Watch: WION Gravitas, 28th November, 2018

Pakistan govt to soon declare Gilgit-Baltistan as it's interim province

WION Gravitas: Gilgit-Baltistan to become interim Pakistan province

Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday said that former cricketer-turned-politician Navjot Singh Sidhu is so popular in Pakistan that he can contest and win an election here.

Imran Khan was speaking on the occasion of foundation <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-updates-paks-imran-khan-to-lay-foundation-stone-for-kartarpur-corridor-today-179875">stone-laying ceremony of Kartarpur Corridor.</a>

"Sidhu can come and contest election here in Pakistan's Punjab, he'll win. I hope we don't have to wait for Sidhu to become Indian PM for everlasting friendship b/w our nations," said Imran Khan.

Imran himself performed the groundbreaking of the corridor connecting Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur area of Narowal district with Dera Baba Nanak in India's Gurdaspur District.

"The happiness I saw today was like of those Muslims who are standing 4 km away from Medina on another side of the border but are unable to visit it, but when they get chance to visit it, the happiness they get is the happiness they are relishing today," he said.

Navjot Singh Sidhu also recited poetry in praise of Pakistan PM Imran Khan at the ground-breaking ceremony of Kartarpur Corridor in Pakistan.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: Navjot Singh Sidhu recites poetry in praise of Pakistan PM Imran Khan at the ground-breaking ceremony of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KartarpurCorridor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KartarpurCorridor</a> in Pakistan. <a href="https://t.co/DJqXG8pa4j">pic.twitter.com/DJqXG8pa4j</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1067722598342115329?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Navjot Singh Sidhu along with Harsimrat Kaur Badal and Hardeep S Puri &nbsp;was India’s face on the ground and called Kartarpur a “corridor of infinite possibilities.”

Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday said that former cricketer-turned-politician Navjot Singh Sidhu is so popular in Pakistan that he can contest and win an election here.

Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday said that former cricketer-turned-politician Navjot Singh Sidhu is so popular in Pakistan that he can contest and win an election here. Imran Khan was speaking on the occasion of foundation stone-laying ceremony of Kartarpur Corridor. "Sidhu can come and contest election here in Pakistan's Punjab, he'll win. I hope we don't have to wait for Sidhu to become Indian PM for everlasting friendship b/w our nations," said Imran Khan. Imran himself performed the groundbreaking of the corridor connecting Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur area of Narowal district with Dera Baba Nanak in India's Gurdaspur District. "The happiness I saw today was like of those Muslims who are standing 4 km away from Medina on another side of the border but are unable to visit it, but when they get chance to visit it, the happiness they get is the happiness they are relishing today," he said. Navjot Singh Sidhu also recited poetry in praise of Pakistan PM Imran Khan at the ground-breaking ceremony of Kartarpur Corridor in Pakistan. #WATCH: Navjot Singh Sidhu recites poetry in praise of Pakistan PM Imran Khan at the ground-breaking ceremony of #KartarpurCorridor in Pakistan. pic.twitter.com/DJqXG8pa4j — ANI (@ANI) November 28, 2018 × Navjot Singh Sidhu along with Harsimrat Kaur Badal and Hardeep S Puri was India’s face on the ground and called Kartarpur a “corridor of infinite possibilities.”

Navjot Sidhu should contest election in Pakistan's Punjab, he will win surely, says Imran Khan

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has turned down Pakistan's invite to the SAARC summit which is to be held in Islamabad.&nbsp;

The announcement was made by India's External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj.&nbsp;

"We are not responding to it (Pakistan's invitation to Modi to the SAARC summit) positively because as I said unless and until Pakistan stops terror activities in India, there will be no dialogue. So we will not participate in SAARC," ANI quoted Swaraj as saying.&nbsp;

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EAM Sushma Swaraj: We are not responding to it( invitation by Pakistan for SAARC summit) positively because as I said unless and until Pakistan stops terror activities in India, there will be no dialogue, so we will not participate in SAARC <a href="https://t.co/ufb2H9UDuD">pic.twitter.com/ufb2H9UDuD</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1067686478627700736?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Swaraj had earlier said that India and Pakistan were not going to start talking just becuase they are in the process of opening the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-updates-paks-imran-khan-to-lay-foundation-stone-for-kartarpur-corridor-today-179875">Kartarpur Corridor</a>.&nbsp;

The foundation stone-laying ceremony fo the corridor is taking place today in Kartarpur, Pakistan.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kartarpur-corridor-not-connected-with-dialogue-process-with-pak-sushma-swaraj-179919">Terror and talks cannot go together</a>, Swaraj said.&nbsp;

Pakistan Foreign Office spokesman Mohammad Faisal had on Tuesday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would be invited for the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) summit.&nbsp;

Addressing a press conference in Islamabad, Faisal recalled that Prime Minister Imran Khan had said in his victory speech that if India takes one step forward, Pakistan would take two.

The 2016 SAARC summit was also supposed to have been held in Islamabad.&nbsp;

But after a deadly terrorist attack on an Indian Army camp in Uri in Jammu and Kashmir in September that year, India expressed its inability to participate in the summit due to "prevailing circumstances".

The summit was called off after Bangladesh, Bhutan and Afghanistan also declined to participate in the Islamabad meet. Maldives and Sri Lanka are the seventh and eighth members of the initiative.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has turned down Pakistan's invite to the SAARC summit which is to be held in Islamabad. The announcement was made by India's External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has turned down Pakistan's invite to the SAARC summit which is to be held in Islamabad. The announcement was made by India's External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj. "We are not responding to it (Pakistan's invitation to Modi to the SAARC summit) positively because as I said unless and until Pakistan stops terror activities in India, there will be no dialogue. So we will not participate in SAARC," ANI quoted Swaraj as saying. EAM Sushma Swaraj: We are not responding to it( invitation by Pakistan for SAARC summit) positively because as I said unless and until Pakistan stops terror activities in India, there will be no dialogue, so we will not participate in SAARC pic.twitter.com/ufb2H9UDuD — ANI (@ANI) November 28, 2018 × Swaraj had earlier said that India and Pakistan were not going to start talking just becuase they are in the process of opening the Kartarpur Corridor. The foundation stone-laying ceremony fo the corridor is taking place today in Kartarpur, Pakistan. Terror and talks cannot go together, Swaraj said. Pakistan Foreign Office spokesman Mohammad Faisal had on Tuesday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would be invited for the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) summit. Addressing a press conference in Islamabad, Faisal recalled that Prime Minister Imran Khan had said in his victory speech that if India takes one step forward, Pakistan would take two. The 2016 SAARC summit was also supposed to have been held in Islamabad. But after a deadly terrorist attack on an Indian Army camp in Uri in Jammu and Kashmir in September that year, India expressed its inability to participate in the summit due to "prevailing circumstances". The summit was called off after Bangladesh, Bhutan and Afghanistan also declined to participate in the Islamabad meet. Maldives and Sri Lanka are the seventh and eighth members of the initiative. (With inputs from PTI)

Modi turns down Pakistan invite to SAARC summit

Pakistan is likely to pay off an International Monetary Fund bailout before its loans from China come due, easing concerns that IMF funds will be used to pay back Chinese creditors, the US Treasury`s top diplomat said on Tuesday.

David Malpass, the Treasury`s undersecretary for international affairs, told a US Senate Foreign Relations subcommittee hearing that the Trump administration was pushing for more transparency in Chinese lending, including to Pakistan.&nbsp;

Pakistan is negotiating with the IMF over terms of its second bailout since 2013, a loan package valued at about $6 billion, according to local media, with a deal now expected in mid-January.

Pakistan`s new president, Imran Khan, requested the bailout in October to deal with a mounting balance-of-payments crisis.

Pakistan is a major recipient of China`s Belt and Road infrastructure initiative, with Beijing pledging to finance some $60 billion in port, road and railway projects there. But Pakistan`s debt woes have prompted Islamabad to scale back some of the projects.&nbsp;

"One of the challenges is that in many cases they haven`t disclosed the terms of that debt," Malpass said of the Chinese loans to Pakistan. "In general terms, we think the maturity of the Chinese debt comes after the IMF would have been repaid."

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said earlier this year that there was "no rationale" for a program that repays Pakistan`s loans to China.&nbsp; 
Malpass said the challenge in the Pakistan-IMF talks is to forge a program that will foster "substantial economic reform" in Pakistan and put its finances on sustainable path.

A US Treasury delegation was recently in Pakistan to work with local officials, he added.

Malpass also said a lack of transparency in Chinese lending was not unique to Pakistan, noting that basic terms like the interest rate and maturity are often not disclosed, sometimes even to some parts of the borrower governments.

"China is lending in many countries where the terms of the loan are simply not given and that gives China a lot of leverage within its program," Malpass said. "And it`s something that we`re pushing back on very hard in the Paris Club, in the OECD, in the IMF, the World Bank, at the G20 and in the G7."

Earlier on Tuesday, China`s ambassador to the United States, Cui Tiankai, pushed back against any suggestion that China`s infrastructure loans were causing debt crises.

"How can you say building roads and bridges will hurt their economies?" Cui told Reuters in an interview.

"If they do not need it, they will not ask us to build it. That`s quite clear. All these things are done based on mutual agreement between the countries concerned and China."&nbsp;

Pakistan is likely to pay off an International Monetary Fund bailout before its loans from China come due, easing concerns that IMF funds will be used to pay back Chinese creditors, the US Treasury`s top diplomat said on Tuesday.

Pakistan is likely to pay off an International Monetary Fund bailout before its loans from China come due, easing concerns that IMF funds will be used to pay back Chinese creditors, the US Treasury`s top diplomat said on Tuesday. David Malpass, the Treasury`s undersecretary for international affairs, told a US Senate Foreign Relations subcommittee hearing that the Trump administration was pushing for more transparency in Chinese lending, including to Pakistan. Pakistan is negotiating with the IMF over terms of its second bailout since 2013, a loan package valued at about $6 billion, according to local media, with a deal now expected in mid-January. Pakistan`s new president, Imran Khan, requested the bailout in October to deal with a mounting balance-of-payments crisis. Pakistan is a major recipient of China`s Belt and Road infrastructure initiative, with Beijing pledging to finance some $60 billion in port, road and railway projects there. But Pakistan`s debt woes have prompted Islamabad to scale back some of the projects. "One of the challenges is that in many cases they haven`t disclosed the terms of that debt," Malpass said of the Chinese loans to Pakistan. "In general terms, we think the maturity of the Chinese debt comes after the IMF would have been repaid." Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said earlier this year that there was "no rationale" for a program that repays Pakistan`s loans to China. Malpass said the challenge in the Pakistan-IMF talks is to forge a program that will foster "substantial economic reform" in Pakistan and put its finances on sustainable path. A US Treasury delegation was recently in Pakistan to work with local officials, he added. Malpass also said a lack of transparency in Chinese lending was not unique to Pakistan, noting that basic terms like the interest rate and maturity are often not disclosed, sometimes even to some parts of the borrower governments. "China is lending in many countries where the terms of the loan are simply not given and that gives China a lot of leverage within its program," Malpass said. "And it`s something that we`re pushing back on very hard in the Paris Club, in the OECD, in the IMF, the World Bank, at the G20 and in the G7." Earlier on Tuesday, China`s ambassador to the United States, Cui Tiankai, pushed back against any suggestion that China`s infrastructure loans were causing debt crises. "How can you say building roads and bridges will hurt their economies?" Cui told Reuters in an interview. "If they do not need it, they will not ask us to build it. That`s quite clear. All these things are done based on mutual agreement between the countries concerned and China."

