It took rickshaw driver Mohammad Rasheed a year to save 300 rupees to buy his daughter a bike, so when he found three billion rupees ($22.5 million) had passed through an unused bank account in his name, he was stunned ... and scared.

"I started sweating and shivering," said the 43-year-old &nbsp;-- just the latest victim of a money laundering scheme that Pakistan's new prime minister, Imran Khan, has vowed to crush.

When he got a call from the Federal Investigation Agency, Rasheed's first inclination was to go into hiding, but friends and family members finally convinced him to cooperate with officials. &nbsp;

His case mirrors dozens of similar stories in recent weeks that have filled newspapers in Pakistan and riled a populace long accustomed to extravagant tales of corruption and theft.

The incidents follow a similar arc -- bank accounts in poor residents' names are flooded with cash, then suddenly emptied in a laundering scheme that has likely seen hundreds of millions of dollars moved out of the country.

Rasheed's name was eventually cleared, but his anxiety remained.

"I stopped driving my rented rickshaw on the roads because of the fear that some other investigating agencies might pick me up," he said.&nbsp;

"My wife fell sick because of the tension."

Only weeks before the fiasco he had finally been able to buy a 300-rupee bike with worn tyres for his daughter -- the fruit of a year's careful saving.

'Stolen money'&nbsp;

The revelation of the laundering frenzy comes as the newly elected Khan has vowed to squash rampant corruption and recover billions siphoned from the country as his government scrambles to shore up Pakistan's deteriorating finances.

"This is your stolen money," said the former cricketer during a televised address to the nation Wednesday.&nbsp;

"It was stolen on public contracts... and transferred into these accounts, then laundered abroad.

"I will spare no corrupt man in this country," he promised.

But for victims like Mohammad Qadir the damage has already been done. &nbsp;

"I have never even seen a bank from the inside," said the 52-year-old ice cream vendor.

Transactions were nevertheless made in his name for 2.25 billion rupees.

Since news of the incident spread Qadir says he is regularly mocked by his neighbours and also fears being kidnapped by criminal elements who believe he has billions of rupees to spare for hefty ransoms.

"He is a penniless billionaire," one of Qadir's acquaintances laughed while driving past his ice cream cart in the Karachi slum of Orangi town.

"People make fun of me, but I ended up with nothing at all from this situation," said Qadir. "It is such a tragedy."

Sarwat Zehra, a 56-year-old official, says she has suffered from high-blood pressure after being handed a bill for 13 million rupees in back taxes.

"I was told that a company had illegally passed 14 or 15 billion rupees through my account," she said.

Pakistan's poor have long been used as fronts for the elite to dodge taxes and hide assets.

But the scale of the bank account scheme is unprecedented, with authorities pointing the finger at some of Karachi's wealthiest power brokers including figures with links to former president Asif Zardari.

'Blacklist'&nbsp;

In September, Pakistan's Supreme Court established a commission&nbsp;to investigate the scourge, finding that at least 400 million dollars had passed through "thousands of false accounts", using the names of impoverished people.

Some 600 companies and individuals "are associated with the scandal", the commission concluded.

It is all the more embarrassing for Khan as his administration scrambles to secure billions of dollars in foreign financial assistance, while also entering talks with the International Monetary Fund for a potential bailout amid a widening balance of payment crisis. &nbsp;

The brazen laundering schemes come as Pakistan was again placed on a watchlist this year by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) -- an anti money-laundering monitor based in Paris -- for failing to do enough to combat terror financing.

It took rickshaw driver Mohammad Rasheed a year to save 300 rupees to buy his daughter a bike, so when he found three billion rupees ($22.5 million) had passed through an unused bank account in his name, he was stunned .

It took rickshaw driver Mohammad Rasheed a year to save 300 rupees to buy his daughter a bike, so when he found three billion rupees ($22.5 million) had passed through an unused bank account in his name, he was stunned ... and scared. "I started sweating and shivering," said the 43-year-old -- just the latest victim of a money laundering scheme that Pakistan's new prime minister, Imran Khan, has vowed to crush. When he got a call from the Federal Investigation Agency, Rasheed's first inclination was to go into hiding, but friends and family members finally convinced him to cooperate with officials. His case mirrors dozens of similar stories in recent weeks that have filled newspapers in Pakistan and riled a populace long accustomed to extravagant tales of corruption and theft. The incidents follow a similar arc -- bank accounts in poor residents' names are flooded with cash, then suddenly emptied in a laundering scheme that has likely seen hundreds of millions of dollars moved out of the country. Rasheed's name was eventually cleared, but his anxiety remained. "I stopped driving my rented rickshaw on the roads because of the fear that some other investigating agencies might pick me up," he said. "My wife fell sick because of the tension." Only weeks before the fiasco he had finally been able to buy a 300-rupee bike with worn tyres for his daughter -- the fruit of a year's careful saving. 'Stolen money' The revelation of the laundering frenzy comes as the newly elected Khan has vowed to squash rampant corruption and recover billions siphoned from the country as his government scrambles to shore up Pakistan's deteriorating finances. "This is your stolen money," said the former cricketer during a televised address to the nation Wednesday. "It was stolen on public contracts... and transferred into these accounts, then laundered abroad. "I will spare no corrupt man in this country," he promised. But for victims like Mohammad Qadir the damage has already been done. "I have never even seen a bank from the inside," said the 52-year-old ice cream vendor. Transactions were nevertheless made in his name for 2.25 billion rupees. Since news of the incident spread Qadir says he is regularly mocked by his neighbours and also fears being kidnapped by criminal elements who believe he has billions of rupees to spare for hefty ransoms. "He is a penniless billionaire," one of Qadir's acquaintances laughed while driving past his ice cream cart in the Karachi slum of Orangi town. "People make fun of me, but I ended up with nothing at all from this situation," said Qadir. "It is such a tragedy." Sarwat Zehra, a 56-year-old official, says she has suffered from high-blood pressure after being handed a bill for 13 million rupees in back taxes. "I was told that a company had illegally passed 14 or 15 billion rupees through my account," she said. Pakistan's poor have long been used as fronts for the elite to dodge taxes and hide assets. But the scale of the bank account scheme is unprecedented, with authorities pointing the finger at some of Karachi's wealthiest power brokers including figures with links to former president Asif Zardari. 'Blacklist' In September, Pakistan's Supreme Court established a commission to investigate the scourge, finding that at least 400 million dollars had passed through "thousands of false accounts", using the names of impoverished people. Some 600 companies and individuals "are associated with the scandal", the commission concluded. It is all the more embarrassing for Khan as his administration scrambles to secure billions of dollars in foreign financial assistance, while also entering talks with the International Monetary Fund for a potential bailout amid a widening balance of payment crisis. The brazen laundering schemes come as Pakistan was again placed on a watchlist this year by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) -- an anti money-laundering monitor based in Paris -- for failing to do enough to combat terror financing.

Pakistan's 'penniless billionaires' expose money laundering frenzy

It took rickshaw driver Mohammad Rasheed a year to save 300 rupees to buy his daughter a bike, so when he found three billion rupees ($22.5 million) had passed through an unused bank account in his name, he was stunned ... and scared.

"I started sweating and shivering," said the 43-year-old &nbsp;-- just the latest victim of a money laundering scheme that Pakistan's new prime minister, Imran Khan, has vowed to crush.

When he got a call from the Federal Investigation Agency, Rasheed's first inclination was to go into hiding, but friends and family members finally convinced him to cooperate with officials. &nbsp;

His case mirrors dozens of similar stories in recent weeks that have filled newspapers in Pakistan and riled a populace long accustomed to extravagant tales of corruption and theft.

The incidents follow a similar arc -- bank accounts in poor residents' names are flooded with cash, then suddenly emptied in a laundering scheme that has likely seen hundreds of millions of dollars moved out of the country.

Rasheed's name was eventually cleared, but his anxiety remained.

"I stopped driving my rented rickshaw on the roads because of the fear that some other investigating agencies might pick me up," he said.&nbsp;

"My wife fell sick because of the tension."

Only weeks before the fiasco he had finally been able to buy a 300-rupee bike with worn tyres for his daughter -- the fruit of a year's careful saving.

'Stolen money'

The revelation of the laundering frenzy comes as the newly elected Khan has vowed to squash rampant corruption and recover billions syphoned from the country as his government scrambles to shore up Pakistan's deteriorating finances.

"This is your stolen money," said the former cricketer during a televised address to the nation Wednesday.&nbsp;

"It was stolen on public contracts... and transferred into these accounts, then laundered abroad.

"I will spare no corrupt man in this country," he promised.

But for victims like Mohammad Qadir the damage has already been done. &nbsp;

"I have never even seen a bank from the inside," said the 52-year-old ice cream vendor.

Transactions were nevertheless made in his name for 2.25 billion rupees.

Since news of the incident spread Qadir says he is regularly mocked by his neighbours and also fears being kidnapped by criminal elements who believe he has billions of rupees to spare for hefty ransoms.

"He is a penniless billionaire," one of Qadir's acquaintances laughed while driving past his ice cream cart in the Karachi slum of Orangi town.

"People make fun of me, but I ended up with nothing at all from this situation," said Qadir. "It is such a tragedy."

Sarwat Zehra, a 56-year-old official, says she has suffered from high-blood pressure after being handed a bill for 13 million rupees in back taxes.

"I was told that a company had illegally passed 14 or 15 billion rupees through my account," she said.

Pakistan's poor have long been used as fronts for the elite to dodge taxes and hide assets.

But the scale of the bank account scheme is unprecedented, with authorities pointing the finger at some of Karachi's wealthiest power brokers including figures with links to former president Asif Zardari.

'Blacklist'

In September, Pakistan's Supreme Court established a commission to investigate the scourge, finding that at least 400 million dollars had passed through "thousands of false accounts", using the names of impoverished people.

Some 600 companies and individuals "are associated with the scandal", the commission concluded.

It is all the more embarrassing for Khan as his administration scrambles to secure billions of dollars in foreign financial assistance, while also entering talks with the International Monetary Fund for a potential bailout amid a widening balance of payment crisis. &nbsp;

The brazen laundering schemes come as Pakistan was again placed on a watchlist this year by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) -- an anti money-laundering monitor based in Paris -- for failing to do enough to combat terror financing.

It took rickshaw driver Mohammad Rasheed a year to save 300 rupees to buy his daughter a bike, so when he found three billion rupees ($22.5 million) had passed through an unused bank account in his name, he was stunned ... and scared. "I started sweating and shivering," said the 43-year-old -- just the latest victim of a money laundering scheme that Pakistan's new prime minister, Imran Khan, has vowed to crush. When he got a call from the Federal Investigation Agency, Rasheed's first inclination was to go into hiding, but friends and family members finally convinced him to cooperate with officials. His case mirrors dozens of similar stories in recent weeks that have filled newspapers in Pakistan and riled a populace long accustomed to extravagant tales of corruption and theft. The incidents follow a similar arc -- bank accounts in poor residents' names are flooded with cash, then suddenly emptied in a laundering scheme that has likely seen hundreds of millions of dollars moved out of the country. Rasheed's name was eventually cleared, but his anxiety remained. "I stopped driving my rented rickshaw on the roads because of the fear that some other investigating agencies might pick me up," he said. "My wife fell sick because of the tension." Only weeks before the fiasco he had finally been able to buy a 300-rupee bike with worn tyres for his daughter -- the fruit of a year's careful saving. 'Stolen money' The revelation of the laundering frenzy comes as the newly elected Khan has vowed to squash rampant corruption and recover billions syphoned from the country as his government scrambles to shore up Pakistan's deteriorating finances. "This is your stolen money," said the former cricketer during a televised address to the nation Wednesday. "It was stolen on public contracts... and transferred into these accounts, then laundered abroad. "I will spare no corrupt man in this country," he promised. But for victims like Mohammad Qadir the damage has already been done. "I have never even seen a bank from the inside," said the 52-year-old ice cream vendor. Transactions were nevertheless made in his name for 2.25 billion rupees. Since news of the incident spread Qadir says he is regularly mocked by his neighbours and also fears being kidnapped by criminal elements who believe he has billions of rupees to spare for hefty ransoms. "He is a penniless billionaire," one of Qadir's acquaintances laughed while driving past his ice cream cart in the Karachi slum of Orangi town. "People make fun of me, but I ended up with nothing at all from this situation," said Qadir. "It is such a tragedy." Sarwat Zehra, a 56-year-old official, says she has suffered from high-blood pressure after being handed a bill for 13 million rupees in back taxes. "I was told that a company had illegally passed 14 or 15 billion rupees through my account," she said. Pakistan's poor have long been used as fronts for the elite to dodge taxes and hide assets. But the scale of the bank account scheme is unprecedented, with authorities pointing the finger at some of Karachi's wealthiest power brokers including figures with links to former president Asif Zardari. 'Blacklist' In September, Pakistan's Supreme Court established a commission to investigate the scourge, finding that at least 400 million dollars had passed through "thousands of false accounts", using the names of impoverished people. Some 600 companies and individuals "are associated with the scandal", the commission concluded. It is all the more embarrassing for Khan as his administration scrambles to secure billions of dollars in foreign financial assistance, while also entering talks with the International Monetary Fund for a potential bailout amid a widening balance of payment crisis. The brazen laundering schemes come as Pakistan was again placed on a watchlist this year by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) -- an anti money-laundering monitor based in Paris -- for failing to do enough to combat terror financing.

A former Pakistan judge named Sikandar Hayat was on Saturday found to have 2,200 cars registered under his name, news agency DAWN reported.&nbsp;

The 82-year-old former judge received a chalaan a few days back for a car he did not own. According to his legal counsel, Hayat only owns one car.&nbsp;

2,224 cars were registered in the name of my client," the counsel said, as quoted by ANI.&nbsp;

Upon contacting the Punjab Excise and Taxation Department, it emerged that an eye-watering 2,224 vehicles had been registered in Hayat's name.

After hearing the lawyer, the top court sought a reply from the secretary and director of the Punjab excise department within a week.

A former Pakistan judge named Sikandar Hayat was on Saturday found to have 2,200 cars registered under his name, news agency DAWN reported. The 82-year-old former judge received a chalaan a few days back for a car he did not own.

A former Pakistan judge named Sikandar Hayat was on Saturday found to have 2,200 cars registered under his name, news agency DAWN reported. The 82-year-old former judge received a chalaan a few days back for a car he did not own. According to his legal counsel, Hayat only owns one car. 2,224 cars were registered in the name of my client," the counsel said, as quoted by ANI. Upon contacting the Punjab Excise and Taxation Department, it emerged that an eye-watering 2,224 vehicles had been registered in Hayat's name. After hearing the lawyer, the top court sought a reply from the secretary and director of the Punjab excise department within a week.

Over 2,200 cars registered in name of former Pak judge

Pakistan President Arif Alvi on Sunday ruled out establishing any kind of relations with Israel as he strongly rejected reports that an Israeli aircraft carrying some officials secretly landed in Islamabad and flew away after several hours at the airport here.

"Islamabad is not establishing any kind of relations with Israel," Alvi told the media before his departure for Turkey on a three-day official visit in the wee hours of Sunday.

It all started when an Israeli journalist Avi Scharf tweeted on October 25 that an Israeli business jet flew from Tel Aviv to Islamabad where it was on the ground for 10 hours, before flying back to Tel Aviv.

Social media users took note and flayed the Pakistan government with the Opposition also joining in to demand an explanation about the "secret Israeli mission".

Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi also dismissed reports of an Israeli aircraft landing in Pakistan as fake and baseless.&nbsp;

Qureshi said that something which is not even real does not warrant a response.

Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry has also rejected the reports and said the "government would not negotiate in secret with either Israel or India".

He regretted such reports despite the fact that the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) had also denied reports of the presence of any Israeli aircraft in Pakistani airspace or at its airports.

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz leader Ahsan Iqbal, who earlier led the Opposition's barrage, said Chaudhry's reaction showed the government was trying to hide something.

"The parliament should be taken into confidence over the issue," he demanded.

BBC Urdu reported that the aircraft in question was a Canadian-manufactured Bombardier Global Express with the serial number 9394. It was registered on February 22, 2017 in the Isle of Man in the UK by a company called Multibird Overseas Ltd.

The Israeli journalist later said he was not "100 per cent sure" if the plane had landed in Islamabad.

Pakistan and Israel do not have diplomatic relations and their aircraft are not allowed to use each other's airspace.&nbsp;

Pakistan President Arif Alvi on Sunday ruled out establishing any kind of relations with Israel as he strongly rejected reports that an Israeli aircraft carrying some officials secretly landed in Islamabad and flew away after several hours at the airport here.

Pakistan President Arif Alvi on Sunday ruled out establishing any kind of relations with Israel as he strongly rejected reports that an Israeli aircraft carrying some officials secretly landed in Islamabad and flew away after several hours at the airport here. "Islamabad is not establishing any kind of relations with Israel," Alvi told the media before his departure for Turkey on a three-day official visit in the wee hours of Sunday. It all started when an Israeli journalist Avi Scharf tweeted on October 25 that an Israeli business jet flew from Tel Aviv to Islamabad where it was on the ground for 10 hours, before flying back to Tel Aviv. Social media users took note and flayed the Pakistan government with the Opposition also joining in to demand an explanation about the "secret Israeli mission". Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi also dismissed reports of an Israeli aircraft landing in Pakistan as fake and baseless. Qureshi said that something which is not even real does not warrant a response. Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry has also rejected the reports and said the "government would not negotiate in secret with either Israel or India". He regretted such reports despite the fact that the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) had also denied reports of the presence of any Israeli aircraft in Pakistani airspace or at its airports. Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz leader Ahsan Iqbal, who earlier led the Opposition's barrage, said Chaudhry's reaction showed the government was trying to hide something. "The parliament should be taken into confidence over the issue," he demanded. BBC Urdu reported that the aircraft in question was a Canadian-manufactured Bombardier Global Express with the serial number 9394. It was registered on February 22, 2017 in the Isle of Man in the UK by a company called Multibird Overseas Ltd. The Israeli journalist later said he was not "100 per cent sure" if the plane had landed in Islamabad. Pakistan and Israel do not have diplomatic relations and their aircraft are not allowed to use each other's airspace.

Pak President Alvi rules out establishing any kind of ties with Israel

An anti-terrorism court in Pakistan has sentenced a member of a religious outfit to 30-year imprisonment for opening fire and injuring former interior minister Ahsan Iqbal in the PML-N government in May.

The court in Gujranwala on Saturday also ordered confiscation of assets of 22-year-old Abid Hussain and imposed a fine of Rs 280,000 on him.

The convict would have to undergo an additional six-month imprisonment in case of his failure to pay the fine.

According to a court official, Judge Syed Imran Shah handed down 27-year imprisonment to Hussain for shooting at Iqbal and another three-year jail term for carrying illegal weapons.

The judge said the convict made an assassination attempt on the former interior minister in ex-Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi's Cabinet by shooting at him during an election rally in Narowal, some 100 kilometres from Lahore, on May 6.

The court acquitted four accomplices of the convict by giving them the benefit of doubt.

Hussain, a member of Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), in his statement to police said he had attacked Iqbal as his government hurt the sentiments of Muslims by attempting to change the law related to Khattam-e-Nubawat&nbsp; 
(finality of Prophethood).

The TLP is an Islamic political party in Pakistan with Islamic ideology. The party is known for widespread street power and massive protests in opposition to any change in the blasphemy law of Pakistan.&nbsp;

An anti-terrorism court in Pakistan has sentenced a member of a religious outfit to 30-year imprisonment for opening fire and injuring former interior minister Ahsan Iqbal in the PML-N government in May.

An anti-terrorism court in Pakistan has sentenced a member of a religious outfit to 30-year imprisonment for opening fire and injuring former interior minister Ahsan Iqbal in the PML-N government in May. The court in Gujranwala on Saturday also ordered confiscation of assets of 22-year-old Abid Hussain and imposed a fine of Rs 280,000 on him. The convict would have to undergo an additional six-month imprisonment in case of his failure to pay the fine. According to a court official, Judge Syed Imran Shah handed down 27-year imprisonment to Hussain for shooting at Iqbal and another three-year jail term for carrying illegal weapons. The judge said the convict made an assassination attempt on the former interior minister in ex-Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi's Cabinet by shooting at him during an election rally in Narowal, some 100 kilometres from Lahore, on May 6. The court acquitted four accomplices of the convict by giving them the benefit of doubt. Hussain, a member of Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), in his statement to police said he had attacked Iqbal as his government hurt the sentiments of Muslims by attempting to change the law related to Khattam-e-Nubawat (finality of Prophethood). The TLP is an Islamic political party in Pakistan with Islamic ideology. The party is known for widespread street power and massive protests in opposition to any change in the blasphemy law of Pakistan.

Pakistan court sentences member of religious outfit to 30 years in jail

Pakistan survived an onslaught by big hitter Glenn Maxwell to win the second Twenty20 international by 11 runs in a last over finish against Australia in Dubai on Friday.

Maxwell hit a chancy 37-ball 52 with four boundaries and a six but could not score the 23 runs required in the final over as Australia -- chasing 148 to win -- ended up at 136-8 in their 20 overs at Dubai stadium.

Pakistan were lifted to 147-6 by Babar Azam (45) and Mohammad Hafeez (40) after Sarfraz Ahmed won the toss and opted to bat.

Pakistan won the first match by 66 runs in Abu Dhabi. The third and final match is also in Dubai on Sunday.

The win is skipper Sarfraz's 10th T20 series win since taking over as captain in September 2016, including a tri-series win in Zimbabwe in July this year.

That highlights Pakistan's number one ranking in the shortest format as they powered Australia for a second match running.

Australia were once again derailed at the outset with D'Arcy Short run out for two in a controversial manner with replays showing he had grounded the bat but was given out by television umpire Riaz Rashid.

Sarfraz was full of praise for his team and Shaheen.

"It's not easy to win 10 series on the trot in the T20 format," said Sarfraz. "The way we have played and improved has been very good. We have improved batting, bowling and fielding, and our management deserves credit.

"I was confident of Shaheen bowling the last over, he may be inexperienced but he showed that he has the capacity to be a big bowler."

Australian captain Finch said his players were too cautious.

"We were probably just a bit tentative in the first six overs of batting," said Finch. "Being six down last game, we tried to be conservative. And when Pakistan put the squeeze on you, it can get tough. They are No.1 for a reason."

Finch (three) and big hitter Chris Lynn (seven) failed for a second match running as Australia were struggling at 31-3.

Maxwell, dropped thrice on 18, 34 and 52, then added 30 for the fourth wicket with Mitchell Marsh (27) but Pakistan continued to take wickets to keep the Australian chase in check.

When Marsh and Ben McDermott (three) fell in quick succession Australia were in danger of falling to another under-100 total but Maxwell and Nathan Coulter-Nile fought hard during their 59-run seventh wicket stand.

When Shaheen Shah Afridi started the last over Australia needed 23 to win. Coulter-Nile hit a towering six off the first ball and then took a single but Maxwell holed out off the next ball to end all hopes of an Australian win.

Shaheen took 2-35 while spinner Shadab Khan finished with 2-30.

Pakistan's total was built around a solid 70-run partnership between Azam and Hafeez who built the innings after Fakhar Zaman was out for 11 with the score at 29.

Azam hit three boundaries in his 44-ball knock while Hafeez was in a more punishing mood, smashing two sixes and three boundaries off 34 deliveries.

Shoaib Malik, who came in for Hussian Talat in the team, made 14 while Faheem Ashraf made 17 not out.

Coulter Nile was the best Australian bowler with 3-18 while Billy Stanlake took 2-36.

Pakistan survived an onslaught by big hitter Glenn Maxwell to win the second Twenty20 international by 11 runs in a last over finish against Australia in Dubai on Friday.

Pakistan survived an onslaught by big hitter Glenn Maxwell to win the second Twenty20 international by 11 runs in a last over finish against Australia in Dubai on Friday. Maxwell hit a chancy 37-ball 52 with four boundaries and a six but could not score the 23 runs required in the final over as Australia -- chasing 148 to win -- ended up at 136-8 in their 20 overs at Dubai stadium. Pakistan were lifted to 147-6 by Babar Azam (45) and Mohammad Hafeez (40) after Sarfraz Ahmed won the toss and opted to bat. Pakistan won the first match by 66 runs in Abu Dhabi. The third and final match is also in Dubai on Sunday. The win is skipper Sarfraz's 10th T20 series win since taking over as captain in September 2016, including a tri-series win in Zimbabwe in July this year. That highlights Pakistan's number one ranking in the shortest format as they powered Australia for a second match running. Australia were once again derailed at the outset with D'Arcy Short run out for two in a controversial manner with replays showing he had grounded the bat but was given out by television umpire Riaz Rashid. Sarfraz was full of praise for his team and Shaheen. "It's not easy to win 10 series on the trot in the T20 format," said Sarfraz. "The way we have played and improved has been very good. We have improved batting, bowling and fielding, and our management deserves credit. "I was confident of Shaheen bowling the last over, he may be inexperienced but he showed that he has the capacity to be a big bowler." Australian captain Finch said his players were too cautious. "We were probably just a bit tentative in the first six overs of batting," said Finch. "Being six down last game, we tried to be conservative. And when Pakistan put the squeeze on you, it can get tough. They are No.1 for a reason." Finch (three) and big hitter Chris Lynn (seven) failed for a second match running as Australia were struggling at 31-3. Maxwell, dropped thrice on 18, 34 and 52, then added 30 for the fourth wicket with Mitchell Marsh (27) but Pakistan continued to take wickets to keep the Australian chase in check. When Marsh and Ben McDermott (three) fell in quick succession Australia were in danger of falling to another under-100 total but Maxwell and Nathan Coulter-Nile fought hard during their 59-run seventh wicket stand. When Shaheen Shah Afridi started the last over Australia needed 23 to win. Coulter-Nile hit a towering six off the first ball and then took a single but Maxwell holed out off the next ball to end all hopes of an Australian win. Shaheen took 2-35 while spinner Shadab Khan finished with 2-30. Pakistan's total was built around a solid 70-run partnership between Azam and Hafeez who built the innings after Fakhar Zaman was out for 11 with the score at 29. Azam hit three boundaries in his 44-ball knock while Hafeez was in a more punishing mood, smashing two sixes and three boundaries off 34 deliveries. Shoaib Malik, who came in for Hussian Talat in the team, made 14 while Faheem Ashraf made 17 not out. Coulter Nile was the best Australian bowler with 3-18 while Billy Stanlake took 2-36.

Pakistan beat Australia by 11 runs, clinch T20 series

Army Chief Bipin Rawat accused Pakistan Saturday of wanting to stall&nbsp;development in Kashmir.

Rawat, who was visiting the Amar Jawan Jyoti in Delhi on Infantry Day, said&nbsp;Pakistan was fully aware that "they can never succeed", and that therefore "terror is another way by them to keep the pot boiling".

He added that the "Indian state is strong enough to counter everything".

"Pakistan is fully aware they can never succeed, terror is another way by them to keep the pot boiling. They want to stall development in Kashmir but Indian state is strong enough to counter everything, and we are fully capable of carrying out different ops," Rawat said.&nbsp;

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Pakistan is fully aware they can never succeed, terror is another way by them to keep the pot boiling. They want to stall development in Kashmir but Indian state is strong enough to counter everything, and we are fully capable of carrying out different ops: Army Chief Bipin Rawat <a href="https://t.co/PZC28d4Nrn">pic.twitter.com/PZC28d4Nrn</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1056040275901140993?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Rawat also attacked stone pelters in Kashmir for the killing of a&nbsp;soldier Friday.&nbsp; Rajendra Singh died in Anantnag after being hit on the head.&nbsp;

"Jawan who lost his life after being attacked by stone pelters was guarding a border roads team which was constructing roads, and then we have some people saying don't treat stone pelters like OGWs(over ground workers) of terrorists," Rawat said.&nbsp;

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Delhi: Army Chief General Bipin Rawat pays tribute at Amar Jawan Jyoti on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/InfantryDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#InfantryDay</a> <a href="https://t.co/VAN7IEQu3E">pic.twitter.com/VAN7IEQu3E</a>
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Singh had been part of a Quick Reaction Team providing security to a Border Roads Organisation convoy. He was hit on the head after some unidentified persons threw stones at the convoy as it was passing.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Army Chief Bipin Rawat accused Pakistan Saturday of wanting to stall development in Kashmir. Rawat, who was visiting the Amar Jawan Jyoti in Delhi on Infantry Day, said Pakistan was fully aware that "they can never succeed", and that therefore "terror is another way by them to keep the pot boiling".

Army Chief Bipin Rawat accused Pakistan Saturday of wanting to stall development in Kashmir. Rawat, who was visiting the Amar Jawan Jyoti in Delhi on Infantry Day, said Pakistan was fully aware that "they can never succeed", and that therefore "terror is another way by them to keep the pot boiling". He added that the "Indian state is strong enough to counter everything". "Pakistan is fully aware they can never succeed, terror is another way by them to keep the pot boiling. They want to stall development in Kashmir but Indian state is strong enough to counter everything, and we are fully capable of carrying out different ops," Rawat said. Pakistan is fully aware they can never succeed, terror is another way by them to keep the pot boiling. They want to stall development in Kashmir but Indian state is strong enough to counter everything, and we are fully capable of carrying out different ops: Army Chief Bipin Rawat pic.twitter.com/PZC28d4Nrn — ANI (@ANI) October 27, 2018 × Rawat also attacked stone pelters in Kashmir for the killing of a soldier Friday. Rajendra Singh died in Anantnag after being hit on the head. "Jawan who lost his life after being attacked by stone pelters was guarding a border roads team which was constructing roads, and then we have some people saying don't treat stone pelters like OGWs(over ground workers) of terrorists," Rawat said. Delhi: Army Chief General Bipin Rawat pays tribute at Amar Jawan Jyoti on #InfantryDay pic.twitter.com/VAN7IEQu3E — ANI (@ANI) October 27, 2018 × Singh had been part of a Quick Reaction Team providing security to a Border Roads Organisation convoy. He was hit on the head after some unidentified persons threw stones at the convoy as it was passing.

Pakistan wants to stall development in Kashmir: Army Chief Bipin Rawat

Pakistan, which remains the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/govt-hasnt-extended-ordinance-jud-no-longer-in-banned-list-saeeds-lawyer-tells-pak-court-173541">breeding ground and supporter of global terrorism</a>, is responsible for three times the terror risk to humanity that Syria poses, says a study — "Humanity at Risk - Global Terror Threat Indicant (GTTI)" — by Oxford University and Strategic Foresight Group (SFG).

As per the GTTI, while the Afghan Taliban and the Lashkar-e-Taiyyaba (LeT) pose the maximum threat to international security in future, Pakistan is placed on top of the list of countries with the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/fatf-dissatisfied-over-pakistans-efforts-to-combat-terror-financing-report-172508">highest number of terrorist bases and safe havens</a>.

