Dam, Omar would often only talk to his guard and cook, and used an old Nokia mobile phone, without a sim card, to record himself chanting verses from the Koran. Omar's Taliban ruled Afghanistan from 1996 until 2001 and has waged an anti-government insurgency since then. Omar, who delegated effective Taliban leadership after 2001, appears to have acted as more of a spiritual leader, and the militant movement kept his death in 2013 secret for two years.

Taliban founder Mullah Omar lived next to US-Afghan base: Biography

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's net income has dropped sharply by Rs 3.09 crores in the last three years even as the income of some Opposition leaders continued to rise, according to a media report on Monday.

The cricketer-turned politician's net income in the year 2015 was 3.56 crore Pakistani rupees, it dropped sharply to Rs1.29 crore in 2016 and further down to Rs 0.47 crore in the year 2017, Dawn newspaper reported.

In 2015, a major chunk of Khan's income comprised the gain of a little over Rs 0.1 crore from the sale of an apartment in Islamabad, followed by Rs 980 crore of foreign remittances, the report said citing official documents.

In 2016, his total income dropped to Rs 1.29 crore of which he earned Rs 0.74 crore from "foreign services" alone.&nbsp;

In contrast, the income of the Leader Opposition of the National Assembly Shahbaz Sharif continued to see an upward trend as his net income rose from Rs 0.76 crore in 2015 and crossed Rs1 crore in 2017.

Former president Asif Ali Zardari's agricultural income that comprises most part of his net income stood at Rs 10.5 crore in 2015. It rose to Rs 11.4 crore in 2016 and surged to Rs 13.4 crore in 2017. He holds 7,748 acres of land.

While Zardari's son Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari appears richer than him in terms of assets he holds in Pakistan and elsewhere, he lags behind the father in terms of income, according to the documents.&nbsp;

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's net income has dropped sharply by Rs 3.09 crores in the last three years even as the income of some Opposition leaders continued to rise, according to a media report on Monday.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's net income has dropped sharply by Rs 3.09 crores in the last three years even as the income of some Opposition leaders continued to rise, according to a media report on Monday. The cricketer-turned politician's net income in the year 2015 was 3.56 crore Pakistani rupees, it dropped sharply to Rs1.29 crore in 2016 and further down to Rs 0.47 crore in the year 2017, Dawn newspaper reported. In 2015, a major chunk of Khan's income comprised the gain of a little over Rs 0.1 crore from the sale of an apartment in Islamabad, followed by Rs 980 crore of foreign remittances, the report said citing official documents. In 2016, his total income dropped to Rs 1.29 crore of which he earned Rs 0.74 crore from "foreign services" alone. In contrast, the income of the Leader Opposition of the National Assembly Shahbaz Sharif continued to see an upward trend as his net income rose from Rs 0.76 crore in 2015 and crossed Rs1 crore in 2017. Former president Asif Ali Zardari's agricultural income that comprises most part of his net income stood at Rs 10.5 crore in 2015. It rose to Rs 11.4 crore in 2016 and surged to Rs 13.4 crore in 2017. He holds 7,748 acres of land. While Zardari's son Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari appears richer than him in terms of assets he holds in Pakistan and elsewhere, he lags behind the father in terms of income, according to the documents.

Pakistan PM Imran Khan's income drops by Rs 3 crore in 3 years

Umer Farooq's grandfather and father made bagpipes. Now he is the third generation to take up the tradition in Pakistan, which is thousands of kilometres from Scotland yet sells thousands of bagpipes each year.

The fresh smell of wood floats through the Mid East factory in Sialkot, on the eastern side of Punjab province, where Farooq is one of the managers. Workers are busy standing or sitting on the ground.

Covered in sawdust, they carve the wood and polish it. Rosewood or ebony serve as the blowstick, into which players exhale. The drones -- long pipes with a lower tone -- follow a similar process.

They are then attached to a bag, and often covered with tartan, a coloured plaid fabric typical of Scotland.

"In my family, all the boys know how to make a bagpipe, step by step," said Farooq.&nbsp;

"When we were seven or eight, we would go to the factory. It was like a school, but the teachers were our dads and uncles."

Honing such a craft is not easy.

South Asia has had for centuries its pungi, a wind instrument used for snake charming, and shehnai, a traditional oboe.

But the bagpipe had to wait until the mid-19th century for British colonialists to bring it to subcontinental India, of which Pakistan was a part before independence and partition in 1947.

Military tradition&nbsp; 
"Anywhere the British army went, they took pipers with them," says Decker Forrest, a Gaelic music teacher at the University of the Highlands and Islands in Scotland.

Locals seized on the tradition, which remains popular till this day, with dozens of bagpipe bands available for weddings and religious festivals.&nbsp;

"People love the bagpipe," smiles Yaser Sain, the leader of a Sialkot trio who play at least two performances each day, he says.&nbsp;

Proudly he shows pictures on his mobile phone of the band in colourful costumes.