Pakistan likely to pay back IMF before Chinese debt: US Treasury official

Pakistani PM Imran Khan to invite PM Modi for SAARC meet

Punjab Cabinet Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu on Tuesday said that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sidhus-decision-to-visit-pakistan-his-way-of-thinking-amarinder-singh-179604">Kartarpur corridor</a> will be a bridge between Pakistan and India and erase enmity between the two neighbouring South Asian countries.

Sidhu, who is in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/relations-cant-improve-till-pakistan-army-is-tamed-amarinder-singh-177816">Pakistan</a> to attend the break ground ceremony of the Pakistan side of Kartarpur corridor, addressed the media persons in Lahore.&nbsp;

The corridor will promote peace and prosperity and foster people to people contact, he said.&nbsp;

''I see infinite possibilities of peace, of prosperity, of opening up of trade relations,'' said former cricketer-turned-politician.&nbsp;

Sidhu was invited by Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi to attend the groundbreaking ceremony of Kartarpur Corridor on November 28.

Earlier, Sidhu paid obeisance to Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib in Pakistan from the Indian side of the international border.&nbsp;

Sidhu has drawn much flak from within the Congress party over his decision to visit the ground-breaking ceremony of Kartarpur Sahib Corridor on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh has already turned down Pakistan`s invitation citing state-sponsored cross-border terrorism from Islamabad.

Sidhu reached Dera Baba Nanak via Amritsar from Madhya Pradesh on Monday morning.&nbsp;

"Ardas (prayers) of 13 crore `Guru Nanak Naam Leva Sangat`, which have been praying for the past 70 years for a darshan of gurdwaras on Pakistan side has borne the fruit," said Sidhu.

Pakistan government on November 23 had extended invitation to External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, Amarinder Singh and Navjot Singh Sidhu for the event.&nbsp;

Swaraj citing her prior commitments turned down the invite. Union Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal and Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs Hardeep Singh Puri would represent the Indian government at the groundbreaking ceremony of Kartarpur Sahib Corridor on Pakistan side.

Punjab Cabinet Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu on Tuesday said that Kartarpur corridor will be a bridge between Pakistan and India and erase enmity between the two neighbouring South Asian countries.

Punjab Cabinet Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu on Tuesday said that Kartarpur corridor will be a bridge between Pakistan and India and erase enmity between the two neighbouring South Asian countries. Sidhu, who is in Pakistan to attend the break ground ceremony of the Pakistan side of Kartarpur corridor, addressed the media persons in Lahore. The corridor will promote peace and prosperity and foster people to people contact, he said. ''I see infinite possibilities of peace, of prosperity, of opening up of trade relations,'' said former cricketer-turned-politician. Sidhu was invited by Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi to attend the groundbreaking ceremony of Kartarpur Corridor on November 28. Earlier, Sidhu paid obeisance to Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib in Pakistan from the Indian side of the international border. Sidhu has drawn much flak from within the Congress party over his decision to visit the ground-breaking ceremony of Kartarpur Sahib Corridor on Wednesday. Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh has already turned down Pakistan`s invitation citing state-sponsored cross-border terrorism from Islamabad. Sidhu reached Dera Baba Nanak via Amritsar from Madhya Pradesh on Monday morning. "Ardas (prayers) of 13 crore `Guru Nanak Naam Leva Sangat`, which have been praying for the past 70 years for a darshan of gurdwaras on Pakistan side has borne the fruit," said Sidhu. Pakistan government on November 23 had extended invitation to External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, Amarinder Singh and Navjot Singh Sidhu for the event. Swaraj citing her prior commitments turned down the invite. Union Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal and Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs Hardeep Singh Puri would represent the Indian government at the groundbreaking ceremony of Kartarpur Sahib Corridor on Pakistan side.

In Pakistan, Sidhu says Kartarpur corridor will erase enmity

China on Tuesday said Pakistan has assured that it will provide full security to its citizens and the CPEC projects following the recent terrorist attack on its Consulate in Karachi and that any attempt to sabotage their friendship would not succeed.

Three heavily-armed suicide bombers stormed the Chinese consulate in Pakistan's largest city on November 23, killing four people including two policemen before being shot dead by security forces which foiled the daring attack in the high-security zone.

The attack was soon claimed by the outlawed Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) which said it would not tolerate "any Chinese military expansionist endeavours on Baloch soil".

"Pakistan has made it clear that they will get to the bottom of this attack, crackdown on the terrorist organisation and enhance the security of Chinese citizens, institutions and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told reporters here.

Praising the swift action by Pakistan's security personnel in warding off the attack, Geng said, "this attack once again showcased the mutual trust, mutual support and friendship between the two governments and two peoples."

He said once again it proved that China-Pakistan relationship is higher than mountains and deeper than the sea.&nbsp;

"We stand by each other through everything and we are all-weather strategic partners in every way," he said.

"I want to reiterate that no attempt to sabotage our friendship will succeed. We will maintain a close communication with Pakistani side. We believe in their ability to ensure domestic security, stability and in taking tough measures to ensure Chinese interests in Pakistan and ensuring the security of Chinese citizens and institutions there," he said.

Also, some institutions and netizens in China are collecting donations to help the families of the policemen killed and injured in the attack. 
Resource-rich Balochistan is at the heart of the Beijing's ambitious China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).&nbsp;

The BLA is opposed to the CPEC, which connects Gwadar Port in Balochistan with China's Xinjiang province, alleging that the project was aimed at exploiting the resources of the province.&nbsp;

China on Tuesday said Pakistan has assured that it will provide full security to its citizens and the CPEC projects following the recent terrorist attack on its Consulate in Karachi and that any attempt to sabotage their friendship would not succeed.

China on Tuesday said Pakistan has assured that it will provide full security to its citizens and the CPEC projects following the recent terrorist attack on its Consulate in Karachi and that any attempt to sabotage their friendship would not succeed. Three heavily-armed suicide bombers stormed the Chinese consulate in Pakistan's largest city on November 23, killing four people including two policemen before being shot dead by security forces which foiled the daring attack in the high-security zone. The attack was soon claimed by the outlawed Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) which said it would not tolerate "any Chinese military expansionist endeavours on Baloch soil". "Pakistan has made it clear that they will get to the bottom of this attack, crackdown on the terrorist organisation and enhance the security of Chinese citizens, institutions and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told reporters here. Praising the swift action by Pakistan's security personnel in warding off the attack, Geng said, "this attack once again showcased the mutual trust, mutual support and friendship between the two governments and two peoples." He said once again it proved that China-Pakistan relationship is higher than mountains and deeper than the sea. "We stand by each other through everything and we are all-weather strategic partners in every way," he said. "I want to reiterate that no attempt to sabotage our friendship will succeed. We will maintain a close communication with Pakistani side. We believe in their ability to ensure domestic security, stability and in taking tough measures to ensure Chinese interests in Pakistan and ensuring the security of Chinese citizens and institutions there," he said. Also, some institutions and netizens in China are collecting donations to help the families of the policemen killed and injured in the attack. Resource-rich Balochistan is at the heart of the Beijing's ambitious China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The BLA is opposed to the CPEC, which connects Gwadar Port in Balochistan with China's Xinjiang province, alleging that the project was aimed at exploiting the resources of the province.

Pakistan assured full security to our nationals, CPEC following terror attack on Consulate: China

Pakistan minister announces facilities for Sikh pilgrims at Kartarpur

Describing the Mumbai terror attack as a "barbarity", the US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Monday called upon Pakistan and other nations to uphold their UN Security Council obligations to implement sanctions against those responsible for the atrocity, including Lashkar-e-Taiba and its affiliates.

On the 10th anniversary of the Mumbai terror attack, the state department's Rewards for Justice (RFJ) programme offered <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/2611-attacks-us-announces-5-million-reward-for-information-on-perpetrators-179416">a new reward for up to $5 million</a> for information leading to the arrest or conviction of any individual who was involved in planning or facilitating the 2008 Mumbai attack.

"It is an affront to the families of the victims that, after ten years, those who planned the Mumbai attack have still not been convicted for their involvement," Pompeo said in a statement on the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attack.

"We call upon all countries, particularly Pakistan, to uphold their UN Security Council obligations to implement sanctions against the terrorists responsible for this atrocity, including Lashkar-e-Tayyiba and its affiliates," Pompeo said.

Some 166 people, including Americans, were killed in the attack carried out by 10 LeT terrorists. Nine of the attackers were killed by the police while lone survivor Ajmal Kasab was captured and hanged after he was handed down death sentence by an Indian court.

The US, Pompeo said, is committed to seeing that those responsible for the attack face justice.&nbsp;

The RFJ programme is offering a new reward for up to USD 5 million for information leading to the arrest or conviction of any individual who was involved in planning or facilitating the 2008 Mumbai attack.

"On behalf of the Government of the United States of America and all Americans, I express my solidarity with the people of India and the city of Mumbai on the 10th anniversary of the Mumbai terrorist attack," Pompeo said.&nbsp;

"We stand with the families and friends of the victims, whose loved ones were lost in this act of barbarism, including six American citizens. The barbarity of 26/11 shocked the entire world," said the top American diplomat.&nbsp;

Describing the Mumbai terror attack as a "barbarity", the US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Monday called upon Pakistan and other nations to uphold their UN Security Council obligations to implement sanctions against those responsible for the atrocity, including Lashkar-e-Taiba and its affiliates.

