The Trump administration has suspended <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-remains-a-critical-partner-to-us-south-asia-strategy-pentagon-178292">security assistance to Pakistan</a>&nbsp;because it failed to address the problem of militant safe havens inside its territory, the White House has said.

"The (Trump) Administration has been clear to Pakistani leaders that it expects them to constructively address the problem of militant safe havens in Pakistan," an official from the National Security Council, the White House, told PTI.

"Because Pakistan failed to address the problem, the Administration suspended security assistance," the official said, requesting anonymity.

"We remain hopeful that Pakistan will realize it is in its own interest to cooperate with the US strategy in Afghanistan," said the official responding to Pakistani <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-lost-over-123-billion-by-joining-us-war-on-terror-aid-received-was-minuscule-20-bn-imran-khan-on-trumps-tirade-178222">Prime Minister Imran Khan</a> accusing President Donald Trump of false assertion in his country's fight against terror.

First in an interview to Fox News on Sunday and then in two tweets on Monday, Trump had accused Pakistan of not doing "a damn thing" for the United States.&nbsp;

He alleged that Pakistan knew that Osama bin Laden, the al Qaida leader, was living in a mansion on the outskirts of its garrison city of Abbottabad and all the aid being given to Pakistan, which is $1.3 billion per annum, was a waste.

As a result, Trump defended his decision to cut all security assistance to Pakistan.

The Pakistani prime minister responded with a tweet saying that his country had suffered enough by fighting terrorism on behalf of the United States.&nbsp;

"Now we will do what is best for our people &amp; our interests," the cricketer-turned-politician said on Twitter.&nbsp;

Trump's latest interview and tweets, which were a statement of fact being said and felt by top US officials for long, has furthered deteriorated US-Pak relationship.&nbsp;

Senator Rand Paul, who has for the last several years, sought to cut all assistance to Pakistan, supported Trump's decision.&nbsp;

"I agree completely. That's why we should push hard on Pakistan to let persecuted Christian Asia Bibi find asylum in America," he said retweeting Trump's posts.

Paul has urged Trump to grant political asylum and refugee status to Asia Bibi.

"Until Asia Bibi is freed, Pakistan should not receive a penny of US&nbsp;Aid! Not one penny should go to any nation that persecutes or kills Christians!" Paul wrote in an op-ed in Breitbart News.

"During my time in Congress, I have introduced legislation to directly go after Pakistan's foreign aid and turn up the pressure on them to release Asia Bibi and stop persecuting religious minorities," he said.

In fact, over the past few years, a consensus seems to have emerged in the US Congress, think-tank and the administration that Pakistan has not been doing enough in the fight against terrorism and that it is playing a double game.

"Because they enjoy safe haven in Pakistan. Next question," Jeff M Smith of The Heritage Foundation think-tank said responding to a tweet from Imran Khan in which he said that "Instead of making Pakistan a scapegoat for their failures, the US should do a serious assessment of why, despite 140000 NATO troops plus 250,000 Afghan troops &amp; reportedly $1 trillion spent on war in Afghanistan, the Taliban today are stronger than before."&nbsp;

The Trump administration has suspended security assistance to Pakistan because it failed to address the problem of militant safe havens inside its territory, the White House has said.

The Trump administration has suspended security assistance to Pakistan because it failed to address the problem of militant safe havens inside its territory, the White House has said. "The (Trump) Administration has been clear to Pakistani leaders that it expects them to constructively address the problem of militant safe havens in Pakistan," an official from the National Security Council, the White House, told PTI. "Because Pakistan failed to address the problem, the Administration suspended security assistance," the official said, requesting anonymity. "We remain hopeful that Pakistan will realize it is in its own interest to cooperate with the US strategy in Afghanistan," said the official responding to Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan accusing President Donald Trump of false assertion in his country's fight against terror. First in an interview to Fox News on Sunday and then in two tweets on Monday, Trump had accused Pakistan of not doing "a damn thing" for the United States. He alleged that Pakistan knew that Osama bin Laden, the al Qaida leader, was living in a mansion on the outskirts of its garrison city of Abbottabad and all the aid being given to Pakistan, which is $1.3 billion per annum, was a waste. As a result, Trump defended his decision to cut all security assistance to Pakistan. The Pakistani prime minister responded with a tweet saying that his country had suffered enough by fighting terrorism on behalf of the United States. "Now we will do what is best for our people & our interests," the cricketer-turned-politician said on Twitter. Trump's latest interview and tweets, which were a statement of fact being said and felt by top US officials for long, has furthered deteriorated US-Pak relationship. Senator Rand Paul, who has for the last several years, sought to cut all assistance to Pakistan, supported Trump's decision. "I agree completely. That's why we should push hard on Pakistan to let persecuted Christian Asia Bibi find asylum in America," he said retweeting Trump's posts. Paul has urged Trump to grant political asylum and refugee status to Asia Bibi. "Until Asia Bibi is freed, Pakistan should not receive a penny of US Aid! Not one penny should go to any nation that persecutes or kills Christians!" Paul wrote in an op-ed in Breitbart News. "During my time in Congress, I have introduced legislation to directly go after Pakistan's foreign aid and turn up the pressure on them to release Asia Bibi and stop persecuting religious minorities," he said. In fact, over the past few years, a consensus seems to have emerged in the US Congress, think-tank and the administration that Pakistan has not been doing enough in the fight against terrorism and that it is playing a double game. "Because they enjoy safe haven in Pakistan. Next question," Jeff M Smith of The Heritage Foundation think-tank said responding to a tweet from Imran Khan in which he said that "Instead of making Pakistan a scapegoat for their failures, the US should do a serious assessment of why, despite 140000 NATO troops plus 250,000 Afghan troops & reportedly $1 trillion spent on war in Afghanistan, the Taliban today are stronger than before."

Suspended security assistance to Pak for failure to address militant safe havens: US

Debutant spinner Ajaz Patel claimed five wickets in the second innings as New Zealand beat Pakistan by four runs on a dramatic fourth day of the opening Test in Abu Dhabi on Monday.

Pakistan resumed the day on 37 for no loss, needing 139 runs for a victory to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, but suffered two separate batting collapses that resulted in a tense finish at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium.

Pakistan were eventually dismissed for 171 in 58.4 overs as the visitors wrapped up the fifth-smallest win by runs in Test history.

"We knew the surface wasn't an easy one. There was turn from day one and all the spinners bowled well," New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson said.

"It's a great advertisement for Test cricket. In the end, it came down to the wire. We'll sit down and review our performance and the things to improve upon. The attitude, certainly today and throughout the game, was brilliant."

Azhar Ali (65), who stitched together an 82-run stand with Asad Shafiq (45) to keep Pakistan's hopes alive, was the last batsman to fall when he was trapped in front of the wicket by Patel who finished with 5-59.

"It's a dream come true. We know Pakistan have got good players of spin, but we kept chipping in there," left-armer Patel said.

Earlier, Patel dismissed opener Imam-ul-Haq leg-before and spin partner Ish Sodhi struck twice to remove Mohammad Hafeez and Haris Sohail as Pakistan lost three batsmen in eight balls to find themselves in trouble at 48-3.

Shafiq edged pace bowler Neil Wagner to wicketkeeper BJ Watling before lunch and Babar Azam was run out after the break. Pakistan skipper Sarfraz Ahmed was then caught behind off Patel for three with his team down 154-6 and needing 22 runs to win.

Bilal Asif was bowled for a duck as he attempted to slog Patel and Wagner had Yasir Shah caught at slip. Hasan Ali was the next to go, offering a simple catch to substitute fielder Tim Southee off Patel.

Azhar played more cautiously as the wickets continued to tumble, but despite the 33-year-old's battling effort, Pakistan could not avoid defeat.

The second Test will be played in Dubai from Nov. 24-28 before the teams return to Abu Dhabi for the final Test from Dec. 3-7.

Debutant spinner Ajaz Patel claimed five wickets in the second innings as New Zealand beat Pakistan by four runs on a dramatic fourth day of the opening Test in Abu Dhabi on Monday.

Debutant spinner Ajaz Patel claimed five wickets in the second innings as New Zealand beat Pakistan by four runs on a dramatic fourth day of the opening Test in Abu Dhabi on Monday. Pakistan resumed the day on 37 for no loss, needing 139 runs for a victory to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, but suffered two separate batting collapses that resulted in a tense finish at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium. Pakistan were eventually dismissed for 171 in 58.4 overs as the visitors wrapped up the fifth-smallest win by runs in Test history. "We knew the surface wasn't an easy one. There was turn from day one and all the spinners bowled well," New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson said. "It's a great advertisement for Test cricket. In the end, it came down to the wire. We'll sit down and review our performance and the things to improve upon. The attitude, certainly today and throughout the game, was brilliant." Azhar Ali (65), who stitched together an 82-run stand with Asad Shafiq (45) to keep Pakistan's hopes alive, was the last batsman to fall when he was trapped in front of the wicket by Patel who finished with 5-59. "It's a dream come true. We know Pakistan have got good players of spin, but we kept chipping in there," left-armer Patel said. Earlier, Patel dismissed opener Imam-ul-Haq leg-before and spin partner Ish Sodhi struck twice to remove Mohammad Hafeez and Haris Sohail as Pakistan lost three batsmen in eight balls to find themselves in trouble at 48-3. Shafiq edged pace bowler Neil Wagner to wicketkeeper BJ Watling before lunch and Babar Azam was run out after the break. Pakistan skipper Sarfraz Ahmed was then caught behind off Patel for three with his team down 154-6 and needing 22 runs to win. Bilal Asif was bowled for a duck as he attempted to slog Patel and Wagner had Yasir Shah caught at slip. Hasan Ali was the next to go, offering a simple catch to substitute fielder Tim Southee off Patel. Azhar played more cautiously as the wickets continued to tumble, but despite the 33-year-old's battling effort, Pakistan could not avoid defeat. The second Test will be played in Dubai from Nov. 24-28 before the teams return to Abu Dhabi for the final Test from Dec. 3-7.

Ajaz Patel scythes down Pakistan as Kiwis seal four-run win in first test

A day after Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and US President Donald Trump slammed each other on twitter, Pakistan on Tuesday summoned American US Charge d'affaires CdA Ambassador Paul Jones.

According to Pakistan to the ministry of foreign affairs release Islamabad registered a "strong protest on the unwarranted and unsubstantiated allegations made against Pakistan".

American US Charge d'affaires was summoned by the Pakistani foreign secretary Tehmina Janjua and conveyed her Government's disappointment on the recent tweets and comments by the US President. The US CdA was told that such "baseless rhetoric about Pakistan was totally unacceptable."&nbsp;

Rejecting the insinuations about Osama Bin Laden, the Foreign Secretary reminded the US CdA "that it was Pakistan's intelligence cooperation that provided the initial evidence to trace the whereabouts of Osama Bin Laden."

The Imran-Trump tiff on tweeter started after US President in an interview to Fox news channel justified aid cut to Pakistan and said the country doesn't do "a damn thing" and was hiding Osama.

Explaining the US CdA that no other country had paid a heavier price than Pakistan in the fight against terrorism, Tehmina Janjua said, "US must not forget that scores of top AQ leaders were killed or captured by active Pakistani cooperation."

She also remined "Pakistan's continued support to the efforts of international community in Afghanistan" through Ground/ Air and Sea lines of communication was "unquestionably critical to the success of this Mission in Afghanistan."

Meanwhile, Diplomatic sources told WION that US CdA has assured Pakistan that America greatly values Pakistan sacrifices and needs its support. CdA also told Foreign secretary that diplomatic channels should remain open between Pakistan and US.

Slamming Pak on Twitter, Trump had tweeted, "We paid Pakistan Billions of Dollars &amp; they never told us he was living there.". Earlier, Pakistan's Prime Minister had tweeted that US was trying to make Pakistan a "scapegoat for their failures".

The relationship between the 2 erstwhile allies has suffered in last few years over Pakistan's inaction on terror which has miffed Washington. The first tweet this year by US President this year was on Pakistan saying he is the cutting aid to the country since it has only offered "lies and deceit".

A day after Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and US President Donald Trump slammed each other on twitter, Pakistan on Tuesday summoned American US Charge d'affaires CdA Ambassador Paul Jones.

A day after Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and US President Donald Trump slammed each other on twitter, Pakistan on Tuesday summoned American US Charge d'affaires CdA Ambassador Paul Jones. According to Pakistan to the ministry of foreign affairs release Islamabad registered a "strong protest on the unwarranted and unsubstantiated allegations made against Pakistan". American US Charge d'affaires was summoned by the Pakistani foreign secretary Tehmina Janjua and conveyed her Government's disappointment on the recent tweets and comments by the US President. The US CdA was told that such "baseless rhetoric about Pakistan was totally unacceptable." Rejecting the insinuations about Osama Bin Laden, the Foreign Secretary reminded the US CdA "that it was Pakistan's intelligence cooperation that provided the initial evidence to trace the whereabouts of Osama Bin Laden." The Imran-Trump tiff on tweeter started after US President in an interview to Fox news channel justified aid cut to Pakistan and said the country doesn't do "a damn thing" and was hiding Osama. Explaining the US CdA that no other country had paid a heavier price than Pakistan in the fight against terrorism, Tehmina Janjua said, "US must not forget that scores of top AQ leaders were killed or captured by active Pakistani cooperation." She also remined "Pakistan's continued support to the efforts of international community in Afghanistan" through Ground/ Air and Sea lines of communication was "unquestionably critical to the success of this Mission in Afghanistan." Meanwhile, Diplomatic sources told WION that US CdA has assured Pakistan that America greatly values Pakistan sacrifices and needs its support. CdA also told Foreign secretary that diplomatic channels should remain open between Pakistan and US. Slamming Pak on Twitter, Trump had tweeted, "We paid Pakistan Billions of Dollars & they never told us he was living there.". Earlier, Pakistan's Prime Minister had tweeted that US was trying to make Pakistan a "scapegoat for their failures". The relationship between the 2 erstwhile allies has suffered in last few years over Pakistan's inaction on terror which has miffed Washington. The first tweet this year by US President this year was on Pakistan saying he is the cutting aid to the country since it has only offered "lies and deceit".

Pakistan summons US envoy over President Trump's tweets

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/suspended-security-assistance-as-pak-failed-to-act-on-militant-safe-havens-white-house-178294">Suspended security assistance to Pak for failure to address militant safe havens: US</a>

The Trump administration has suspended security assistance to Pakistan because it failed to address the problem of militant safe havens inside its territory, the White House has said.

"The (Trump) Administration has been clear to Pakistani leaders that it expects them to constructively address the problem of militant safe havens in Pakistan," an official from the National Security Council, the White House, told PTI.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/multiple-victims-after-shots-fired-at-chicago-hospital-police-178282">Four killed, including </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/multiple-victims-after-shots-fired-at-chicago-hospital-police-178282">gunman</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/multiple-victims-after-shots-fired-at-chicago-hospital-police-178282"> and police officer, in shooting at Chicago hospital</a>

Four people were killed and two others critically wounded in a shooting at a Chicago hospital on Monday, and among the dead was the gunman who started shooting in the parking lot and then burst into the medical facility and opened fire, according to local media.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/chhattisgarh-elections-polling-begins-in-second-phase-amid-heavy-security-178297">Chhattisgarh elections: Polling begins in </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/chhattisgarh-elections-polling-begins-in-second-phase-amid-heavy-security-178297">second</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/chhattisgarh-elections-polling-begins-in-second-phase-amid-heavy-security-178297"> phase amid heavy security</a>

Polling booths opened today in 72 assembly constituencies in Chhattisgarh today in the second phase of elections amid heavy security.