Forrest says Pakistani bands put the emphasis on how they look, rather than musical technique, "which is less important to them".&nbsp;

At the world bagpipe championship, which is held every year in Glasgow, they are "the most beautifully dressed," he says. The kilt, however, is not de rigueur among the Pakistanis.

The Pakistani military, born out of the colonial British Indian Army, also still has a soft spot for the instrument.

In 2014 it established a camel-mounted bagpipe band attached to a unit of Desert Rangers. The camels, draped in scarlet and gold as their musicians sway above them, are particularly appreciated during parades.

But Pakistan's main affiliation with bagpipes is its mass production of them, though the quality of the instruments it makes can vary.

Some 2,600 are exported from the Mid East factory each year, mainly to the United States.&nbsp;

Bagpipe ambassadors&nbsp; 
The MH Geoffrey &amp; Co workshop, also in Sialkot, claims to manufacture a further 500 annually -- but its owner, Zafar Iqbal Geoffrey, estimates that when contributions from dozens of small and medium-sized businesses in the city are counted, Sialkot can produce a total of 10,000 bagpipes a year.

That is more than any country other than the United Kingdom, according to people in Sialkot.

"Bagpipes are our roaming ambassadors. This is good not only for the economy, but for the image-building of Pakistan," says Waqas Akram Awan, vice president of the Sialkot Chamber of Commerce.&nbsp;

The city's exports for 2017 -- a 15-year record of $4 million for thousands of instruments -- underscores his comment.&nbsp;

"Our instruments are the same as the European ones, but they are much cheaper. We make music more accessible," says Umar Farooq's uncle Muhammad Aftab.

Cheap labour means Pakistani bagpipes are priced less expensively than ones made in Scotland, with Mid East's going for around 300 pounds ($390) in Britain, compared to 900 pounds ($1,170) for instruments made in Scotland.

But Pakistani bagpipes have a reputation.

"The quality of sound is not the same," says Paul Gardner, manager of a London music store.

"They are for beginners who are working on a really low budget," he explained. "It might get somebody started, but that person will quickly look to upgrade."

Umer Farooq's grandfather and father made bagpipes. Now he is the third generation to take up the tradition in Pakistan, which is thousands of kilometres from Scotland yet sells thousands of bagpipes each year.

Umer Farooq's grandfather and father made bagpipes. Now he is the third generation to take up the tradition in Pakistan, which is thousands of kilometres from Scotland yet sells thousands of bagpipes each year. The fresh smell of wood floats through the Mid East factory in Sialkot, on the eastern side of Punjab province, where Farooq is one of the managers. Workers are busy standing or sitting on the ground. Covered in sawdust, they carve the wood and polish it. Rosewood or ebony serve as the blowstick, into which players exhale. The drones -- long pipes with a lower tone -- follow a similar process. They are then attached to a bag, and often covered with tartan, a coloured plaid fabric typical of Scotland. "In my family, all the boys know how to make a bagpipe, step by step," said Farooq. "When we were seven or eight, we would go to the factory. It was like a school, but the teachers were our dads and uncles." Honing such a craft is not easy. South Asia has had for centuries its pungi, a wind instrument used for snake charming, and shehnai, a traditional oboe. But the bagpipe had to wait until the mid-19th century for British colonialists to bring it to subcontinental India, of which Pakistan was a part before independence and partition in 1947. Military tradition "Anywhere the British army went, they took pipers with them," says Decker Forrest, a Gaelic music teacher at the University of the Highlands and Islands in Scotland. Locals seized on the tradition, which remains popular till this day, with dozens of bagpipe bands available for weddings and religious festivals. "People love the bagpipe," smiles Yaser Sain, the leader of a Sialkot trio who play at least two performances each day, he says. Proudly he shows pictures on his mobile phone of the band in colourful costumes. Forrest says Pakistani bands put the emphasis on how they look, rather than musical technique, "which is less important to them". At the world bagpipe championship, which is held every year in Glasgow, they are "the most beautifully dressed," he says. The kilt, however, is not de rigueur among the Pakistanis. The Pakistani military, born out of the colonial British Indian Army, also still has a soft spot for the instrument. In 2014 it established a camel-mounted bagpipe band attached to a unit of Desert Rangers. The camels, draped in scarlet and gold as their musicians sway above them, are particularly appreciated during parades. But Pakistan's main affiliation with bagpipes is its mass production of them, though the quality of the instruments it makes can vary. Some 2,600 are exported from the Mid East factory each year, mainly to the United States. Bagpipe ambassadors The MH Geoffrey & Co workshop, also in Sialkot, claims to manufacture a further 500 annually -- but its owner, Zafar Iqbal Geoffrey, estimates that when contributions from dozens of small and medium-sized businesses in the city are counted, Sialkot can produce a total of 10,000 bagpipes a year. That is more than any country other than the United Kingdom, according to people in Sialkot. "Bagpipes are our roaming ambassadors. This is good not only for the economy, but for the image-building of Pakistan," says Waqas Akram Awan, vice president of the Sialkot Chamber of Commerce. The city's exports for 2017 -- a 15-year record of $4 million for thousands of instruments -- underscores his comment. "Our instruments are the same as the European ones, but they are much cheaper. We make music more accessible," says Umar Farooq's uncle Muhammad Aftab. Cheap labour means Pakistani bagpipes are priced less expensively than ones made in Scotland, with Mid East's going for around 300 pounds ($390) in Britain, compared to 900 pounds ($1,170) for instruments made in Scotland. But Pakistani bagpipes have a reputation. "The quality of sound is not the same," says Paul Gardner, manager of a London music store. "They are for beginners who are working on a really low budget," he explained. "It might get somebody started, but that person will quickly look to upgrade."