"If we look at the most dangerous terrorist groups, based on hard facts and statistics, we find that Pakistan hosts or aids the majority of them. Also, there are a significant number of groups based in Afghanistan, which operate with the support of Pakistan," the report says.

The over 80-page report, which has been prepared to discuss the challenges in the next decade, presents an analytical framework and tool to enable policymakers to look into the future.

"The rise of competitive extremism of all shades, misuse of weapons of mass destruction and economic disruptions can undermine human progress or even survival in the period from now until 2030. They are all interlinked with terrorism", the report reveals.

Strategic Foresight Group had analysed almost 200 groups actively involved in committing acts of terror in the first half decade of the twenty-first century. During that period, the groups motivated by their own interpretation of Jihadi ideology accounted for only a fourth of almost 200 groups around the world.

Among these groups, the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL)/Daesh has attracted much of media space in the last five years. But with swift rise and fall of ISIL/Daesh, the Al-Qaida remains the most resilient network. Until 2011, it was led by Osama bin Laden but now his son, Hamza bin Osama bin Laden has emerged, as what sections of the media describe, as the "new crown prince of terror".

The most significant factor influencing the future of Jihadi groups would be the support they get from states, intelligence agencies and criminal networks.

"The birth of Al-Qaida was in Pakistan and then Pakistan influenced Afghanistan. Osama Bin Laden had a safe haven in a huge compound near the Pakistani military establishment in Abbottabad. The compound was much larger than the surrounding houses of retired Pakistani military officers. The occupants of the compound often bought expensive goods from a neighbourhood shop that most people in the vicinity could not afford. The presence of an important family in the compound was nothing but conspicuous," the report reveals.

The report has also given a comprehensive detail about the global terror outfits operating from Pakistan, Afghanistan, Libya, Syria, Yemen and many other countries who have linkages with each other.

In Pakistan, the terror groups are based in FATA, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan Occupied Kashmir, Quetta and Kalat (Balochistan), Punjab and Sindh. Enjoying patronage of the law enforcement agencies, they easily plan and plot major attacks and raise funds for their activities.

In a shocking revelation report says: "The Jihadi thought processes have proved to be most resilient for almost 150 years, beginning in what is today Pakistan and parts of Afghanistan. Many extremist movements rose and collapsed. But the Jihadi movement has survived in Pakistan and Afghanistan, now firmly spreading to the Middle East and North and West Africa."

On Friday, Afghanistan's deputy Defence Minister, Hilaluddin Helal, said at the Beijing Xiangshan Forum on defence, that more than 50,000 militants from 21 terrorist organisations are currently operating in Afghanistan and out of these 70 per cent are Pakistanis.

Pakistan, which remains the breeding ground and supporter of global terrorism, is responsible for three times the terror risk to humanity that Syria poses, says a study — "Humanity at Risk - Global Terror Threat Indicant (GTTI)" — by Oxford University and Strategic Foresight Group (SFG).

Pakistan, which remains the breeding ground and supporter of global terrorism, is responsible for three times the terror risk to humanity that Syria poses, says a study — "Humanity at Risk - Global Terror Threat Indicant (GTTI)" — by Oxford University and Strategic Foresight Group (SFG). As per the GTTI, while the Afghan Taliban and the Lashkar-e-Taiyyaba (LeT) pose the maximum threat to international security in future, Pakistan is placed on top of the list of countries with the highest number of terrorist bases and safe havens. "If we look at the most dangerous terrorist groups, based on hard facts and statistics, we find that Pakistan hosts or aids the majority of them. Also, there are a significant number of groups based in Afghanistan, which operate with the support of Pakistan," the report says. The over 80-page report, which has been prepared to discuss the challenges in the next decade, presents an analytical framework and tool to enable policymakers to look into the future. "The rise of competitive extremism of all shades, misuse of weapons of mass destruction and economic disruptions can undermine human progress or even survival in the period from now until 2030. They are all interlinked with terrorism", the report reveals. Strategic Foresight Group had analysed almost 200 groups actively involved in committing acts of terror in the first half decade of the twenty-first century. During that period, the groups motivated by their own interpretation of Jihadi ideology accounted for only a fourth of almost 200 groups around the world. Among these groups, the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL)/Daesh has attracted much of media space in the last five years. But with swift rise and fall of ISIL/Daesh, the Al-Qaida remains the most resilient network. Until 2011, it was led by Osama bin Laden but now his son, Hamza bin Osama bin Laden has emerged, as what sections of the media describe, as the "new crown prince of terror". The most significant factor influencing the future of Jihadi groups would be the support they get from states, intelligence agencies and criminal networks. "The birth of Al-Qaida was in Pakistan and then Pakistan influenced Afghanistan. Osama Bin Laden had a safe haven in a huge compound near the Pakistani military establishment in Abbottabad. The compound was much larger than the surrounding houses of retired Pakistani military officers. The occupants of the compound often bought expensive goods from a neighbourhood shop that most people in the vicinity could not afford. The presence of an important family in the compound was nothing but conspicuous," the report reveals. The report has also given a comprehensive detail about the global terror outfits operating from Pakistan, Afghanistan, Libya, Syria, Yemen and many other countries who have linkages with each other. In Pakistan, the terror groups are based in FATA, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan Occupied Kashmir, Quetta and Kalat (Balochistan), Punjab and Sindh. Enjoying patronage of the law enforcement agencies, they easily plan and plot major attacks and raise funds for their activities. In a shocking revelation report says: "The Jihadi thought processes have proved to be most resilient for almost 150 years, beginning in what is today Pakistan and parts of Afghanistan. Many extremist movements rose and collapsed. But the Jihadi movement has survived in Pakistan and Afghanistan, now firmly spreading to the Middle East and North and West Africa." On Friday, Afghanistan's deputy Defence Minister, Hilaluddin Helal, said at the Beijing Xiangshan Forum on defence, that more than 50,000 militants from 21 terrorist organisations are currently operating in Afghanistan and out of these 70 per cent are Pakistanis.

Pakistan three times the terror risk that Syria is: Oxford report

China has not asked for military access to Pakistan's Chinese-funded, deepwater port of Gwadar, a senior Pakistani rear admiral said on Friday, amid persistent speculation in India and the United States it could become a Chinese naval base.

Gwadar, in the southwestern province of Baluchistan, is the crown jewel of China`s $60 billion investment in Belt and Road Initiative projects in Pakistan.

The plan is to turn Gwadar into a trans-shipment hub and megaport to be built alongside special economic zones from which export-focused industries will ship goods worldwide. A web of energy pipelines, roads and rail links will connect Gwadar to China`s western regions.

Last year the Pentagon singled out Pakistan as a possible location for a future Chinese military base, though China has said that is pure speculation. Diplomatic and security sources see Gwadar as the likely location.

Speaking at the Xiangshan Forum in Beijing, which China styles as its answer to the annual Shangri-La Dialogue security forum in Singapore, Rear Admiral Javaid Iqbal, Navy Secretary of the Pakistan Navy, said Gwadar is a "significant addition to the regional maritime landscape".

"Let me emphasise that the Gwadar port is purely a commercial venture and has no military overtones," he told the forum.

"Suitably located outside the potentially risky and confined waters of the Gulf, Gwadar has the potential to act not only as a transit port for China and Central Asia but also a trans shipment port impacting the prosperity of the entire region," Iqbal added.

Speaking later to Reuters, he said he was very specific about the non-military nature of the port.

"The Gwadar port has no military dimension. It will be just a commercial port," Iqbal said. "The Pakistan navy will maintain a presence to ensure maritime security, to ensure the security of the port."

"The geopolitical debate that somehow goes on in the media about Gwadar being used as a foreign military base is not correct at all."

Asked whether China had specifically asked for military access, he answered: "No, not at all".

China opened its first overseas military base, which it formally calls a logistics facility, in the Horn of Africa country Djibouti last year.

Djibouti's position on the northwestern edge of the Indian Ocean has fuelled worries in India that it would become another of China`s "string of pearls" of military alliances and assets ringing India, including Pakistan, Bangladesh, Myanmar and Sri Lanka.

China has repeatedly downplayed expectations it could be about to embark on a plan to build military bases around the world, even as it ramps up an impressive military modernisation programme.

China has not asked for military access to Pakistan's Chinese-funded, deepwater port of Gwadar, a senior Pakistani rear admiral said on Friday, amid persistent speculation in India and the United States it could become a Chinese naval base.

China has not asked for military access to Pakistan's Chinese-funded, deepwater port of Gwadar, a senior Pakistani rear admiral said on Friday, amid persistent speculation in India and the United States it could become a Chinese naval base. Gwadar, in the southwestern province of Baluchistan, is the crown jewel of China`s $60 billion investment in Belt and Road Initiative projects in Pakistan. The plan is to turn Gwadar into a trans-shipment hub and megaport to be built alongside special economic zones from which export-focused industries will ship goods worldwide. A web of energy pipelines, roads and rail links will connect Gwadar to China`s western regions. Last year the Pentagon singled out Pakistan as a possible location for a future Chinese military base, though China has said that is pure speculation. Diplomatic and security sources see Gwadar as the likely location. Speaking at the Xiangshan Forum in Beijing, which China styles as its answer to the annual Shangri-La Dialogue security forum in Singapore, Rear Admiral Javaid Iqbal, Navy Secretary of the Pakistan Navy, said Gwadar is a "significant addition to the regional maritime landscape". "Let me emphasise that the Gwadar port is purely a commercial venture and has no military overtones," he told the forum. "Suitably located outside the potentially risky and confined waters of the Gulf, Gwadar has the potential to act not only as a transit port for China and Central Asia but also a trans shipment port impacting the prosperity of the entire region," Iqbal added. Speaking later to Reuters, he said he was very specific about the non-military nature of the port. "The Gwadar port has no military dimension. It will be just a commercial port," Iqbal said. "The Pakistan navy will maintain a presence to ensure maritime security, to ensure the security of the port." "The geopolitical debate that somehow goes on in the media about Gwadar being used as a foreign military base is not correct at all." Asked whether China had specifically asked for military access, he answered: "No, not at all". China opened its first overseas military base, which it formally calls a logistics facility, in the Horn of Africa country Djibouti last year. Djibouti's position on the northwestern edge of the Indian Ocean has fuelled worries in India that it would become another of China`s "string of pearls" of military alliances and assets ringing India, including Pakistan, Bangladesh, Myanmar and Sri Lanka. China has repeatedly downplayed expectations it could be about to embark on a plan to build military bases around the world, even as it ramps up an impressive military modernisation programme.

China not asked for military access to Gwadar, Pakistan admiral says

In a harrowing ordeal, nine members of a cargo ship crew, including five Indians, have been stranded on their vessel outside Pakistan's Karachi port for over a year as they have yet to be paid their dues totalling around $ 300,000.

Apart from the Indians, the crew includes four Pakistani nationals, two people from Myanmar and one each from Sudan and Kenya.

"We have been lucky because we can embark the ship and come and go as we please as we are Pakistani nationals," Muhammad Reza, a member of the crew, told PTI here.

Reza is among the Pakistanis who were also on the cargo ship 'MV Mishki' sailing under a Panama flag when it anchored outside Karachi in August, 2017.

"Since that time the ship has been here with cargo as the crew members have still not been paid their dues which comes to about USD 300,000," Reza said.

Ironically the stand-off persists despite the Sindh High Court recently passing an order that the cargo agent, a Pakistani national in Karachi, must make arrangements to pay off the dues to allow the crew members to return to their homes.

"These nine people including the five Indians are surviving in very poor conditions. Despite the court order the dues have not been cleared as yet and we will be filing a petition again in the court on Monday," said activist Ansar Burney of the Burney Welfare Trust.

Burney has been in touch with the ship crew since last year and said the owner is Somalian and his offices are in Dubai but he has been out of reach so far.

"I have personally called him several times and sent him messages but he is not responding," Burney said.

The ship sailed first from Karachi to Dubai to drop off some cargo last year then picked up more cargo to drop off in Karachi and then in Somalia.

"The problem arose when we reached Karachi port and anchored here and even unloaded half of the cargo. But we did not move on to Somalia because of the payment issues," Reza recalled.

He said it was true that the crew had refused to leave the ship until they were paid by the owner or agent.

"How can you expect these people to return to their homes empty-handed. One of the Indian nationals has a cancer patient at home. They have made it clear they will not leave the ship until they get their money," Burney said.

He said the Sindh High Court had ordered that the agent sell off the ship and clear the dues.

"The ship also is now in bad shape. It is tough on these people as they don't have visas and cannot even leave the ship and come ashore. A representative of the Indian High Commission visited them once but after that I don't know what they have done for them," Burney said.

The crew members are now surviving by selling some cargo and ship parts or on donations from the Burney's trust for their daily food, medical and generator fuel expenses.&nbsp;

In a harrowing ordeal, nine members of a cargo ship crew, including five Indians, have been stranded on their vessel outside Pakistan's Karachi port for over a year as they have yet to be paid their dues totalling around $ 300,000.

In a harrowing ordeal, nine members of a cargo ship crew, including five Indians, have been stranded on their vessel outside Pakistan's Karachi port for over a year as they have yet to be paid their dues totalling around $ 300,000. Apart from the Indians, the crew includes four Pakistani nationals, two people from Myanmar and one each from Sudan and Kenya. "We have been lucky because we can embark the ship and come and go as we please as we are Pakistani nationals," Muhammad Reza, a member of the crew, told PTI here. Reza is among the Pakistanis who were also on the cargo ship 'MV Mishki' sailing under a Panama flag when it anchored outside Karachi in August, 2017. "Since that time the ship has been here with cargo as the crew members have still not been paid their dues which comes to about USD 300,000," Reza said. Ironically the stand-off persists despite the Sindh High Court recently passing an order that the cargo agent, a Pakistani national in Karachi, must make arrangements to pay off the dues to allow the crew members to return to their homes. "These nine people including the five Indians are surviving in very poor conditions. Despite the court order the dues have not been cleared as yet and we will be filing a petition again in the court on Monday," said activist Ansar Burney of the Burney Welfare Trust. Burney has been in touch with the ship crew since last year and said the owner is Somalian and his offices are in Dubai but he has been out of reach so far. "I have personally called him several times and sent him messages but he is not responding," Burney said. The ship sailed first from Karachi to Dubai to drop off some cargo last year then picked up more cargo to drop off in Karachi and then in Somalia. "The problem arose when we reached Karachi port and anchored here and even unloaded half of the cargo. But we did not move on to Somalia because of the payment issues," Reza recalled. He said it was true that the crew had refused to leave the ship until they were paid by the owner or agent. "How can you expect these people to return to their homes empty-handed. One of the Indian nationals has a cancer patient at home. They have made it clear they will not leave the ship until they get their money," Burney said. He said the Sindh High Court had ordered that the agent sell off the ship and clear the dues. "The ship also is now in bad shape. It is tough on these people as they don't have visas and cannot even leave the ship and come ashore. A representative of the Indian High Commission visited them once but after that I don't know what they have done for them," Burney said. The crew members are now surviving by selling some cargo and ship parts or on donations from the Burney's trust for their daily food, medical and generator fuel expenses.

Indian crew stranded on ship outside Karachi port for over a year due to non-payment of dues

India's claim to the Gilgit-Baltistan region is much stronger than Pakistan's as it was handed over to the Pakistani army by two "deceitful" British military officials, BJP leader Ram Madhav said Thursday.

He said the region was strategically important to India as it provides a link to Afghanistan and further to Central Asia. The Belt Road Initiative of China, which has been opposed by India, also passes through this region, he said.