The state had gone to the polls for the first phase on November 12th in the 18 Naxal-affected seats which saw 70 per cent electorates exercising their franchise.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/encounter-underway-in-jks-shopian-district-2-terrorists-trapped-178291">Two terrorists reportedly killed in </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/encounter-underway-in-jks-shopian-district-2-terrorists-trapped-178291">encounter</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/encounter-underway-in-jks-shopian-district-2-terrorists-trapped-178291"> in Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian</a>

Two terrorists were reportedly killed in an encounter that broke out between terrorists and security forces at Nadigam village of Shopian district in Jammu and Kashmir in the wee hours of Tuesday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-remains-a-critical-partner-to-us-south-asia-strategy-pentagon-178292">Pakistan remains a critical partner to US' South Asia strategy: Pentagon</a>

Pakistan remains a critical partner to America's South Asia strategy, the Pentagon said on Monday, a day after President Donald Trump said that Islamabad was not doing "a damn thing" for the US.

Suspended security assistance to Pak for failure to address militant safe havens: US The Trump administration has suspended security assistance to Pakistan because it failed to address the problem of militant safe havens inside its territory, the White House has said.

Suspended security assistance to Pak for failure to address militant safe havens: US The Trump administration has suspended security assistance to Pakistan because it failed to address the problem of militant safe havens inside its territory, the White House has said. "The (Trump) Administration has been clear to Pakistani leaders that it expects them to constructively address the problem of militant safe havens in Pakistan," an official from the National Security Council, the White House, told PTI. Four killed, including gunman and police officer, in shooting at Chicago hospital Four people were killed and two others critically wounded in a shooting at a Chicago hospital on Monday, and among the dead was the gunman who started shooting in the parking lot and then burst into the medical facility and opened fire, according to local media. Chhattisgarh elections: Polling begins in second phase amid heavy security Polling booths opened today in 72 assembly constituencies in Chhattisgarh today in the second phase of elections amid heavy security. The state had gone to the polls for the first phase on November 12th in the 18 Naxal-affected seats which saw 70 per cent electorates exercising their franchise. Two terrorists reportedly killed in encounter in Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian Two terrorists were reportedly killed in an encounter that broke out between terrorists and security forces at Nadigam village of Shopian district in Jammu and Kashmir in the wee hours of Tuesday. Pakistan remains a critical partner to US' South Asia strategy: Pentagon Pakistan remains a critical partner to America's South Asia strategy, the Pentagon said on Monday, a day after President Donald Trump said that Islamabad was not doing "a damn thing" for the US.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Pakistan's powerful Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa said on Tuesday that his country "has done much more for peace in Afghanistan than any other country", in an apparent reference to the US which is fighting the Taliban militants since 2001 to restore peace in the war-torn nation.

Gen Bajwa's remarks came in the midst of a war of words between Pakistan and US after President Donald Trump berated Islamabad for lack of cooperation in the war on terror.

Army spokesman Major General Asif Ghafoor tweeted General Bajwa's views about Afghanistan and the war on terror.

"Pakistan has successfully fought against terrorism while also contributing to regional peace. Pakistan has done much more for peace in Afghanistan than any other country," Gen Bajwa said.

He said Pakistan has "paid the highest military, economic, political and social cost and the world should acknowledge that".

"We shall continue to contribute towards peace in Afghanistan," the army chief said, "but Pakistan's honour and Pakistan's security shall always stay premier".

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday reacted sharply to President Trump's remarks, saying that instead of making Pakistan a "scapegoat" for its failures in

Afghanistan, the US should find out why the Taliban has emerged stronger than before.

Pakistan on Tuesday summoned US charge d'affaires Paul Jones to register a strong protest over Trump's "baseless allegations" on harbouring al-Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden, saying it was a "closed chapter of history" and could seriously undermine bilateral ties.

Trump on Sunday defended his administration's decision to stop hundreds of millions of dollars in military aid to Pakistan for not doing enough to curb terrorism and criticised Islamabad for offering a hideout to slain al-Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden in the garrison city of Abbottabad.

The US, which is fighting the Taliban militants since 2001 in Afghanistan, continues to seek an exit strategy from the troubled country and in recent months

Washington has held direct talks with the Taliban representatives to end the 17 year long war.

Pakistan's powerful Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa said on Tuesday that his country "has done much more for peace in Afghanistan than any other country", in an apparent reference to the US which is fighting the Taliban militants since 2001 to restore peace in the war-torn nation.

Pakistan's powerful Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa said on Tuesday that his country "has done much more for peace in Afghanistan than any other country", in an apparent reference to the US which is fighting the Taliban militants since 2001 to restore peace in the war-torn nation. Gen Bajwa's remarks came in the midst of a war of words between Pakistan and US after President Donald Trump berated Islamabad for lack of cooperation in the war on terror. Army spokesman Major General Asif Ghafoor tweeted General Bajwa's views about Afghanistan and the war on terror. "Pakistan has successfully fought against terrorism while also contributing to regional peace. Pakistan has done much more for peace in Afghanistan than any other country," Gen Bajwa said. He said Pakistan has "paid the highest military, economic, political and social cost and the world should acknowledge that". "We shall continue to contribute towards peace in Afghanistan," the army chief said, "but Pakistan's honour and Pakistan's security shall always stay premier". Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday reacted sharply to President Trump's remarks, saying that instead of making Pakistan a "scapegoat" for its failures in Afghanistan, the US should find out why the Taliban has emerged stronger than before. Pakistan on Tuesday summoned US charge d'affaires Paul Jones to register a strong protest over Trump's "baseless allegations" on harbouring al-Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden, saying it was a "closed chapter of history" and could seriously undermine bilateral ties. Trump on Sunday defended his administration's decision to stop hundreds of millions of dollars in military aid to Pakistan for not doing enough to curb terrorism and criticised Islamabad for offering a hideout to slain al-Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden in the garrison city of Abbottabad. The US, which is fighting the Taliban militants since 2001 in Afghanistan, continues to seek an exit strategy from the troubled country and in recent months Washington has held direct talks with the Taliban representatives to end the 17 year long war.

Pakistan has done more for peace in Afghanistan than any other country: General Bajwa

Slogans like "We want justice" and "Release all Baloch Missing Persons" echoed across Balochistan as a large number of women and children joined massive rallies against enforced disappearances in the Pakistani province on Monday.

In Dera Ghazi Khan, the protesters demanded the immediate release of hundreds of Baloch political activists, students and other intellectuals who had been illegally abducted by secret services and the Army in the past few months.

The family members of Baloch missing persons have been protesting for the past few months, but their voice is unheard by Islamabad. They demand enforced disappearances should be criminalised.

Among many women who have joined the protest for the safe release of their husband is Zarina Baloch, wife of Shabir Baloch. Zarina`s husband was abducted on 14 October 2016 and she has never heard of him again. She has travelled from Awaran to set up a protest camp in capital Quetta.

There are many such families who have been silently fighting for injustice. In Quetta, a large number of missing persons` families were joined by civil rights and human rights activists to work for the safe recovery of Baloch missing persons.

Nasurallah Baloch, Chairman of Voice of Baloch Missing Persons said in his address, "Baloch women and children have been protesting since morning to evening for the safe recovery of their sons and brothers. Now, every Baloch must stand and give support to mothers and children. We want to tell those powerful officials and politicians as how the revolution will take birth in Balochistan".

"I have high praise for our mothers and sisters who have come on streets to seek justice for their loved ones who are disappeared. The civil society activists and human rights organizations in Balochistan will stand with you," said Nasrullah while announcing an indefinite protest for enforced disappeared persons.

Baloch human rights activist Mama Qadeer Baloch also joined the protest rally in Quetta and demand justice for innocent Baloch who have been languishing in illegal detention centres. It is believed many of these missing persons were killed and their mutilated bodies were thrown in isolated places by the secret agencies.

Balochistan is a resource-rich province of Pakistan, which the indigenous people claim to be forcefully occupied. The Baloch, who have been fighting for independence from Pakistan, are being targeted by secret agencies like the ISI and Military Intelligence. The people, who are generally targetted are the journalists, youth leaders, doctors, teachers and other intellectual people, who have been resisting against Islamabad.

The number of enforced disappearances and target killings has increased in Balochistan since China launched its multi-billion dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in the region. Balochistan`s Gwadar Port is the prime transit point, in which China is investing huge money.

Slogans like "We want justice" and "Release all Baloch Missing Persons" echoed across Balochistan as a large number of women and children joined massive rallies against enforced disappearances in the Pakistani province on Monday.

Slogans like "We want justice" and "Release all Baloch Missing Persons" echoed across Balochistan as a large number of women and children joined massive rallies against enforced disappearances in the Pakistani province on Monday. In Dera Ghazi Khan, the protesters demanded the immediate release of hundreds of Baloch political activists, students and other intellectuals who had been illegally abducted by secret services and the Army in the past few months. The family members of Baloch missing persons have been protesting for the past few months, but their voice is unheard by Islamabad. They demand enforced disappearances should be criminalised. Among many women who have joined the protest for the safe release of their husband is Zarina Baloch, wife of Shabir Baloch. Zarina`s husband was abducted on 14 October 2016 and she has never heard of him again. She has travelled from Awaran to set up a protest camp in capital Quetta. There are many such families who have been silently fighting for injustice. In Quetta, a large number of missing persons` families were joined by civil rights and human rights activists to work for the safe recovery of Baloch missing persons. Nasurallah Baloch, Chairman of Voice of Baloch Missing Persons said in his address, "Baloch women and children have been protesting since morning to evening for the safe recovery of their sons and brothers. Now, every Baloch must stand and give support to mothers and children. We want to tell those powerful officials and politicians as how the revolution will take birth in Balochistan". "I have high praise for our mothers and sisters who have come on streets to seek justice for their loved ones who are disappeared. The civil society activists and human rights organizations in Balochistan will stand with you," said Nasrullah while announcing an indefinite protest for enforced disappeared persons. Baloch human rights activist Mama Qadeer Baloch also joined the protest rally in Quetta and demand justice for innocent Baloch who have been languishing in illegal detention centres. It is believed many of these missing persons were killed and their mutilated bodies were thrown in isolated places by the secret agencies. Balochistan is a resource-rich province of Pakistan, which the indigenous people claim to be forcefully occupied. The Baloch, who have been fighting for independence from Pakistan, are being targeted by secret agencies like the ISI and Military Intelligence. The people, who are generally targetted are the journalists, youth leaders, doctors, teachers and other intellectual people, who have been resisting against Islamabad. The number of enforced disappearances and target killings has increased in Balochistan since China launched its multi-billion dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in the region. Balochistan`s Gwadar Port is the prime transit point, in which China is investing huge money.

Massive anti-Pakistan protests held across Balochistan

A team from the International Monetary Fund concluded its visit to Pakistan Tuesday, the government said, adding that "substantive progress" had been made but talks will continue on a possible bailout.

The IMF mission held "extensive talks" with Pakistani officials during the visit, which began on November 7, the finance ministry said in a statement.&nbsp;

"Substantive progress has been made by the government of Pakistan and the IMF Mission towards developing a common understanding on the policy and structural reforms framework for the prospective IMF programme," the statement continued.

"The positive engagement with the IMF will continue over the coming weeks to finalise the programme with the Fund."

Pakistan -- which has gone to the IMF repeatedly since the late 1980s -- is facing a widening balance of payments crisis.

But earlier this month finance minister Asad Umar said that unspecified assurances from China -- combined with a pledge made by Saudi Arabia in October -- meant that Pakistan's immediate fiscal woes were "over".&nbsp;

Riyadh pledged US $6 billion in funding and struck a 12-month deal for a balance of payments lifeline during a visit by Prime Minister Imran Khan.&nbsp;

No further announcement has been made about any Chinese assistance.

Despite the pledges, Pakistan has said it will still seek broader IMF support for the government's long-term economic planning.

In his statement, Umar said the reforms discussed included "fiscal and monetary measures, corrective interventions for balance of payments sustainability, pro-poor spending, governance and development of a business-friendly environment".

Khan's new government has been searching for ways to rally a struggling economy hit by inflation, and shore up Pakistan's dwindling foreign currency reserves.&nbsp;

The former cricketer has launched a highly-publicised austerity drive, including auctioning off government-owned luxury automobiles and buffaloes, in addition to seeking loans from "friendly countries" and making overtures to the IMF.

However, Islamabad has received billions of dollars in Chinese loans to finance ambitious infrastructure projects, and the US -- one of the IMF's biggest donors -- has raised fears that Pakistan could use any bailout money to repay its debts to Beijing.

Islamabad, which last received an IMF bailout in 2013 to the tune of US $6.6 billion, has refuted these claims.

A team from the International Monetary Fund concluded its visit to Pakistan Tuesday, the government said, adding that "substantive progress" had been made but talks will continue on a possible bailout.

A team from the International Monetary Fund concluded its visit to Pakistan Tuesday, the government said, adding that "substantive progress" had been made but talks will continue on a possible bailout. The IMF mission held "extensive talks" with Pakistani officials during the visit, which began on November 7, the finance ministry said in a statement. "Substantive progress has been made by the government of Pakistan and the IMF Mission towards developing a common understanding on the policy and structural reforms framework for the prospective IMF programme," the statement continued. "The positive engagement with the IMF will continue over the coming weeks to finalise the programme with the Fund." Pakistan -- which has gone to the IMF repeatedly since the late 1980s -- is facing a widening balance of payments crisis. But earlier this month finance minister Asad Umar said that unspecified assurances from China -- combined with a pledge made by Saudi Arabia in October -- meant that Pakistan's immediate fiscal woes were "over". Riyadh pledged US $6 billion in funding and struck a 12-month deal for a balance of payments lifeline during a visit by Prime Minister Imran Khan. No further announcement has been made about any Chinese assistance. Despite the pledges, Pakistan has said it will still seek broader IMF support for the government's long-term economic planning. In his statement, Umar said the reforms discussed included "fiscal and monetary measures, corrective interventions for balance of payments sustainability, pro-poor spending, governance and development of a business-friendly environment". Khan's new government has been searching for ways to rally a struggling economy hit by inflation, and shore up Pakistan's dwindling foreign currency reserves. The former cricketer has launched a highly-publicised austerity drive, including auctioning off government-owned luxury automobiles and buffaloes, in addition to seeking loans from "friendly countries" and making overtures to the IMF. However, Islamabad has received billions of dollars in Chinese loans to finance ambitious infrastructure projects, and the US -- one of the IMF's biggest donors -- has raised fears that Pakistan could use any bailout money to repay its debts to Beijing. Islamabad, which last received an IMF bailout in 2013 to the tune of US $6.6 billion, has refuted these claims.

IMF team ends Pakistan visit as talks continue

Pakistan remains a critical partner to America's South Asia strategy, the Pentagon said on Monday, a day after President Donald Trump said that Islamabad was not doing "a damn thing" for the US.