Pakistan -- the other great home of the bagpipes

A large group of Pakistan-backed pro-Khalistan activists attacked innocent British-Indian civilians outside the Indian High Commission here on Saturday, possibly as revenge to Indian air strike at a terror camp in Pakistan last month and anti-Pakistan protests that have been taking place across the world.

Wearing turbans, the attackers raised slogans like 'Naraa-e-Taqbeer' and 'Allah-u-Akbar' along with anti-India slogans while targeting the people who were waiting for visa related appointments with officials of the High Commission, witnesses said here on Sunday.

The attackers also carried Khalistani flags.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Pakistan’s ISI backed Khalistanis attacked a number of British Indians who were standing outside the Indian High Commission in London on March 9. The men wearing Sikh turbans raised slogans 'Naraa-e-Taqbeer' &amp; 'Allah-u-Akbar' <a href="https://t.co/7L5Fume7nv">pic.twitter.com/7L5Fume7nv</a>
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This attack is largely being seen as Pakistan`s counter to the widespread protests which have been taking place globally against its role in the Pulwama terror attack which claimed the lives of over 40 CRPF personnel.&nbsp;

After Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) claimed responsibility for the February 14 attack, the international community has intensified its pressure on Pakistan to dismantle terror infrastructure on its soil.

In fact, the United States has bluntly told Pakistan to stop providing support and safe haven to terrorists and terror outfits.

India, on February 26, carried out anti-terror air strike at a major terror camp of JeM in Pakistan`s Balakot.

A "large number" of terrorists, including top commanders, were eliminated in the strike, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale had told the media hours after the air raid.

India has shared dossiers about Pakistani links to the Pulwama terror attack with Pakistan government as well as several key countries.

India on Saturday sought credible, verifiable and sustained action from Pakistan against terror groups, saying that mere words will not be enough to impress the international community.&nbsp;

"Pakistan will be judged by not the words it speaks but action it takes...The proof of action is not issuing a notification but dismantling infrastructure which should be verified. Pakistan is well aware of its own commitment and concrete action that has to be taken against terrorism... If Pakistan claims to be a 'naya (new) Pakistan with nayi soch (new thought)', it should show 'naya (new) action' against terrorist groups and terror infrastructure on its soil and end cross border terrorism in support of its claims," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said on Saturday at a media briefing.

A large group of Pakistan-backed pro-Khalistan activists attacked innocent British-Indian civilians outside the Indian High Commission here on Saturday, possibly as revenge to Indian air strike at a terror camp in Pakistan last month and anti-Pakistan protests that have been taking place across the world.

A large group of Pakistan-backed pro-Khalistan activists attacked innocent British-Indian civilians outside the Indian High Commission here on Saturday, possibly as revenge to Indian air strike at a terror camp in Pakistan last month and anti-Pakistan protests that have been taking place across the world. Wearing turbans, the attackers raised slogans like 'Naraa-e-Taqbeer' and 'Allah-u-Akbar' along with anti-India slogans while targeting the people who were waiting for visa related appointments with officials of the High Commission, witnesses said here on Sunday. The attackers also carried Khalistani flags. #WATCH Pakistan’s ISI backed Khalistanis attacked a number of British Indians who were standing outside the Indian High Commission in London on March 9. The men wearing Sikh turbans raised slogans 'Naraa-e-Taqbeer' & 'Allah-u-Akbar' pic.twitter.com/7L5Fume7nv — ANI (@ANI) March 10, 2019 × This attack is largely being seen as Pakistan`s counter to the widespread protests which have been taking place globally against its role in the Pulwama terror attack which claimed the lives of over 40 CRPF personnel. After Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) claimed responsibility for the February 14 attack, the international community has intensified its pressure on Pakistan to dismantle terror infrastructure on its soil. In fact, the United States has bluntly told Pakistan to stop providing support and safe haven to terrorists and terror outfits. India, on February 26, carried out anti-terror air strike at a major terror camp of JeM in Pakistan`s Balakot. A "large number" of terrorists, including top commanders, were eliminated in the strike, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale had told the media hours after the air raid. India has shared dossiers about Pakistani links to the Pulwama terror attack with Pakistan government as well as several key countries. India on Saturday sought credible, verifiable and sustained action from Pakistan against terror groups, saying that mere words will not be enough to impress the international community. "Pakistan will be judged by not the words it speaks but action it takes...The proof of action is not issuing a notification but dismantling infrastructure which should be verified. Pakistan is well aware of its own commitment and concrete action that has to be taken against terrorism... If Pakistan claims to be a 'naya (new) Pakistan with nayi soch (new thought)', it should show 'naya (new) action' against terrorist groups and terror infrastructure on its soil and end cross border terrorism in support of its claims," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said on Saturday at a media briefing.