Describing the Mumbai terror attack as a "barbarity", the US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Monday called upon Pakistan and other nations to uphold their UN Security Council obligations to implement sanctions against those responsible for the atrocity, including Lashkar-e-Taiba and its affiliates. On the 10th anniversary of the Mumbai terror attack, the state department's Rewards for Justice (RFJ) programme offered a new reward for up to $5 million for information leading to the arrest or conviction of any individual who was involved in planning or facilitating the 2008 Mumbai attack. "It is an affront to the families of the victims that, after ten years, those who planned the Mumbai attack have still not been convicted for their involvement," Pompeo said in a statement on the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attack. "We call upon all countries, particularly Pakistan, to uphold their UN Security Council obligations to implement sanctions against the terrorists responsible for this atrocity, including Lashkar-e-Tayyiba and its affiliates," Pompeo said. Some 166 people, including Americans, were killed in the attack carried out by 10 LeT terrorists. Nine of the attackers were killed by the police while lone survivor Ajmal Kasab was captured and hanged after he was handed down death sentence by an Indian court. The US, Pompeo said, is committed to seeing that those responsible for the attack face justice. The RFJ programme is offering a new reward for up to USD 5 million for information leading to the arrest or conviction of any individual who was involved in planning or facilitating the 2008 Mumbai attack. "On behalf of the Government of the United States of America and all Americans, I express my solidarity with the people of India and the city of Mumbai on the 10th anniversary of the Mumbai terrorist attack," Pompeo said. "We stand with the families and friends of the victims, whose loved ones were lost in this act of barbarism, including six American citizens. The barbarity of 26/11 shocked the entire world," said the top American diplomat.

US calls on Pakistan, others to implement UNSC sanctions against perpetrators of 26/11 attacks

Leg-spinner Yasir Shah took a career-best eight-wicket haul as New Zealand were forced to follow-on on the third day of the second Test in Dubai on Monday.

Yasir's 8-41 in 12.3 overs rocked New Zealand to 90 all out and after follow-on they were 39-1 at tea, needing another 289 runs with nine wickets left to avoid an innings defeat.

Tom Latham (19) and Ken Williamson (13) were at the crease as Yasir's destruction gave Pakistan a good chance of levelling the series after losing the first Test by four runs in Abu Dhabi last week.

Yasir dismissed opener Jeet Raval for his ninth wicket in the match, stumped for two.

Rain had delayed the start of the third day by an hour but when the action started Yasir was lightening, bowling to his best ability on a turning Dubai stadium pitch.

Yasir dismissed Latham (22), Ross Taylor (nought) and Henry Nicholls (nought) in his ninth over, triggering a collapse during which New Zealand lost all their ten wickets for just 40 runs after being well set on 50 without loss.

Yasir's bowling figures - his 15th five-wicket haul -&nbsp;beat his previous best of 7-76 against Sri Lanka at Galle in 2015 and also the best against New Zealand.

Intikhab Alam (7-52) held the record for Pakistan's best bowling against New Zealand, achieved at Dunedin in 1973.

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New Zealand reach the interval with the loss of just one wicket in their second innings. 
 
Yasir Shah has already taken nine wickets today, how many more can he get in the final session?<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PAKvNZ?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PAKvNZ</a> LIVE ⬇️<a href="https://t.co/sHrmQnbNyn">https://t.co/sHrmQnbNyn</a> <a href="https://t.co/6QwKrtbA9F">pic.twitter.com/6QwKrtbA9F</a>
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New Zealand, resuming at 27 without loss, lost Raval in an unfortunate way as he tried to reverse sweep Yasir but the ball deflected off his bat to his thigh and hit the stumps.

Raval top-scored with 31.

From 50-1 it became 61-2 when Yasir had Latham caught at short-leg by Imam-ul-Haq off the first ball of his ninth over.&nbsp;

Two balls later he bowled experienced Taylor with a beautiful delivery that turned and beat the forward push by the batsman.

Off his fifth ball Yasir bowled Nicholls through the gap between bat and pad.

It was Yasir who ran Bradley-John Watling run out soon after lunch for one before dismissing Ish Sodhi, Neil Wagner, Ajaz Patel and Trent Boult -- all without scoring in the space of nine balls.

Six New Zealand batsmen fell without scoring, making it the fifth occasion in a Test when six batsmen failed to score in an innings.

Williamson remained unbeaten on 28, watching wickets fell like nine pins at the other end.

With Sodhi's wicket Yasir also completed 100 wickets in 16 Tests in United Arab Emirates (Dubai, Sharja and Abu Dhabi).

Leg-spinner Yasir Shah took a career-best eight-wicket haul as New Zealand were forced to follow-on on the third day of the second Test in Dubai on Monday. Yasir's 8-41 in 12.

Leg-spinner Yasir Shah took a career-best eight-wicket haul as New Zealand were forced to follow-on on the third day of the second Test in Dubai on Monday. Yasir's 8-41 in 12.3 overs rocked New Zealand to 90 all out and after follow-on they were 39-1 at tea, needing another 289 runs with nine wickets left to avoid an innings defeat. Tom Latham (19) and Ken Williamson (13) were at the crease as Yasir's destruction gave Pakistan a good chance of levelling the series after losing the first Test by four runs in Abu Dhabi last week. Yasir dismissed opener Jeet Raval for his ninth wicket in the match, stumped for two. Rain had delayed the start of the third day by an hour but when the action started Yasir was lightening, bowling to his best ability on a turning Dubai stadium pitch. Yasir dismissed Latham (22), Ross Taylor (nought) and Henry Nicholls (nought) in his ninth over, triggering a collapse during which New Zealand lost all their ten wickets for just 40 runs after being well set on 50 without loss. Yasir's bowling figures - his 15th five-wicket haul - beat his previous best of 7-76 against Sri Lanka at Galle in 2015 and also the best against New Zealand. Intikhab Alam (7-52) held the record for Pakistan's best bowling against New Zealand, achieved at Dunedin in 1973. New Zealand reach the interval with the loss of just one wicket in their second innings. Yasir Shah has already taken nine wickets today, how many more can he get in the final session?#PAKvNZ LIVE ⬇️https://t.co/sHrmQnbNyn pic.twitter.com/6QwKrtbA9F — ICC (@ICC) November 26, 2018 × New Zealand, resuming at 27 without loss, lost Raval in an unfortunate way as he tried to reverse sweep Yasir but the ball deflected off his bat to his thigh and hit the stumps. Raval top-scored with 31. From 50-1 it became 61-2 when Yasir had Latham caught at short-leg by Imam-ul-Haq off the first ball of his ninth over. Two balls later he bowled experienced Taylor with a beautiful delivery that turned and beat the forward push by the batsman. Off his fifth ball Yasir bowled Nicholls through the gap between bat and pad. It was Yasir who ran Bradley-John Watling run out soon after lunch for one before dismissing Ish Sodhi, Neil Wagner, Ajaz Patel and Trent Boult -- all without scoring in the space of nine balls. Six New Zealand batsmen fell without scoring, making it the fifth occasion in a Test when six batsmen failed to score in an innings. Williamson remained unbeaten on 28, watching wickets fell like nine pins at the other end. With Sodhi's wicket Yasir also completed 100 wickets in 16 Tests in United Arab Emirates (Dubai, Sharja and Abu Dhabi).

PAK vs NZ, 2nd Test: Yasir Shah's 8-wicket haul destroys New Zealand in first innings

26/11: 'Bring Mumbai attack perpetrators to Justice', says US

Another major terrorist attack in India of the magnitude similar to the 26/11 strike originating from Pakistan could easily escalate into a regional war, scholars, former diplomats and US officials have warned ahead of the 10th anniversary of the deadly Mumbai terror attack.

Some 166 people, including Americans, were killed in the attack carried out by Pakistan-based 10 Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists. Nine of the attackers were killed by police while lone survivor Ajmal Kasab was captured and hanged after handed down death sentence by an Indian court.

Perpetrators of the 26/11 attack, including its mastermind and banned Jamat-ud Dawa (JuD) chief Hafiz Saeed, continue to roam freely in Pakistan, indicating that Islamabad is not serious in bringing them to justice. The JuD is believed to be the front group for the LeT. The US has offered a $10 million bounty for Saeed.

The 26/11 attack case has entered into the 10th year but none of its seven suspects in Pakistan has been punished yet, showing that the case had never been in its priority list.

"The victims of 26/11 have yet to see the masterminds of the attack in the LeT and the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) face justice; unfortunately, that is virtually impossible in Pakistan," former Central Intelligence Agency official Bruce Riedel told PTI.

Riedel, senior fellow and director of Brookings Intelligence Project, believes that another terror attack in India of similar magnitude would result in a war between the two countries.

"If another attack of this magnitude occurs, there will be war," he said. 
Pakistan's former envoy to the US Husain Haqqani said: "With US-Pakistan relations in a tailspin and hawkish attitudes dominating the subcontinent, one cannot predict if and how the situation would be controlled in the event of another major terrorist attack in India, with clear linkages to groups in Pakistan".

Currently a senior fellow and Director for South and Central Asia at the Hudson Institute, Haqqani said Pakistan "must fulfil its promise of acting" against the masterminds of the 26/11 attack.

"That it has chosen to let them operate freely raises the justifiable concern that Pakistan's deep state does not want to deter or punish terrorists responsible for attacks in India.

"In 2008, Pakistan's promise of acting against the LeT and those involved in the Mumbai attack prevented escalation of India-Pakistan hostilities. The US also helped calm things down by sharing intelligence with both Pakistan and India," he said.

Agreed a senior Bush administration official, who was inside the White House at the time of the attack.

"That (India-Pakistan war) was a primary concern and a primary scenario that we wanted to avoid," Anish Goel, who was director of South Asia in the National Security Council of the White House at the time of the 26/11 attack, told PTI.

Noting that there was a lot of pressure on then prime minister Manmohan Singh "to react kinetically", Goel said then president George Bush and secretary of state Condoleezza Rice had to make a lot of efforts including several phone calls to New Delhi, Islamabad and leaders of several US allies to prevent such a scenario.

Bush was very concerned, and got on phone with Singh immediately, offering condolences and urging restraint, he said. Rice travelled to the region trying to cool things.

"There's a lot of public pressure. I think prime minister Singh himself was showing a lot of restraint and was not inclined to do a counter attack right away, but there was a lot of political pressure on him to do so," said Goel.

"The US, I believe -- I don't know for sure, you have to ask the Indian government to know -- having counseling or urging him to show restraint, gave him some sort of political leeway and maneuverability to resist the domestic political pressures from those calling for a quick counterstrike on Pakistan," he said, adding that at no point there was any evidence of military mobilisation.

"There was a sense of nervousness in the then Bush administration about a possible nuclear war in South Asia. The Mumbai terror attack started a day before Thanksgiving a national holiday in the US and did not end till Sunday, the last day of the long weekend. Bush not only held situation room meeting on Saturday, but also mobilised his entire administration to try and prevent escalation of the tension," Goel added.