In an interview to a television news channel on Sunday, Trump had defended his administration's decision to stop hundreds of millions of dollars in military aid to Pakistan for not doing enough to curb terrorism and criticised Islamabad for offering a hideout to Al Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden in the garrison city of Abbottabad.

"The US and Pakistan have a strong mutual interest in the region. As you know, they are critical (and) vital to the South Asia strategy and including the facilitation of a peace process that would lead to a stable and peaceful Afghanistan," Col Rob Manning, Director of Defense Press Operations, told reporters during an off-camera news conference.

"They remain a critical partner in our South Asia strategy and there's been no change to our military-to-military relationship with Pakistan,? Manning said, responding to question about the series of tweets by President Trump and his interview to Fox News that Pakistan has done nothing for the United States.

"I do not have any announcement on any change to the military to military relationship we have with Pakistan," Manning said, when asked that his answers reflects that the Pentagon differs with the views of President Trump on Pakistan.&nbsp;

Pakistan remains a critical partner to America's South Asia strategy, the Pentagon said on Monday, a day after President Donald Trump said that Islamabad was not doing "a damn thing" for the US.

Pakistan remains a critical partner to America's South Asia strategy, the Pentagon said on Monday, a day after President Donald Trump said that Islamabad was not doing "a damn thing" for the US. In an interview to a television news channel on Sunday, Trump had defended his administration's decision to stop hundreds of millions of dollars in military aid to Pakistan for not doing enough to curb terrorism and criticised Islamabad for offering a hideout to Al Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden in the garrison city of Abbottabad. "The US and Pakistan have a strong mutual interest in the region. As you know, they are critical (and) vital to the South Asia strategy and including the facilitation of a peace process that would lead to a stable and peaceful Afghanistan," Col Rob Manning, Director of Defense Press Operations, told reporters during an off-camera news conference. "They remain a critical partner in our South Asia strategy and there's been no change to our military-to-military relationship with Pakistan,? Manning said, responding to question about the series of tweets by President Trump and his interview to Fox News that Pakistan has done nothing for the United States. "I do not have any announcement on any change to the military to military relationship we have with Pakistan," Manning said, when asked that his answers reflects that the Pentagon differs with the views of President Trump on Pakistan.

Pakistan remains a critical partner to US' South Asia strategy: Pentagon

The lawyer for <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/un-denies-forcing-asia-bibis-lawyer-to-leave-for-netherlands-175962">Asia Bibi, a Pakistani Christian acquitted of capital blasphemy charges</a>, appealed on Tuesday (November 20) to Germany to give her whole family citizenship to start a new life in Europe.

Saiful Mulook told a news conference in Frankfurt that Bibi was now free but she and her family needed a passport to leave the country.

Bibi, 53, was convicted of blasphemy in 2010 over allegations she made derogatory remarks about Islam after neighbours objected to her drinking water from their glass because she was not Muslim.

The Supreme Court acquitted her last month.

It was unclear why citizenship, rather than a visa, was necessary for her to leave Pakistan, though Mulook said pressure from religious extremists was making it harder for Islamabad to arrange her departure.

She and her family are staying at a safe house in Pakistan, despite offers of asylum from countries including Canada.

Mulook said the status of a friend of Bibi's husband, who has a wife and five daughters, whom he would like to join them, was a sticking point. Another wife of Bibi's husband and her three daughters were not seeking to leave Pakistan with Bibi, he added.

German officials have said that they and a number of other countries are in talks with Bibi's family and the Pakistani government to find a way of rehousing her.

Mulook, who has himself sought refuge in the Netherlands after being threatened for taking on Bibi's case, said Bibi had no preference as to which country she would travel to for asylum.

The German government had no immediate comment on the request for a passport.

The lawyer for Asia Bibi, a Pakistani Christian acquitted of capital blasphemy charges, appealed on Tuesday (November 20) to Germany to give her whole family citizenship to start a new life in Europe.

The lawyer for Asia Bibi, a Pakistani Christian acquitted of capital blasphemy charges, appealed on Tuesday (November 20) to Germany to give her whole family citizenship to start a new life in Europe. Saiful Mulook told a news conference in Frankfurt that Bibi was now free but she and her family needed a passport to leave the country. Bibi, 53, was convicted of blasphemy in 2010 over allegations she made derogatory remarks about Islam after neighbours objected to her drinking water from their glass because she was not Muslim. The Supreme Court acquitted her last month. It was unclear why citizenship, rather than a visa, was necessary for her to leave Pakistan, though Mulook said pressure from religious extremists was making it harder for Islamabad to arrange her departure. She and her family are staying at a safe house in Pakistan, despite offers of asylum from countries including Canada. Mulook said the status of a friend of Bibi's husband, who has a wife and five daughters, whom he would like to join them, was a sticking point. Another wife of Bibi's husband and her three daughters were not seeking to leave Pakistan with Bibi, he added. German officials have said that they and a number of other countries are in talks with Bibi's family and the Pakistani government to find a way of rehousing her. Mulook, who has himself sought refuge in the Netherlands after being threatened for taking on Bibi's case, said Bibi had no preference as to which country she would travel to for asylum. The German government had no immediate comment on the request for a passport.

Asia Bibi unable to leave Pakistan without asylum offer: Lawyer

Bomb-proof, earthquake-resistant and cheap: thousands of Pakistanis are choosing to hunker down in caves northwest of Islamabad, snapping up the hobbit-like homes amid a nationwide housing shortage.

Located around 60 kilometres (40 miles) from Pakistan's capital, nearly 3,000 people live in caves in the village of Hasan Abdal, according to councilor Haji Abdul Rasheed -- whose own home is among the dwellings carved into the rugged, earthen hillside embankments.

Rasheed's spartan cave -- or "buray" as it is locally known -- consists of a few minimally furnished rooms complemented by a breezy veranda.&nbsp;

The caves are usually dug by hand, with residents using clay to plaster the walls -- a practice which serves as a bulwark against landslides, they say.

"There is nothing like it. If you build a mud house, it collapses during the rains. This does not collapse," says Rasheed.

"It's earthquake-proof and bomb-proof."

Although locals have been living in caves for at least five centuries since the area was settled by a Mughal tribe, a surge in housing prices has renewed the appetite for the cavernous homes, which cost much less than their urban counterparts.

"We bought this because it's cheaper... we dug it ourselves," says resident Ameer Ullah Khan. &nbsp;

The modern-day cave dwellers also recommend the structures as ideally suited to Pakistan's weather -- staying cool as summertime temperature soar past 40 degrees Celsius and providing a warm cocoon during the area's chilly winters.

"We mostly spend our summers here... using the caves as our residence and to store our belongings, including our wheat and corn harvest," says Muhammad Sohail, who lives elsewhere the rest of the year.

Life is not all easy however: lacking sufficient natural light, the caves rely on electricity cabled in from outside to power TV sets and mobile phones, while indoor plumbing is a rare luxury.&nbsp;

But with cave prices averaging around about 40,000 rupees (US $300 dollars) compared to brick homes that start around 250,000 rupees, locals and property experts say they are much more affordable than other rural options.

"Even in the countryside, you need at least half a million rupees to get a small piece of land to build a house," real estate agent Sakhi Riaz told AFP.&nbsp;

The lower costs have allowed some residents to splurge on extras, from rose gardens to terraced fruit orchards.&nbsp;

One local 'godman' has even gone so far as to build an huge residential complex to host hundreds of devotees who flock to the area for religious festivities. &nbsp;

The humble abodes are seen as an increasingly attractive option as Pakistan battles a dearth of affordable housing, with the country's rapidly growing population hovering around 207 million.

Freshly elected Prime Minister Imran Khan has vowed to address the crisis by building as many as five million new homes even as an ongoing financial crisis has raised questions about how he will pay for it.

Bomb-proof, earthquake-resistant and cheap: thousands of Pakistanis are choosing to hunker down in caves northwest of Islamabad, snapping up the hobbit-like homes amid a nationwide housing shortage.

Bomb-proof, earthquake-resistant and cheap: thousands of Pakistanis are choosing to hunker down in caves northwest of Islamabad, snapping up the hobbit-like homes amid a nationwide housing shortage. Located around 60 kilometres (40 miles) from Pakistan's capital, nearly 3,000 people live in caves in the village of Hasan Abdal, according to councilor Haji Abdul Rasheed -- whose own home is among the dwellings carved into the rugged, earthen hillside embankments. Rasheed's spartan cave -- or "buray" as it is locally known -- consists of a few minimally furnished rooms complemented by a breezy veranda. The caves are usually dug by hand, with residents using clay to plaster the walls -- a practice which serves as a bulwark against landslides, they say. "There is nothing like it. If you build a mud house, it collapses during the rains. This does not collapse," says Rasheed. "It's earthquake-proof and bomb-proof." Although locals have been living in caves for at least five centuries since the area was settled by a Mughal tribe, a surge in housing prices has renewed the appetite for the cavernous homes, which cost much less than their urban counterparts. "We bought this because it's cheaper... we dug it ourselves," says resident Ameer Ullah Khan. The modern-day cave dwellers also recommend the structures as ideally suited to Pakistan's weather -- staying cool as summertime temperature soar past 40 degrees Celsius and providing a warm cocoon during the area's chilly winters. "We mostly spend our summers here... using the caves as our residence and to store our belongings, including our wheat and corn harvest," says Muhammad Sohail, who lives elsewhere the rest of the year. Life is not all easy however: lacking sufficient natural light, the caves rely on electricity cabled in from outside to power TV sets and mobile phones, while indoor plumbing is a rare luxury. But with cave prices averaging around about 40,000 rupees (US $300 dollars) compared to brick homes that start around 250,000 rupees, locals and property experts say they are much more affordable than other rural options. "Even in the countryside, you need at least half a million rupees to get a small piece of land to build a house," real estate agent Sakhi Riaz told AFP. The lower costs have allowed some residents to splurge on extras, from rose gardens to terraced fruit orchards. One local 'godman' has even gone so far as to build an huge residential complex to host hundreds of devotees who flock to the area for religious festivities. The humble abodes are seen as an increasingly attractive option as Pakistan battles a dearth of affordable housing, with the country's rapidly growing population hovering around 207 million. Freshly elected Prime Minister Imran Khan has vowed to address the crisis by building as many as five million new homes even as an ongoing financial crisis has raised questions about how he will pay for it.

In Pakistani village, home is where the cave is

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?q=pakistan+cricket+team">Pakistan&nbsp;Women's cricket team</a> was knocked out of the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?q=icc+women%27s">Women's World T20</a> but there are a number of fans who are still oblivious of the fact that their team is not in the title race and questioned the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?q=icc">International Cricket Council (ICC)</a> for the same.

ICC, the global governing body of cricket, duly noted the comments posted by few of the fans on ICC's Twitter poll, asking the fans to predict which team will reach the final, and responded with another hilarious tweet.

The ICC started a Twitter poll on Monday asking fans and followers to vote for their choice of finalists for the tournament. The options for the poll were India vs West Indies, India vs Australia, England vs Australia and England vs West Indies, given these were the four teams to qualify for the semi-finals.

The semi-finals are scheduled to take place on November 22 when West Indies take on Australia and India take on England.

Pakistani's fans got furious and asked ICC why Pakistan was not included in the top four. While ICC replied, "The absolute state of these mentions! Pakistan didn't get out of the #WT20 group stage guys."

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The absolute state of these mentions! 😂 
 
Pakistan didn't get out of the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WT20?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WT20</a> group stage guys 🙃
— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1064356925352173568?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Here are the few comments.

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Where is Pakistan. 😔😯😠
— GHULAM SHABEER (@Shabeer_jattak) <a href="https://twitter.com/Shabeer_jattak/status/1064327110783901696?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Pakistan is No. one T20 team you forgot to mention it
— شکیل اجمل (@shakeelajmal) <a href="https://twitter.com/shakeelajmal/status/1064336535976329216?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Pakistan is number one in t20 ranking but you didn't mention it.
— Shamim Balti (@imalone96) <a href="https://twitter.com/imalone96/status/1064376857246748673?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Recently, ICC&nbsp;trolled the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Twitter after the unveiling of the TUC Cup 2018 T20I series trophy.

The International cricket board had&nbsp;witty responses to the design of the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/icc-trolls-pakistan-cricket-board-over-trophy-resembling-a-biscuit-173145">biscuit-shaped trophy</a>.&nbsp;

The post read, "Giving taking the biscuit a whole new meaning!"&nbsp;

Pakistan Women's cricket team was knocked out of the Women's World T20 but there are a number of fans who are still oblivious of the fact that their team is not in the title race and questioned the International Cricket Council (ICC) for the same.

Pakistan Women's cricket team was knocked out of the Women's World T20 but there are a number of fans who are still oblivious of the fact that their team is not in the title race and questioned the International Cricket Council (ICC) for the same. ICC, the global governing body of cricket, duly noted the comments posted by few of the fans on ICC's Twitter poll, asking the fans to predict which team will reach the final, and responded with another hilarious tweet. The ICC started a Twitter poll on Monday asking fans and followers to vote for their choice of finalists for the tournament. The options for the poll were India vs West Indies, India vs Australia, England vs Australia and England vs West Indies, given these were the four teams to qualify for the semi-finals. The semi-finals are scheduled to take place on November 22 when West Indies take on Australia and India take on England. Pakistani's fans got furious and asked ICC why Pakistan was not included in the top four. While ICC replied, "The absolute state of these mentions! Pakistan didn't get out of the #WT20 group stage guys." The absolute state of these mentions! 😂 Pakistan didn't get out of the #WT20 group stage guys 🙃 — ICC (@ICC) November 19, 2018 × Here are the few comments. Where is Pakistan. 😔😯😠 — GHULAM SHABEER (@Shabeer_jattak) November 19, 2018 × Pakistan is No. one T20 team you forgot to mention it — شکیل اجمل (@shakeelajmal) November 19, 2018 × Pakistan is number one in t20 ranking but you didn't mention it. — Shamim Balti (@imalone96) November 19, 2018 × Recently, ICC trolled the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Twitter after the unveiling of the TUC Cup 2018 T20I series trophy. The International cricket board had witty responses to the design of the biscuit-shaped trophy. The post read, "Giving taking the biscuit a whole new meaning!"

Here is why ICC trolls Pakistan cricket fans

The IMF has demanded <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/suspended-security-assistance-as-pak-failed-to-act-on-militant-safe-havens-white-house-178294">Pakistan provide all details </a>of China's financial support to the cash-strapped country to avail a bailout package from it, according to media reports.&nbsp;

The International Monetary Fund mission is in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-pm-imran-khans-defence-of-the-political-u-turn-sparks-mirth-178340">Pakistan and holding talks</a> with officials over arranging an unspecified amount to help in addressing the balance of payment issue.

As talks enter the final phase, the IMF set stricter conditions for Pakistan to implement in exchange for a bailout package much needed for economic revival.

Some of the major conditions include the imposition of more taxes worth Rs 150 billion, further reduction in the rupee value as well as a tighter monetary policy. It also sought from Pakistan all details of Chinese financial&nbsp;support for any bailout package to Pakistan.&nbsp;

Led by its mission chief Harald Finger, the IMF delegation is holding meetings with government officials to know their viewpoint on the reforms.&nbsp;

There was no indication that the two sides are close to any agreement, Dawn reported.