Watch: ISI-backed pro-Khalistanis assault British Indians outside Indian High Commission in London

Iran's Rouhani asks Pakistan to act against terror

Indian Army shoots down two Pakistani spy drones

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday said that the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/air-strike-heres-why-balakot-was-chosen-by-indian-air-force-199792">February 26 air strike by the Indian Force</a>&nbsp;on Pakistan's Balakot was a targeted attack on terrorists which should have been done by Pak.

Speaking in Chennai, she said, "The air strike was not a military action, it was a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/balakot-air-strike-is-indias-googly-response-to-imran-khans-in-swinger-199863">targeted attack on terrorists</a> which actually Pakistan should have done, they didn't".

She further said that Pakistan was not acting on terrorists and it continues to train, fund and support terrorism.

"One thing is very clear Pak wasn't acting on terrorists. It continues to be the country where terrorists are trained, funded, supported by military establishment and sent across. Its theory of using non-state actors to keep terrorism going on continues without disturbance," she said.

She added that the army had the intelligence information about the presence of terrorists and therefore it hit the nerve centre that was aiding Fidayeen.

"We took decision to hit that nerve centre which was training, funding and giving capacity to what they call Fidayeen. Since we had enough intel information to say that that's where it is coming out of, we acted on terror so that no longer goes unattended".

(With inputs from ANI)

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday said that the February 26 air strike by the Indian Force on Pakistan's Balakot was a targeted attack on terrorists which should have been done by Pak.

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday said that the February 26 air strike by the Indian Force on Pakistan's Balakot was a targeted attack on terrorists which should have been done by Pak. Speaking in Chennai, she said, "The air strike was not a military action, it was a targeted attack on terrorists which actually Pakistan should have done, they didn't". She further said that Pakistan was not acting on terrorists and it continues to train, fund and support terrorism. "One thing is very clear Pak wasn't acting on terrorists. It continues to be the country where terrorists are trained, funded, supported by military establishment and sent across. Its theory of using non-state actors to keep terrorism going on continues without disturbance," she said. She added that the army had the intelligence information about the presence of terrorists and therefore it hit the nerve centre that was aiding Fidayeen. "We took decision to hit that nerve centre which was training, funding and giving capacity to what they call Fidayeen. Since we had enough intel information to say that that's where it is coming out of, we acted on terror so that no longer goes unattended". (With inputs from ANI)

Air strike was targeted attack at terrorists... Pakistan should have done it: Nirmala Sitharaman

The Border Security Force has handover over a Pakistani national, who had crossed over the international border on Friday, to the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-f-16-pilots-fired-4-5-amraams-at-indian-planes-from-40-50-km-sources-201455">Pakistan </a>Rangers.&nbsp;

The BSF said the Pakistani national was handed over as a "goodwill gesture" and to "maintain&nbsp;peace and&nbsp;tranquillity" along the International Border.&nbsp; 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-did-not-shoot-down-one-of-our-sukhois-india-201398">Pakistan</a> had earlier released the Indian Air Force pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman as a "peace gesture".

The Indian Air Force&nbsp;had on February 26 conducted an air strike on a Jaish-e-Mohammed training camp in Balakot in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunwa province. (The air strike had come 12 days after the suicide attack on a CRPF convoy in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama which had killed 40 personnel. The attack had been claimed by the JeM.)&nbsp;

Pakistan hit back a day later, dropping bombs on the Indian side of the Line of Control.&nbsp;

Pakistan said it did not cross the LoC. India said the Pakistani bombs had been aimed at Indian military installations but that they missed their targets.&nbsp;

India had scrambled jets to chase out the Pakistani planes.&nbsp;

One of those Indian planes — a MiG 21 Bison — had been flown by <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/wc-abhinandan-piloted-mig-21-bison-shot-down-pak-f-16-have-electronic-evidence-mea-202214">Abhinandan </a>who took down a Pakistani F-16 but was then shot down too.&nbsp;

He spent two nights in Pakistani custody before being released.&nbsp;&nbsp;

His release had very quickly de-escalated tensions between India and Pakistan.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The Border Security Force has handover over a Pakistani national, who had crossed over the international border on Friday, to the Pakistan Rangers. The BSF said the Pakistani national was handed over as a "goodwill gesture" and to "maintain peace and tranquillity" along the International Border.