A senior former Obama administration official said if another attack would have happened like that, it would "quickly escalates into a regional war".

The current government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has already "taken a tough line" against Islamabad including a surgical strike, the official said on anonymity.

"I could certainly foresee a situation where he (prime minister Modi) escalates those quite a bit in response to the terrorist attack. Then for the US government, I just don't know if the Trump administration would counsel restraint the way the Bush administration did," he said.

The Trump administration might say they (Indians) are justified, he said. 
"Not only are we not going to stop you, but we're going to help you. I don't know that they would do, but I don't know if they would carry the same message of constraints.

"So, when you're talking about what could happen in the region, if there was another Mumbai attack after the Pakistanis have promised there's no terrorists operating in our country and we're going after all of them, I could see a scenario which quickly escalates into a regional war," he added.&nbsp;

Another major terrorist attack in India of the magnitude similar to the 26/11 strike originating from Pakistan could easily escalate into a regional war, scholars, former diplomats and US officials have warned ahead of the 10th anniversary of the deadly Mumbai terror attack.

Another major terrorist attack in India of the magnitude similar to the 26/11 strike originating from Pakistan could easily escalate into a regional war, scholars, former diplomats and US officials have warned ahead of the 10th anniversary of the deadly Mumbai terror attack. Some 166 people, including Americans, were killed in the attack carried out by Pakistan-based 10 Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists. Nine of the attackers were killed by police while lone survivor Ajmal Kasab was captured and hanged after handed down death sentence by an Indian court. Perpetrators of the 26/11 attack, including its mastermind and banned Jamat-ud Dawa (JuD) chief Hafiz Saeed, continue to roam freely in Pakistan, indicating that Islamabad is not serious in bringing them to justice. The JuD is believed to be the front group for the LeT. The US has offered a $10 million bounty for Saeed. The 26/11 attack case has entered into the 10th year but none of its seven suspects in Pakistan has been punished yet, showing that the case had never been in its priority list. "The victims of 26/11 have yet to see the masterminds of the attack in the LeT and the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) face justice; unfortunately, that is virtually impossible in Pakistan," former Central Intelligence Agency official Bruce Riedel told PTI. Riedel, senior fellow and director of Brookings Intelligence Project, believes that another terror attack in India of similar magnitude would result in a war between the two countries. "If another attack of this magnitude occurs, there will be war," he said. Pakistan's former envoy to the US Husain Haqqani said: "With US-Pakistan relations in a tailspin and hawkish attitudes dominating the subcontinent, one cannot predict if and how the situation would be controlled in the event of another major terrorist attack in India, with clear linkages to groups in Pakistan". Currently a senior fellow and Director for South and Central Asia at the Hudson Institute, Haqqani said Pakistan "must fulfil its promise of acting" against the masterminds of the 26/11 attack. "That it has chosen to let them operate freely raises the justifiable concern that Pakistan's deep state does not want to deter or punish terrorists responsible for attacks in India. "In 2008, Pakistan's promise of acting against the LeT and those involved in the Mumbai attack prevented escalation of India-Pakistan hostilities. The US also helped calm things down by sharing intelligence with both Pakistan and India," he said. Agreed a senior Bush administration official, who was inside the White House at the time of the attack. "That (India-Pakistan war) was a primary concern and a primary scenario that we wanted to avoid," Anish Goel, who was director of South Asia in the National Security Council of the White House at the time of the 26/11 attack, told PTI. Noting that there was a lot of pressure on then prime minister Manmohan Singh "to react kinetically", Goel said then president George Bush and secretary of state Condoleezza Rice had to make a lot of efforts including several phone calls to New Delhi, Islamabad and leaders of several US allies to prevent such a scenario. Bush was very concerned, and got on phone with Singh immediately, offering condolences and urging restraint, he said. Rice travelled to the region trying to cool things. "There's a lot of public pressure. I think prime minister Singh himself was showing a lot of restraint and was not inclined to do a counter attack right away, but there was a lot of political pressure on him to do so," said Goel. "The US, I believe -- I don't know for sure, you have to ask the Indian government to know -- having counseling or urging him to show restraint, gave him some sort of political leeway and maneuverability to resist the domestic political pressures from those calling for a quick counterstrike on Pakistan," he said, adding that at no point there was any evidence of military mobilisation. "There was a sense of nervousness in the then Bush administration about a possible nuclear war in South Asia. The Mumbai terror attack started a day before Thanksgiving a national holiday in the US and did not end till Sunday, the last day of the long weekend. Bush not only held situation room meeting on Saturday, but also mobilised his entire administration to try and prevent escalation of the tension," Goel added. A senior former Obama administration official said if another attack would have happened like that, it would "quickly escalates into a regional war". The current government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has already "taken a tough line" against Islamabad including a surgical strike, the official said on anonymity. "I could certainly foresee a situation where he (prime minister Modi) escalates those quite a bit in response to the terrorist attack. Then for the US government, I just don't know if the Trump administration would counsel restraint the way the Bush administration did," he said. The Trump administration might say they (Indians) are justified, he said. "Not only are we not going to stop you, but we're going to help you. I don't know that they would do, but I don't know if they would carry the same message of constraints. "So, when you're talking about what could happen in the region, if there was another Mumbai attack after the Pakistanis have promised there's no terrorists operating in our country and we're going after all of them, I could see a scenario which quickly escalates into a regional war," he added.

Another terror attack in India similar to 26/11 with footprints in Pak will lead to war: Experts

In pictures: 10 years of 26/11, how 2008 Mumbai terror attacks happened

Khadim Rizvi arrested for protest call over Asia Bibi's acquittal

Pakistan has invited External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj to visit the country to attend the groundbreaking ceremony of the Kartarpur corridor, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said on Saturday.&nbsp;

A long-pending demand of the Sikh community to build a religious corridor linking India's border district of Gurdaspur with a historic gurudwara in Pakistan may finally be fulfilled with both the countries announcing that stretches would be developed in their respective areas.

Prime Minister Imran Khan will inaugurate the groundbreaking ceremony of&nbsp;the facilities at on the Pakistan side on November 28.&nbsp;

Apart from Swaraj, Qureshi also invited Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh and cabinet minister Navjot Singh Sidhu to the ceremony.

"On behalf of Pakistan I have extended an invitation to External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj @SushmaSwaraj , Capt Amarinder Singh @capt_amarinder &amp; Navjot Singh Sidhu @sherryontopp to attend the groundbreaking ceremony at #Kartarpura on 28 Nov, 2018," Qureshi tweeted.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
On behalf of Pakistan I have extended an invitation to External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj <a href="https://twitter.com/SushmaSwaraj?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SushmaSwaraj</a> ,Capt Amarinder Singh <a href="https://twitter.com/capt_amarinder?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@capt_amarinder</a> &amp; Navjot Singh Sidhu <a href="https://twitter.com/sherryontopp?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sherryontopp</a> to attend the groundbreaking ceremony at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kartarpura?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kartarpura</a> on 28 Nov, 2018.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PakistanKartarpuraSpirit?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PakistanKartarpuraSpirit</a>
— Shah Mahmood Qureshi (@SMQureshiPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/SMQureshiPTI/status/1066336238129618944?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2018</a></blockquote>
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India's Cabinet had cleared a proposal Thursday to develop a corridor from Dera Baba Nanak in Punjab's Gurdaspur district to the International Border to facilitate Indian pilgrims to visit Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur, Pakistan.&nbsp;

Pakistan has invited External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj to visit the country to attend the groundbreaking ceremony of the Kartarpur corridor, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said on Saturday.

Pakistan has invited External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj to visit the country to attend the groundbreaking ceremony of the Kartarpur corridor, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said on Saturday. A long-pending demand of the Sikh community to build a religious corridor linking India's border district of Gurdaspur with a historic gurudwara in Pakistan may finally be fulfilled with both the countries announcing that stretches would be developed in their respective areas. Prime Minister Imran Khan will inaugurate the groundbreaking ceremony of the facilities at on the Pakistan side on November 28. Apart from Swaraj, Qureshi also invited Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh and cabinet minister Navjot Singh Sidhu to the ceremony. "On behalf of Pakistan I have extended an invitation to External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj @SushmaSwaraj , Capt Amarinder Singh @capt_amarinder & Navjot Singh Sidhu @sherryontopp to attend the groundbreaking ceremony at #Kartarpura on 28 Nov, 2018," Qureshi tweeted. On behalf of Pakistan I have extended an invitation to External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj @SushmaSwaraj ,Capt Amarinder Singh @capt_amarinder & Navjot Singh Sidhu @sherryontopp to attend the groundbreaking ceremony at #Kartarpura on 28 Nov, 2018.#PakistanKartarpuraSpirit — Shah Mahmood Qureshi (@SMQureshiPTI) November 24, 2018 × India's Cabinet had cleared a proposal Thursday to develop a corridor from Dera Baba Nanak in Punjab's Gurdaspur district to the International Border to facilitate Indian pilgrims to visit Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur, Pakistan.

Swaraj invited to Pakistan to attend Kartarpur corridor inauguration: Qureshi

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - November 24th 2018

Pakistani police have arrested over 100 members of the Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan, including the radical Islamist party's chief who had given a protest call for Sunday against the acquittal of Christian woman Aasia Bibi.

Last month, Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) disrupted daily life across Pakistan by staging widespread protests following Bibi's acquittal in a blasphemy case by the apex court.

"We have taken into custody more than 100 TLP leaders and activists including its chief Khadim Hussain Rizvi from Lahore and other parts of the Punjab province," a senior police officer told PTI on Saturday. 
 
He said a team comprising government officials and clerics tried to persuade Rizvi in Lahore late on Friday night to defer its November 25 protest, but he refused to budge.

"On this police arrested him and other leaders," the officer said.

"Khadim Hussain Rizvi has been taken into protective custody by police from Lahore. The action was prompted by TLP's refusal to withdraw its call for protest on November 25. It is to safeguard public life, property and order," Federal Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry tweeted.

The minister, however, clarified that the "arrest has nothing to do with Asia Bibi case".

"The TLP has become a continuous threat to the life and properties of the citizens and is doing politics under the guise of religion... The situation is fully under control, people should remain peaceful and fully cooperate with authorities," Chaudhry said.

He said the government did its best to convince the party against staging the protest, but they refused every offer and started to incite violence.

There were reports of TLP workers clashing with police in Lahore following Rizvi's arrest. Three policemen and seven workers are reported to have been injured.