Finance Minister Asad Umar said on Monday that the talks were moving ahead positively but there were still differences, the report said.

"There are still gaps in the position of the IMF and the position that we have," Umar said after a series of meetings with an IMF team.

Umar said the IMF visit would conclude on Tuesday and he had no funding emergency to worry about day after tomorrow.

He said that $1 billion of the $3 billion committed by Saudi Arabia had been remitted to the State Bank of Pakistan on Monday and the remaining $2 billion would follow over the next few days.

Pakistan looks forward to about $6 billion financial bailouts for averting its balance of payments crisis

Informed sources said the two sides had a wide gap in their positions on the need for increase in electricity tariff, upward revision in the revenue target and additional tax measures on matters relating to Chinese assistance and its impact both inflow and outflow.

The sources said the IMF also demanded that the provincial governments finance the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), instead of the federal government, and wanted committed cash surpluses to minimise the consolidated fiscal deficit.&nbsp;

Regarding the Chinese financing, the minister said there was complete transparency in the Chinese assistance and whatever the external debt was would have to be shared with the IMF as part of the programme, the report said.

The sources said the IMF mission wanted a clear roadmap for elimination of power sector circular debt that currently stood at Rs1.2tr and welcomed administrative measures to recover some arrears, but insisted on further increasing electricity rates for full cost recovery of power supply, it said.

The sources said the IMF team was not satisfied with the power sector reforms plan and wanted the government to surrender its powers to set electricity tariff and let these be independently dealt with by the power regulator.&nbsp;

Pakistan's current account deficit widened 43 per cent to $18 billion in the fiscal year that ended in June, while the fiscal deficit has ballooned to 6.6 per cent of gross domestic product.

The IMF has demanded Pakistan provide all details of China's financial support to the cash-strapped country to avail a bailout package from it, according to media reports.

The IMF has demanded Pakistan provide all details of China's financial support to the cash-strapped country to avail a bailout package from it, according to media reports. The International Monetary Fund mission is in Pakistan and holding talks with officials over arranging an unspecified amount to help in addressing the balance of payment issue. As talks enter the final phase, the IMF set stricter conditions for Pakistan to implement in exchange for a bailout package much needed for economic revival. Some of the major conditions include the imposition of more taxes worth Rs 150 billion, further reduction in the rupee value as well as a tighter monetary policy. It also sought from Pakistan all details of Chinese financial support for any bailout package to Pakistan. Led by its mission chief Harald Finger, the IMF delegation is holding meetings with government officials to know their viewpoint on the reforms. There was no indication that the two sides are close to any agreement, Dawn reported. Finance Minister Asad Umar said on Monday that the talks were moving ahead positively but there were still differences, the report said. "There are still gaps in the position of the IMF and the position that we have," Umar said after a series of meetings with an IMF team. Umar said the IMF visit would conclude on Tuesday and he had no funding emergency to worry about day after tomorrow. He said that $1 billion of the $3 billion committed by Saudi Arabia had been remitted to the State Bank of Pakistan on Monday and the remaining $2 billion would follow over the next few days. Pakistan looks forward to about $6 billion financial bailouts for averting its balance of payments crisis Informed sources said the two sides had a wide gap in their positions on the need for increase in electricity tariff, upward revision in the revenue target and additional tax measures on matters relating to Chinese assistance and its impact both inflow and outflow. The sources said the IMF also demanded that the provincial governments finance the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), instead of the federal government, and wanted committed cash surpluses to minimise the consolidated fiscal deficit. Regarding the Chinese financing, the minister said there was complete transparency in the Chinese assistance and whatever the external debt was would have to be shared with the IMF as part of the programme, the report said. The sources said the IMF mission wanted a clear roadmap for elimination of power sector circular debt that currently stood at Rs1.2tr and welcomed administrative measures to recover some arrears, but insisted on further increasing electricity rates for full cost recovery of power supply, it said. The sources said the IMF team was not satisfied with the power sector reforms plan and wanted the government to surrender its powers to set electricity tariff and let these be independently dealt with by the power regulator. Pakistan's current account deficit widened 43 per cent to $18 billion in the fiscal year that ended in June, while the fiscal deficit has ballooned to 6.6 per cent of gross domestic product.

IMF demands details of Pakistan's financial assistance deal with China: Report

Watch: WION Dispatch, 19th November, 2018

Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday reacted to Donald Trump's latest tirade on Islamabad. In a series of tweets, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-insaf chief stated that "no Pakistani was involved in 9/11 but Pak decided to participate in US war on terror."

Khan's comments came after US President tweeted out slamming Pakistan for not doing "<a href="http://www.wionews.com/americas/pakistan-knew-bin-laden-was-there-but-didnt-do-a-damn-thing-says-donald-trump-178108">a damn thing</a>" for America in curbing terrorism. &nbsp;

Trump's remark angered Pak leaders, including the Prime Minister who launched a scathing attack on the US President stating that "record needs to be put straight on Mr Trump's tirade against Pakistan."

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Record needs to be put straight on Mr Trump's tirade against Pakistan: 1. No Pakistani was involved in 9/11 but Pak decided to participate in US War on Terror. 2. Pakistan suffered 75,000 casualties in this war &amp; over $123 bn was lost to economy. US "aid" was a miniscule $20 bn.
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/1064482777054220289?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Pakistan's Prime Minister said "Pakistan suffered 75,000 casualties" by participating in US war against terror, "over $123 billion was lost to the economy. US "aid" was a minuscule $20 billion," Khan tweeted out.&nbsp;

"Our tribal areas were devastated and millions of people were uprooted from their homes. The war drastically impacted lives of ordinary Pakistanis. Pak continues to provide free lines of ground and air communications (GLOCs/ALOCs). Can Mr Trump name another ally that gave such sacrifices?" Khan's tweet read.&nbsp;

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3. Our tribal areas were devastated &amp; millions of ppl uprooted from their homes. The war drastically impacted lives of ordinary Pakistanis. 4. Pak continues to provide free lines of ground &amp; air communications(GLOCs/ALOCs).Can Mr Trump name another ally that gave such sacrifices?
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/1064483393335898113?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Pak Prime Minister added that the United States is making Pakistan "a scapegoat of their failures." He asked Washington to "do a serious assessment" on why Taliban is stronger than &nbsp;ever "despite 140,000 NATO troops plus 250,000 Afghan troops and reportedly $1 trillion spent on war in Afghanistan."

Khan's remarks came shortly after his Human Rights Minister <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/president-trumps-tirade-against-pakistan-shows-he-suffers-from-perpetual-historic-amnesia-minister-178210">Shireen Mazari slammed US President</a> Donald Trump saying he "suffers conveniently from perpetual historic amnesia!"

"Trump's tirade against Pak and his claim that that Pak does not do 'a damn thing' for the US shd be a lesson for those Pak ldrs who kept appeasing the US esp after 9/11! The renditions; the loss of Pak lives in US WoT (war on terrorism); the free space for Raymond Davis &amp; other operatives; etc etc," Mazari tweeted.

The developments come after a high-level meeting at Pakistan's foreign office after comments of US President.

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The United States has foolishly given Pakistan more than 33 billion dollars in aid over the last 15 years, and they have given us nothing but lies &amp; deceit, thinking of our leaders as fools. They give safe haven to the terrorists we hunt in Afghanistan, with little help. No more!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/947802588174577664?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Trump, on Sunday, defended his administration's decision to stop hundreds of millions of dollars in military aid to Pakistan for not doing enough to curb terrorism and criticised Islamabad for offering a hideout to Al Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden in the garrison city of Abbottabad.&nbsp;

The US president in an interview to FOX had slammed Pakistan due terror inaction and justified aid cut. He had said,"And we give Pakistan $1.3 billion a year . ... [bin Laden] lived in Pakistan, we’re supporting Pakistan, we’re giving them $1.3 billion a year -- which we don’t give them anymore, by the way. I ended it because they don’t do anything for us, they don’t do a damn thing for us."

The relationship between the 2 former allies have deteriorated and it believed it beyond the point of return. US President Donald Trump didn't also call Imran Khan after being elected a PM of Pakistan. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had visited for few hours after Imran Khan took oath and has been asking Pakistan to do more on the issue terror.

The development comes even has ties been US and Pakistan's arch-rival India has increased. Indian PM Modi met US Vice President Mike Pence on the sidelines of 13th east Asia summit and discussed terror. PM Modi is likely to meet US President Trump on the sidelines of G20 in Argentina later this month.

Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday reacted to Donald Trump's latest tirade on Islamabad. In a series of tweets, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-insaf chief stated that "no Pakistani was involved in 9/11 but Pak decided to participate in US war on terror.

Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday reacted to Donald Trump's latest tirade on Islamabad. In a series of tweets, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-insaf chief stated that "no Pakistani was involved in 9/11 but Pak decided to participate in US war on terror." Khan's comments came after US President tweeted out slamming Pakistan for not doing "a damn thing" for America in curbing terrorism. Trump's remark angered Pak leaders, including the Prime Minister who launched a scathing attack on the US President stating that "record needs to be put straight on Mr Trump's tirade against Pakistan." Record needs to be put straight on Mr Trump's tirade against Pakistan: 1. No Pakistani was involved in 9/11 but Pak decided to participate in US War on Terror. 2. Pakistan suffered 75,000 casualties in this war & over $123 bn was lost to economy. US "aid" was a miniscule $20 bn. — Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) November 19, 2018 × Pakistan's Prime Minister said "Pakistan suffered 75,000 casualties" by participating in US war against terror, "over $123 billion was lost to the economy. US "aid" was a minuscule $20 billion," Khan tweeted out. "Our tribal areas were devastated and millions of people were uprooted from their homes. The war drastically impacted lives of ordinary Pakistanis. Pak continues to provide free lines of ground and air communications (GLOCs/ALOCs). Can Mr Trump name another ally that gave such sacrifices?" Khan's tweet read. 3. Our tribal areas were devastated & millions of ppl uprooted from their homes. The war drastically impacted lives of ordinary Pakistanis. 4. Pak continues to provide free lines of ground & air communications(GLOCs/ALOCs).Can Mr Trump name another ally that gave such sacrifices? — Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) November 19, 2018 × Pak Prime Minister added that the United States is making Pakistan "a scapegoat of their failures." He asked Washington to "do a serious assessment" on why Taliban is stronger than ever "despite 140,000 NATO troops plus 250,000 Afghan troops and reportedly $1 trillion spent on war in Afghanistan." Khan's remarks came shortly after his Human Rights Minister Shireen Mazari slammed US President Donald Trump saying he "suffers conveniently from perpetual historic amnesia!" "Trump's tirade against Pak and his claim that that Pak does not do 'a damn thing' for the US shd be a lesson for those Pak ldrs who kept appeasing the US esp after 9/11! The renditions; the loss of Pak lives in US WoT (war on terrorism); the free space for Raymond Davis & other operatives; etc etc," Mazari tweeted. The developments come after a high-level meeting at Pakistan's foreign office after comments of US President. The United States has foolishly given Pakistan more than 33 billion dollars in aid over the last 15 years, and they have given us nothing but lies & deceit, thinking of our leaders as fools. They give safe haven to the terrorists we hunt in Afghanistan, with little help. No more! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 1, 2018 × Trump, on Sunday, defended his administration's decision to stop hundreds of millions of dollars in military aid to Pakistan for not doing enough to curb terrorism and criticised Islamabad for offering a hideout to Al Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden in the garrison city of Abbottabad. The US president in an interview to FOX had slammed Pakistan due terror inaction and justified aid cut. He had said,"And we give Pakistan $1.3 billion a year . ... [bin Laden] lived in Pakistan, we’re supporting Pakistan, we’re giving them $1.3 billion a year -- which we don’t give them anymore, by the way. I ended it because they don’t do anything for us, they don’t do a damn thing for us." The relationship between the 2 former allies have deteriorated and it believed it beyond the point of return. US President Donald Trump didn't also call Imran Khan after being elected a PM of Pakistan. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had visited for few hours after Imran Khan took oath and has been asking Pakistan to do more on the issue terror. The development comes even has ties been US and Pakistan's arch-rival India has increased. Indian PM Modi met US Vice President Mike Pence on the sidelines of 13th east Asia summit and discussed terror. PM Modi is likely to meet US President Trump on the sidelines of G20 in Argentina later this month.

Pak lost over $123 bn by joining US war on terror; aid received was minuscule: Imran Khan on Trump's tirade

A 20-member Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) delegation on Monday left for Beijing on visit during which it will be briefed on China's political history and review the ruling Communist party's successes in eradicating poverty and corruption in the world's most populous country.

The week-long visit by a jumbo delegation of Pakistan's ruling party comes weeks after Prime Miinister Imran Khan, who is also the chief of the PTI, made his first visit to China on November 2.

PTI Central Secretary General Arshad Daad is leading the delegation, which was invited by the Communist Party of China (CPC), state-run Radio Pakistan reported.

Both parties are expected to hold meetings where they discuss matters of "bilateral value", the report said.&nbsp;

A briefing on China's political history and inter-departmental arrangements will also be given to the PTI delegation, along with a review of Beijing's successes in eradication of poverty and corruption from the country, it said.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has launched a massive crackdown on corruption and under this, many top leaders, including ex-army generals have been arrested for alleged graft.

Prime Minister Khan has often praised the Chinese government's efforts for poverty alleviation.

"This is where we admire China so much. No country in human history, has ever taken 700 million people out of poverty in 30 years as China has done," he said while delivering a speech at the CPC's Central Party School during his visit to Beijing.

China and Pakistan view each other as 'all-weather' allies and Beijing is Pakistan's major source of defence equipment. China has also agreed to provide financial aid to cash-strapped Pakistan government to tide over the current financial problem.

A 20-member Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) delegation on Monday left for Beijing on visit during which it will be briefed on China's political history and review the ruling Communist party's successes in eradicating poverty and corruption in the world's most populous country.

A 20-member Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) delegation on Monday left for Beijing on visit during which it will be briefed on China's political history and review the ruling Communist party's successes in eradicating poverty and corruption in the world's most populous country. The week-long visit by a jumbo delegation of Pakistan's ruling party comes weeks after Prime Miinister Imran Khan, who is also the chief of the PTI, made his first visit to China on November 2. PTI Central Secretary General Arshad Daad is leading the delegation, which was invited by the Communist Party of China (CPC), state-run Radio Pakistan reported. Both parties are expected to hold meetings where they discuss matters of "bilateral value", the report said. A briefing on China's political history and inter-departmental arrangements will also be given to the PTI delegation, along with a review of Beijing's successes in eradication of poverty and corruption from the country, it said. Chinese President Xi Jinping has launched a massive crackdown on corruption and under this, many top leaders, including ex-army generals have been arrested for alleged graft. Prime Minister Khan has often praised the Chinese government's efforts for poverty alleviation. "This is where we admire China so much. No country in human history, has ever taken 700 million people out of poverty in 30 years as China has done," he said while delivering a speech at the CPC's Central Party School during his visit to Beijing. China and Pakistan view each other as 'all-weather' allies and Beijing is Pakistan's major source of defence equipment. China has also agreed to provide financial aid to cash-strapped Pakistan government to tide over the current financial problem.