The Border Security Force has handover over a Pakistani national, who had crossed over the international border on Friday, to the Pakistan Rangers. The BSF said the Pakistani national was handed over as a "goodwill gesture" and to "maintain peace and tranquillity" along the International Border. Pakistan had earlier released the Indian Air Force pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman as a "peace gesture". The Indian Air Force had on February 26 conducted an air strike on a Jaish-e-Mohammed training camp in Balakot in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunwa province. (The air strike had come 12 days after the suicide attack on a CRPF convoy in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama which had killed 40 personnel. The attack had been claimed by the JeM.) Pakistan hit back a day later, dropping bombs on the Indian side of the Line of Control. Pakistan said it did not cross the LoC. India said the Pakistani bombs had been aimed at Indian military installations but that they missed their targets. India had scrambled jets to chase out the Pakistani planes. One of those Indian planes — a MiG 21 Bison — had been flown by Abhinandan who took down a Pakistani F-16 but was then shot down too. He spent two nights in Pakistani custody before being released. His release had very quickly de-escalated tensions between India and Pakistan.

India hands over Pakistani national as 'goodwill gesture'

An influential Indian-American Congressman has warned that Pakistan will continue to slide into international isolation if it does not take actions against terrorist groups operating from its soil.

Ami Bera, the Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, also urged China to play a constructive role by lifting its veto over UN Security Council resolution to designate Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist.

"The United States' Congress stands ready to support Pakistan should Prime Minister (Imran) Khan begin cracking down on terrorist groups in earnest. This will only help improve his nation's economy," Bera wrote in an op-ed published in News India Times on Friday.

In his op-ed titled 'Time For Pakistan to Chart a New Course', the four-time Indian-American Congressman from California said that Pakistan did the right thing by releasing Indian Air Force pilot Abhinandan Varthaman.

"This de-escalated a dangerous situation but more has to be done. Prime Minister Imran Khan should use this opportunity to reset his country's relationship with the world and chart a new course for Pakistan," he said.

This starts with cracking down on the JeM and other terrorist groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba which was responsible for the 2008 Mumbai attack, Bera said, adding that unfortunately, Pakistan's behaviour towards these terrorist groups have been contradictory and self-defeating.

"Pakistan has banned many of these terrorist groups, including adding two more groups on March 5, but at the same time tolerates them operating within its own borders. This has caused the international community to isolate Pakistan," Bera said.

Pakistan has taken some initial steps, like detaining 44 suspected militants, including the brother of JeM's leader Masood Azhar. It is, however, unclear whether this "preventative detention", as Pakistan described it, will lead to criminal prosecutions and justice being served, he said.

"Prime Minister Khan can help Pakistan earn enormous goodwill by tracking down and bringing to justice Azhar, whom the Pakistani Foreign Minister indicated was alive, with his whereabouts known. They can further that goodwill by dismantling the terrorist networks that operate within Pakistan.

"These actions are in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 1267. If Khan does not take these steps, I'm afraid Pakistan will continue to slide into international isolation, which will only serve to increase economic hardship on the Pakistani people," the Indian-American Congressman said.

"I also call on China to play a constructive role in India and Pakistan relations. A good first step would be for China to cease blocking a UN Security Council resolution designating Masood Azhar a global terrorist," Bera said.

His article came days after Pakistan, under global pressure after the Pulwama terror attack and India's air strikes against JeM terrorist camp in Balakot in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on February 26, started taking actions against some of the terrorist outfits and their leaders over the past few days.

In Islamabad, the Interior Ministry on Thursday announced that a total of 121 members of the proscribed groups have so far been taken into "preventive detention" across Pakistan.

Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated after a suicide bomber of Pakistan-based terror group JeM killed 40 CRPF personnel in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on February 14.

India launched a counter-terror operation in Balakot. The next day, Pakistan Air Force retaliated and downed a MiG-21 in aerial combat and captured its pilot, who was handed over to India on March 1.

An influential Indian-American Congressman has warned that Pakistan will continue to slide into international isolation if it does not take actions against terrorist groups operating from its soil.