The apex court, in a three-member bench led by chief justice Saqib Nisar, issued the landmark verdict last month.&nbsp;

Following the verdict, the TLP had termed the chief justice and other judges in the bench "liable to be killed" and had called Army chief General Qmar Javed Bajwa a non-Muslim and urged Muslim generals to revolt against him.

Bibi was convicted in 2010 after being accused of insulting Islam in a row with her neighbours. She always maintained her innocence, but spent most of the past eight years in solitary confinement.

She has been released from the jail and the government says is in a 'safe' house. The government says she cannot leave the country till decision on the review petition against her acquittal. Chief Justice Nisar has ordered full protection to Bibi.&nbsp;

TLP is an Islamist political party with Islamic ideology. It is known for widespread street power and massive protests in opposition to any change to Pakistan's blasphemy law.&nbsp;

Pakistani police have arrested over 100 members of the Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan, including the radical Islamist party's chief who had given a protest call for Sunday against the acquittal of Christian woman Aasia Bibi.

Pakistani police have arrested over 100 members of the Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan, including the radical Islamist party's chief who had given a protest call for Sunday against the acquittal of Christian woman Aasia Bibi. Last month, Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) disrupted daily life across Pakistan by staging widespread protests following Bibi's acquittal in a blasphemy case by the apex court. "We have taken into custody more than 100 TLP leaders and activists including its chief Khadim Hussain Rizvi from Lahore and other parts of the Punjab province," a senior police officer told PTI on Saturday. He said a team comprising government officials and clerics tried to persuade Rizvi in Lahore late on Friday night to defer its November 25 protest, but he refused to budge. "On this police arrested him and other leaders," the officer said. "Khadim Hussain Rizvi has been taken into protective custody by police from Lahore. The action was prompted by TLP's refusal to withdraw its call for protest on November 25. It is to safeguard public life, property and order," Federal Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry tweeted. The minister, however, clarified that the "arrest has nothing to do with Asia Bibi case". "The TLP has become a continuous threat to the life and properties of the citizens and is doing politics under the guise of religion... The situation is fully under control, people should remain peaceful and fully cooperate with authorities," Chaudhry said. He said the government did its best to convince the party against staging the protest, but they refused every offer and started to incite violence. There were reports of TLP workers clashing with police in Lahore following Rizvi's arrest. Three policemen and seven workers are reported to have been injured. The apex court, in a three-member bench led by chief justice Saqib Nisar, issued the landmark verdict last month. Following the verdict, the TLP had termed the chief justice and other judges in the bench "liable to be killed" and had called Army chief General Qmar Javed Bajwa a non-Muslim and urged Muslim generals to revolt against him. Bibi was convicted in 2010 after being accused of insulting Islam in a row with her neighbours. She always maintained her innocence, but spent most of the past eight years in solitary confinement. She has been released from the jail and the government says is in a 'safe' house. The government says she cannot leave the country till decision on the review petition against her acquittal. Chief Justice Nisar has ordered full protection to Bibi. TLP is an Islamist political party with Islamic ideology. It is known for widespread street power and massive protests in opposition to any change to Pakistan's blasphemy law.

Pakistan arrests over 100 Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan members

Expressing his gratitude to the central government over its initiative to develop the proposed Gurudwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur corridor in Pakistan, Punjab Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu on Friday hoped that the corridor would "yield undeniable and implicit change and thaw" in the relations, adding that it will "build bridges, burn animosity and will act as a soothing balm for two neighbouring countries."

In a letter to External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, Sidhu wrote, "It fills my heart with joy unspeakable on learning that the Government of India has agreed to build a corridor for pilgrims to visit Kartarpur Sahib on 550th Birth Anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. As a Sikh devotee and as a man committed to the cause of Punjab and its people, I am extremely grateful and indebted for the steps initiated by the Government of India."

He said that the Kartarpur corridor has been a "long-standing demand of the Sikh community across the globe" and the recent step taken by the Centre "has brought a new ray of hope among pilgrims who anxiously await to pay obeisance at the historical Gurudwara Sahib across the border."

Recalling his meeting with Swaraj a few months ago, Sidhu added that he asked the central government to take up the issue of developing the corridor with Pakistan.

"During my visit to Pakistan, I was made aware about intent of Pakistan for opening the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor on 550th Parkash Utsav celebrations of Guru Nanak Dev Ji and this was further authenticated by Information Minister of Pakistan Fawad Chaudhary and yesterday the Foreign Affairs Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi further augmented the fact that the Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan is set to lay foundation stone for the corridor on their side on 28 November 2018," Sidhu wrote in the letter.

Underscoring that the positive steps by both the countries are "a great respite for the followers of Guru's (Nanak Dev) timeless teachings, and for the people of Punjab", the cricketer-turned-politician further said.

"I wish that the Government of India writes formally to Pakistan on visa and other related issues for easy passage for pilgrims once the corridor is complete," Sidhu said.

Earlier today, Sidhu took credit for the Kartarpur corridor in Pakistan saying that it was his hug to Pakistan Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa during his visit to Khan's swearing-in ceremony in August that pushed the Centre to take initiative in developing the proposed corridor.

On Thursday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a Note Verbale to the Pakistan government urging it to develop a corridor with suitable facilities in its territory from the International Border to Gurudwara Kartarpur Sahib.

The cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved to build and develop the proposed corridor from Dera Baba Nanak in Gurdaspur district to the International Border.

This would allow pilgrims from India to visit Gurudwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur.Sidhu's visit to Pakistan had turned controversial when he hugged General Bajwa during Khan`s oath-taking ceremony drawing flak from various quarters.

Expressing his gratitude to the central government over its initiative to develop the proposed Gurudwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur corridor in Pakistan, Punjab Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu on Friday hoped that the corridor would "yield undeniable and implicit change and thaw" in the relations, adding that it will "build bridges, burn animosity and will act as a soothing balm for two neighbouring countries.

Expressing his gratitude to the central government over its initiative to develop the proposed Gurudwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur corridor in Pakistan, Punjab Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu on Friday hoped that the corridor would "yield undeniable and implicit change and thaw" in the relations, adding that it will "build bridges, burn animosity and will act as a soothing balm for two neighbouring countries." In a letter to External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, Sidhu wrote, "It fills my heart with joy unspeakable on learning that the Government of India has agreed to build a corridor for pilgrims to visit Kartarpur Sahib on 550th Birth Anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. As a Sikh devotee and as a man committed to the cause of Punjab and its people, I am extremely grateful and indebted for the steps initiated by the Government of India." He said that the Kartarpur corridor has been a "long-standing demand of the Sikh community across the globe" and the recent step taken by the Centre "has brought a new ray of hope among pilgrims who anxiously await to pay obeisance at the historical Gurudwara Sahib across the border." Recalling his meeting with Swaraj a few months ago, Sidhu added that he asked the central government to take up the issue of developing the corridor with Pakistan. "During my visit to Pakistan, I was made aware about intent of Pakistan for opening the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor on 550th Parkash Utsav celebrations of Guru Nanak Dev Ji and this was further authenticated by Information Minister of Pakistan Fawad Chaudhary and yesterday the Foreign Affairs Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi further augmented the fact that the Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan is set to lay foundation stone for the corridor on their side on 28 November 2018," Sidhu wrote in the letter. Underscoring that the positive steps by both the countries are "a great respite for the followers of Guru's (Nanak Dev) timeless teachings, and for the people of Punjab", the cricketer-turned-politician further said. "I wish that the Government of India writes formally to Pakistan on visa and other related issues for easy passage for pilgrims once the corridor is complete," Sidhu said. Earlier today, Sidhu took credit for the Kartarpur corridor in Pakistan saying that it was his hug to Pakistan Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa during his visit to Khan's swearing-in ceremony in August that pushed the Centre to take initiative in developing the proposed corridor. On Thursday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a Note Verbale to the Pakistan government urging it to develop a corridor with suitable facilities in its territory from the International Border to Gurudwara Kartarpur Sahib. The cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved to build and develop the proposed corridor from Dera Baba Nanak in Gurdaspur district to the International Border. This would allow pilgrims from India to visit Gurudwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur.Sidhu's visit to Pakistan had turned controversial when he hugged General Bajwa during Khan`s oath-taking ceremony drawing flak from various quarters.

Hope Kartarpur corridor acts as soothing balm for India, Pakistan: Sidhu

A blast and heavy firing was reported near the Chinese consulate in Karachi's Clifton area on Friday morning, Pakistan media report said.

Pakistan's Geo TV news channel said the men hurled grenades and fired shots near Clifton's Block 4 near the Chinese consulate.

"There were three attackers and all three have been killed ... They could not even get in the compound. They tried to get into the visa section," the police chief, Amir Shaikh

Reports said two policemen have been killed in the firing. A security guard was injured in the attack.

The gunment tried to enter the consulate but were intercepted by security guards at a checkpoint, a police official said.&nbsp;Sindh chief minister Murad Ali Shah contacted the Chinese consul general and assured him that the situation will be taken under control.

A separatist militant group from the Pakistani province of Balochistan has claimed responsibility for an attack on the Chinese consulate in Karachi that left at least two people dead, its spokesman told AFP.

"We have carried out this attack and our action is continuing," the spokesman for the Balochistan Liberation Army, Geand Baloch, told AFP.&nbsp;

Authorities cordoned off the area and deployed contingents of police and Pakistani Rangers to deal with the situation.&nbsp;

Several consulates and High Commissions are located in the upmarket Clifton area including the British High Commission, Italian consulate, Russian consulate among others.&nbsp;Nearby schools and eateries have been locked down until the area is cleared.

A blast and heavy firing was reported near the Chinese consulate in Karachi's Clifton area on Friday morning, Pakistan media report said. Pakistan's Geo TV news channel said the men hurled grenades and fired shots near Clifton's Block 4 near the Chinese consulate.

A blast and heavy firing was reported near the Chinese consulate in Karachi's Clifton area on Friday morning, Pakistan media report said. Pakistan's Geo TV news channel said the men hurled grenades and fired shots near Clifton's Block 4 near the Chinese consulate. "There were three attackers and all three have been killed ... They could not even get in the compound. They tried to get into the visa section," the police chief, Amir Shaikh Reports said two policemen have been killed in the firing. A security guard was injured in the attack. The gunment tried to enter the consulate but were intercepted by security guards at a checkpoint, a police official said. Sindh chief minister Murad Ali Shah contacted the Chinese consul general and assured him that the situation will be taken under control. A separatist militant group from the Pakistani province of Balochistan has claimed responsibility for an attack on the Chinese consulate in Karachi that left at least two people dead, its spokesman told AFP. "We have carried out this attack and our action is continuing," the spokesman for the Balochistan Liberation Army, Geand Baloch, told AFP. Authorities cordoned off the area and deployed contingents of police and Pakistani Rangers to deal with the situation. Several consulates and High Commissions are located in the upmarket Clifton area including the British High Commission, Italian consulate, Russian consulate among others. Nearby schools and eateries have been locked down until the area is cleared.