Jumbo delegation of Imran Khan's PTI leaves for China on 7-day visit

Pakistan Monday reacted angrily to Donald Trump's latest tirade against it for not doing "a damn thing" for America in curbing terrorism, saying the US President "suffers conveniently from perpetual historic amnesia!"

Human Rights Minister Shireen Mazari's terse remarks came a day after President Trump defended his administration's decision to stop hundreds of millions of dollars in military aid to Pakistan for not doing enough to curb terrorism and criticised Islamabad for offering a hideout to Al Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden in the garrison city of Abbottabad.&nbsp;

The minister, known to be a hawk, in a series of tweets said that whether China or Iran, US policies of "containment and isolation" do not coincide with Pakistan's strategic interests.

Mazari, a close aide of Prime Minister Imran Khan, said Trump's latest criticism of Pakistan should be a "lesson" to those Pakistani leaders who "appeased" America, especially after the 9/11 terror attacks.

"Trump's tirade against Pak &amp; his claim that that Pak does not do 'a damn thing' for the US shd be a lesson for those Pak ldrs who kept appeasing the US esp after 9/11! The renditions; the loss of Pak lives in US WoT (war on terrorism); the free space for Raymond Davis &amp; other operatives; etc etc," she tweeted.

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Trump's tirade against Pak &amp; his claim that that Pak does not do "a damn thing" for the US shd be a lesson for those Pak ldrs who kept appeasing the US esp after 9/11! The renditions; the loss of Pak lives in US WoT; the free space for Raymond Davis &amp; other operatives; etc etc
— Shireen Mazari (@ShireenMazari1) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShireenMazari1/status/1064352254231289863?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"The illegal killings by drone attacks; the list is endless but once again history shows appeasement does not work. Also, whether China or Iran, US policies of containment &amp; isolation do not coincide with Pak strategic interests," Mazari said.

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The illegal killings by drone attacks; the list is endless but once again history shows appeasement does not work. Also, whether China or Iran, US policies of containment &amp; isolation do not coincide with Pak strategic interests. <a href="https://t.co/tFBe9BentG">https://t.co/tFBe9BentG</a>
— Shireen Mazari (@ShireenMazari1) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShireenMazari1/status/1064353325146169345?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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In reply to another tweet calling out Trump over his remarks, Mazari said: "@realDonaldTrump suffers conveniently from perpetual historic amnesia!"

Former foreign minister Khawaja Asif said Pakistan continues to "pay in blood" for what it did for the USA and described the bilateral ties as a "relationship of betrayals &amp; sanctions."

"We continue to pay in blood for what we did for USA from Beda Ber to fighting wars wich weren't ours. Reinvented our religion to suit US interests, destroyed our tolerant ethos, replaced it with bigotry &amp; intolerance. A relationship of betrayals &amp; sanctions," Asif tweeted.

Referring to bin Laden and his hideout in Abbottabad, Trump in an interview to Fox News on Sunday said, "You know, living, think of this&nbsp;living in Pakistan, beautifully in Pakistan in what I guess they considered a nice mansion, I don't know, I've seen nicer."

The compound was demolished shortly after US Naval Special Warfare Development Group forces, in a daring helicopter raid, killed bin Laden in 2011. 
"But living in Pakistan right next to the military academy, everybody in Pakistan knew he was there," he added.

"And we give Pakistan US $1.3 billion a year. ... (Laden] lived in Pakistan, we're supporting Pakistan, we're giving them US $1.3 billion a year -- which we don't give them anymore, by the way, I ended it because they don't do anything for us, they don't do a damn thing for us," he said.

The ties between the two countries strained after Trump, while announcing his Afghanistan and South Asia policy in August last year, hit out at Pakistan for providing safe havens to "agents of chaos" that kill Americans in Afghanistan and warned Islamabad that it has "much to lose" by harbouring terrorists.

In September, the Trump administration cancelled US $300 million in military aid to Islamabad for not doing enough against terror groups like the Haqqani Network and Taliban active on its soil.

Pakistan Monday reacted angrily to Donald Trump's latest tirade against it for not doing "a damn thing" for America in curbing terrorism, saying the US President "suffers conveniently from perpetual historic amnesia!

Pakistan Monday reacted angrily to Donald Trump's latest tirade against it for not doing "a damn thing" for America in curbing terrorism, saying the US President "suffers conveniently from perpetual historic amnesia!" Human Rights Minister Shireen Mazari's terse remarks came a day after President Trump defended his administration's decision to stop hundreds of millions of dollars in military aid to Pakistan for not doing enough to curb terrorism and criticised Islamabad for offering a hideout to Al Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden in the garrison city of Abbottabad. The minister, known to be a hawk, in a series of tweets said that whether China or Iran, US policies of "containment and isolation" do not coincide with Pakistan's strategic interests. Mazari, a close aide of Prime Minister Imran Khan, said Trump's latest criticism of Pakistan should be a "lesson" to those Pakistani leaders who "appeased" America, especially after the 9/11 terror attacks. "Trump's tirade against Pak & his claim that that Pak does not do 'a damn thing' for the US shd be a lesson for those Pak ldrs who kept appeasing the US esp after 9/11! The renditions; the loss of Pak lives in US WoT (war on terrorism); the free space for Raymond Davis & other operatives; etc etc," she tweeted. Trump's tirade against Pak & his claim that that Pak does not do "a damn thing" for the US shd be a lesson for those Pak ldrs who kept appeasing the US esp after 9/11! The renditions; the loss of Pak lives in US WoT; the free space for Raymond Davis & other operatives; etc etc — Shireen Mazari (@ShireenMazari1) November 19, 2018 × "The illegal killings by drone attacks; the list is endless but once again history shows appeasement does not work. Also, whether China or Iran, US policies of containment & isolation do not coincide with Pak strategic interests," Mazari said. The illegal killings by drone attacks; the list is endless but once again history shows appeasement does not work. Also, whether China or Iran, US policies of containment & isolation do not coincide with Pak strategic interests. https://t.co/tFBe9BentG — Shireen Mazari (@ShireenMazari1) November 19, 2018 × In reply to another tweet calling out Trump over his remarks, Mazari said: "@realDonaldTrump suffers conveniently from perpetual historic amnesia!" Former foreign minister Khawaja Asif said Pakistan continues to "pay in blood" for what it did for the USA and described the bilateral ties as a "relationship of betrayals & sanctions." "We continue to pay in blood for what we did for USA from Beda Ber to fighting wars wich weren't ours. Reinvented our religion to suit US interests, destroyed our tolerant ethos, replaced it with bigotry & intolerance. A relationship of betrayals & sanctions," Asif tweeted. Referring to bin Laden and his hideout in Abbottabad, Trump in an interview to Fox News on Sunday said, "You know, living, think of this living in Pakistan, beautifully in Pakistan in what I guess they considered a nice mansion, I don't know, I've seen nicer." The compound was demolished shortly after US Naval Special Warfare Development Group forces, in a daring helicopter raid, killed bin Laden in 2011. "But living in Pakistan right next to the military academy, everybody in Pakistan knew he was there," he added. "And we give Pakistan US $1.3 billion a year. ... (Laden] lived in Pakistan, we're supporting Pakistan, we're giving them US $1.3 billion a year -- which we don't give them anymore, by the way, I ended it because they don't do anything for us, they don't do a damn thing for us," he said. The ties between the two countries strained after Trump, while announcing his Afghanistan and South Asia policy in August last year, hit out at Pakistan for providing safe havens to "agents of chaos" that kill Americans in Afghanistan and warned Islamabad that it has "much to lose" by harbouring terrorists. In September, the Trump administration cancelled US $300 million in military aid to Islamabad for not doing enough against terror groups like the Haqqani Network and Taliban active on its soil.

President Trump's tirade against Pakistan shows he suffers from 'perpetual historic amnesia': Minister

Pakistan's Human Rights Minister Shireen Mazari on Monday said US President <a href="http://www.wionews.com/americas/pakistan-knew-bin-laden-was-there-but-didnt-do-a-damn-thing-says-donald-trump-178108">Donald Trump’s recent tirade </a>against Pakistan should be a lesson to those leaders who kept appeasing the US.

Reacting to US president Trump statement against her country she tweeted that, "the policies of the United States do not coincide with Pakistan’s strategic interests and the war on terror after the 9/11 led to death and destruction in Pakistan." Mazari added that&nbsp;the US President "suffers conveniently from perpetual historic amnesia!"

Minister took to Twitter to remind the US President Donald Trump of the losses incurred by Pakistan over the years in helping the US in the war on terror.&nbsp;

"Trump's tirade against Pakistan and his claim that that Pak does not do "a damn thing" for the US shd be a lesson for those Pak leaders who kept appeasing the US esp after 9/11! The renditions; the loss of Pak lives in US 'War on Terror'; the free space for Raymond Davis &amp; other operatives. The illegal killings by drone attacks; the list is endless but once again history shows appeasement does not work. Also, whether China or Iran, US policies of containment &amp; isolation do not coincide with Pak strategic interests," tweeted Shireen Mazari.

"@realDonaldTrump suffers conveniently from perpetual historic amnesia!" the tweet read. 
&nbsp;

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The illegal killings by drone attacks; the list is endless but once again history shows appeasement does not work. Also, whether China or Iran, US policies of containment &amp; isolation do not coincide with Pak strategic interests. <a href="https://t.co/tFBe9BentG">https://t.co/tFBe9BentG</a>
— Shireen Mazari (@ShireenMazari1) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShireenMazari1/status/1064353325146169345?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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On Sunday while speaking to a news channel, Trump defended his administration's decision to stop hundreds of millions of dollars in military aid to Pakistan, saying the country does not do "a damn thing" for the US and its government had helped Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden hide near its garrison city.

(With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan's Human Rights Minister Shireen Mazari on Monday said US President Donald Trump’s recent tirade against Pakistan should be a lesson to those leaders who kept appeasing the US.

Pakistan's Human Rights Minister Shireen Mazari on Monday said US President Donald Trump’s recent tirade against Pakistan should be a lesson to those leaders who kept appeasing the US. Reacting to US president Trump statement against her country she tweeted that, "the policies of the United States do not coincide with Pakistan’s strategic interests and the war on terror after the 9/11 led to death and destruction in Pakistan." Mazari added that the US President "suffers conveniently from perpetual historic amnesia!" Minister took to Twitter to remind the US President Donald Trump of the losses incurred by Pakistan over the years in helping the US in the war on terror. "Trump's tirade against Pakistan and his claim that that Pak does not do "a damn thing" for the US shd be a lesson for those Pak leaders who kept appeasing the US esp after 9/11! The renditions; the loss of Pak lives in US 'War on Terror'; the free space for Raymond Davis & other operatives. The illegal killings by drone attacks; the list is endless but once again history shows appeasement does not work. Also, whether China or Iran, US policies of containment & isolation do not coincide with Pak strategic interests," tweeted Shireen Mazari. "@realDonaldTrump suffers conveniently from perpetual historic amnesia!" the tweet read. The illegal killings by drone attacks; the list is endless but once again history shows appeasement does not work. Also, whether China or Iran, US policies of containment & isolation do not coincide with Pak strategic interests. https://t.co/tFBe9BentG — Shireen Mazari (@ShireenMazari1) November 19, 2018 × On Sunday while speaking to a news channel, Trump defended his administration's decision to stop hundreds of millions of dollars in military aid to Pakistan, saying the country does not do "a damn thing" for the US and its government had helped Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden hide near its garrison city. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump's tirade shows he suffers from 'perpetual historic amnesia': Pakistan minister

Lauding the United States President Donald Trump's statement on Pakistan's role in promoting terrorism, the Voice of Karachi (VOK) chairman and Mohajir leader, Nadeem Nusrat said that Trump deserves an applaud for taking a strong stand and publicly discussing Islamabad's role in terrorism.

In his latest interview to Fox News, Trump said, "<a href="http://www.wionews.com/americas/pakistan-knew-bin-laden-was-there-but-didnt-do-a-damn-thing-says-donald-trump-178108">Pakistan doesn't do a damn thing for us</a>," while defending his administration's decision to pull hundreds of millions of dollars in military aid to the Asian country.

Trump further charged that the Pakistan government helped wanted terrorist Osama Bin Laden to hide in their country.

Nusrat, in a statement released by the Voice of Karachi, said that Trump's candid comments on Pakistan's dubious role in dealing with terrorism and providing refuge to Osama bin Laden have once again posed serious questions about Pakistani deep state's role in sponsoring religious extremism and terrorism worldwide.

The statement further pointed out that Trump's statement cannot be overestimated as it is the first time a president has talked about Pakistan's role in the hiding of terrorist Osama bin Laden.

"For years Pakistan's officials kept denying the presence of Osama on Pakistani soil, but in the end, he was found and killed by American special forces operatives in a Pakistani town, widely considered as a fort for Pakistani military," the press release stated.

The statement asserted that Trump's remark has reiterated the claims made by The Voice of Karachi that Pakistan regime and military play a key role in promoting extremism and using religious terrorism as a tool for foreign policy."

The VOK chairman added that these latest comments of President Trump have merely confirmed what the Voice of Karachi leadership has been pointing out for a while. Pakistan's military establishment's role in promoting and using religious terrorism as a foreign policy tool is not a secret anymore," the statement read.

Nusrat also claimed that several Pakistan citizens have also fell prey to the "mindless policy" of the country and urged the international community to also closely scrutinize Pakistani security forces'&nbsp;inhuman treatment of the country's ethnic and religious minorities.

"On behalf of Pakistan's oppressed ethnic and religious groups, I commend President Trump`s bold, yet honest, comments about Pakistani deep state's role and assure him on behalf of all suppressed ethnic and religious groups their full support for the current administration`s policy on South Asia," Nusrat said.

The statement also revealed that as many as 25,000 Mohajirs have been killed by Pakistani security forces and similar acts of state brutalities are also a part of everyday life in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan and Gilgit Baltistan.

Lauding the United States President Donald Trump's statement on Pakistan's role in promoting terrorism, the Voice of Karachi (VOK) chairman and Mohajir leader, Nadeem Nusrat said that Trump deserves an applaud for taking a strong stand and publicly discussing Islamabad's role in terrorism.