An influential Indian-American Congressman has warned that Pakistan will continue to slide into international isolation if it does not take actions against terrorist groups operating from its soil. Ami Bera, the Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, also urged China to play a constructive role by lifting its veto over UN Security Council resolution to designate Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist. "The United States' Congress stands ready to support Pakistan should Prime Minister (Imran) Khan begin cracking down on terrorist groups in earnest. This will only help improve his nation's economy," Bera wrote in an op-ed published in News India Times on Friday. In his op-ed titled 'Time For Pakistan to Chart a New Course', the four-time Indian-American Congressman from California said that Pakistan did the right thing by releasing Indian Air Force pilot Abhinandan Varthaman. "This de-escalated a dangerous situation but more has to be done. Prime Minister Imran Khan should use this opportunity to reset his country's relationship with the world and chart a new course for Pakistan," he said. This starts with cracking down on the JeM and other terrorist groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba which was responsible for the 2008 Mumbai attack, Bera said, adding that unfortunately, Pakistan's behaviour towards these terrorist groups have been contradictory and self-defeating. "Pakistan has banned many of these terrorist groups, including adding two more groups on March 5, but at the same time tolerates them operating within its own borders. This has caused the international community to isolate Pakistan," Bera said. Pakistan has taken some initial steps, like detaining 44 suspected militants, including the brother of JeM's leader Masood Azhar. It is, however, unclear whether this "preventative detention", as Pakistan described it, will lead to criminal prosecutions and justice being served, he said. "Prime Minister Khan can help Pakistan earn enormous goodwill by tracking down and bringing to justice Azhar, whom the Pakistani Foreign Minister indicated was alive, with his whereabouts known. They can further that goodwill by dismantling the terrorist networks that operate within Pakistan. "These actions are in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 1267. If Khan does not take these steps, I'm afraid Pakistan will continue to slide into international isolation, which will only serve to increase economic hardship on the Pakistani people," the Indian-American Congressman said. "I also call on China to play a constructive role in India and Pakistan relations. A good first step would be for China to cease blocking a UN Security Council resolution designating Masood Azhar a global terrorist," Bera said. His article came days after Pakistan, under global pressure after the Pulwama terror attack and India's air strikes against JeM terrorist camp in Balakot in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on February 26, started taking actions against some of the terrorist outfits and their leaders over the past few days. In Islamabad, the Interior Ministry on Thursday announced that a total of 121 members of the proscribed groups have so far been taken into "preventive detention" across Pakistan. Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated after a suicide bomber of Pakistan-based terror group JeM killed 40 CRPF personnel in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on February 14. India launched a counter-terror operation in Balakot. The next day, Pakistan Air Force retaliated and downed a MiG-21 in aerial combat and captured its pilot, who was handed over to India on March 1.

Pakistan will face global isolation if it doesn't rein in terrorist groups: Indian-American Congressman 

Home Minister Rajnath Singh said Saturday that in the last five years, India has hit Pakistan three times.&nbsp;

"Pichle 5 varsho mein, teen baar apni seema ke bahar jaa kar hum logon ne air strike kar kaamyaabi haasil ki hai (We have crossed our borders three times in the last five years and conducted successful air strikes)," Singh said.&nbsp;

"Do ki jaankari apko dunga, teesri ki nahi dunga (I will tell you about two but not about the third)," the union home minister added.&nbsp;

Singh was speaking in Karnataka's Mangaluru.&nbsp;

While Singh said "three air strikes", he went on to say that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/surgical-strikes-were-conducted-in-the-interest-of-national-security-not-for-political-mileage-148036">the first strike</a> came after the terrorist attack on the Indian Army camp in Jammu and Kashmir's Uri. Nineteen soldiers had died in that attack.&nbsp;

Eleven days after the Uri attack, the Indian Army had conducted a surgical strike on terror launchpads along the Line of Control.&nbsp;

Singh said the second strike was conducted after Pulwama.&nbsp;

On February 14, a suicide attack on a Central Reserve Police Force convoy had killed at least 40 CRPF personnel. The attack was claimed by the Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed.&nbsp;

Twelve days after Pulwama, on February 26, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/up-to-50-killed-in-indian-air-strike-on-pakistans-balakot-italian-journalist-quoting-eyewitness-200787">the Indian Air Force conducted an air strike on a Jaish-e-Mohammed training camp</a> in Balakot in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunwa province.&nbsp;

On Saturday, Singh said "this is no longer a weak India".&nbsp;

The Indian Army's September 2016 surgical strike and the Indian Air Force's recent air strike on the JeM training camp in Balakot have been well publicised, but it is the "third strike" mentioned by Singh today that has begun to raise fevered speculation.&nbsp;

Home Minister Rajnath Singh said Saturday that in the last five years, India has hit Pakistan three times. "Pichle 5 varsho mein, teen baar apni seema ke bahar jaa kar hum logon ne air strike kar kaamyaabi haasil ki hai (We have crossed our borders three times in the last five years and conducted successful air strikes)," Singh said.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh said Saturday that in the last five years, India has hit Pakistan three times. "Pichle 5 varsho mein, teen baar apni seema ke bahar jaa kar hum logon ne air strike kar kaamyaabi haasil ki hai (We have crossed our borders three times in the last five years and conducted successful air strikes)," Singh said. "Do ki jaankari apko dunga, teesri ki nahi dunga (I will tell you about two but not about the third)," the union home minister added. Singh was speaking in Karnataka's Mangaluru. While Singh said "three air strikes", he went on to say that the first strike came after the terrorist attack on the Indian Army camp in Jammu and Kashmir's Uri. Nineteen soldiers had died in that attack. Eleven days after the Uri attack, the Indian Army had conducted a surgical strike on terror launchpads along the Line of Control. Singh said the second strike was conducted after Pulwama. On February 14, a suicide attack on a Central Reserve Police Force convoy had killed at least 40 CRPF personnel. The attack was claimed by the Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed. Twelve days after Pulwama, on February 26, the Indian Air Force conducted an air strike on a Jaish-e-Mohammed training camp in Balakot in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunwa province. On Saturday, Singh said "this is no longer a weak India". The Indian Army's September 2016 surgical strike and the Indian Air Force's recent air strike on the JeM training camp in Balakot have been well publicised, but it is the "third strike" mentioned by Singh today that has begun to raise fevered speculation.