Blast, firing outside Chinese consulate in Pakistan's Karachi; 3 attackers killed

The violent attack on China's Consulate General in the Pakistani city of Karachi will not negatively affect the construction of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said on Friday.

Geng told a regular press conference in Beijing that China strongly condemns the attack, and said that the attack will not affect the process of the CPEC construction.

"China and Pakistan are all-weather strategic cooperative partners. The bilateral pragmatic cooperation in various fields has brought tangible benefits and interests to the two countries and their peoples. Constructing the CPEC is a significant consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, and is of great importance to promoting steady development, peace and prosperity of the two countries and the region. It has also won wide support from the two peoples and is being proceeded in an orderly manner," Geng said.

China will continue to work with Pakistan to unswervingly advance the construction of the CPEC and bring more benefits to the two peoples and people of other countries in the region, he added.

According to the spokesman, three gunmen that were trying to break into the consulate building at about 12:00 Beijing time (09:00 local time in Pakistan, 0400 GMT) on Friday were discovered by the Pakistani security guards on duty there and were all killed in the exchange of gunfire that ensued. Unfortunately, two security guards were also killed in the crossfire.

A separatist group, Balochistan Liberation Army, reportedly claimed responsibility for the attack, but there is no official confirmation on it.

The CPEC was proposed by Chinese Premier Li Keqiang during a visit to Pakistan in May 2013. The 3,000-kilometer-long corridor starts from Kashi in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region and ends at Pakistan's Gwadar on the Indian Ocean. It connects the Silk Road Economic Belt in the north and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road in the south. It is a trade network of highways, railways, pipelines and optical cables and is a flagship project under the Belt and Road Initiative.

The violent attack on China's Consulate General in the Pakistani city of Karachi will not negatively affect the construction of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said on Friday.

The violent attack on China's Consulate General in the Pakistani city of Karachi will not negatively affect the construction of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said on Friday. Geng told a regular press conference in Beijing that China strongly condemns the attack, and said that the attack will not affect the process of the CPEC construction. "China and Pakistan are all-weather strategic cooperative partners. The bilateral pragmatic cooperation in various fields has brought tangible benefits and interests to the two countries and their peoples. Constructing the CPEC is a significant consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, and is of great importance to promoting steady development, peace and prosperity of the two countries and the region. It has also won wide support from the two peoples and is being proceeded in an orderly manner," Geng said. China will continue to work with Pakistan to unswervingly advance the construction of the CPEC and bring more benefits to the two peoples and people of other countries in the region, he added. According to the spokesman, three gunmen that were trying to break into the consulate building at about 12:00 Beijing time (09:00 local time in Pakistan, 0400 GMT) on Friday were discovered by the Pakistani security guards on duty there and were all killed in the exchange of gunfire that ensued. Unfortunately, two security guards were also killed in the crossfire. A separatist group, Balochistan Liberation Army, reportedly claimed responsibility for the attack, but there is no official confirmation on it. The CPEC was proposed by Chinese Premier Li Keqiang during a visit to Pakistan in May 2013. The 3,000-kilometer-long corridor starts from Kashi in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region and ends at Pakistan's Gwadar on the Indian Ocean. It connects the Silk Road Economic Belt in the north and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road in the south. It is a trade network of highways, railways, pipelines and optical cables and is a flagship project under the Belt and Road Initiative.

Karachi attack not to affect China-Pakistan Economic Corridor: Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman

India condemns Pakistan over diplomat's harassment

A powerful bomb blast ripped through a busy market outside a religious seminary in Pakistan's restive Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Friday, killing at least 30 people and injuring over 40 others, officials said.

The explosive material was planted in a bike in the Friday Market (Juma Bazar) near an imambargah, a Shia religious place, in Orakzai tribal district's Kalaya area.

People were buying warm clothes when the bomb went off, officials said.

At least 30 people were killed while more than 40 others injured, Geo news quoted district administration officials as saying.

Officials said that most of the victims were minority Shia Muslims, who in the past were also targeted in the area.

"Three children were among those killed. The remote-controlled bomb was attached to a motorcycle," officials said.

The area has been cordoned off and investigation into the incident is underway.

An emergency has been declared in the region's hospitals to handle the situation.

Human Rights Minister Shireen Mazari blamed the US failure in Afghanistan for the attack and warned Pakistan to be prepared for more such incidents. 
Condemn the horrific terror attack in Orakzai tribal area.

"As the US fails in Afghanistan, Pakistan should be prepared for fallout and we must ensure greater security for our tribal areas especially protection of our people," she said tweets.

No group claimed responsibility of the attack but the Taliban militants often carry out such attacks.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police are on high alert following the Orakzai blast and a separate attack on the Chinese Consulate in Karachi on Friday morning.

"Our enemies are not happy with peace in the province," provincial Chief Minister Mehmood Khan said after the attack.

It was the second attack on Friday as security forces foiled a bid by militants to enter the Chinese consulate in Karachi and killed three attackers.

In 2011, 30 people including 10 cops, were killed and over 50 injured when a suicide bomber rammed his explosive-laden van into the building of the Communication and Works Department.&nbsp;

A powerful bomb blast ripped through a busy market outside a religious seminary in Pakistan's restive Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Friday, killing at least 30 people and injuring over 40 others, officials said.

A powerful bomb blast ripped through a busy market outside a religious seminary in Pakistan's restive Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Friday, killing at least 30 people and injuring over 40 others, officials said. The explosive material was planted in a bike in the Friday Market (Juma Bazar) near an imambargah, a Shia religious place, in Orakzai tribal district's Kalaya area. People were buying warm clothes when the bomb went off, officials said. At least 30 people were killed while more than 40 others injured, Geo news quoted district administration officials as saying. Officials said that most of the victims were minority Shia Muslims, who in the past were also targeted in the area. "Three children were among those killed. The remote-controlled bomb was attached to a motorcycle," officials said. The area has been cordoned off and investigation into the incident is underway. An emergency has been declared in the region's hospitals to handle the situation. Human Rights Minister Shireen Mazari blamed the US failure in Afghanistan for the attack and warned Pakistan to be prepared for more such incidents. Condemn the horrific terror attack in Orakzai tribal area. "As the US fails in Afghanistan, Pakistan should be prepared for fallout and we must ensure greater security for our tribal areas especially protection of our people," she said tweets. No group claimed responsibility of the attack but the Taliban militants often carry out such attacks. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police are on high alert following the Orakzai blast and a separate attack on the Chinese Consulate in Karachi on Friday morning. "Our enemies are not happy with peace in the province," provincial Chief Minister Mehmood Khan said after the attack. It was the second attack on Friday as security forces foiled a bid by militants to enter the Chinese consulate in Karachi and killed three attackers. In 2011, 30 people including 10 cops, were killed and over 50 injured when a suicide bomber rammed his explosive-laden van into the building of the Communication and Works Department.

30 killed, 40 injured in powerful blast in Pakistan's northwest

A fearless woman officer of Karachi Police, who was once abandoned by relatives in her village for joining a private school, on Friday saved the lives of many Chinese diplomatic staff when <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-firing-reported-outside-chinese-consulate-in-karachi-178903">heavily-armed terrorists stormed the mission in the Pakistani city</a>.

Senior Superintendent Police Suhai Aziz Talpur led the security operation that foiled the brazen attack by members of the Baloch Liberation Army, or BLA, in Karachi.

She ensured the terrorists, armed with nine hand-grenades, assault rifles, magazines and explosives, did not reach the diplomatic staff inside the consulate building. Police said the terrorists were carrying food supplies and medicines, suggesting they had planned to take hostages.

But as soon as they reached the gates of the consulate, the police team took positions and retaliated. Two police officials were killed in the gunfight in which all the attackers were also neutralised.

Suhai hails from a lower middle-class family of Bhai Khan Talpur village in Tando Muhammad Khan district of Sindh province. She joined the police force after clearing elite Central Superior Services exam in 2013, The Express Tribune reported.

"When my parents decided to enrol me at a school, most of our relatives started taunting my family. So much so, that my family had to leave our village and move to a nearby town," she told the daily.

Her father Aziz Talpur, a political activist and writer, always dreamt big for his daughter.

"My relatives cut off ties with me because I wanted Suhai to study as they were only in favour of religious education," Aziz told the daily. "But I vowed to provide my daughter quality education."

Suhai started her primary education at a private school in Tando Muhammad Khan and joined Bahria Foundation for her intermediate studies.

Her educational path then led her to pursue B.Com from the Zubaida Girls College, Hyderabad in Sindh province.

"My family wanted me to become a chartered accountant but I found the job to be very dull as it had no social value," she said. "That is when I appeared for CSS and cleared it in the first attempt."

She credited her success to hard work and her upbringing. "My parents are nationalists. As a child, they used to emphasise that I memorise Sindhi poetry.

This developed my interest in literature and history, leading me to secure top marks in both the subjects in the CSS (Central Superior Services) exams."

A fearless woman officer of Karachi Police, who was once abandoned by relatives in her village for joining a private school, on Friday saved the lives of many Chinese diplomatic staff when heavily-armed terrorists stormed the mission in the Pakistani city.

A fearless woman officer of Karachi Police, who was once abandoned by relatives in her village for joining a private school, on Friday saved the lives of many Chinese diplomatic staff when heavily-armed terrorists stormed the mission in the Pakistani city. Senior Superintendent Police Suhai Aziz Talpur led the security operation that foiled the brazen attack by members of the Baloch Liberation Army, or BLA, in Karachi. She ensured the terrorists, armed with nine hand-grenades, assault rifles, magazines and explosives, did not reach the diplomatic staff inside the consulate building. Police said the terrorists were carrying food supplies and medicines, suggesting they had planned to take hostages. But as soon as they reached the gates of the consulate, the police team took positions and retaliated. Two police officials were killed in the gunfight in which all the attackers were also neutralised. Suhai hails from a lower middle-class family of Bhai Khan Talpur village in Tando Muhammad Khan district of Sindh province. She joined the police force after clearing elite Central Superior Services exam in 2013, The Express Tribune reported. "When my parents decided to enrol me at a school, most of our relatives started taunting my family. So much so, that my family had to leave our village and move to a nearby town," she told the daily. Her father Aziz Talpur, a political activist and writer, always dreamt big for his daughter. "My relatives cut off ties with me because I wanted Suhai to study as they were only in favour of religious education," Aziz told the daily. "But I vowed to provide my daughter quality education." Suhai started her primary education at a private school in Tando Muhammad Khan and joined Bahria Foundation for her intermediate studies. Her educational path then led her to pursue B.Com from the Zubaida Girls College, Hyderabad in Sindh province. "My family wanted me to become a chartered accountant but I found the job to be very dull as it had no social value," she said. "That is when I appeared for CSS and cleared it in the first attempt." She credited her success to hard work and her upbringing. "My parents are nationalists. As a child, they used to emphasise that I memorise Sindhi poetry. This developed my interest in literature and history, leading me to secure top marks in both the subjects in the CSS (Central Superior Services) exams."