While Pakistan annexed parts of Jammu and Kashmir, the Gilgit-Baltistan region, then a part of the princely state of J&amp;K, was handed over to the Pakistani army by two "deceitful" British military officials, he said.

"Our case, as far as Gilgit Baltistan goes, is even more stronger for the important reason that when (the princely state of) Jammu and Kashmir acceded to India, technically Gilgit Baltistan was an integral part of the then state of Kashmir and Jammu, under Maharaja Hari Singh," Madhav said.

The region was not annexed through any army encroachment, he said.&nbsp;

Madhav was speaking at the launch of a book 'Gilgit Baltistan and its saga of unending human rights violation'.&nbsp;

Although under the control of Pakistan, India considers Gilgit-Baltistan a part of the state 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.&nbsp;

In 1935, with rising Soviet influence and its possible threat to the British Empire, the British took Gilgit Baltistan on lease for 60 years.&nbsp;

After the British terminated the lease, they loaned two of their officers -- Major W A Brown and Captain A S Mathieson -- to the Maharaja for the purpose of looking after the defence of Gilgit-Baltistan till an alternative arrangement was found.

Soon after, the locals of Gilgit-Baltistan rebelled against Maharaja Hari Singh and Major Brown imprisoned Brigadier Ghansara Singh.&nbsp;

On November 2, 1947, Brown declared that Gilgit was joining Pakistan. Soon after, the Pakistani army and tribals occupied the region and used it as a base to carry out attacks in nearby regions.

"The two British officers had decided that we should hand it over to Pakistan and they invited the Pakistani Army to take it over. It was taken over without any resistance in an illegal manner," Madhav said.

He added that legally, in 1935, the British had taken the region on lease from the then Maharaja and returned to him two days after the partition.

He also rued that there was least awareness about this particular region, five to six times bigger than the PoK.

Hitting out at Pakistan, he said while it has unleashed propaganda and its "proxies within India" over the human right violations, the Pakistani Army has been resorting to genocides and massacres in the Gilgit Baltistan region and the "world at large is silent about it".

Madhav, who was a key negotiators when the BJP and PDP decided to form a coalition government in the state, said one of the clauses in the Common Minimum Programme was to open a trade route from Kargil to Skardu, a town in the Gilgit-Baltistan region.

"We attach great significance to the issue of Gilgit Baltistan," he said.&nbsp;

India's claim to the Gilgit-Baltistan region is much stronger than Pakistan's as it was handed over to the Pakistani army by two "deceitful" British military officials, BJP leader Ram Madhav said Thursday.

India's claim to the Gilgit-Baltistan region is much stronger than Pakistan's as it was handed over to the Pakistani army by two "deceitful" British military officials, BJP leader Ram Madhav said Thursday. He said the region was strategically important to India as it provides a link to Afghanistan and further to Central Asia. The Belt Road Initiative of China, which has been opposed by India, also passes through this region, he said. While Pakistan annexed parts of Jammu and Kashmir, the Gilgit-Baltistan region, then a part of the princely state of J&K, was handed over to the Pakistani army by two "deceitful" British military officials, he said. "Our case, as far as Gilgit Baltistan goes, is even more stronger for the important reason that when (the princely state of) Jammu and Kashmir acceded to India, technically Gilgit Baltistan was an integral part of the then state of Kashmir and Jammu, under Maharaja Hari Singh," Madhav said. The region was not annexed through any army encroachment, he said. Madhav was speaking at the launch of a book 'Gilgit Baltistan and its saga of unending human rights violation'. Although under the control of Pakistan, India considers Gilgit-Baltistan a part of the state 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. In 1935, with rising Soviet influence and its possible threat to the British Empire, the British took Gilgit Baltistan on lease for 60 years. After the British terminated the lease, they loaned two of their officers -- Major W A Brown and Captain A S Mathieson -- to the Maharaja for the purpose of looking after the defence of Gilgit-Baltistan till an alternative arrangement was found. Soon after, the locals of Gilgit-Baltistan rebelled against Maharaja Hari Singh and Major Brown imprisoned Brigadier Ghansara Singh. On November 2, 1947, Brown declared that Gilgit was joining Pakistan. Soon after, the Pakistani army and tribals occupied the region and used it as a base to carry out attacks in nearby regions. "The two British officers had decided that we should hand it over to Pakistan and they invited the Pakistani Army to take it over. It was taken over without any resistance in an illegal manner," Madhav said. He added that legally, in 1935, the British had taken the region on lease from the then Maharaja and returned to him two days after the partition. He also rued that there was least awareness about this particular region, five to six times bigger than the PoK. Hitting out at Pakistan, he said while it has unleashed propaganda and its "proxies within India" over the human right violations, the Pakistani Army has been resorting to genocides and massacres in the Gilgit Baltistan region and the "world at large is silent about it". Madhav, who was a key negotiators when the BJP and PDP decided to form a coalition government in the state, said one of the clauses in the Common Minimum Programme was to open a trade route from Kargil to Skardu, a town in the Gilgit-Baltistan region. "We attach great significance to the issue of Gilgit Baltistan," he said.

Gilgit-Baltistan region was handed to Pak by two deceitful British officials: BJP leader Ram Madhav

A top Taliban commander held in Pakistani detention for more than eight years has been freed, sources said Thursday, in an apparent move to aid tentative talks between the United States and the militant group.

The release of Abdul Ghani Baradar -- the former right-hand man of Taliban founder Mullah Omar, who died in 2013 -- came less than two weeks after US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad met with the group's representatives in Qatar to discuss ending the Afghan conflict.

Baradar was among several senior Taliban leaders freed this week, after the Taliban demanded their release in direct talks with Khalilzad on October 12, a senior Taliban leader told AFP on the condition of anonymity.

"We believe that they were released at the US's request," the leader said.

He said Baradar would likely stay in Pakistan and shuttle between the Taliban's Doha office, Kabul and Islamabad.

"It was important for confidence building and all three will participate in the next round of talks with the US in Qatar," he added.

Baradar was the most high-profile Afghan Taliban leader detained by Pakistan since the 9/11 attacks in 2001.

He was arrested in the southern port city of Karachi in 2010, reportedly in an operation that was described as a huge blow to the militant group, which ruled

Afghanistan from 1996-2001 when it was toppled by a US-led invasion.

It was not clear what role, if any, he would play in peace talks.

"Baradar was freed yesterday afternoon and he joined his family," Afghan Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid told AFP in a WhatsApp message. 
A Pakistani intelligence official also said Baradar was "released a couple of days ago".

Baradar's release comes after the recent election of Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, who has long advocated talks with the Taliban and other Islamist insurgents in the region to bring an end to years of fighting.

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi earlier this month also pledged to support negotiations with the Taliban as the country lobbies the United States to restore military aid.

The United States has long pressed Pakistan to crack down on the Taliban and other militant groups, which Washington says have safe havens in Pakistan's border areas and links to its shadowy military establishment -- charges Islamabad has repeatedly denied.

Khalilzad met with Taliban representatives in Doha as part of a regional trip designed to coordinate efforts to convince the group to negotiate an end to the war.

A top Taliban commander held in Pakistani detention for more than eight years has been freed, sources said Thursday, in an apparent move to aid tentative talks between the United States and the militant group.

A top Taliban commander held in Pakistani detention for more than eight years has been freed, sources said Thursday, in an apparent move to aid tentative talks between the United States and the militant group. The release of Abdul Ghani Baradar -- the former right-hand man of Taliban founder Mullah Omar, who died in 2013 -- came less than two weeks after US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad met with the group's representatives in Qatar to discuss ending the Afghan conflict. Baradar was among several senior Taliban leaders freed this week, after the Taliban demanded their release in direct talks with Khalilzad on October 12, a senior Taliban leader told AFP on the condition of anonymity. "We believe that they were released at the US's request," the leader said. He said Baradar would likely stay in Pakistan and shuttle between the Taliban's Doha office, Kabul and Islamabad. "It was important for confidence building and all three will participate in the next round of talks with the US in Qatar," he added. Baradar was the most high-profile Afghan Taliban leader detained by Pakistan since the 9/11 attacks in 2001. He was arrested in the southern port city of Karachi in 2010, reportedly in an operation that was described as a huge blow to the militant group, which ruled Afghanistan from 1996-2001 when it was toppled by a US-led invasion. It was not clear what role, if any, he would play in peace talks. "Baradar was freed yesterday afternoon and he joined his family," Afghan Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid told AFP in a WhatsApp message. A Pakistani intelligence official also said Baradar was "released a couple of days ago". Baradar's release comes after the recent election of Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, who has long advocated talks with the Taliban and other Islamist insurgents in the region to bring an end to years of fighting. Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi earlier this month also pledged to support negotiations with the Taliban as the country lobbies the United States to restore military aid. The United States has long pressed Pakistan to crack down on the Taliban and other militant groups, which Washington says have safe havens in Pakistan's border areas and links to its shadowy military establishment -- charges Islamabad has repeatedly denied. Khalilzad met with Taliban representatives in Doha as part of a regional trip designed to coordinate efforts to convince the group to negotiate an end to the war.

Pakistan frees Taliban leader after US talks with terrorists

The death of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi is proving to be a blessing in disguise for cash- strapped Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan. Khan’s blessing is also likely to offer Saudi Arabia geopolitical advantage.

On the principle of all good things are three, Khan struck gold on his second visit to the kingdom since coming to office in August.

Khan was rewarded for attending Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s showcase investors conference in Riyadh, dubbed Davos in the Desert, that was being shunned by numerous CEOs of Western financial institutions, tech entrepreneurs and media moguls as well as senior Western government officials because of the Khashoggi affair.

Saudi Arabia promised to deposit $3 billion in Pakistan’s central bank as balance of payments support and to defer up to $3 billion in payments for oil imports for a year.

Saudi Arabia declined Khan’s request for financial aid during his first visit to the kingdom in September but was willing to consider investing billions of dollars in a refinery in the Chinese-operated Arabian Sea port of Gwadar as well as in mining but was reluctant to acquiesce to Pakistani requests for financial relief.

Saudi Arabia’s subsequent agreement to provided finance is likely to help Khan reduce the size of the $8-12 billion bailout he is negotiating with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Speaking in an interview before leaving for Riyadh, Khan said he was attending the conference despite the “shocking” killing of&nbsp;Khashoggi because “unless we get loans from friendly countries or the IMF, we actually won’t have in another two or three months enough foreign exchange to service our debts or to pay for our imports. So we’re desperate at the moment.”

Pakistan’s foreign reserves dropped this month to $8.1 billion, a four-year low and barely enough to cover sovereign debt payments due through the end of the year. The current account deficit has swelled to about $18 billion.

Potential Saudi investment in the Reko Diq copper and gold mine as well as a refinery in Gwadar, both close to Pakistan’s border with Iran would give it a further foothold in the troubled province of Balochistan. Gwadar is a mere 70 kilometres down the coast from the Indian-backed Iranian port of Chabahar.

Pakistani militants reported last year that funds from the kingdom were flowing into the coffers of ultra-conservative anti-Shiite, anti-Iranian Sunni Muslim madrassahs or religious seminars in the region. It was unclear whether the funds originated with the Saudi government or Saudi nationals of Baloch descent and members of the two million-strong Pakistani Diaspora in the kingdom.

It was equally unclear how Saudi Arabia expected to capitalize on its rewarding of Khan in its competition with Iran for Pakistan’s favours.

Ensuring that Pakistan, home to the world’s largest Shiite minority, does not snuggle up too much to Iran has become even more crucial for Saudi Arabia as it seeks in the wake of Khashoggi’s death to enhance its indispensability to US President Donald J. Trump’s effort to isolate and cripple Iran economically, if not to engineer a change of regime in Tehran.

Trump sees Saudi Arabia as central to his strategy aimed at forcing the Islamic republic to halt its support for proxies in Yemen and Lebanon, withdraw its forces from Syria, and permanently dismantle its nuclear and ballistic missiles programs.

Saudi financial support means that Khan may find it more difficult to shield Pakistan from being sucked into the US-Saudi effort.

Insurgents last week kidnapped 14 Iranian security personnel, reportedly including Revolutionary Guards on the Iranian side of the border with Pakistan. Pakistan pledged to help liberate the abductees who are believed to have been taken across the border into Balochistan, long a militant and Baloch nationalist hotbed.

“Members of terrorist groups that are guided and supported by foreign forces carried this out through deceiving and bribing infiltrators,” the Guards said in a statement that appeared to blame Saudi Arabia and the United States without mentioning them by name.

The incident is likely to heighten Chinese concerns that in a worst-case scenario, Saudi investment rather than boosting economic activity and helping Gwadar get out of the starting blocks, could ensnare it too in one of the Middle East’s most debilitating conflicts.

China is further concerned that there would be a set of third-party eyes monitoring activity if and when it decides to use Gwadar not only for commercial purposes but also as a naval facility.

Saudi investment could further thwart potential Chinese plans to link the ports of Gwadar and Chabahar, a prospect that Pakistani and Iranian officials have in the past not excluded. With Saudi financial aid, that may no longer be an option that Khan can entertain.

Khan will have to take that into account when he travels to Beijing next week in a bid to secure Chinese financial support and convince Beijing to fast forward focusing the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a $45 billion plus infrastructure and energy generation-driven Belt and Road crown jewel, on issues such as job creation, manufacturing and agriculture.

Khan appeared to anticipate in his interview with Middle East Eye on the eve of his participation in the Riyadh investment conference that he would have reduced leeway by blaming the United States for increased tensions with Iran and hinting that Pakistan did not want to be drawn into conflict with the Islamic republic.

Said Khan: “The US-Iran situation is disturbing for all of us in the Muslim world... The last thing the Muslim world wants is another conflict. The worrying part is that the Trump administration is moving towards some sort of conflict with Iran.” 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

The death of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi is proving to be a blessing in disguise for cash- strapped Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan. Khan’s blessing is also likely to offer Saudi Arabia geopolitical advantage.