In last 5 years, we have hit Pakistan 3 times: Rajnath Singh

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/government-imposes-ban-on-jamaat-e-islami-jammu-and-kashmir-200364">Jamaat-e-</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/government-imposes-ban-on-jamaat-e-islami-jammu-and-kashmir-200364">lslami</a> Jammu and Kashmir, which was banned by the government recently, has established strong links with Pakistan's ISI and has been maintaining regular contact with the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi for promoting secessionism in the state, officials said.

The most important member of the JeI (J&amp;K) in the Hurriyat Conference is Syed Ali Shah Geelani, who was at one point of time designated as the 'Amir-e-Jihad' (Head of Jehad) of Jammu and Kashmir by the proscribed organisation.

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pulwama-attack-police-crackdown-on-jamaat-e-islami-jammu-and-kashmir-top-leaders-detained-199109">JeI (J&amp;K) </a>has established strong links with Pakistan's ISI for ensuring logistics support for arming, training and supply of weapons to Kashmiri youths and its leaders continue to maintain regular contact with the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi for support, a senior government official said.

According to the intelligence inputs, the Jel (J&amp;K) has been using its network of schools to spread anti-India feelings among children in the Kashmir Valley and encouraging cadres of the Jel (J&amp;K) youth wing (Jamiat-ul-Tulba) to join 'Jihad' by getting recruited into terrorist outfits.

It is no surprise that the pattern of militancy in the Valley has a strong correlation with the spread of the hardline Jel (J&amp;K) activists in the area, the official said.

The Jel (J&amp;K) has been utilising the fear generated by Pakistan-based Hizbul Mujahideen and leveraging the financial clouts of its members and trusts under its control to mobilise funds both locally and from abroad and using these assets to consolidate its hold at the grassroot level.

This base is used to provide a fertile ground for the operation of militants outfits in the Kashmir Valley including motivation, new recruits, shelters and hideouts, couriers etc.

The hardliner elements in Jel have been at the forefront of secessionist activities and were the brain behind the formation of the All Party Hurriyat Conference (APHC) as well as Hizbul Mujahideen, another official said.

The JeI (J&amp;K) also has several trusts for running schools to disseminate orthodox Islamic education, has a youth wing and has numerous publications for spreading its fundamentalist ideology.

Behind this facade, hardliners within the JeI (J&amp;K) have been involved with militant groups, have actively participated in promotion of secessionist activities, have been questioning the finality of the Jammu and Kashmir's accession to India and have been "striving for merger of the state with Pakistan", the official said.

The group has extensive foreign links through which it secures funding and promotes its objectives. It has close links with Jel-Pakistan, Jel-POK and Jel-Bangladesh, where several leaders have faced death penalty for anti-national activities.

It has also been promoting sectarian tensions in the Valley by mobilizing opinion against the Hanfi-Aithkadi sects.

Gilani, the JeI (J&amp;K) representative in the Hurriyat, has been continuously supporting militancy in Kashmir and even during the Kargil War, he had termed the intruders as "freedom fighters".

The JeI (J&amp;K) was formed in 1945 as a chapter of the Jamaat-e-Islami Hind and separated in 1953 due to differences over political ideology with the parent body.

It is opposed to participating in the electoral process and has been pursuing the agenda of setting up an independent theocratic Islamic State by destabilising the government established by law.

The outfit was banned twice in the past due to its activities. The first time in 1975 for two years by the Jammu and Kashmir government and the second time in April 1990 for three years by the Centre, when Mufti Mohammad Sayeed was the Union home minister. The ban continued till December, 1993.

The JeI (J&amp;K) was banned again by the central government on February 28.

The Jamaat-e-lslami Jammu and Kashmir, which was banned by the government recently, has established strong links with Pakistan's ISI and has been maintaining regular contact with the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi for promoting secessionism in the state, officials said.