Karachi Police woman officer prevented terrorists from reaching Chinese consulate staff

At least nine people were killed and 27 wounded when a blast ripped through a marketplace in Pakistan's restive northwestern tribal region Friday, officials said.&nbsp;

"We are trying to ascertain the nature of the blast" in Kalaya, a town in Orakzai agency, senior local official Khalid Iqbal told AFP. A second official confirmed the toll.&nbsp;

Orakzai is one of seven restive semi-autonomous tribal regions on the Afghan border, an area that has long been a focal point in the global war on terror.

Washington has insisted that the region provides safe havens to militants including the Afghan Taliban and Al Qaeda -- an allegation that Islamabad denies.&nbsp;

Pakistan has been battling Islamist groups in the tribal belt since 2004, after its army entered the region to search for Al-Qaeda fighters who had fled across the border following the US-led invasion of Afghanistan.

It has carried out multiple bloody military operations in the area, officially known as the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA).

Earlier this year Pakistan passed legislation which paves the way for the tribal areas to be merged into neighbouring Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, bringing them into the political mainstream.&nbsp;

At least nine people were killed and 27 wounded when a blast ripped through a marketplace in Pakistan's restive northwestern tribal region Friday, officials said.

At least nine people were killed and 27 wounded when a blast ripped through a marketplace in Pakistan's restive northwestern tribal region Friday, officials said. "We are trying to ascertain the nature of the blast" in Kalaya, a town in Orakzai agency, senior local official Khalid Iqbal told AFP. A second official confirmed the toll. Orakzai is one of seven restive semi-autonomous tribal regions on the Afghan border, an area that has long been a focal point in the global war on terror. Washington has insisted that the region provides safe havens to militants including the Afghan Taliban and Al Qaeda -- an allegation that Islamabad denies. Pakistan has been battling Islamist groups in the tribal belt since 2004, after its army entered the region to search for Al-Qaeda fighters who had fled across the border following the US-led invasion of Afghanistan. It has carried out multiple bloody military operations in the area, officially known as the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). Earlier this year Pakistan passed legislation which paves the way for the tribal areas to be merged into neighbouring Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, bringing them into the political mainstream.

Nine killed, several injured in blast in Pakistan's northwestern tribal region

A bomb targeting Haqqani network militants in their hideout in Pakistan`s tribal areas bordering Afghanistan killed three people on Thursday, including two militants, a security official and a militant source said.&nbsp;

No group claimed responsibility for the blast.

The Haqqani network is known for bloody attacks against government institutions and foreign forces in Afghanistan, and its presence inside Pakistan is a major source of friction between Washington and Islamabad.&nbsp;

The United States and Afghanistan accuse Pakistan of providing a safe haven to senior Haqqani commanders and allege the group operates freely on Pakistan`s side of the porous frontier, charges that Pakistan has repeatedly denied.&nbsp;

"It was the office of our commander Naik Muhammad," a Haqqani network source told Reuters about the attack near the Pakistan-Afghanistan border in Pakistan`s South Waziristan region.&nbsp;

"At the present we can not say who is behind this blast. It damaged our office," he said.&nbsp;

When asked what he meant by term "office", the source said it was a meeting place for Haqqani and other militants.&nbsp;

One of those wounded was regional Haqqani commander Jamshed Khan, he added.&nbsp;

A Pakistani security official in the region said three people were killed in the attack, including two Haqqani militants, and 11 were wounded.&nbsp;

US officials have urged Pakistan to act against Haqqani militants but scant progress has been made. Privately, Pakistani officials say they fear such a move could see Haqqani militants turn their guns on Pakistani targets.

Since coming to office, US President Donald Trump has taken a hardline stance on Pakistan, recently saying during an interview with Fox News that the South Asian country doesn`t "do a damn thing" for the US despite receiving billions of dollars in aid.

Trump`s comments have further frayed the already fragile relationship between the two countries. Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan hit back at Trump by saying the United States is turning Pakistan into a "scapegoat" to mask its own failures in Afghanistan.&nbsp;

A bomb targeting Haqqani network militants in their hideout in Pakistan`s tribal areas bordering Afghanistan killed three people on Thursday, including two militants, a security official and a militant source said.

A bomb targeting Haqqani network militants in their hideout in Pakistan`s tribal areas bordering Afghanistan killed three people on Thursday, including two militants, a security official and a militant source said. No group claimed responsibility for the blast. The Haqqani network is known for bloody attacks against government institutions and foreign forces in Afghanistan, and its presence inside Pakistan is a major source of friction between Washington and Islamabad. The United States and Afghanistan accuse Pakistan of providing a safe haven to senior Haqqani commanders and allege the group operates freely on Pakistan`s side of the porous frontier, charges that Pakistan has repeatedly denied. "It was the office of our commander Naik Muhammad," a Haqqani network source told Reuters about the attack near the Pakistan-Afghanistan border in Pakistan`s South Waziristan region. "At the present we can not say who is behind this blast. It damaged our office," he said. When asked what he meant by term "office", the source said it was a meeting place for Haqqani and other militants. One of those wounded was regional Haqqani commander Jamshed Khan, he added. A Pakistani security official in the region said three people were killed in the attack, including two Haqqani militants, and 11 were wounded. US officials have urged Pakistan to act against Haqqani militants but scant progress has been made. Privately, Pakistani officials say they fear such a move could see Haqqani militants turn their guns on Pakistani targets. Since coming to office, US President Donald Trump has taken a hardline stance on Pakistan, recently saying during an interview with Fox News that the South Asian country doesn`t "do a damn thing" for the US despite receiving billions of dollars in aid. Trump`s comments have further frayed the already fragile relationship between the two countries. Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan hit back at Trump by saying the United States is turning Pakistan into a "scapegoat" to mask its own failures in Afghanistan.

Bomb attack on hideout of Haqqani militants kills three in Pakistan

Pakistan said Thursday that it would <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/expect-good-news-says-pakistan-after-india-decides-to-build-kartarpur-corridor-178740">open the Kartarpur corridor</a> for Guru Nanak's 550th birth anniversary.&nbsp;

"Pakistan has already conveyed to India its decision to open Kartarpura Corridor for Baba Guru Nanak’s 550th birth anniversary," Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi tweeted Thursday.&nbsp;

"PM Imran Khan will do break ground at Kartarpura facilities on 28th November. We welcome the Sikh community to Pakistan for this auspicious occasion," he added.&nbsp;

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Pakistan has already conveyed to India it's decision to open Kartarpura Corridor for Baba Guru Nanak’s 550th birth anniversary. PM Imran Khan will do break ground at Kartarpura facilities on 28th November. We welcome the Sikh community to Pakistan for this auspicious occasion.
— Shah Mahmood Qureshi (@SMQureshiPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/SMQureshiPTI/status/1065544884973654016?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Nanak was born in 1469. His 550th birth anniversary&nbsp;is next year.&nbsp;

Indian Home Minister Rajnath Singh had said earlier Thursday that India would build and develop a corridor from Dera Baba Nanak in (Indian) Punjab's Gurdaspur district to the International Border to facilitate Sikh pilgrims visiting Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur on the banks of the Ravi river in Pakistan.

Kartarpur Sahib, located just across the International Border in Pakistan, is <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kartarpur-sahib-pakistani-gurudwara-where-guru-nanak-spent-final-18-years-of-his-life-178745">the final resting place of Guru Nanak</a> — the founder of Sikhism — and one of the holiest shrines of the Sikhs.

The decision was taken at a meeting of the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to commemorate the 550th birth anniversary this year of Guru Nanak.

India had on Thursday also urged the Pakistan government to build a corridor — on its side of the border — to Katarpur Sahib to facilitate the easy movement of Indian pilgrims to the shrine.

(With inputs from PTI)

Pakistan said Thursday that it would open the Kartarpur corridor for Guru Nanak's 550th birth anniversary. "Pakistan has already conveyed to India its decision to open Kartarpura Corridor for Baba Guru Nanak’s 550th birth anniversary," Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi tweeted Thursday.

Pakistan said Thursday that it would open the Kartarpur corridor for Guru Nanak's 550th birth anniversary. "Pakistan has already conveyed to India its decision to open Kartarpura Corridor for Baba Guru Nanak’s 550th birth anniversary," Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi tweeted Thursday. "PM Imran Khan will do break ground at Kartarpura facilities on 28th November. We welcome the Sikh community to Pakistan for this auspicious occasion," he added. Pakistan has already conveyed to India it's decision to open Kartarpura Corridor for Baba Guru Nanak’s 550th birth anniversary. PM Imran Khan will do break ground at Kartarpura facilities on 28th November. We welcome the Sikh community to Pakistan for this auspicious occasion. — Shah Mahmood Qureshi (@SMQureshiPTI) November 22, 2018 × Nanak was born in 1469. His 550th birth anniversary is next year. Indian Home Minister Rajnath Singh had said earlier Thursday that India would build and develop a corridor from Dera Baba Nanak in (Indian) Punjab's Gurdaspur district to the International Border to facilitate Sikh pilgrims visiting Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur on the banks of the Ravi river in Pakistan. Kartarpur Sahib, located just across the International Border in Pakistan, is the final resting place of Guru Nanak — the founder of Sikhism — and one of the holiest shrines of the Sikhs. The decision was taken at a meeting of the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to commemorate the 550th birth anniversary this year of Guru Nanak. India had on Thursday also urged the Pakistan government to build a corridor — on its side of the border — to Katarpur Sahib to facilitate the easy movement of Indian pilgrims to the shrine. (With inputs from PTI)

Pakistan says will open Kartarpur Corridor for Guru Nanak's 550th birth anniversary

Ram Madhav, National General Secretary of the Bharatiya Janata Party on Thursday took back his comment that the alliance between PDP, Congress and National Conference was made on Pakistan's behest after Omar Abdullah asked him to prove his allegation.&nbsp;

Earlier the two leaders clashed on Twitter, a day after Governor Satya Pal Malik dissolved the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly.