Lauding the United States President Donald Trump's statement on Pakistan's role in promoting terrorism, the Voice of Karachi (VOK) chairman and Mohajir leader, Nadeem Nusrat said that Trump deserves an applaud for taking a strong stand and publicly discussing Islamabad's role in terrorism. In his latest interview to Fox News, Trump said, "Pakistan doesn't do a damn thing for us," while defending his administration's decision to pull hundreds of millions of dollars in military aid to the Asian country. Trump further charged that the Pakistan government helped wanted terrorist Osama Bin Laden to hide in their country. Nusrat, in a statement released by the Voice of Karachi, said that Trump's candid comments on Pakistan's dubious role in dealing with terrorism and providing refuge to Osama bin Laden have once again posed serious questions about Pakistani deep state's role in sponsoring religious extremism and terrorism worldwide. The statement further pointed out that Trump's statement cannot be overestimated as it is the first time a president has talked about Pakistan's role in the hiding of terrorist Osama bin Laden. "For years Pakistan's officials kept denying the presence of Osama on Pakistani soil, but in the end, he was found and killed by American special forces operatives in a Pakistani town, widely considered as a fort for Pakistani military," the press release stated. The statement asserted that Trump's remark has reiterated the claims made by The Voice of Karachi that Pakistan regime and military play a key role in promoting extremism and using religious terrorism as a tool for foreign policy." The VOK chairman added that these latest comments of President Trump have merely confirmed what the Voice of Karachi leadership has been pointing out for a while. Pakistan's military establishment's role in promoting and using religious terrorism as a foreign policy tool is not a secret anymore," the statement read. Nusrat also claimed that several Pakistan citizens have also fell prey to the "mindless policy" of the country and urged the international community to also closely scrutinize Pakistani security forces' inhuman treatment of the country's ethnic and religious minorities. "On behalf of Pakistan's oppressed ethnic and religious groups, I commend President Trump`s bold, yet honest, comments about Pakistani deep state's role and assure him on behalf of all suppressed ethnic and religious groups their full support for the current administration`s policy on South Asia," Nusrat said. The statement also revealed that as many as 25,000 Mohajirs have been killed by Pakistani security forces and similar acts of state brutalities are also a part of everyday life in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan and Gilgit Baltistan.

Voice of Karachi chairman lauds Trump's comments about Pakistan's role in terror

In a development that confirms the deteriorating US-Pakistan ties, US President Donald Trump justified the aid cut to Pakistan, slamming inaction on its part to curb terror.

In an interview to Fox news channel on Sunday, Trump said, "And we give Pakistan $1.3 billion a year. ... [<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/bin-laden-raid-commander-to-trump-revoke-my-security-clearance-too-159688">bin Laden</a>] lived in Pakistan, we’re supporting Pakistan, we’re giving them $1.3 billion a year - which we don’t give them any more, by the way. I ended it because they don’t do anything for us, they don’t do a damn thing for us."

The first tweet this year by US President was on <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-pm-meets-abu-dhabi-crown-prince-amid-reports-of-uae-package-178070">Pakistan aid cut</a> and the "lies and deceit". He tweeted on January 1, 2018, "The United States has foolishly given Pakistan more than 33 billion dollars in aid over the last 15 years, and they have given us nothing but lies &amp; deceit, thinking of our leaders as fools. They give safe haven to the terrorists we hunt in Afghanistan, with little help. No more!"

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The United States has foolishly given Pakistan more than 33 billion dollars in aid over the last 15 years, and they have given us nothing but lies &amp; deceit, thinking of our leaders as fools. They give safe haven to the terrorists we hunt in Afghanistan, with little help. No more!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/947802588174577664?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
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He slammed Pakistan for providing a safe haven to 9/11 mastermind <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/bin-laden-raid-commander-to-trump-revoke-my-security-clearance-too-159688">Osama Bin Laden</a>. He said, "You know, living - think of this - living in Pakistan, beautifully in Pakistan in what I guess they considered a nice mansion, I don’t know, I’ve seen nicer. But living in Pakistan right next to the military academy, everybody in Pakistan knew he was there," he added."

In an operation on April 2, 2011, US special forces raided Osama Bin Laden's compound in the Pakistani city of Abbottabad and killed him.

Pakistan is likely to summon US&nbsp;Chargé d’Affaires in Islamabad Ambassador Paul W&nbsp;Jones after the comments.

The relationship between Islamabad and Washington has come under pressure. US Secretary of state Mike Pompeo had visited Islamabad after the formation of New government led by Imran Khan and asked to do more on the issue of terror.&nbsp;

The comments by US president comes days after PM Modi met US Vice President Mike Pence in Singapore on the sidelines of 13th East Asia summit and raised with him the issue of terror originating from Pakistan. Speaking to the media after the Modi-Pence meet, foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale said, "Prime Minister reminded that in one way or another all the traces or all the leads in global terror attacks ultimately leads to a single source, a single place of origin".

PM Modi also raised the issue of mainstreaming of terrorism by Pakistan. Gokhale said PM Modi "did point out that the mainstreaming of the people involved in Mumbai terror attacks in a political process which had taken place in a recent election in Pakistan should be a matter of serious concern not just to the two countries i.e. India and the United States but to the International community."

The remarks by Trump comes a week before India marks the anniversary of 26/11 Mumbai attacks. US Vice President Mike Pence during his meeting had referred to the coming 10th anniversary of the Mumbai terror attacks.

The remarks also come before a likely Modi-Trump meet on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Argentina by the end of this month.

In a development that confirms the deteriorating US-Pakistan ties, US President Donald Trump justified the aid cut to Pakistan, slamming inaction on its part to curb terror.

In a development that confirms the deteriorating US-Pakistan ties, US President Donald Trump justified the aid cut to Pakistan, slamming inaction on its part to curb terror. In an interview to Fox news channel on Sunday, Trump said, "And we give Pakistan $1.3 billion a year. ... [bin Laden] lived in Pakistan, we’re supporting Pakistan, we’re giving them $1.3 billion a year - which we don’t give them any more, by the way. I ended it because they don’t do anything for us, they don’t do a damn thing for us." The first tweet this year by US President was on Pakistan aid cut and the "lies and deceit". He tweeted on January 1, 2018, "The United States has foolishly given Pakistan more than 33 billion dollars in aid over the last 15 years, and they have given us nothing but lies & deceit, thinking of our leaders as fools. They give safe haven to the terrorists we hunt in Afghanistan, with little help. No more!" The United States has foolishly given Pakistan more than 33 billion dollars in aid over the last 15 years, and they have given us nothing but lies & deceit, thinking of our leaders as fools. They give safe haven to the terrorists we hunt in Afghanistan, with little help. No more! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 1, 2018 × He slammed Pakistan for providing a safe haven to 9/11 mastermind Osama Bin Laden. He said, "You know, living - think of this - living in Pakistan, beautifully in Pakistan in what I guess they considered a nice mansion, I don’t know, I’ve seen nicer. But living in Pakistan right next to the military academy, everybody in Pakistan knew he was there," he added." In an operation on April 2, 2011, US special forces raided Osama Bin Laden's compound in the Pakistani city of Abbottabad and killed him. Pakistan is likely to summon US Chargé d’Affaires in Islamabad Ambassador Paul W Jones after the comments. The relationship between Islamabad and Washington has come under pressure. US Secretary of state Mike Pompeo had visited Islamabad after the formation of New government led by Imran Khan and asked to do more on the issue of terror. The comments by US president comes days after PM Modi met US Vice President Mike Pence in Singapore on the sidelines of 13th East Asia summit and raised with him the issue of terror originating from Pakistan. Speaking to the media after the Modi-Pence meet, foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale said, "Prime Minister reminded that in one way or another all the traces or all the leads in global terror attacks ultimately leads to a single source, a single place of origin". PM Modi also raised the issue of mainstreaming of terrorism by Pakistan. Gokhale said PM Modi "did point out that the mainstreaming of the people involved in Mumbai terror attacks in a political process which had taken place in a recent election in Pakistan should be a matter of serious concern not just to the two countries i.e. India and the United States but to the International community." The remarks by Trump comes a week before India marks the anniversary of 26/11 Mumbai attacks. US Vice President Mike Pence during his meeting had referred to the coming 10th anniversary of the Mumbai terror attacks. The remarks also come before a likely Modi-Trump meet on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Argentina by the end of this month.

Ended aid to Pakistan as they don't do a damn thing for us: Donald Trump

Prime Minister Imran Khan held talks with the crown prince of Abu Dhabi on Sunday and discussed matters of bilateral, regional and mutual interest, amid reports that the UAE is ready to extend financial assistance to Pakistan to minimise the cash-strapped country's dependence on an IMF bailout package.

Khan, who is visiting the UAE for the second time in the last two months, met Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE's Armed Forces, at the Presidential Palace in Abu Dhabi.

He was accompanied by Finance Minister Asad Umar, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Chief of Army Staff Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa.

Khan is also expected to meet Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, vice president and prime minister of the UAE.

During his last visit to Abu Dhabi on September 19, the two countries had agreed to strengthen their economic, trade and investment relations.

The government had, during a later visit of an Emirati delegation to Islamabad, made a formal request for assistance, the daily said.

The signals from the UAE were positive and the government was hopeful of getting what officials are calling "a good package", the paper said.

The paper said the financial assistance is likely to be comparable with the Saudi bailout of US $6 billion&nbsp;US $3 billion in balance of payments support and a deferred payment facility on oil imports worth US $3 billion.

The UAE is one of the major oil suppliers to Pakistan.

The government has also been in talks with the Chinese government for an assistance package after Khan's visit to Beijing.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the negotiations with the International Monetary Fund for a loan facility are concluding next week, with Finance Minister Umar optimistic about reaching a basic agreement with the Fund by November 20.

Finance Minister Umar, however, had denied that there is any link between the IMF conditions and the PM's UAE visit.

Pakistan is facing a US $12 billion financing gap for the current fiscal year.

The Pakistan government is keen to minimise the amount borrowed from the IMF by getting loans from "friendly" countries like Saudi Arabia, China and Malaysia as officials in Islamabad believe that the global lender could attach tough conditions.

Prime Minister Imran Khan held talks with the crown prince of Abu Dhabi on Sunday and discussed matters of bilateral, regional and mutual interest, amid reports that the UAE is ready to extend financial assistance to Pakistan to minimise the cash-strapped country's dependence on an IMF bailout package.

Prime Minister Imran Khan held talks with the crown prince of Abu Dhabi on Sunday and discussed matters of bilateral, regional and mutual interest, amid reports that the UAE is ready to extend financial assistance to Pakistan to minimise the cash-strapped country's dependence on an IMF bailout package. Khan, who is visiting the UAE for the second time in the last two months, met Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE's Armed Forces, at the Presidential Palace in Abu Dhabi. He was accompanied by Finance Minister Asad Umar, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Chief of Army Staff Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa. Khan is also expected to meet Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, vice president and prime minister of the UAE. During his last visit to Abu Dhabi on September 19, the two countries had agreed to strengthen their economic, trade and investment relations. The government had, during a later visit of an Emirati delegation to Islamabad, made a formal request for assistance, the daily said. The signals from the UAE were positive and the government was hopeful of getting what officials are calling "a good package", the paper said. The paper said the financial assistance is likely to be comparable with the Saudi bailout of US $6 billion US $3 billion in balance of payments support and a deferred payment facility on oil imports worth US $3 billion. The UAE is one of the major oil suppliers to Pakistan. The government has also been in talks with the Chinese government for an assistance package after Khan's visit to Beijing. Meanwhile, the negotiations with the International Monetary Fund for a loan facility are concluding next week, with Finance Minister Umar optimistic about reaching a basic agreement with the Fund by November 20. Finance Minister Umar, however, had denied that there is any link between the IMF conditions and the PM's UAE visit. Pakistan is facing a US $12 billion financing gap for the current fiscal year. The Pakistan government is keen to minimise the amount borrowed from the IMF by getting loans from "friendly" countries like Saudi Arabia, China and Malaysia as officials in Islamabad believe that the global lender could attach tough conditions.

Pakistan PM meets Abu Dhabi crown prince amid reports of UAE package

Opposition Pakistan People's Party accused the defence ministry of refusing to tell the Senate that under which law the country's powerful intelligence agency Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) was functioning.&nbsp;

PPP Senator Farhatullah Babar speaking at "Pakistan: The Way Forward" in the 4th International Faiz Festival at Alhamra Arts Council here on Saturday said politics of resistance was being diminished because of "aliens (a reference to military establishment) and weakness of politicians".&nbsp;

"When the Senate asked under which law the ISI was functioning it was told that 'it is secret and sensitive' and couldn't be shared with it (Senate)," Babar said.

He said the time had gone when there would have been a 'direct attack' on democracy in the form of martial law.&nbsp;

Left wing politician and former head of Human Rights Commission of Pakistan Afrasiab Khattak has said the country was in crisis under he leadership of Prime Minister Imran Khan.&nbsp;

And this (PTI) government had been installed under a 'stopgap arrangement' in which a number of technocrats had been included. "In the next phase there will be a government of technocrats," he said.

Opposition Pakistan People's Party accused the defence ministry of refusing to tell the Senate that under which law the country's powerful intelligence agency Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) was functioning.

Opposition Pakistan People's Party accused the defence ministry of refusing to tell the Senate that under which law the country's powerful intelligence agency Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) was functioning. PPP Senator Farhatullah Babar speaking at "Pakistan: The Way Forward" in the 4th International Faiz Festival at Alhamra Arts Council here on Saturday said politics of resistance was being diminished because of "aliens (a reference to military establishment) and weakness of politicians". "When the Senate asked under which law the ISI was functioning it was told that 'it is secret and sensitive' and couldn't be shared with it (Senate)," Babar said. He said the time had gone when there would have been a 'direct attack' on democracy in the form of martial law. Left wing politician and former head of Human Rights Commission of Pakistan Afrasiab Khattak has said the country was in crisis under he leadership of Prime Minister Imran Khan. And this (PTI) government had been installed under a 'stopgap arrangement' in which a number of technocrats had been included. "In the next phase there will be a government of technocrats," he said.

PPP accuses Pakistan government of not disclosing law over ISI's functioning

Men's Hockey World Cup 2018: All teams and their squad list

Pakistan has received a "big" package of aid from its all-weather ally, China, Prime Minister Imran Khan said Friday, but will not reveal the quantum of financial support as President Xi Jinping has asked him not to reveal it, a media report said.

PM Khan made his maiden visit to Beijing earlier this month and met President Xi and Premier Li Keqiang and other Chinese leaders and sought aid to overcome the financial woes faced by his cash-strapped government.

The Pakistan government is facing grave economic challenges as it struggles to avoid a financial crisis and keep the economy afloat.

During an interaction with journalists at the PM House, Khan said that Pakistan has received a "big" package of aid from China but will not reveal it, Geo News quoted Khan as saying.

The prime minister said he did not want to reveal the quantum of aid from Beijing as other countries will start demanding more money from China, the report said.

Chinese President Xi has asked Khan not to announce the quantum of financial support, the Geo News report quoted the Pakistani prime minister as saying.&nbsp;

Unlike Saudi Arabia, which has announced a USD 6 billion aid package to Pakistan, Beijing has not revealed the quantum of its financial aid to Islamabad.

After his talks with Khan on November 3, Premier Li said China will provide the "necessary support" to Pakistan to tide over the present financial crisis.&nbsp;

Speaking about his recent trip to China, Khan said, "Concrete results of my visit are beginning to show. We are receiving all forms of aid from China and are satisfied."

"No other previous premiers' tours to China were as successful as mine was," he claimed.&nbsp;

Khan, whose government is currently negotiating a bailout package with the International Monetary Fund, appeared confident that Pakistan's economy will overcome the current difficulties by next year.

"The next three to six months are difficult but from next year onward our economic situation is going to improve significantly and we will be on the right track," he said.

Commenting on the ongoing money-laundering probe and the foreign assets owned by Pakistanis, Imran said, "We have traced USD 15 billion that was sent to Dubai from Pakistan."

"Work is underway to bring back looted wealth," he added. "We have also signed agreements with Britain and Switzerland," he said.&nbsp;

While speaking about his party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's decision to not give chairmanship of Public Accounts Committee to the Leader of the Opposition, Shehbaz Sharif, Khan said, "Those facing corruption cases cannot be appointed PAC chairperson."