The death of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi is proving to be a blessing in disguise for cash- strapped Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan. Khan’s blessing is also likely to offer Saudi Arabia geopolitical advantage. On the principle of all good things are three, Khan struck gold on his second visit to the kingdom since coming to office in August. Khan was rewarded for attending Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s showcase investors conference in Riyadh, dubbed Davos in the Desert, that was being shunned by numerous CEOs of Western financial institutions, tech entrepreneurs and media moguls as well as senior Western government officials because of the Khashoggi affair. Saudi Arabia promised to deposit $3 billion in Pakistan’s central bank as balance of payments support and to defer up to $3 billion in payments for oil imports for a year. Saudi Arabia declined Khan’s request for financial aid during his first visit to the kingdom in September but was willing to consider investing billions of dollars in a refinery in the Chinese-operated Arabian Sea port of Gwadar as well as in mining but was reluctant to acquiesce to Pakistani requests for financial relief. Saudi Arabia’s subsequent agreement to provided finance is likely to help Khan reduce the size of the $8-12 billion bailout he is negotiating with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Speaking in an interview before leaving for Riyadh, Khan said he was attending the conference despite the “shocking” killing of Khashoggi because “unless we get loans from friendly countries or the IMF, we actually won’t have in another two or three months enough foreign exchange to service our debts or to pay for our imports. So we’re desperate at the moment.” Pakistan’s foreign reserves dropped this month to $8.1 billion, a four-year low and barely enough to cover sovereign debt payments due through the end of the year. The current account deficit has swelled to about $18 billion. Potential Saudi investment in the Reko Diq copper and gold mine as well as a refinery in Gwadar, both close to Pakistan’s border with Iran would give it a further foothold in the troubled province of Balochistan. Gwadar is a mere 70 kilometres down the coast from the Indian-backed Iranian port of Chabahar. Pakistani militants reported last year that funds from the kingdom were flowing into the coffers of ultra-conservative anti-Shiite, anti-Iranian Sunni Muslim madrassahs or religious seminars in the region. It was unclear whether the funds originated with the Saudi government or Saudi nationals of Baloch descent and members of the two million-strong Pakistani Diaspora in the kingdom. It was equally unclear how Saudi Arabia expected to capitalize on its rewarding of Khan in its competition with Iran for Pakistan’s favours. Ensuring that Pakistan, home to the world’s largest Shiite minority, does not snuggle up too much to Iran has become even more crucial for Saudi Arabia as it seeks in the wake of Khashoggi’s death to enhance its indispensability to US President Donald J. Trump’s effort to isolate and cripple Iran economically, if not to engineer a change of regime in Tehran. Trump sees Saudi Arabia as central to his strategy aimed at forcing the Islamic republic to halt its support for proxies in Yemen and Lebanon, withdraw its forces from Syria, and permanently dismantle its nuclear and ballistic missiles programs. Saudi financial support means that Khan may find it more difficult to shield Pakistan from being sucked into the US-Saudi effort. Insurgents last week kidnapped 14 Iranian security personnel, reportedly including Revolutionary Guards on the Iranian side of the border with Pakistan. Pakistan pledged to help liberate the abductees who are believed to have been taken across the border into Balochistan, long a militant and Baloch nationalist hotbed. “Members of terrorist groups that are guided and supported by foreign forces carried this out through deceiving and bribing infiltrators,” the Guards said in a statement that appeared to blame Saudi Arabia and the United States without mentioning them by name. The incident is likely to heighten Chinese concerns that in a worst-case scenario, Saudi investment rather than boosting economic activity and helping Gwadar get out of the starting blocks, could ensnare it too in one of the Middle East’s most debilitating conflicts. China is further concerned that there would be a set of third-party eyes monitoring activity if and when it decides to use Gwadar not only for commercial purposes but also as a naval facility. Saudi investment could further thwart potential Chinese plans to link the ports of Gwadar and Chabahar, a prospect that Pakistani and Iranian officials have in the past not excluded. With Saudi financial aid, that may no longer be an option that Khan can entertain. Khan will have to take that into account when he travels to Beijing next week in a bid to secure Chinese financial support and convince Beijing to fast forward focusing the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a $45 billion plus infrastructure and energy generation-driven Belt and Road crown jewel, on issues such as job creation, manufacturing and agriculture. Khan appeared to anticipate in his interview with Middle East Eye on the eve of his participation in the Riyadh investment conference that he would have reduced leeway by blaming the United States for increased tensions with Iran and hinting that Pakistan did not want to be drawn into conflict with the Islamic republic. Said Khan: “The US-Iran situation is disturbing for all of us in the Muslim world... The last thing the Muslim world wants is another conflict. The worrying part is that the Trump administration is moving towards some sort of conflict with Iran.” (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Khashoggi crisis a blessing in disguise for Imran Khan

Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan will visit China next week, authorities said Thursday, as the former cricketer mounts a desperate search for funds to prop up the nation's dire finances.

The confirmation of Khan’s first visit to China as premier comes days after Pakistan secured $6 billion dollars in funding from Saudi Arabia to help stave off a widening balance of payment crisis.

Khan said in a televised address Wednesday that he was working to nail down Saudi-style financing packages from two additional, unnamed countries to reduce the size of a potential loan from the International Monetary Fund.

The foreign affairs ministry said Khan would meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang on the November 2-5 trip which will take in Beijing and the commercial hub of Shanghai.

"The visit will provide an opportunity for the two countries to review the entire spectrum of bilateral relations with special reference to CPEC," foreign ministry spokesman Muhammad Faisal told AFP, referring to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.

CPEC is a multi-billion-dollar infrastructure project aimed at building energy and transport links connecting the western Chinese region of Xinjiang with the Arabian Sea via Pakistan.

However, given Pakistan's deteriorating finances, in recent months there have been concerns that portions of the ambitious agreement may have to be scaled down.

Analysts said Khan will be pushing for financial assistance from Beijing during the visit.

"Pakistan would certainly like China to play its role in supporting our balance of payments and this is going to be one major subject of discussions," said economist Salman Shah.

"China has been providing financial support to Pakistan in difficult times and this will not be something new if they come forward this time also."

Since taking power in August, Khan has sought loans from "friendly" countries like Saudi Arabia, vowed to recover funds stolen by corrupt officials, and embarked on a series of populist austerity drives to raise cash.

Pakistan has gone to the IMF repeatedly since the late 1980s.

The last time was in 2013, when Islamabad got a $6.6 billion loan to tackle a similar crisis.

Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan will visit China next week, authorities said Thursday, as the former cricketer mounts a desperate search for funds to prop up the nation's dire finances.

Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan will visit China next week, authorities said Thursday, as the former cricketer mounts a desperate search for funds to prop up the nation's dire finances. The confirmation of Khan’s first visit to China as premier comes days after Pakistan secured $6 billion dollars in funding from Saudi Arabia to help stave off a widening balance of payment crisis. Khan said in a televised address Wednesday that he was working to nail down Saudi-style financing packages from two additional, unnamed countries to reduce the size of a potential loan from the International Monetary Fund. The foreign affairs ministry said Khan would meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang on the November 2-5 trip which will take in Beijing and the commercial hub of Shanghai. "The visit will provide an opportunity for the two countries to review the entire spectrum of bilateral relations with special reference to CPEC," foreign ministry spokesman Muhammad Faisal told AFP, referring to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. CPEC is a multi-billion-dollar infrastructure project aimed at building energy and transport links connecting the western Chinese region of Xinjiang with the Arabian Sea via Pakistan. However, given Pakistan's deteriorating finances, in recent months there have been concerns that portions of the ambitious agreement may have to be scaled down. Analysts said Khan will be pushing for financial assistance from Beijing during the visit. "Pakistan would certainly like China to play its role in supporting our balance of payments and this is going to be one major subject of discussions," said economist Salman Shah. "China has been providing financial support to Pakistan in difficult times and this will not be something new if they come forward this time also." Since taking power in August, Khan has sought loans from "friendly" countries like Saudi Arabia, vowed to recover funds stolen by corrupt officials, and embarked on a series of populist austerity drives to raise cash. Pakistan has gone to the IMF repeatedly since the late 1980s. The last time was in 2013, when Islamabad got a $6.6 billion loan to tackle a similar crisis.

Pakistan PM to visit China, seeking funds as IMF bailout looms

After Saudi Arabia agreed to provide financial assistance to Pakistan on Tuesday, Prime Minister Imran Khan said that the package had eased pressure on Pak's depleting foreign exchange reserves.

He further added that soon Pakistan will become a country that would be offering loans to others instead of borrowing.&nbsp;

"The time is not far when Pakistan would be offering loans to the other countries instead of taking, stay strong, May Allah help us all", he said.

Praising Saudi Arabia's assistance he said that the financial package from Saudi will strengthen Pakistan's bargaining position in case the government approached the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a bailout.

He said even if the government was forced to seek IMF assistance, it would not need as much money as it would have needed in the absence of the Saudi assistance.&nbsp;

Saudi Arabia's deal with Pakistan was announced on Tuesday after Imran Khan called on Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz. The country has assured Pakistan US $3 billion in foreign currency support for a year in addition to a loan worth up to US $3 billion in deferred payments.&nbsp;

"We were facing really hard times. We were under high pressure to pay heavy debts. But thanks to Saudi Arab's extension of assistance, we are out of the pressure," Khan said.

He said people should not worry as the difficult time would pass and Pakistan will emerge as a much stronger and prosperous country in the coming years.&nbsp;

He also hinted on taking financial assistance from two other "friendly countries".

Khan is set to visit Malaysia later this month and China on November 3.

Pakistan's Finance Minister Asad Umar recently said the country may need more than US $12 billion to plug its finances as the current-account deficit widens and foreign-currency reserves plummet.&nbsp;

The Khan criticised the previous governments and held them responsible for the current economic crisis.

He said the country's debt was Rs 6,000 billion in 2008 which snowballed to Rs 30,000 billion in 2018.

Khan said the government was doing audit of the massive debt and threatened that the corrupt element would face merciless accountability.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

After Saudi Arabia agreed to provide financial assistance to Pakistan on Tuesday, Prime Minister Imran Khan said that the package had eased pressure on Pak's depleting foreign exchange reserves.

After Saudi Arabia agreed to provide financial assistance to Pakistan on Tuesday, Prime Minister Imran Khan said that the package had eased pressure on Pak's depleting foreign exchange reserves. He further added that soon Pakistan will become a country that would be offering loans to others instead of borrowing. "The time is not far when Pakistan would be offering loans to the other countries instead of taking, stay strong, May Allah help us all", he said. Praising Saudi Arabia's assistance he said that the financial package from Saudi will strengthen Pakistan's bargaining position in case the government approached the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a bailout. He said even if the government was forced to seek IMF assistance, it would not need as much money as it would have needed in the absence of the Saudi assistance. Saudi Arabia's deal with Pakistan was announced on Tuesday after Imran Khan called on Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz. The country has assured Pakistan US $3 billion in foreign currency support for a year in addition to a loan worth up to US $3 billion in deferred payments. "We were facing really hard times. We were under high pressure to pay heavy debts. But thanks to Saudi Arab's extension of assistance, we are out of the pressure," Khan said. He said people should not worry as the difficult time would pass and Pakistan will emerge as a much stronger and prosperous country in the coming years. He also hinted on taking financial assistance from two other "friendly countries". Khan is set to visit Malaysia later this month and China on November 3. Pakistan's Finance Minister Asad Umar recently said the country may need more than US $12 billion to plug its finances as the current-account deficit widens and foreign-currency reserves plummet. The Khan criticised the previous governments and held them responsible for the current economic crisis. He said the country's debt was Rs 6,000 billion in 2008 which snowballed to Rs 30,000 billion in 2018. Khan said the government was doing audit of the massive debt and threatened that the corrupt element would face merciless accountability. (With inputs from agencies)

Time is not far when Pakistan would be offering loans to other countries: Imran Khan

Saudi Arabia's USD 6 billion assistance package of loans and deferred payments to Pakistan will immediately relieve pressure on the cash-strapped government and improve its negotiating position during the tough bailout negotiations with the IMF, media reports said Wednesday.

In the deal announced Tuesday after Prime Minister Imran Khan called on Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz, Riyadh said it will give Pakistan USD 3 billion in foreign currency support for a year and a further loan worth up to USD 3 billion in deferred payments for oil imports.

Pakistan's Finance Minister Asad Umar recently said the country may need more than USD 12 billion to plug its finances as the current-account deficit widens and foreign-currency reserves plummet.

The Saudi assistance will immediately push the official foreign currency reserves back to double-digit in addition to lessening the stress on the external sector.

Saudi Arabia will place USD 3 billion cash deposits with the State Bank of Pakistan, in addition to providing a one-year deferred payment facility for the import of oil, worth up to USD 3 billion, according to the Pakistan Foreign Office.

The cash injection will immediately relieve pressure on the government and improve its negotiating position during the upcoming programme loan talks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), starting from November 7, the Express Tribune said.

The cash assistance will lower the requirements to devalue the rupee, as the one-off assistance will for the time being improve the macroeconomic projections, the report quoted some independent economists as saying.

The Saudi package may provide breathing space to the government for dealing with economic challenges, but would not be enough to avoid the IMF facility, the Dawn newspaper reported.

It is believed that improved foreign exchange reserves would strengthen Pakistan's negotiating position in talks with the IMF, it added.

The situation could further improve if China also makes some commitments to rescue its 'all-weather friend', it said, noting that Khan is scheduled to travel to China on November 3 for his first visit.

Saudi Arabia agreed to bail out Pakistan during the second visit of the prime minister, as the agreement could not be reached during his September visit to the kingdom, it said.

Prime minister Khan is keen to avoid the IMF bailout package and had requested Saudi Arabia, China and the United Arab Emirates for placement of deposits in the central bank to artificially inflate the foreign currency reserves, it said.

Earlier, Saudi Arabia gave USD 1.5 billion grant in 2014 when Pakistan's economy was facing similar pressures.

Saudi Arabia had also given oil on deferred payments in the 1990s, but Pakistan never repaid the amount, according to the officials of the finance ministry.

Pakistan is in search of USD 12 billion foreign loans and aid to avoid default on international debt obligations, as the country is required to return USD 11.7 billion loans to foreign countries. 
&nbsp;

Saudi Arabia's USD 6 billion assistance package of loans and deferred payments to Pakistan will immediately relieve pressure on the cash-strapped government and improve its negotiating position during the tough bailout negotiations with the IMF, media reports said Wednesday.

Saudi Arabia's USD 6 billion assistance package of loans and deferred payments to Pakistan will immediately relieve pressure on the cash-strapped government and improve its negotiating position during the tough bailout negotiations with the IMF, media reports said Wednesday. In the deal announced Tuesday after Prime Minister Imran Khan called on Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz, Riyadh said it will give Pakistan USD 3 billion in foreign currency support for a year and a further loan worth up to USD 3 billion in deferred payments for oil imports. Pakistan's Finance Minister Asad Umar recently said the country may need more than USD 12 billion to plug its finances as the current-account deficit widens and foreign-currency reserves plummet. The Saudi assistance will immediately push the official foreign currency reserves back to double-digit in addition to lessening the stress on the external sector. Saudi Arabia will place USD 3 billion cash deposits with the State Bank of Pakistan, in addition to providing a one-year deferred payment facility for the import of oil, worth up to USD 3 billion, according to the Pakistan Foreign Office. The cash injection will immediately relieve pressure on the government and improve its negotiating position during the upcoming programme loan talks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), starting from November 7, the Express Tribune said. The cash assistance will lower the requirements to devalue the rupee, as the one-off assistance will for the time being improve the macroeconomic projections, the report quoted some independent economists as saying. The Saudi package may provide breathing space to the government for dealing with economic challenges, but would not be enough to avoid the IMF facility, the Dawn newspaper reported. It is believed that improved foreign exchange reserves would strengthen Pakistan's negotiating position in talks with the IMF, it added. The situation could further improve if China also makes some commitments to rescue its 'all-weather friend', it said, noting that Khan is scheduled to travel to China on November 3 for his first visit. Saudi Arabia agreed to bail out Pakistan during the second visit of the prime minister, as the agreement could not be reached during his September visit to the kingdom, it said. Prime minister Khan is keen to avoid the IMF bailout package and had requested Saudi Arabia, China and the United Arab Emirates for placement of deposits in the central bank to artificially inflate the foreign currency reserves, it said. Earlier, Saudi Arabia gave USD 1.5 billion grant in 2014 when Pakistan's economy was facing similar pressures. Saudi Arabia had also given oil on deferred payments in the 1990s, but Pakistan never repaid the amount, according to the officials of the finance ministry. Pakistan is in search of USD 12 billion foreign loans and aid to avoid default on international debt obligations, as the country is required to return USD 11.7 billion loans to foreign countries.

Saudi help to give breathing space to Pakistan government: Pakistan finance minister

Imran Khan's aide has denied the existence of an interview where the prime minister had said that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/pakistan/pakistan-is-desperately-looking-for-loans-imran-khan-at-saudi-investment-conference-172963">Pakistan was "desperate" for financial help from Saudi</a>.&nbsp;

"PM did not give any interview. A delegation of foreigners touring Pakistan called on him and were told about the state of affairs we are faced with. Why can't senior journalists like you get our version",&nbsp;Special Assistant to Pakistan's Prime Minister, Naeem ul Haque said.