Former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Omar Abdullah objected to Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) General Secretary, Ram Madhav suggesting that Abdullah's National Conference (NC) had tied up with arch-rival Mehbooba Mufti-led Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to form a government on "instructions from across the border".

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Just landed@Aizawl n saw this. Now tht u deny any external pressure I take back my comment, bt, now tht u proved it ws genuine love btw NC n PDP tht prompted a failed govt formation attempt,u shud fight nxt elections 2gether. 😂Mind u it’s pol comnt,not personal <a href="https://t.co/DsOYiwwXmo">https://t.co/DsOYiwwXmo</a>
— Ram Madhav (@rammadhavbjp) <a href="https://twitter.com/rammadhavbjp/status/1065524861676728320?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"No, misplaced attempts at humour won`t work. You HAVE claimed my party has been acting at the behest of Pakistan. I dare you to prove it! Place the evidence of your allegation of NC boycott of ULB polls at Pak behest in the public domain. It`s an open challenge to you &amp; your Govt.," Omar Abdullah tweeted.

In an exclusive interview with ANI on Thursday, Madhav had said, "The PDP and NC boycotted local body polls last month because they had instructions from across the border. Probably they had fresh instructions from across the border to come together and form a government.

"On Wednesday, arch rivals PDP, NC along with Congress confirmed that they stitched up an alliance to form the government in Jammu and Kashmir, which has been under Governor`s rule since June when the BJP ended its ruling alliance with the PDP. Madhav was quick to clarify that he didn`t mean to offend Abdullah."Just take it in your stride @OmarAbdullah Not questioning your patriotism at all. But d sudden love between NC n PDP nd hurry to form government leads to many suspicions n political comments. Not to offend u," Madhav said in a Tweet.

(With inputs from ANI)

Ram Madhav, National General Secretary of the Bharatiya Janata Party on Thursday took back his comment that the alliance between PDP, Congress and National Conference was made on Pakistan's behest after Omar Abdullah asked him to prove his allegation.

Ram Madhav, National General Secretary of the Bharatiya Janata Party on Thursday took back his comment that the alliance between PDP, Congress and National Conference was made on Pakistan's behest after Omar Abdullah asked him to prove his allegation. Earlier the two leaders clashed on Twitter, a day after Governor Satya Pal Malik dissolved the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly. Former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Omar Abdullah objected to Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) General Secretary, Ram Madhav suggesting that Abdullah's National Conference (NC) had tied up with arch-rival Mehbooba Mufti-led Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to form a government on "instructions from across the border". Just landed@Aizawl n saw this. Now tht u deny any external pressure I take back my comment, bt, now tht u proved it ws genuine love btw NC n PDP tht prompted a failed govt formation attempt,u shud fight nxt elections 2gether. 😂Mind u it’s pol comnt,not personal https://t.co/DsOYiwwXmo — Ram Madhav (@rammadhavbjp) November 22, 2018 × "No, misplaced attempts at humour won`t work. You HAVE claimed my party has been acting at the behest of Pakistan. I dare you to prove it! Place the evidence of your allegation of NC boycott of ULB polls at Pak behest in the public domain. It`s an open challenge to you & your Govt.," Omar Abdullah tweeted. In an exclusive interview with ANI on Thursday, Madhav had said, "The PDP and NC boycotted local body polls last month because they had instructions from across the border. Probably they had fresh instructions from across the border to come together and form a government. "On Wednesday, arch rivals PDP, NC along with Congress confirmed that they stitched up an alliance to form the government in Jammu and Kashmir, which has been under Governor`s rule since June when the BJP ended its ruling alliance with the PDP. Madhav was quick to clarify that he didn`t mean to offend Abdullah."Just take it in your stride @OmarAbdullah Not questioning your patriotism at all. But d sudden love between NC n PDP nd hurry to form government leads to many suspicions n political comments. Not to offend u," Madhav said in a Tweet. (With inputs from ANI)

Ram Madhav takes back his 'Pakistan behind J&K alliance' comment after Omar dare

Punjab chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Wednesday said that the grenade used in the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/3-dead-10-injured-in-grenade-attack-at-amritsars-rajasansi-village-178012">attack on a religious congregation</a> on the city outskirts of Amritsar was made under license by Pakistan ordinance factory and added that Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) masterminded the attack.&nbsp;

The grenade used in the attack is the same used against the Indian forces in Kashmir, he said and added Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence is quite active in fomenting trouble in Punjab, Singh said.

Three persons were killed and at least 10 injured in the attack.&nbsp;

The CM said that 26-year-old Bikramjit Singh has been arrested in connection with the attack and another accused will be captured soon.&nbsp;

''I'm happy to announce that police nabbed one of the two persons involved. The other man will also be arrested soon. His name is Avtar Singh,'' he said.&nbsp;

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The person who is the mastermind is Inter-Services Intelligence. These (Harmeet Singh ‘PhD’ alias Happy) are only touts which they were using: Punjab CM Captain Amarinder Singh <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Amritsar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Amritsar</a> blast at Nirankari Mission congregation that claimed 3 lives <a href="https://t.co/cFVPDF8HOm">pic.twitter.com/cFVPDF8HOm</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1065200442194518016?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The attack took place inside the Nirankari Bhavan at Adliwal village near Amritsar's Rajasansi, close to the international airport, police said.

Ruling out the communal angle, the Punjab CM said it's a pure case of terrorism.&nbsp;

''They were targeted as they were easy targets. We had information in the past about other organisations being targeted but we took precautionary measures and prevented them from happening,'' the Punjab CM said.&nbsp;

Punjab chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Wednesday said that the grenade used in the attack on a religious congregation on the city outskirts of Amritsar was made under license by Pakistan ordinance factory and added that Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) masterminded the attack.

Punjab chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Wednesday said that the grenade used in the attack on a religious congregation on the city outskirts of Amritsar was made under license by Pakistan ordinance factory and added that Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) masterminded the attack. The grenade used in the attack is the same used against the Indian forces in Kashmir, he said and added Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence is quite active in fomenting trouble in Punjab, Singh said. Three persons were killed and at least 10 injured in the attack. The CM said that 26-year-old Bikramjit Singh has been arrested in connection with the attack and another accused will be captured soon. ''I'm happy to announce that police nabbed one of the two persons involved. The other man will also be arrested soon. His name is Avtar Singh,'' he said. The person who is the mastermind is Inter-Services Intelligence. These (Harmeet Singh ‘PhD’ alias Happy) are only touts which they were using: Punjab CM Captain Amarinder Singh #Amritsar blast at Nirankari Mission congregation that claimed 3 lives pic.twitter.com/cFVPDF8HOm — ANI (@ANI) November 21, 2018 × The attack took place inside the Nirankari Bhavan at Adliwal village near Amritsar's Rajasansi, close to the international airport, police said. Ruling out the communal angle, the Punjab CM said it's a pure case of terrorism. ''They were targeted as they were easy targets. We had information in the past about other organisations being targeted but we took precautionary measures and prevented them from happening,'' the Punjab CM said.

ISI masterminded Amritsar attack, grenade made in Pakistan: Punjab CM Amarinder Singh

Margaret Thatcher was famously not for turning, but Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan has declared U-turns to be a "hallmark of great leadership", in comments provoking criticism from opponents and a slew of jokes from Pakistanis.

Khan, the cricketer-turned-premier, has come under fire since he took office in August for a string of apparent about-faces.

They include backtracking from his claim that as prime minister he would only fly by commercial airliner, caving to Islamist pressure over his decision to appoint a member of a persecuted religious minority as an economic advisor, and allying himself with politicians he has previously declared corrupt.

With the opposition branding him 'U-turn Khan', he has defended himself to journalists.

"Both Hitler and Napoleon faced defeat as they did not change their strategies according to the situation... Leaders should always be ready to take U-turns," he was quoted as saying by the English-language daily Dawn newspaper on Saturday.

Some supporters attempted to explain that Khan was misusing the term "U-turn", and simply meant that leaders must be flexible.

"While dictators find it difficult to do course correction, leading their countries into disaster, democratic leaders have ability to do timely course correction when needed!" wrote human rights minister Shireen Mazari.

But the comments ignited social media, especially after Khan doubled down on his statement with a fresh tweet on Sunday.

"Doing a U-turn to reach one's objective is the hallmark of great leadership just as lying to save ill-gotten wealth is the hallmark of crooks," he wrote.

The tweet prompted a wave of jokes on Twitter.

"I was going to take a bath. I took U-turn when I realised that water is cold," tweeted one user from Peshawar.

"This morning I woke up to drink tea, then I took a U-turn and slept again. Now, I have become a real leader," tweeted another.

Others posted memes including an image of a circular racetrack captioned "Road to Leadership".

Khan did not appear to respond, but his party's official Twitter account posted video clip of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos stating: "People who are right a lot change their minds".

Margaret Thatcher was famously not for turning, but Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan has declared U-turns to be a "hallmark of great leadership", in comments provoking criticism from opponents and a slew of jokes from Pakistanis.

Margaret Thatcher was famously not for turning, but Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan has declared U-turns to be a "hallmark of great leadership", in comments provoking criticism from opponents and a slew of jokes from Pakistanis. Khan, the cricketer-turned-premier, has come under fire since he took office in August for a string of apparent about-faces. They include backtracking from his claim that as prime minister he would only fly by commercial airliner, caving to Islamist pressure over his decision to appoint a member of a persecuted religious minority as an economic advisor, and allying himself with politicians he has previously declared corrupt. With the opposition branding him 'U-turn Khan', he has defended himself to journalists. "Both Hitler and Napoleon faced defeat as they did not change their strategies according to the situation... Leaders should always be ready to take U-turns," he was quoted as saying by the English-language daily Dawn newspaper on Saturday. Some supporters attempted to explain that Khan was misusing the term "U-turn", and simply meant that leaders must be flexible. "While dictators find it difficult to do course correction, leading their countries into disaster, democratic leaders have ability to do timely course correction when needed!" wrote human rights minister Shireen Mazari. But the comments ignited social media, especially after Khan doubled down on his statement with a fresh tweet on Sunday. "Doing a U-turn to reach one's objective is the hallmark of great leadership just as lying to save ill-gotten wealth is the hallmark of crooks," he wrote. The tweet prompted a wave of jokes on Twitter. "I was going to take a bath. I took U-turn when I realised that water is cold," tweeted one user from Peshawar. "This morning I woke up to drink tea, then I took a U-turn and slept again. Now, I have become a real leader," tweeted another. Others posted memes including an image of a circular racetrack captioned "Road to Leadership". Khan did not appear to respond, but his party's official Twitter account posted video clip of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos stating: "People who are right a lot change their minds".

Pakistan PM Imran Khan's defence of the political U-turn sparks mirth

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