"We will not appoint Shehbaz Sharif as PAC chairperson under any circumstances," he asserted.&nbsp;

Shehbaz, the younger brother of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif and ex-chief minister of Punjab province, is currently in the custody of the National Accountability Bureau on charges of corruption linked to a housing scheme.&nbsp;

Pakistan has received a "big" package of aid from its all-weather ally, China, Prime Minister Imran Khan said Friday, but will not reveal the quantum of financial support as President Xi Jinping has asked him not to reveal it, a media report said.

Pakistan has received a "big" package of aid from its all-weather ally, China, Prime Minister Imran Khan said Friday, but will not reveal the quantum of financial support as President Xi Jinping has asked him not to reveal it, a media report said. PM Khan made his maiden visit to Beijing earlier this month and met President Xi and Premier Li Keqiang and other Chinese leaders and sought aid to overcome the financial woes faced by his cash-strapped government. The Pakistan government is facing grave economic challenges as it struggles to avoid a financial crisis and keep the economy afloat. During an interaction with journalists at the PM House, Khan said that Pakistan has received a "big" package of aid from China but will not reveal it, Geo News quoted Khan as saying. The prime minister said he did not want to reveal the quantum of aid from Beijing as other countries will start demanding more money from China, the report said. Chinese President Xi has asked Khan not to announce the quantum of financial support, the Geo News report quoted the Pakistani prime minister as saying. Unlike Saudi Arabia, which has announced a USD 6 billion aid package to Pakistan, Beijing has not revealed the quantum of its financial aid to Islamabad. After his talks with Khan on November 3, Premier Li said China will provide the "necessary support" to Pakistan to tide over the present financial crisis. Speaking about his recent trip to China, Khan said, "Concrete results of my visit are beginning to show. We are receiving all forms of aid from China and are satisfied." "No other previous premiers' tours to China were as successful as mine was," he claimed. Khan, whose government is currently negotiating a bailout package with the International Monetary Fund, appeared confident that Pakistan's economy will overcome the current difficulties by next year. "The next three to six months are difficult but from next year onward our economic situation is going to improve significantly and we will be on the right track," he said. Commenting on the ongoing money-laundering probe and the foreign assets owned by Pakistanis, Imran said, "We have traced USD 15 billion that was sent to Dubai from Pakistan." "Work is underway to bring back looted wealth," he added. "We have also signed agreements with Britain and Switzerland," he said. While speaking about his party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's decision to not give chairmanship of Public Accounts Committee to the Leader of the Opposition, Shehbaz Sharif, Khan said, "Those facing corruption cases cannot be appointed PAC chairperson." "We will not appoint Shehbaz Sharif as PAC chairperson under any circumstances," he asserted. Shehbaz, the younger brother of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif and ex-chief minister of Punjab province, is currently in the custody of the National Accountability Bureau on charges of corruption linked to a housing scheme.

Got 'big' aid from China; won't reveal amount under instructions from President Xi: Imran Khan

Prime Minister Imran Khan said Friday that the Pakistani elite was involved in transferring national wealth abroad through money laundering, in a veiled attack on ousted premier Nawaz Sharif.

Sharif, his daughter Maryam Nawaz and his son-in-law retired captain Mohammad Safdar were sentenced to 11 years, eight years and one year respectively in prison in the Avenfield properties case related to their purchase of four luxury flats in London through corrupt practices.

Talking to a delegation of columnists here, Prime Minister Khan, without naming anyone, said the recent development of tracing the money stashed abroad to the tune of Rs 700 billion shows as to why the former rulers were seeking work permits.

"It is estimated that about a trillion dollars are transferred to rich countries from poor countries like Pakistan," Khan said.

The government has signed agreements with Switzerland, the UK and the US to have information about the ill-gotten money stashed in these countries by Pakistanis, he said.

Khan said his government inherited a huge deficit of current and fiscal account and was endeavouring to overcome the financial crisis.

The government decided to approach friendly countries to deal with this situation and overcame the financial crunch and balance of payments issue, Khan said, adding that his visit to China was highly successful.

"We need a permanent solution to strengthen the economy on sound footing," he said.

The government is focusing on four areas including enhancing exports, promoting investment, boosting remittances and curbing the money laundering, Khan said.

Currently, remittances worth $15 to 20 billion are being received through legal channels whereas almost the same amount is being channelised through illegal means including Hawala, he said.

The expatriate Pakistanis were being facilitated to remit money through banking channels to enhance national revenues, Khan said.

Talking about massive losses in state-owned entities, he said unfortunately no one ever made any effort to promote true democracy in the country.

Khan said "kleptocracy was promoted wherein the rulers abused their powers for their own vested interests".

Sharif, 68, was disqualified by the Supreme Court in the Panama Papers case in July, 2017 and subsequently jailed for 10 years in Avenfield corruption case. His sentence was, however, suspended. The three-time former prime minister and his family have denied any wrongdoing.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Imran Khan said Friday that the Pakistani elite was involved in transferring national wealth abroad through money laundering, in a veiled attack on ousted premier Nawaz Sharif.

Prime Minister Imran Khan said Friday that the Pakistani elite was involved in transferring national wealth abroad through money laundering, in a veiled attack on ousted premier Nawaz Sharif. Sharif, his daughter Maryam Nawaz and his son-in-law retired captain Mohammad Safdar were sentenced to 11 years, eight years and one year respectively in prison in the Avenfield properties case related to their purchase of four luxury flats in London through corrupt practices. Talking to a delegation of columnists here, Prime Minister Khan, without naming anyone, said the recent development of tracing the money stashed abroad to the tune of Rs 700 billion shows as to why the former rulers were seeking work permits. "It is estimated that about a trillion dollars are transferred to rich countries from poor countries like Pakistan," Khan said. The government has signed agreements with Switzerland, the UK and the US to have information about the ill-gotten money stashed in these countries by Pakistanis, he said. Khan said his government inherited a huge deficit of current and fiscal account and was endeavouring to overcome the financial crisis. The government decided to approach friendly countries to deal with this situation and overcame the financial crunch and balance of payments issue, Khan said, adding that his visit to China was highly successful. "We need a permanent solution to strengthen the economy on sound footing," he said. The government is focusing on four areas including enhancing exports, promoting investment, boosting remittances and curbing the money laundering, Khan said. Currently, remittances worth $15 to 20 billion are being received through legal channels whereas almost the same amount is being channelised through illegal means including Hawala, he said. The expatriate Pakistanis were being facilitated to remit money through banking channels to enhance national revenues, Khan said. Talking about massive losses in state-owned entities, he said unfortunately no one ever made any effort to promote true democracy in the country. Khan said "kleptocracy was promoted wherein the rulers abused their powers for their own vested interests". Sharif, 68, was disqualified by the Supreme Court in the Panama Papers case in July, 2017 and subsequently jailed for 10 years in Avenfield corruption case. His sentence was, however, suspended. The three-time former prime minister and his family have denied any wrongdoing.

Pak elite transferred national wealth abroad through money laundering: Imran khan

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/cia-has-concluded-saudi-crown-prince-ordered-journalists-killing-report-177782">CIA has concluded Saudi crown prince ordered journalist's killing: Report</a>

The CIA has concluded that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman ordered the assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in Istanbul, the Washington Post reported on Friday, a finding that contradicts Saudi government assertions that he was not involved.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/over-1000-missing-71-dead-in-california-wildfire-177802">Over 1000 missing, 71 dead in California wildfire</a>

The number of people missing in a devastating wildfire in northern California jumped to more than 1,000 on Friday, authorities said, as the remains of eight other victims were found by rescuers.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-explosion-in-karachi-kills-two-injures-eight-177790">Pakistan: Explosion in Karachi kills 2, injures 8</a>

A bomb killed at least two people and wounded eight others in Pakistan's port city of Karachi Friday, police and hospital officials said.

The blast reportedly damaged buildings and triggered panic in the densely populated Malir district.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-embraces-maldives-as-new-leader-mohamed-solih-takes-office-china-out-of-favour-177785">PM Modi embraces </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-embraces-maldives-as-new-leader-mohamed-solih-takes-office-china-out-of-favour-177785">Maldives</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-embraces-maldives-as-new-leader-mohamed-solih-takes-office-china-out-of-favour-177785"> as new leader Mohamed Solih takes office, China out of favour</a>

Maldives' President-elect Ibrahim Mohamed Solih takes office on Saturday, seeking help from India and the United States to climb out from under a mountain of Chinese debt that his predecessor racked up in a breakneck development of the coral islands.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-judge-orders-white-house-to-restore-press-pass-to-cnns-acosta-177783">US judge orders White House to restore press pass to CNN's Acosta</a>

A US judge on Friday ordered the White House to temporarily restore CNN correspondent Jim Acosta's press pass, which was revoked after a contentious news conference last week with President Donald Trump.

The White House withdrew Acosta's credentials on November 7 in an escalation of the Republican president's attacks on news organizations, who he has called enemies of the people.

CIA has concluded Saudi crown prince ordered journalist's killing: Report The CIA has concluded that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman ordered the assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in Istanbul, the Washington Post reported on Friday, a finding that contradicts Saudi government assertions that he was not involved.

CIA has concluded Saudi crown prince ordered journalist's killing: Report The CIA has concluded that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman ordered the assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in Istanbul, the Washington Post reported on Friday, a finding that contradicts Saudi government assertions that he was not involved. Over 1000 missing, 71 dead in California wildfire The number of people missing in a devastating wildfire in northern California jumped to more than 1,000 on Friday, authorities said, as the remains of eight other victims were found by rescuers. Pakistan: Explosion in Karachi kills 2, injures 8 A bomb killed at least two people and wounded eight others in Pakistan's port city of Karachi Friday, police and hospital officials said. The blast reportedly damaged buildings and triggered panic in the densely populated Malir district. PM Modi embraces Maldives as new leader Mohamed Solih takes office, China out of favour Maldives' President-elect Ibrahim Mohamed Solih takes office on Saturday, seeking help from India and the United States to climb out from under a mountain of Chinese debt that his predecessor racked up in a breakneck development of the coral islands. US judge orders White House to restore press pass to CNN's Acosta A US judge on Friday ordered the White House to temporarily restore CNN correspondent Jim Acosta's press pass, which was revoked after a contentious news conference last week with President Donald Trump. The White House withdrew Acosta's credentials on November 7 in an escalation of the Republican president's attacks on news organizations, who he has called enemies of the people.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday justified taking 'U-turns' in politics. Khan, even cited the example of former German dictator Adolf Hitler to support his argument that a politician who does not take 'U-turns' according to the situation is not a real leader.

"Hitler and Napoleon (Bonaparte) suffered huge defeats and caused losses as they did not take U-turns," Geo News quoted Khan, as saying.

Khan was interacting with journalists here when he made these comments.

"If you are walking and there is a wall in front of you, then you will have to change and find another way and a leader who does not know how to take U-turns is not successful," Khan was quoted by a journalist who attended the interaction.

The Prime Minister's comments have drawn sharp criticism.

"Imran Khan is Hitler and is taking U-turns to avoid losses," said Pakistan Peoples' Party leader Khursheed Shah.

He asserted that the prime minister was sending a message that Hitler had failed because he did not take a U-turn otherwise he would be successful.

On Friday, Khan also talked about his visit to China.

"Concrete results of my visit are beginning to show. We are receiving all forms of aid from China and are satisfied," Khan commented on his recent trip to China.

On the economic condition, Khan assured that situation will start improving from next year.

"The next three to six months are difficult but from next year onward our economic situation is going to improve significantly and we will be on the right track," he claimed.

Recently, Imran Khan-led-government announced the unveiling of a comprehensive package on education, health and poverty alleviation after the completion of its first 100 days.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday justified taking 'U-turns' in politics. Khan, even cited the example of former German dictator Adolf Hitler to support his argument that a politician who does not take 'U-turns' according to the situation is not a real leader.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday justified taking 'U-turns' in politics. Khan, even cited the example of former German dictator Adolf Hitler to support his argument that a politician who does not take 'U-turns' according to the situation is not a real leader. "Hitler and Napoleon (Bonaparte) suffered huge defeats and caused losses as they did not take U-turns," Geo News quoted Khan, as saying. Khan was interacting with journalists here when he made these comments. "If you are walking and there is a wall in front of you, then you will have to change and find another way and a leader who does not know how to take U-turns is not successful," Khan was quoted by a journalist who attended the interaction. The Prime Minister's comments have drawn sharp criticism. "Imran Khan is Hitler and is taking U-turns to avoid losses," said Pakistan Peoples' Party leader Khursheed Shah. He asserted that the prime minister was sending a message that Hitler had failed because he did not take a U-turn otherwise he would be successful. On Friday, Khan also talked about his visit to China. "Concrete results of my visit are beginning to show. We are receiving all forms of aid from China and are satisfied," Khan commented on his recent trip to China. On the economic condition, Khan assured that situation will start improving from next year. "The next three to six months are difficult but from next year onward our economic situation is going to improve significantly and we will be on the right track," he claimed. Recently, Imran Khan-led-government announced the unveiling of a comprehensive package on education, health and poverty alleviation after the completion of its first 100 days.

Imran Khan cites Hitler to defend 'U-turns' in politics

Prime Minister Imran Khan's ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party bagged two more Senate seats in the by-polls held in Punjab province Thursday, improving its tally in the upper house to 14.

Both seats had fallen vacant following the disqualification of two Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Senators - Haroon Akhtar and Sadia Abbasi by the Supreme Court for holding dual nationalities.

Abbasi is the wife of former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi.

After losing two seats in the Senate, the strength of the PML-N led by deposed prime minister Nawaz Sharif has reduced to 17.

Poet of East Dr Muhammad Iqbal's grandson and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) nominee Waleed Iqbal won the Senate seat defeating PML-N's Saud Majeed with eight votes.

Waleed got 184 and Majeed 176 votes. PTI's Seemi Aizdi, sister of Prime Minister Khan's close friend Jahangir Khan Tareen, received 183 votes and defeated PML-N's former minister Saira Afzal Tarar.

The by-polls were held in the Punjab Assembly.

Of the total of 371 members, 360 cast their votes.

In the 104-member Senate, Independents are leading with 29 seats (of them most belonging to Balochistan and tribal areas), followed by Bilawal Bhutto's Pakistan People's Party with 20. The PML-N has 17, the PTI 14 and the MQM 5 seats.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Imran Khan's ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party bagged two more Senate seats in the by-polls held in Punjab province Thursday, improving its tally in the upper house to 14.

Prime Minister Imran Khan's ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party bagged two more Senate seats in the by-polls held in Punjab province Thursday, improving its tally in the upper house to 14. Both seats had fallen vacant following the disqualification of two Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Senators - Haroon Akhtar and Sadia Abbasi by the Supreme Court for holding dual nationalities. Abbasi is the wife of former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi. After losing two seats in the Senate, the strength of the PML-N led by deposed prime minister Nawaz Sharif has reduced to 17. Poet of East Dr Muhammad Iqbal's grandson and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) nominee Waleed Iqbal won the Senate seat defeating PML-N's Saud Majeed with eight votes. Waleed got 184 and Majeed 176 votes. PTI's Seemi Aizdi, sister of Prime Minister Khan's close friend Jahangir Khan Tareen, received 183 votes and defeated PML-N's former minister Saira Afzal Tarar. The by-polls were held in the Punjab Assembly. Of the total of 371 members, 360 cast their votes. In the 104-member Senate, Independents are leading with 29 seats (of them most belonging to Balochistan and tribal areas), followed by Bilawal Bhutto's Pakistan People's Party with 20. The PML-N has 17, the PTI 14 and the MQM 5 seats.