In an interview to journalists on October 20 Imran Khan had said that even though Pakistan was concerned about the death of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, they were "desperate" for financial help from Saudi Arabia.

Khan who is currently in Riyadh is on his second visit to Saudi Arabia in just over a month.&nbsp;He has however not been able to secure significant financial assistance to stave off a looming balance of payments crisis in Pakistan.

In response to Haque, Amanda Coakley, a freelance Irish journalist who was a part of a UK media delegation that conducted the interview, stated that Naeem ul Haque was present in the room when the "on-the-record interview" took place.

She tweeted, "I beg to differ Mr ul Haque. On Sunday 14th three British journalists and myself an Irish journalist went to Pak as part of a UK Media Delegation and were offered an interview with PM Khan. On Saturday 20th we met the PM and conducted an on-the-record interview which lasted 1 hour and 12 minutes. You were in attendance as was Mr Fawad Chaudhry and Mr Sarfraz Hussain, picture attached".

She also mentioned that the interview had been recorded on "different devices" by "all journalists present".

(With inputs from agencies)

Imran Khan's aide has denied the existence of an interview where the prime minister had said that Pakistan was "desperate" for financial help from Saudi. "PM did not give any interview.

Imran Khan's aide has denied the existence of an interview where the prime minister had said that Pakistan was "desperate" for financial help from Saudi. "PM did not give any interview. A delegation of foreigners touring Pakistan called on him and were told about the state of affairs we are faced with. Why can't senior journalists like you get our version", Special Assistant to Pakistan's Prime Minister, Naeem ul Haque said. In an interview to journalists on October 20 Imran Khan had said that even though Pakistan was concerned about the death of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, they were "desperate" for financial help from Saudi Arabia. Khan who is currently in Riyadh is on his second visit to Saudi Arabia in just over a month. He has however not been able to secure significant financial assistance to stave off a looming balance of payments crisis in Pakistan. In response to Haque, Amanda Coakley, a freelance Irish journalist who was a part of a UK media delegation that conducted the interview, stated that Naeem ul Haque was present in the room when the "on-the-record interview" took place. She tweeted, "I beg to differ Mr ul Haque. On Sunday 14th three British journalists and myself an Irish journalist went to Pak as part of a UK Media Delegation and were offered an interview with PM Khan. On Saturday 20th we met the PM and conducted an on-the-record interview which lasted 1 hour and 12 minutes. You were in attendance as was Mr Fawad Chaudhry and Mr Sarfraz Hussain, picture attached". She also mentioned that the interview had been recorded on "different devices" by "all journalists present". (With inputs from agencies)

Imran Khan's aide denies interview where the PM said, 'desperate for help from Saudi'

Pakistani militants of various stripes collectively won just under 10 per cent of the vote in the July 2018 parliamentary elections.&nbsp;

Some represented long-standing legal Islamist parties, others newly established groups or fronts for organisations that have been banned as terrorists by Pakistan and/or the United Nations and the United States.

The militants failed to secure a single seat in the national assembly but have maintained, if not increased, their ability to shape national debate and mainstream politics and societal attitudes. Their ability to field candidates in almost all constituencies, and, in many cases, their performance as debutants enhanced their legitimacy.

The militants’ performance has fueled debate about the Pakistani military’s effort to expand its long-standing support for militants that serve its regional and domestic goals to nudge them into mainstream politics. It also raises the question of who benefits most, mainstream politics or the militants. Political parties help mainstream militants, but militants with deep societal roots and significant following are frequently key to a mainstream candidate’s electoral success.

Perceptions that the militants may stand to gain the most are enhanced by the fact that decades of successive military and civilian governments, abetted and aided by Saudi Arabia, have deeply embedded ultra-conservative, intolerant, anti-pluralist, and supremacist strands of Sunni Islam in significant segments of Pakistani society.

Former international cricket player Imran Khan’s electoral victory may constitute a break with the country’s corrupt dynastic policies that ensured that civilian power alternated between two clans, the Bhuttos and the Sharifs. However, his alignment with ultra-conservatism’s social and religious views, as well as with militant groups, offers little hope for Pakistan becoming a more tolerant, pluralistic society, and moving away from a social environment that breeds extremism and militancy. On the contrary, policies enacted by Khan and his ministers since taking office suggest that ultra-conservatism and intolerance are the name of the game.

If anything, Khan’s political history, his 2018 election campaign, and his actions since coming to office reflect the degree to which aspects of militancy, intolerance, anti-pluralism, and supremacist ultra-conservative Sunni Muslim Islam have, over decades, been woven into the fabric of segments of society and elements of the state.

The roots of Pakistan’s extremism problem date to the immediate wake of the 1947 partition of British India when using militants as proxies was a way to compensate for Pakistan’s economic and military weakness.

They were entrenched by Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto in the 1970s and General Zia ul-Haq’s Islamization of Pakistani society in the 1980s. The rise of Islamist militants in the US-Saudi supported the war against Soviet occupation troops in Afghanistan and opportunistic policies by politicians and rulers since then have shaped contemporary Pakistan.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

 
&nbsp;

Pakistani militants of various stripes collectively won just under 10 per cent of the vote in the July 2018 parliamentary elections. Some represented long-standing legal Islamist parties, others newly established groups or fronts for organisations that have been banned as terrorists by Pakistan and/or the United Nations and the United States.

Pakistani militants of various stripes collectively won just under 10 per cent of the vote in the July 2018 parliamentary elections. Some represented long-standing legal Islamist parties, others newly established groups or fronts for organisations that have been banned as terrorists by Pakistan and/or the United Nations and the United States. The militants failed to secure a single seat in the national assembly but have maintained, if not increased, their ability to shape national debate and mainstream politics and societal attitudes. Their ability to field candidates in almost all constituencies, and, in many cases, their performance as debutants enhanced their legitimacy. The militants’ performance has fueled debate about the Pakistani military’s effort to expand its long-standing support for militants that serve its regional and domestic goals to nudge them into mainstream politics. It also raises the question of who benefits most, mainstream politics or the militants. Political parties help mainstream militants, but militants with deep societal roots and significant following are frequently key to a mainstream candidate’s electoral success. Perceptions that the militants may stand to gain the most are enhanced by the fact that decades of successive military and civilian governments, abetted and aided by Saudi Arabia, have deeply embedded ultra-conservative, intolerant, anti-pluralist, and supremacist strands of Sunni Islam in significant segments of Pakistani society. Former international cricket player Imran Khan’s electoral victory may constitute a break with the country’s corrupt dynastic policies that ensured that civilian power alternated between two clans, the Bhuttos and the Sharifs. However, his alignment with ultra-conservatism’s social and religious views, as well as with militant groups, offers little hope for Pakistan becoming a more tolerant, pluralistic society, and moving away from a social environment that breeds extremism and militancy. On the contrary, policies enacted by Khan and his ministers since taking office suggest that ultra-conservatism and intolerance are the name of the game. If anything, Khan’s political history, his 2018 election campaign, and his actions since coming to office reflect the degree to which aspects of militancy, intolerance, anti-pluralism, and supremacist ultra-conservative Sunni Muslim Islam have, over decades, been woven into the fabric of segments of society and elements of the state. The roots of Pakistan’s extremism problem date to the immediate wake of the 1947 partition of British India when using militants as proxies was a way to compensate for Pakistan’s economic and military weakness. They were entrenched by Prime Minister Zulfikar Ali Bhutto in the 1970s and General Zia ul-Haq’s Islamization of Pakistani society in the 1980s. The rise of Islamist militants in the US-Saudi supported the war against Soviet occupation troops in Afghanistan and opportunistic policies by politicians and rulers since then have shaped contemporary Pakistan. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Pakistan and its militants: Who is mainstreaming whom?

Pakistan will be held responsible if they do not make sincere efforts to curb terrorism on their western border with Afghanistan, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has said.

Talking to reporters Tuesday at the State Department's Foggy Bottom headquarters, Pompeo said this was the message he had delivered to the Pakistani leadership when he travelled to Islamabad in September after Imran Khan became prime minister.

We had made clear that the US policy with respect to south-central Asia has not changed, that our expectation is that Pakistan will not provide safe harbour to terrorists on their western border, he said in response to a question on AfPak.

On September 5, Pompeo met Khan and pressed him "to do more" to rein in the terror groups operating from Pakistan's soil.

"We couldn't make that message any more clear and that Pakistan will be held accountable if they don't see about it... If they're not sincere in that effort."

"We don't believe we can get to the place that everyone wants. Everyone wants reconciliation in Afghanistan, and to achieve that you can't have a safe harbour for Taliban - for Haqqani, and for others inside of Pakistan, Pompeo said.

The Pakistani government knows that "that's our review and this administration has already made significant efforts to hold them accountable and we hope that they'll achieve the goal that we have out for them, said the Secretary of State.

He indicated that there has been no change in the Trump administration's policy with regard to suspension of security aid to Pakistan unless it takes satisfactory measures to eliminate safe terrorist safe havens.

Early this year, US President Donald Trump had suspended $300 million in security aid to Pakistan. India, too, had asked Pakistan to stop supporting and glorifying terrorists and terror activities against India and its other neighbours.

Pakistan will be held responsible if they do not make sincere efforts to curb terrorism on their western border with Afghanistan, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has said.

Pakistan will be held responsible if they do not make sincere efforts to curb terrorism on their western border with Afghanistan, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has said. Talking to reporters Tuesday at the State Department's Foggy Bottom headquarters, Pompeo said this was the message he had delivered to the Pakistani leadership when he travelled to Islamabad in September after Imran Khan became prime minister. We had made clear that the US policy with respect to south-central Asia has not changed, that our expectation is that Pakistan will not provide safe harbour to terrorists on their western border, he said in response to a question on AfPak. On September 5, Pompeo met Khan and pressed him "to do more" to rein in the terror groups operating from Pakistan's soil. "We couldn't make that message any more clear and that Pakistan will be held accountable if they don't see about it... If they're not sincere in that effort." "We don't believe we can get to the place that everyone wants. Everyone wants reconciliation in Afghanistan, and to achieve that you can't have a safe harbour for Taliban - for Haqqani, and for others inside of Pakistan, Pompeo said. The Pakistani government knows that "that's our review and this administration has already made significant efforts to hold them accountable and we hope that they'll achieve the goal that we have out for them, said the Secretary of State. He indicated that there has been no change in the Trump administration's policy with regard to suspension of security aid to Pakistan unless it takes satisfactory measures to eliminate safe terrorist safe havens. Early this year, US President Donald Trump had suspended $300 million in security aid to Pakistan. India, too, had asked Pakistan to stop supporting and glorifying terrorists and terror activities against India and its other neighbours.

Pakistan must make sincere efforts to curb terrorism on Afghan border: US

A day after Pakistan announced <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/saudi-arabia-offer-3-billion-defers-oil-payments-to-ease-crisis-pakistan-173067">Saudi's assent&nbsp;to provide rescue aid to it</a>, the country on Wednesday clarified that it still plans to seek a bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

"Yes, we are going ahead into program negotiations with (IMF) in first week of November," Noor Ahmed, spokesman for Pakistan's finance ministry, told Reuters.

Islamabad on Tuesday said that Saudi Arabi had agreed to give Pakistan $3 billion in foreign currency support for a year and a further loan worth up to $3 billion in deferred payments for oil imports to help revive the country looming under economic crisis.

The agreement was announced as the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/pakistan/pakistan-is-desperately-looking-for-loans-imran-khan-at-saudi-investment-conference-172963">new Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan </a>attended a Saudi investment conference in Riyadh on Tuesday.

The conference had been&nbsp;boycotted by several other leaders over the killing&nbsp;of Saudi journalist&nbsp;Jamal Khashoggi at the country's consulate in Istanbul.

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Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan had said earlier that the country was "desperate"&nbsp;for the financial assistance.&nbsp;

In an interview to journalists on October 20, PM Imran Khan was reported as saying that even though Pakistan was concerned about the death of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, they were "desperate" for financial help from Saudi Arabia.

The existence of the&nbsp;interview was however <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imran-khans-aide-denies-interview-where-the-pm-said-desperate-for-help-from-saudi-173113">later denied by&nbsp;the special&nbsp;assistant</a> to Pakistan's Prime Minister, Naeem ul Haque.

Khan who is currently in Riyadh is on his second visit to Saudi Arabia in just over a month.

A day after Pakistan announced Saudi's assent to provide rescue aid to it, the country on Wednesday clarified that it still plans to seek a bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

A day after Pakistan announced Saudi's assent to provide rescue aid to it, the country on Wednesday clarified that it still plans to seek a bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). "Yes, we are going ahead into program negotiations with (IMF) in first week of November," Noor Ahmed, spokesman for Pakistan's finance ministry, told Reuters. Islamabad on Tuesday said that Saudi Arabi had agreed to give Pakistan $3 billion in foreign currency support for a year and a further loan worth up to $3 billion in deferred payments for oil imports to help revive the country looming under economic crisis. The agreement was announced as the new Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan attended a Saudi investment conference in Riyadh on Tuesday. The conference had been boycotted by several other leaders over the killing of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi at the country's consulate in Istanbul. × Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan had said earlier that the country was "desperate" for the financial assistance. In an interview to journalists on October 20, PM Imran Khan was reported as saying that even though Pakistan was concerned about the death of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi, they were "desperate" for financial help from Saudi Arabia. The existence of the interview was however later denied by the special assistant to Pakistan's Prime Minister, Naeem ul Haque. Khan who is currently in Riyadh is on his second visit to Saudi Arabia in just over a month.

Will seek IMF bailout in Nov, Pak finance ministry says despite Saudi financial assistance

A day after Pakistan announced Saudi's assent to provide rescue aid to the country, Pakistani shares escalated 3.3 per cent in early trading on Wednesday.

The Pakistan Stock Exchange's benchmark 100-share index rose 1,256.29 points to trade at 38,971.19 at 10.34 am (0534 GMT), according to the bourse's website.

Islamabad on Tuesday said that Saudi Arabi had agreed to give Pakistan $3 billion in foreign currency support for a year and a further loan worth up to $3 billion in deferred payments for oil imports to help revive the country looming under economic crisis.

The agreement was announced as the&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/pakistan/pakistan-is-desperately-looking-for-loans-imran-khan-at-saudi-investment-conference-172963">new Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan&nbsp;</a>attended a Saudi investment conference in Riyadh on Tuesday.

(With inputs from agencies)

A day after Pakistan announced Saudi's assent to provide rescue aid to the country, Pakistani shares escalated 3.3 per cent in early trading on Wednesday. The Pakistan Stock Exchange's benchmark 100-share index rose 1,256.

A day after Pakistan announced Saudi's assent to provide rescue aid to the country, Pakistani shares escalated 3.3 per cent in early trading on Wednesday. The Pakistan Stock Exchange's benchmark 100-share index rose 1,256.29 points to trade at 38,971.19 at 10.34 am (0534 GMT), according to the bourse's website. Islamabad on Tuesday said that Saudi Arabi had agreed to give Pakistan $3 billion in foreign currency support for a year and a further loan worth up to $3 billion in deferred payments for oil imports to help revive the country looming under economic crisis. The agreement was announced as the new Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan attended a Saudi investment conference in Riyadh on Tuesday. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistani stocks jump 3.3% on Saudi offer of $6 billion rescue package

Saudi Arabia has agreed <a href="http://www.wionews.com/pakistan/pakistan-is-desperately-looking-for-loans-imran-khan-at-saudi-investment-conference-172963">to give Pakistan $3 billion</a> in foreign currency support for a year and allow it to defer payments for oil imports to help stave off a current accounts crisis, Pakistan's government said on Tuesday

The agreement came as new Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan attended a Saudi investment conference that has been boycotted by several other leaders over the death of a dissident Saudi writer at the country's consulate in Istanbul.