The Jamaat-e-lslami Jammu and Kashmir, which was banned by the government recently, has established strong links with Pakistan's ISI and has been maintaining regular contact with the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi for promoting secessionism in the state, officials said. The most important member of the JeI (J&K) in the Hurriyat Conference is Syed Ali Shah Geelani, who was at one point of time designated as the 'Amir-e-Jihad' (Head of Jehad) of Jammu and Kashmir by the proscribed organisation. The JeI (J&K) has established strong links with Pakistan's ISI for ensuring logistics support for arming, training and supply of weapons to Kashmiri youths and its leaders continue to maintain regular contact with the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi for support, a senior government official said. According to the intelligence inputs, the Jel (J&K) has been using its network of schools to spread anti-India feelings among children in the Kashmir Valley and encouraging cadres of the Jel (J&K) youth wing (Jamiat-ul-Tulba) to join 'Jihad' by getting recruited into terrorist outfits. It is no surprise that the pattern of militancy in the Valley has a strong correlation with the spread of the hardline Jel (J&K) activists in the area, the official said. The Jel (J&K) has been utilising the fear generated by Pakistan-based Hizbul Mujahideen and leveraging the financial clouts of its members and trusts under its control to mobilise funds both locally and from abroad and using these assets to consolidate its hold at the grassroot level. This base is used to provide a fertile ground for the operation of militants outfits in the Kashmir Valley including motivation, new recruits, shelters and hideouts, couriers etc. The hardliner elements in Jel have been at the forefront of secessionist activities and were the brain behind the formation of the All Party Hurriyat Conference (APHC) as well as Hizbul Mujahideen, another official said. The JeI (J&K) also has several trusts for running schools to disseminate orthodox Islamic education, has a youth wing and has numerous publications for spreading its fundamentalist ideology. Behind this facade, hardliners within the JeI (J&K) have been involved with militant groups, have actively participated in promotion of secessionist activities, have been questioning the finality of the Jammu and Kashmir's accession to India and have been "striving for merger of the state with Pakistan", the official said. The group has extensive foreign links through which it secures funding and promotes its objectives. It has close links with Jel-Pakistan, Jel-POK and Jel-Bangladesh, where several leaders have faced death penalty for anti-national activities. It has also been promoting sectarian tensions in the Valley by mobilizing opinion against the Hanfi-Aithkadi sects. Gilani, the JeI (J&K) representative in the Hurriyat, has been continuously supporting militancy in Kashmir and even during the Kargil War, he had termed the intruders as "freedom fighters". The JeI (J&K) was formed in 1945 as a chapter of the Jamaat-e-Islami Hind and separated in 1953 due to differences over political ideology with the parent body. It is opposed to participating in the electoral process and has been pursuing the agenda of setting up an independent theocratic Islamic State by destabilising the government established by law. The outfit was banned twice in the past due to its activities. The first time in 1975 for two years by the Jammu and Kashmir government and the second time in April 1990 for three years by the Centre, when Mufti Mohammad Sayeed was the Union home minister. The ban continued till December, 1993. The JeI (J&K) was banned again by the central government on February 28.

Jamaat-e-lslami established strong links with ISI: Officials

The Indian Army on Saturday shot at another&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/iaf-shoots-down-pakistani-drone-that-violated-airspace-in-rajasthan-201136">Pakistani drone</a> that had entered Indian airspace along the&nbsp;international border in Rajasthan.&nbsp;The drone was shot at in Rajasthan's Sri Ganganagar sector.

This is the third Pakistani drone India says has entered the country's airspace since India's air strike&nbsp;on the Jaish-e-Mohammed training camp in Pakistan's Balakot.

The first drone was shot down on the morning of February 26 after it entered Indian airspace in the Kutch district of Gujarat.&nbsp;

The second was shot down on March 4 by an Indian Air Force Sukhoi 30MKI.

India hit the JeM training camp on February 26. The strike was in retaliation for the suicide attack on a Central Reserve Police Force security convoy in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama which killed at least 40 CRPF personnel. The attack was claimed by the JeM.&nbsp;

A day later, on February 27, Pakistan dropped bombs on the Indian side of the Line of Control. India said the bombs were aimed at military installations but that they missed their targets.&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI)

&nbsp;

The Indian Army on Saturday shot at another Pakistani drone that had entered Indian airspace along the international border in Rajasthan. The drone was shot at in Rajasthan's Sri Ganganagar sector.

The Indian Army on Saturday shot at another Pakistani drone that had entered Indian airspace along the international border in Rajasthan. The drone was shot at in Rajasthan's Sri Ganganagar sector. This is the third Pakistani drone India says has entered the country's airspace since India's air strike on the Jaish-e-Mohammed training camp in Pakistan's Balakot. The first drone was shot down on the morning of February 26 after it entered Indian airspace in the Kutch district of Gujarat. The second was shot down on March 4 by an Indian Air Force Sukhoi 30MKI. India hit the JeM training camp on February 26. The strike was in retaliation for the suicide attack on a Central Reserve Police Force security convoy in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama which killed at least 40 CRPF personnel. The attack was claimed by the JeM. A day later, on February 27, Pakistan dropped bombs on the Indian side of the Line of Control. India said the bombs were aimed at military installations but that they missed their targets. (With inputs from ANI)

Indian Army shoots at another Pakistani drone in Rajasthan

Inside Bahawalpur, headquarters of Jaish-e-Mohammed

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