Pak PM Imran's party snatches two Parliamentary seats from Sharif's PML-N in by-polls 

A top Republican Senator has urged US President Donald Trump to grant asylum and refugee status to Pakistani national Asia Bibi, a Christian woman recently freed from prison after her blasphemy conviction was overturned.

Bibi, a 47-year-old mother of four, was release from Multan jail earlier this month after the Supreme Court in its landmark decision acquitted her of blasphemy charges.

Senator Rand Paul said that he was worried that Bibi won't survive and he personally took up the matter with President Trump last week.

"I've been fighting for them to free Asia Bibi. I've talked to the President about granting her asylum and refugee status here," Paul told CNN in an interview.

A senior member from an American think-tank has also suggested that Bibi should request asylum.&nbsp;

"President Trump should invite Ms Bibi to come to America and request asylum. To do so would be just, moral and wise," Clifford D May, president of the Foundation for Defence of Democracies, said in an op-ed in The Washington Times this week.

A top Republican Senator has urged US President Donald Trump to grant asylum and refugee status to Pakistani national Asia Bibi, a Christian woman recently freed from prison after her blasphemy conviction was overturned.

A top Republican Senator has urged US President Donald Trump to grant asylum and refugee status to Pakistani national Asia Bibi, a Christian woman recently freed from prison after her blasphemy conviction was overturned. Bibi, a 47-year-old mother of four, was release from Multan jail earlier this month after the Supreme Court in its landmark decision acquitted her of blasphemy charges. Senator Rand Paul said that he was worried that Bibi won't survive and he personally took up the matter with President Trump last week. "I've been fighting for them to free Asia Bibi. I've talked to the President about granting her asylum and refugee status here," Paul told CNN in an interview. A senior member from an American think-tank has also suggested that Bibi should request asylum. "President Trump should invite Ms Bibi to come to America and request asylum. To do so would be just, moral and wise," Clifford D May, president of the Foundation for Defence of Democracies, said in an op-ed in The Washington Times this week.

US Senator seeks political asylum for Asia Bibi

A week after being freed from jail, Asia Bibi -- a Pakistani Christian woman on death row for eight years for blasphemy -- remains in limbo, with negotiations apparently under way to allow her to leave the country despite objections from Islamist hardliners demanding her execution.

Since the Supreme Court overturned Bibi's conviction last month, Pakistan has been rattled by violent protests from Islamists calling for her beheading, for mutiny in the armed forces and for the murder of the country's top judges.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;Blasphemy is a massively inflammatory issue in Muslim-majority Pakistan, where even unproven allegations of insulting Islam and Prophet Mohammed can lead to lynchings and murders.

Earlier this month, the government struck a deal with the demonstrators after days of street protests saw large swathes of the country paralysed.

But questions remain over Bibi's whereabouts, the court's decision, and how hardliners may react to further developments.

Here's a brief rundown of where things stand and what might happen next.

Rumours are rife in Pakistan that she has already left the country, with fake reports claiming she met with Pope Francis in the Vatican. 
AFP has debunked the reports of Bibi meeting the pontiff.

The Pakistani government has repeatedly stated that Bibi is being held in a secure location in Pakistan after being released from a prison in central Multan last week, though her exact whereabouts are unknown.

She is not being allowed to leave the country as her case is subjected to a final review.

Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi reiterated the government's position again in Islamabad on Wednesday, saying: "We have clarified earlier and we clarify it again. She has not gone abroad. She is here. There is no controversy."&nbsp;

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan initially spoke forcefully against the protests, and vowed to confront any violence.

Since then he has stayed largely quiet about Bibi's fate.

The ruling from the Supreme Court is in the process of being reviewed following a petition request.

The petition essentially checks to see if any procedural or clerical errors were made by the court during its final ruling.

If there were not, then the decision will stand. The chances of the apex court's acquittal being overturned are slim, according to Bibi's lawyer. 
Where will she go next?

No one knows. However, it does appear that a deal may be in the works to move Bibi out of the country.

Earlier this week, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said that his government was holding talks with Pakistan over potentially offering asylum.

"There is a delicate domestic context that we respect which is why I don't want to say any more about that, but I will remind people Canada is a welcoming country," Trudeau told AFP.

The Tehreek-e-Labaik Pakistan (TLP) party, which led the violent demonstrations after Bibi's release, slammed Trudeau's comments.

"We strongly oppose even her release. And this is a view of millions of Pakistani Muslims," said TLP spokesman Ijaz Ashrafi.

Of course a big concern for any country that opens its doors to Bibi will be the potential blowback from hardliners in Pakistan.

Earlier this week, the Netherlands embassy pulled staff members from Pakistan over persistent threats, reportedly from hardliners angry over anti-Islam tweets by the far-right Dutch politician Geert Wilders.

A week after being freed from jail, Asia Bibi -- a Pakistani Christian woman on death row for eight years for blasphemy -- remains in limbo, with negotiations apparently under way to allow her to leave the country despite objections from Islamist hardliners demanding her execution.

A week after being freed from jail, Asia Bibi -- a Pakistani Christian woman on death row for eight years for blasphemy -- remains in limbo, with negotiations apparently under way to allow her to leave the country despite objections from Islamist hardliners demanding her execution. Since the Supreme Court overturned Bibi's conviction last month, Pakistan has been rattled by violent protests from Islamists calling for her beheading, for mutiny in the armed forces and for the murder of the country's top judges. Blasphemy is a massively inflammatory issue in Muslim-majority Pakistan, where even unproven allegations of insulting Islam and Prophet Mohammed can lead to lynchings and murders. Earlier this month, the government struck a deal with the demonstrators after days of street protests saw large swathes of the country paralysed. But questions remain over Bibi's whereabouts, the court's decision, and how hardliners may react to further developments. Here's a brief rundown of where things stand and what might happen next. Rumours are rife in Pakistan that she has already left the country, with fake reports claiming she met with Pope Francis in the Vatican. AFP has debunked the reports of Bibi meeting the pontiff. The Pakistani government has repeatedly stated that Bibi is being held in a secure location in Pakistan after being released from a prison in central Multan last week, though her exact whereabouts are unknown. She is not being allowed to leave the country as her case is subjected to a final review. Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi reiterated the government's position again in Islamabad on Wednesday, saying: "We have clarified earlier and we clarify it again. She has not gone abroad. She is here. There is no controversy." Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan initially spoke forcefully against the protests, and vowed to confront any violence. Since then he has stayed largely quiet about Bibi's fate. The ruling from the Supreme Court is in the process of being reviewed following a petition request. The petition essentially checks to see if any procedural or clerical errors were made by the court during its final ruling. If there were not, then the decision will stand. The chances of the apex court's acquittal being overturned are slim, according to Bibi's lawyer. Where will she go next? No one knows. However, it does appear that a deal may be in the works to move Bibi out of the country. Earlier this week, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said that his government was holding talks with Pakistan over potentially offering asylum. "There is a delicate domestic context that we respect which is why I don't want to say any more about that, but I will remind people Canada is a welcoming country," Trudeau told AFP. The Tehreek-e-Labaik Pakistan (TLP) party, which led the violent demonstrations after Bibi's release, slammed Trudeau's comments. "We strongly oppose even her release. And this is a view of millions of Pakistani Muslims," said TLP spokesman Ijaz Ashrafi. Of course a big concern for any country that opens its doors to Bibi will be the potential blowback from hardliners in Pakistan. Earlier this week, the Netherlands embassy pulled staff members from Pakistan over persistent threats, reportedly from hardliners angry over anti-Islam tweets by the far-right Dutch politician Geert Wilders.

Asia Bibi: Pakistani Christian woman in limbo after blasphemy verdict

The Pakistan government on Thursday constituted a committee to review the legal status of the Gilgit-Baltistan region, which India considers a part of Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;

Known as the Northern Areas, Pakistan plans to announce Gilgit-Baltistan as its fifth province, a move that is being vehemently opposed by India.

The Pakistan government's move to constitute a 10-member committee came in the wake of an instruction of a seven-judge bench of the Supreme Court headed by Chief Justice Saqib Nisar in October to review the legal status of the region to bring it at par with other provinces of Pakistan.

The apex court's direction followed the recommendations of a special panel set up by the then Nawaz Sharif government for constitutional and administrative reforms in the territory.

A member of the bench wondered if India has given special status to Jammu and Kashmir by amending Article 370 of its Constitution, why Pakistan could not grant provisional provincial status to Gilgit-Baltistan.

The court also observed that people of Gilgit-Baltistan are Pakistanis and should be given all rights.

The committee will suggest measures about how to give provisional provincial status to the region, which is disputed under the UN resolutions.

Although under the control of Pakistan, India considers Gilgit-Baltistan a part of Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;

The apex court had given the instructions while hearing 32 identical petitions concerning the constitutional status of the disputed territory. The main constitutional petition was filed by the Gilgit-Baltistan Bar Council through its vice-chairman Javed Ahmed.&nbsp;

The Pakistan government on Thursday constituted a committee to review the legal status of the Gilgit-Baltistan region, which India considers a part of Jammu and Kashmir.

The Pakistan government on Thursday constituted a committee to review the legal status of the Gilgit-Baltistan region, which India considers a part of Jammu and Kashmir. Known as the Northern Areas, Pakistan plans to announce Gilgit-Baltistan as its fifth province, a move that is being vehemently opposed by India. The Pakistan government's move to constitute a 10-member committee came in the wake of an instruction of a seven-judge bench of the Supreme Court headed by Chief Justice Saqib Nisar in October to review the legal status of the region to bring it at par with other provinces of Pakistan. The apex court's direction followed the recommendations of a special panel set up by the then Nawaz Sharif government for constitutional and administrative reforms in the territory. A member of the bench wondered if India has given special status to Jammu and Kashmir by amending Article 370 of its Constitution, why Pakistan could not grant provisional provincial status to Gilgit-Baltistan. The court also observed that people of Gilgit-Baltistan are Pakistanis and should be given all rights. The committee will suggest measures about how to give provisional provincial status to the region, which is disputed under the UN resolutions. Although under the control of Pakistan, India considers Gilgit-Baltistan a part of Jammu and Kashmir. The apex court had given the instructions while hearing 32 identical petitions concerning the constitutional status of the disputed territory. The main constitutional petition was filed by the Gilgit-Baltistan Bar Council through its vice-chairman Javed Ahmed.

Pak government constitutes panel to review legal status of disputed Gilgit-Baltistan region

Asserting that Islamabad's support to violence has not benefitted either Pakistan or Afghanistan, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has said that the "undeclared war" between the two neighbours must end.

Ghani said the spectre of violence needs to be removed and that Pakistan needs to support direct discussions between the Afghan government and the Taliban.

"The undeclared war between Afghanistan and Pakistan must end," he told a Washington audience through video conference from Kabul.

"We have not supported any movement against Pakistan from Afghanistan. The Afghan soil is not being used. We've exercised immense restraint and control because we seek a cooperative relationship," Ghani said in response to a question at the School of Advanced international Studies of the John Hopkins University on Monday.

Of the view that there is a need to define "what is a normal relationship" between Afghanistan and Pakistan, he said Kabul can offer a lot in the way of cooperation. "We are the key to Central Asia. How will Pakistan get to Central Asia without a stable Afghanistan?" he asked.

Ghani said Afghanistan and Pakistan need to together agree with the US and the rest of the world community on counter terrorism. These three sets of relationship, he said are the key.

"From the day that President Donald Trump announced the South Asia strategy, I extended the hand of friendship. We have engaged in several rounds of discussion," he said, adding that Afghanistan and the US have arrived at a document on what is their expectation, what needs to be done to translate commitments into reality and to help reduce the level of violence in moving forward to lasting peace.

Ghani said that he has not seen "urgency" from the new Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan regarding holding concrete dialogue with Afghanistan to fight terrorism or to assist in holding fruitful talks with the Taliban.

"We have not yet seen the sense of urgency. We hope that sense of urgency can be brought to the picture. We have a framework which is a Afghanistan-Pakistan agreement. The key is to move from talking to taking action," Ghani said.

"Our national interest is to keep engaging with Pakistan. We seek a stable Pakistan. We need to see substantive and measurable change. As of now that substantive and measurable change with the government of Prime Minister Imran Khan has not been seen. This is what needs to take place," said the Afghan president.

Ghani said that the Taliban is not in a winning position. "Let them disclose their casualties. Let them answer to the mothers who have lost their children. Let them answer to the wounded and let them answer to communities that because of their interference, have been deprived of education, of health, of services. Where is the positive model of the strength?" he said.

Asserting that Islamabad's support to violence has not benefitted either Pakistan or Afghanistan, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has said that the "undeclared war" between the two neighbours must end.

Asserting that Islamabad's support to violence has not benefitted either Pakistan or Afghanistan, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has said that the "undeclared war" between the two neighbours must end. Ghani said the spectre of violence needs to be removed and that Pakistan needs to support direct discussions between the Afghan government and the Taliban. "The undeclared war between Afghanistan and Pakistan must end," he told a Washington audience through video conference from Kabul. "We have not supported any movement against Pakistan from Afghanistan. The Afghan soil is not being used. We've exercised immense restraint and control because we seek a cooperative relationship," Ghani said in response to a question at the School of Advanced international Studies of the John Hopkins University on Monday. Of the view that there is a need to define "what is a normal relationship" between Afghanistan and Pakistan, he said Kabul can offer a lot in the way of cooperation. "We are the key to Central Asia. How will Pakistan get to Central Asia without a stable Afghanistan?" he asked. Ghani said Afghanistan and Pakistan need to together agree with the US and the rest of the world community on counter terrorism. These three sets of relationship, he said are the key. "From the day that President Donald Trump announced the South Asia strategy, I extended the hand of friendship. We have engaged in several rounds of discussion," he said, adding that Afghanistan and the US have arrived at a document on what is their expectation, what needs to be done to translate commitments into reality and to help reduce the level of violence in moving forward to lasting peace. Ghani said that he has not seen "urgency" from the new Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan regarding holding concrete dialogue with Afghanistan to fight terrorism or to assist in holding fruitful talks with the Taliban. "We have not yet seen the sense of urgency. We hope that sense of urgency can be brought to the picture. We have a framework which is a Afghanistan-Pakistan agreement. The key is to move from talking to taking action," Ghani said. "Our national interest is to keep engaging with Pakistan. We seek a stable Pakistan. We need to see substantive and measurable change. As of now that substantive and measurable change with the government of Prime Minister Imran Khan has not been seen. This is what needs to take place," said the Afghan president. Ghani said that the Taliban is not in a winning position. "Let them disclose their casualties. Let them answer to the mothers who have lost their children. Let them answer to the wounded and let them answer to communities that because of their interference, have been deprived of education, of health, of services. Where is the positive model of the strength?" he said.

'Undeclared war' between Afghanistan, Pak must end: Ashraf Ghani

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