"It was agreed Saudi Arabia will place a deposit of $3 Billion for a period of one year as balance of payment support," Pakistan's foreign ministry said in a statement.

"It was also agreed that a one-year deferred payment facility for import of oil, up to $3 Billion, will be provided by Saudi Arabia. This arrangement will be in place for three years, which will be reviewed thereafter."

Saudi Arabia has agreed to give Pakistan $3 billion in foreign currency support for a year and allow it to defer payments for oil imports to help stave off a current accounts crisis, Pakistan's government said on Tuesday The agreement came as new Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan attended a Saudi investment conference that has been boycotted by several other leaders over the death of a dissident Saudi writer at the country's consulate in Istanbul.

Saudi Arabia has agreed to give Pakistan $3 billion in foreign currency support for a year and allow it to defer payments for oil imports to help stave off a current accounts crisis, Pakistan's government said on Tuesday The agreement came as new Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan attended a Saudi investment conference that has been boycotted by several other leaders over the death of a dissident Saudi writer at the country's consulate in Istanbul. "It was agreed Saudi Arabia will place a deposit of $3 Billion for a period of one year as balance of payment support," Pakistan's foreign ministry said in a statement. "It was also agreed that a one-year deferred payment facility for import of oil, up to $3 Billion, will be provided by Saudi Arabia. This arrangement will be in place for three years, which will be reviewed thereafter."

Saudi Arabia offers Pak $3 billion to ease balance of payments crisis

The Centre is ready to hold talks with anyone including <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-pm-imran-khan-vows-to-hold-peace-talks-with-india-173006">Pakistan</a> but terror and dialogue can never go together, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said here Tuesday.

The Home Minister, who reviewed the security situation in the state, told reporters that over the past four to five months there has been a big shift as incidents of stone-pelting have come down and the recruitment of militants has also decreased.

Singh met representatives of various political parties in Srinagar during his day-long visit here and said he has appealed to all of them to participate in the upcoming panchayat polls in Jammu and Kashmir.

Asked about the controversy over Article 35-A, the Union Minister said the Centre has no proposal to change any constitutional provision regarding Jammu and Kashmir.

He congratulated the state on the successful conduct of urban local bodies elections in a fair and transparent manner and said the holding of ULB and panchayat polls in the state is a historical step.

"Biggest of problems can be faced and issues resolved through democratic means.&nbsp; 
Many problems of Jammu and Kashmir can also be addressed through democracy. I appeal to people of the state to take part in this festival of democracy," he said at a press conference here.

Singh said those who do not believe in democracy can never be well-wishers of people.

The National Conference and the Peoples Democratic Party had boycotted the recent urban bodies election in Jammu and Kashmir.

Singh told reporters that as far as talks are concerned, the government has no problem in holding dialogue with anyone.

"But there is a condition from our side. At least, they should see that Pakistan is sponsoring terrorism in India and promoting terrorism also. Give us this much of assurance that there will not be any such attempt by Pakistan. Terror and dialogue both can never go together," he said.

Asked if there was any initiative to hold talks with separatists, Singh said the government will talk to anyone who is willing to enter dialogue, but refused to elaborate.&nbsp;

"Government will not shy away from talks. We have been saying this time and again, anyone who wants to talk, we are ready," he said,

Singh said India has made all efforts on its part but Pakistan did not take any positive step to improve ties.

"Our Prime Minister, breaking all protocols, went there and met Pakistan Prime Minister, met his family members. Why did he meet? Our relations should be neighbourly. But from their side, they did not take any positive step," Singh said. 
In response to a question, the Home Minister said the Centre has no proposal to change any constitutional provision regarding Jammu and Kashmir.

"There is no initiative by the Centre on this (Article 35-A). The provisions in the Constitution are there and the Centre has not tinkered with any of those provisions. It is difficult to answer when a non-issue is made into an issue," he said.

The Home Minister said the Centre and the state government are working together to improve the life of people of the state.

"We want to engage the youth of the state in a constructive way. The state government along with the Centre has taken several initiatives in this regard. Through the Home Ministry alone, we are providing 11,000 jobs by various initiatives which will be implemented in several stages.

"Through various schemes of the central government, steps are afoot to provide employment to nearly 2.5 lakh youths of the state. Our government will provide all assistance needed that will help the youth of the state to chart their own destiny," he said.

On the local bodies elections, Singh said it was for the first time that an attempt has been made to empower the people of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh through devolution of power.&nbsp;

Every panchayat of the state will get Rs 60 lakh to Rs 70 lakh every year for carrying out development works in their respective areas, he said.

"The aim of empowering these bodies is to make them autonomous so that they can resolve their issues," he said.

On Centre's interlocutor Dineshwar Sharma, the Minister said he will continue in his role till talks are held.

He termed as "very unfortunate" the death of seven civilians in a blast after an encounter had ended in Kulgam district of Jammu and Kashmir and appealed to people not to venture such places where security operations were on.

The minister also announced an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh for next of kin of the deceased.

"If there is an operation by security forces, I appeal the people that they should not try to go there. The security forces do take precautions and we have repeatedly directed them to do it," he said.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The Centre is ready to hold talks with anyone including Pakistan but terror and dialogue can never go together, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said here Tuesday.

The Centre is ready to hold talks with anyone including Pakistan but terror and dialogue can never go together, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh said here Tuesday. The Home Minister, who reviewed the security situation in the state, told reporters that over the past four to five months there has been a big shift as incidents of stone-pelting have come down and the recruitment of militants has also decreased. Singh met representatives of various political parties in Srinagar during his day-long visit here and said he has appealed to all of them to participate in the upcoming panchayat polls in Jammu and Kashmir. Asked about the controversy over Article 35-A, the Union Minister said the Centre has no proposal to change any constitutional provision regarding Jammu and Kashmir. He congratulated the state on the successful conduct of urban local bodies elections in a fair and transparent manner and said the holding of ULB and panchayat polls in the state is a historical step. "Biggest of problems can be faced and issues resolved through democratic means. Many problems of Jammu and Kashmir can also be addressed through democracy. I appeal to people of the state to take part in this festival of democracy," he said at a press conference here. Singh said those who do not believe in democracy can never be well-wishers of people. The National Conference and the Peoples Democratic Party had boycotted the recent urban bodies election in Jammu and Kashmir. Singh told reporters that as far as talks are concerned, the government has no problem in holding dialogue with anyone. "But there is a condition from our side. At least, they should see that Pakistan is sponsoring terrorism in India and promoting terrorism also. Give us this much of assurance that there will not be any such attempt by Pakistan. Terror and dialogue both can never go together," he said. Asked if there was any initiative to hold talks with separatists, Singh said the government will talk to anyone who is willing to enter dialogue, but refused to elaborate. "Government will not shy away from talks. We have been saying this time and again, anyone who wants to talk, we are ready," he said, Singh said India has made all efforts on its part but Pakistan did not take any positive step to improve ties. "Our Prime Minister, breaking all protocols, went there and met Pakistan Prime Minister, met his family members. Why did he meet? Our relations should be neighbourly. But from their side, they did not take any positive step," Singh said. In response to a question, the Home Minister said the Centre has no proposal to change any constitutional provision regarding Jammu and Kashmir. "There is no initiative by the Centre on this (Article 35-A). The provisions in the Constitution are there and the Centre has not tinkered with any of those provisions. It is difficult to answer when a non-issue is made into an issue," he said. The Home Minister said the Centre and the state government are working together to improve the life of people of the state. "We want to engage the youth of the state in a constructive way. The state government along with the Centre has taken several initiatives in this regard. Through the Home Ministry alone, we are providing 11,000 jobs by various initiatives which will be implemented in several stages. "Through various schemes of the central government, steps are afoot to provide employment to nearly 2.5 lakh youths of the state. Our government will provide all assistance needed that will help the youth of the state to chart their own destiny," he said. On the local bodies elections, Singh said it was for the first time that an attempt has been made to empower the people of Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh through devolution of power. Every panchayat of the state will get Rs 60 lakh to Rs 70 lakh every year for carrying out development works in their respective areas, he said. "The aim of empowering these bodies is to make them autonomous so that they can resolve their issues," he said. On Centre's interlocutor Dineshwar Sharma, the Minister said he will continue in his role till talks are held. He termed as "very unfortunate" the death of seven civilians in a blast after an encounter had ended in Kulgam district of Jammu and Kashmir and appealed to people not to venture such places where security operations were on. The minister also announced an ex-gratia of Rs 5 lakh for next of kin of the deceased. "If there is an operation by security forces, I appeal the people that they should not try to go there. The security forces do take precautions and we have repeatedly directed them to do it," he said.

Government ready to talk to anyone, including Pakistan: Rajnath Singh in Kashmir

A van carrying smuggled petrol collided with a truck on Tuesday in Pakistan's Balochistan province, killing at least seven persons and burning three cars parked nearby and a police check post, authorities said.

The accident occurred a day after 20 people were killed when two buses collided head-on in Pakistan's Punjab province that also left 30 others injured.

The smuggled petrol was hidden in the makeshift tank of the van. The van was travelling from the provincial capital of Quetta to Sibbi, police officials were quoted as saying by the Khyber news.

After the collision, five persons died on the spot and the two injured were shifted to a hospital where they succumbed to their injuries, police said, adding three cars, parked nearby, also caught fire along with the police check post.

Two policemen who were posted at the Mach check post also suffered burns while trying to put the fire out, the report said.

After the accident, officials reached the spot and tried to control the blaze. It took the authorities three hours to clear the Mach-Bolan highway.

Balochistan province, borders oil-rich Iran from where million of gallons of fuel is illegally transported to Pakistan. 
&nbsp;

A van carrying smuggled petrol collided with a truck on Tuesday in Pakistan's Balochistan province, killing at least seven persons and burning three cars parked nearby and a police check post, authorities said.

A van carrying smuggled petrol collided with a truck on Tuesday in Pakistan's Balochistan province, killing at least seven persons and burning three cars parked nearby and a police check post, authorities said. The accident occurred a day after 20 people were killed when two buses collided head-on in Pakistan's Punjab province that also left 30 others injured. The smuggled petrol was hidden in the makeshift tank of the van. The van was travelling from the provincial capital of Quetta to Sibbi, police officials were quoted as saying by the Khyber news. After the collision, five persons died on the spot and the two injured were shifted to a hospital where they succumbed to their injuries, police said, adding three cars, parked nearby, also caught fire along with the police check post. Two policemen who were posted at the Mach check post also suffered burns while trying to put the fire out, the report said. After the accident, officials reached the spot and tried to control the blaze. It took the authorities three hours to clear the Mach-Bolan highway. Balochistan province, borders oil-rich Iran from where million of gallons of fuel is illegally transported to Pakistan.

Seven burn to death as van with smuggled petrol collides with truck in Pak

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan Tuesday vowed to hold peace talks with arch-rival India following elections in the neighbouring country, after a similar offer from the former cricketer was "<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-slams-imrans-remarks-on-kashmir-asks-pakistan-to-dismantle-terror-infrastructure-on-its-soil-172893">rebuffed</a>".

Khan made the announcement during a speech at a Saudi Arabian investment conference where the newly minted leader launched a charm offensive targeting potential investors as Pakistan seeks to secure funds amid a yawning balance of payment crisis. &nbsp;

"When I won the elections and came to power the first thing I tried to do was extend a hand of peace to India," Khan told the crowd at the Future Investment Initiative (FII) in Riyadh, saying the overture was later "rebuffed" by Delhi.

"Now what we are hoping is that we wait until the elections then again we will resume our peace talks with India," he added, referring to upcoming nationwide polls scheduled to take place by mid-May.

In September India pulled the plug on a rare meeting between its foreign minister and her Pakistani counterpart on the sidelines of a UN summit -- a move that was termed "arrogant" by Khan and unleashed a barrage of insults from both sides.

India has long accused Pakistan of backing militants in Kashmir, a Himalayan territory divided between the two countries but claimed in full by both since independence in 1947.

Delhi has stationed about 500,000 soldiers in the portion of Kashmir it controls, where separatist groups demand independence or a merger with Pakistan.

Khan's call for peace talks comes as his administration is desperately seeking funds from "friendly" countries, including Saudi Arabia, to shore up Pakistan's deteriorating finances.

The prime minister's attendance at the FII comes as leading policy-makers and corporate chiefs shunned the conference in response to the death of journalist Jamal Khashoggi at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul.

During his address at the FII Khan confirmed that Pakistan was also in talks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) over a new bailout.

Since taking power in August Khan has also sought loans from allies such as China and Saudi Arabia, promised to recover funds stolen by corrupt officials, and embarked on a series of high-profile populist austerity measures.

But help has been in short supply and economists' warnings have grown increasingly urgent.

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan Tuesday vowed to hold peace talks with arch-rival India following elections in the neighbouring country, after a similar offer from the former cricketer was "rebuffed".

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan Tuesday vowed to hold peace talks with arch-rival India following elections in the neighbouring country, after a similar offer from the former cricketer was "rebuffed". Khan made the announcement during a speech at a Saudi Arabian investment conference where the newly minted leader launched a charm offensive targeting potential investors as Pakistan seeks to secure funds amid a yawning balance of payment crisis. "When I won the elections and came to power the first thing I tried to do was extend a hand of peace to India," Khan told the crowd at the Future Investment Initiative (FII) in Riyadh, saying the overture was later "rebuffed" by Delhi. "Now what we are hoping is that we wait until the elections then again we will resume our peace talks with India," he added, referring to upcoming nationwide polls scheduled to take place by mid-May. In September India pulled the plug on a rare meeting between its foreign minister and her Pakistani counterpart on the sidelines of a UN summit -- a move that was termed "arrogant" by Khan and unleashed a barrage of insults from both sides. India has long accused Pakistan of backing militants in Kashmir, a Himalayan territory divided between the two countries but claimed in full by both since independence in 1947. Delhi has stationed about 500,000 soldiers in the portion of Kashmir it controls, where separatist groups demand independence or a merger with Pakistan. Khan's call for peace talks comes as his administration is desperately seeking funds from "friendly" countries, including Saudi Arabia, to shore up Pakistan's deteriorating finances. The prime minister's attendance at the FII comes as leading policy-makers and corporate chiefs shunned the conference in response to the death of journalist Jamal Khashoggi at the Saudi consulate in Istanbul. During his address at the FII Khan confirmed that Pakistan was also in talks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) over a new bailout. Since taking power in August Khan has also sought loans from allies such as China and Saudi Arabia, promised to recover funds stolen by corrupt officials, and embarked on a series of high-profile populist austerity measures. But help has been in short supply and economists' warnings have grown increasingly urgent.

Pakistan PM Imran Khan vows to hold peace talks with India

Fresh claims of spot-fixing hit international cricket in a documentary released Sunday but the ICC refuted the "assertion" that it does not take corruption in the sport seriously and once again questioned the broadcaster's refusal to share the raw footage.&nbsp;

A report on Al Jazeera channel's website stated that "the evidence, from 2011 and 2012, points to a small group of England players allegedly carrying out spot-fixes in seven matches; Australia players in five matches; Pakistan players in three, with players from other teams carrying out spot-fixes in one match.&nbsp;

"As with the first programme we have and will continue to ask for the cooperation of the broadcaster. We have made repeated efforts to engage with the broadcaster as it can play such a crucial part in the full and thorough investigation it has called for," ICC Anti-Corruption GM Alex Marshall said in a statement.&nbsp;

The ICC has been seeking footage of the sting carried out by the channel since it was first aired earlier this year. However, it claims to have got no cooperation from the channel.&nbsp;

"We do welcome the commitment from the broadcaster to share the files with Interpol and, I hope, other law enforcement agencies who can act upon the information and support us in ridding the sport of these criminals," he added.&nbsp;

The channel's report further claimed that the matches in which fixes were allegedly carried out included an England-India encounter at Lord's Cricket Ground, a South Africa-Australia match in Cape Town and several games during England's series against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates (UAE).&nbsp;

"The files suggest that the suspected fixes were usually carried out by batsmen who agreed to underperform. Some of the world's most famous players were batting when the fixes allegedly occurred. Many of the matches appear to include multiple fixes, making a total of 26 fixes in the 15 matches," said the report.&nbsp;

The channel claimed that its dossier includes photographs of Mumbai-born Dubai based alleged match-fixer Aneel Munawar and his associates hovering near, and purportedly talking to, international cricket players such as Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Umar Akmal during the T20 World Cup in Sri Lanka in 2012.&nbsp;

But the channel made it clear that there is no suggestion that these players were involved in any wrongdoing.&nbsp;

"As you would expect we will again take the contents of the programme and any allegations it may make seriously and will investigate fully.&nbsp;

However, I must refute the assertion that cricket does not take the issue of corruption seriously, we have more resources than ever before working to rid our sport of corruption," Marshall said.&nbsp;

"The investigation into these allegations has already commenced and will run alongside a number of other live unrelated investigations.&nbsp;

When considering the claims, we will work with professional independent betting analysts."

Fresh claims of spot-fixing hit international cricket in a documentary released Sunday but the ICC refuted the "assertion" that it does not take corruption in the sport seriously and once again questioned the broadcaster's refusal to share the raw footage.

Fresh claims of spot-fixing hit international cricket in a documentary released Sunday but the ICC refuted the "assertion" that it does not take corruption in the sport seriously and once again questioned the broadcaster's refusal to share the raw footage. A report on Al Jazeera channel's website stated that "the evidence, from 2011 and 2012, points to a small group of England players allegedly carrying out spot-fixes in seven matches; Australia players in five matches; Pakistan players in three, with players from other teams carrying out spot-fixes in one match. "As with the first programme we have and will continue to ask for the cooperation of the broadcaster. We have made repeated efforts to engage with the broadcaster as it can play such a crucial part in the full and thorough investigation it has called for," ICC Anti-Corruption GM Alex Marshall said in a statement. The ICC has been seeking footage of the sting carried out by the channel since it was first aired earlier this year. However, it claims to have got no cooperation from the channel. "We do welcome the commitment from the broadcaster to share the files with Interpol and, I hope, other law enforcement agencies who can act upon the information and support us in ridding the sport of these criminals," he added. The channel's report further claimed that the matches in which fixes were allegedly carried out included an England-India encounter at Lord's Cricket Ground, a South Africa-Australia match in Cape Town and several games during England's series against Pakistan in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). "The files suggest that the suspected fixes were usually carried out by batsmen who agreed to underperform. Some of the world's most famous players were batting when the fixes allegedly occurred. Many of the matches appear to include multiple fixes, making a total of 26 fixes in the 15 matches," said the report. The channel claimed that its dossier includes photographs of Mumbai-born Dubai based alleged match-fixer Aneel Munawar and his associates hovering near, and purportedly talking to, international cricket players such as Virat Kohli, Rohit Sharma and Umar Akmal during the T20 World Cup in Sri Lanka in 2012. But the channel made it clear that there is no suggestion that these players were involved in any wrongdoing. "As you would expect we will again take the contents of the programme and any allegations it may make seriously and will investigate fully. However, I must refute the assertion that cricket does not take the issue of corruption seriously, we have more resources than ever before working to rid our sport of corruption," Marshall said. "The investigation into these allegations has already commenced and will run alongside a number of other live unrelated investigations. When considering the claims, we will work with professional independent betting analysts."

Fresh spot-fixing claims in documentary; ICC demands footage again

India should move <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/imran-khan-slams-india-calling-talks-167114">to resolve the Kashmir issue through dialogue</a>, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan said Monday.&nbsp;

His remarks came a day after six civilians were killed after an explosive went off at an encounter site in Kulgam district of South Kashmir.

"Strongly condemn the new cycle of killings of innocent Kashmiris...By Indian security forces," Khan tweeted.

"It is time India realise it must move to resolve the Kashmir dispute through dialogue in accordance with the UN SC resolutions &amp; the wishes of the Kashmiri people," he said.&nbsp;

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Strongly condemn the new cycle of killings of innocent Kashmiris in IOK by Indian security forces. It is time India realised it must move to resolve the Kashmir dispute through dialogue in accordance with the UN SC resolutions &amp; the wishes of the Kashmiri people.
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/1054232985317318656?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Three militants were killed Sunday in an encounter with security forces in Kulgam district, while six civilians lost their lives in a blast following the gunfight there.&nbsp;

It is not the first time Khan has spoken about Kashmir.

In September, New Delhi called off a meeting between the foreign ministers of India and Pakistan, citing killings of Indian security personnel by Pakistan-based entities and the release of Pakistani postage stamps "glorifying a terrorist and terrorism".&nbsp;

In his victory speech after the July elections, Khan expressed his willingness to improve Pakistan's ties with India and said that his government would like the leaders of the two sides to resolve all disputes, including the core issue of Kashmir, through talks.&nbsp;

He said good India-Pakistan relations will be beneficial for the entire region.

India maintains that the entire state of Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of the country and Pakistan is in illegal occupation of a part of the state's territory.

India should move to resolve the Kashmir issue through dialogue, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan said Monday. His remarks came a day after six civilians were killed after an explosive went off at an encounter site in Kulgam district of South Kashmir.

India should move to resolve the Kashmir issue through dialogue, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan said Monday. His remarks came a day after six civilians were killed after an explosive went off at an encounter site in Kulgam district of South Kashmir. "Strongly condemn the new cycle of killings of innocent Kashmiris...By Indian security forces," Khan tweeted. "It is time India realise it must move to resolve the Kashmir dispute through dialogue in accordance with the UN SC resolutions & the wishes of the Kashmiri people," he said. Strongly condemn the new cycle of killings of innocent Kashmiris in IOK by Indian security forces. It is time India realised it must move to resolve the Kashmir dispute through dialogue in accordance with the UN SC resolutions & the wishes of the Kashmiri people. — Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) October 22, 2018 × Three militants were killed Sunday in an encounter with security forces in Kulgam district, while six civilians lost their lives in a blast following the gunfight there. It is not the first time Khan has spoken about Kashmir. In September, New Delhi called off a meeting between the foreign ministers of India and Pakistan, citing killings of Indian security personnel by Pakistan-based entities and the release of Pakistani postage stamps "glorifying a terrorist and terrorism". In his victory speech after the July elections, Khan expressed his willingness to improve Pakistan's ties with India and said that his government would like the leaders of the two sides to resolve all disputes, including the core issue of Kashmir, through talks. He said good India-Pakistan relations will be beneficial for the entire region. India maintains that the entire state of Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of the country and Pakistan is in illegal occupation of a part of the state's territory.

Pakistan PM Imran Khan again calls for dialogue with India to resolve Kashmir issue

Thirteen members of a family who were on their way to pilgrimage were among the 20 people killed when two buses collided head-on in Pakistan's Punjab province that also left 30 others injured, officials said on Monday.&nbsp;

The accident happened on Sunday night in the DG Khan district of Punjab when a bus coming from Multan collided with another passenger bus coming from the opposite direction.&nbsp;

Twenty people including women and children were dead. The dead included 13 members of a family from Multan. The members of the family were going to Karachi to visit shrines of Sufi saints in Sindh, said Deeba Shahnaz, spokesperson of Rescue 1122, an emergency service that serves the Punjab Province.

According to Rescue 1122, some 30 passengers suffered injuries and of them the condition of 10 passengers is stated to be critical.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

Citing witnesses, Shahnaz said that the accident happened when driver of the bus coming from Multan collided in an attempt to save a motorcyclist.

"The accident was so horrific that its collision sound was heard several kilometers away, she said.

People rushed to the spot and on their own started the rescue efforts and were later joined by the rescue officials who cut the buses and shifted the injured to hospitals.&nbsp;

President Dr Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Imran Khan expressed grief and sorrow over the tragic incident, expressing sympathy and condoled with the bereaved families.&nbsp;

He also directed to provide the best medical assistance to the injured passengers.

Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar also condoled over the loss of lives in the tragic incident.

He has sought a report from the officials on the accident at the earliest, Geo News reported.&nbsp;

Road accidents are common in Pakistan. Most of the mishaps are caused due to reckless driving and bad roads.&nbsp;

In early August, at least 18 people, including women and children, were killed in a collision between a passenger bus and a tanker.&nbsp;

Similarly, in July, 11 passengers were killed and several others sustained injuries in a three-vehicle crash near Nawabshah in Sindh province.

Thirteen members of a family who were on their way to pilgrimage were among the 20 people killed when two buses collided head-on in Pakistan's Punjab province that also left 30 others injured, officials said on Monday.

Thirteen members of a family who were on their way to pilgrimage were among the 20 people killed when two buses collided head-on in Pakistan's Punjab province that also left 30 others injured, officials said on Monday. The accident happened on Sunday night in the DG Khan district of Punjab when a bus coming from Multan collided with another passenger bus coming from the opposite direction. Twenty people including women and children were dead. The dead included 13 members of a family from Multan. The members of the family were going to Karachi to visit shrines of Sufi saints in Sindh, said Deeba Shahnaz, spokesperson of Rescue 1122, an emergency service that serves the Punjab Province. According to Rescue 1122, some 30 passengers suffered injuries and of them the condition of 10 passengers is stated to be critical. Citing witnesses, Shahnaz said that the accident happened when driver of the bus coming from Multan collided in an attempt to save a motorcyclist. "The accident was so horrific that its collision sound was heard several kilometers away, she said. People rushed to the spot and on their own started the rescue efforts and were later joined by the rescue officials who cut the buses and shifted the injured to hospitals. President Dr Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Imran Khan expressed grief and sorrow over the tragic incident, expressing sympathy and condoled with the bereaved families. He also directed to provide the best medical assistance to the injured passengers. Punjab Chief Minister Usman Buzdar also condoled over the loss of lives in the tragic incident. He has sought a report from the officials on the accident at the earliest, Geo News reported. Road accidents are common in Pakistan. Most of the mishaps are caused due to reckless driving and bad roads. In early August, at least 18 people, including women and children, were killed in a collision between a passenger bus and a tanker. Similarly, in July, 11 passengers were killed and several others sustained injuries in a three-vehicle crash near Nawabshah in Sindh province.

13 members of one family among 20 killed in road accident in Pakistan

After remaining closed for over two days due to parliamentary polls in Afghanistan, Pakistan has reopened the friendship gate at the Afghan border in Chaman, the shut down of which caused a loss of Rs 100 crore to the country, according to media reports.

US-led NATO military coalition in Afghanistan import vital supplies, including fuel, through the friendship gate, in the landlocked country.

Another crossing point -- the Torkham border in Peshawar -- was also reopened on Sunday, ending the two-and-a-half days of closure of the supply lines between the two countries.&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;&nbsp;

The two crossing points with Afghanistan in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan had been closed for security reasons on Kabul's request as parliamentary elections were being held in Afghanistan, the Express Tribune reported.&nbsp;

Now that the elections have ended, the borders have been reopened.

The suspension of transit trade due to the closure of Torkham border has caused a Rs 1 billion (Rs 100 crore) loss to the national exchequer, the report said.&nbsp;

According to a Dawn report, hundreds of trucks carrying NATO supplies and transit trade goods crossed into Afghanistan after reopening of the borders.&nbsp;

After remaining closed for over two days due to parliamentary polls in Afghanistan, Pakistan has reopened the friendship gate at the Afghan border in Chaman, the shut down of which caused a loss of Rs 100 crore to the country, according to media reports.

After remaining closed for over two days due to parliamentary polls in Afghanistan, Pakistan has reopened the friendship gate at the Afghan border in Chaman, the shut down of which caused a loss of Rs 100 crore to the country, according to media reports. US-led NATO military coalition in Afghanistan import vital supplies, including fuel, through the friendship gate, in the landlocked country. Another crossing point -- the Torkham border in Peshawar -- was also reopened on Sunday, ending the two-and-a-half days of closure of the supply lines between the two countries. The two crossing points with Afghanistan in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan had been closed for security reasons on Kabul's request as parliamentary elections were being held in Afghanistan, the Express Tribune reported. Now that the elections have ended, the borders have been reopened. The suspension of transit trade due to the closure of Torkham border has caused a Rs 1 billion (Rs 100 crore) loss to the national exchequer, the report said. According to a Dawn report, hundreds of trucks carrying NATO supplies and transit trade goods crossed into Afghanistan after reopening of the borders.

Pak reopens vital Afghan border crossings for trade

Indian men's hockey team defeated their arch-rivals Pakistan 3-1 at the Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament on Saturday.

This is India's second continuous win of the tournament as earlier team India had outclassed hosts Oman 11-0 in their opening match.

Muhammad Irfan Junior of Pakistan scored&nbsp;team's only goal in the opening minutes of the match&nbsp;to stun team India.

India, however, came back into the match in the second quarter when skipper Manpreet Singh (24th minute) netted the equalizer.

Mandeep Singh scored in the 33rd minute as India took a 2-1 lead.

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FT| A commendable effort by the Indian Men's Hockey Team saw them beat arch-rivals Pakistan by a goal margin of 3-1, in spite of trailing in the first quarter in this blockbuster clash of the Hero Asian Champions Trophy 2018 on 20th October.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndiaKaGame?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndiaKaGame</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HeroACT2018?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HeroACT2018</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvPAK?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvPAK</a> <a href="https://t.co/g7sq5mGmVX">pic.twitter.com/g7sq5mGmVX</a>
— Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheHockeyIndia/status/1053718566036357120?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 20, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The lead was further extended 3-1 when striker Dilpreet Singh scored another field goal in the 42nd minute.&nbsp;

India took the lead in the 33rd minute through a field strike from Mandeep Singh. The Indians extended their lead to 3-1 when striker Dilpreet Singh scored another field goal in the 42nd minute.&nbsp;

India had defeated <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/champions-trophy-indian-hockey-team-outclass-pakistan4-0-in-tournament-opener-146544">Pakistan 4-0 in the final edition of the Champions Trophy</a> earlier in the year before registering a close <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/asian-games-2018-india-beat-pakistan-2-1-to-win-bronze-in-mens-hockey-162911">2-1 win</a> over the arch-rivals in the Jakarta Asian Games.&nbsp;

Pakistan had defeated South Korea 3-1 in their opening match on Friday.&nbsp;

India will next face Japan tomorrow while Pakistan will play against Oman on Monday.

Indian men's hockey team defeated their arch-rivals Pakistan 3-1 at the Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament on Saturday. This is India's second continuous win of the tournament as earlier team India had outclassed hosts Oman 11-0 in their opening match.

Indian men's hockey team defeated their arch-rivals Pakistan 3-1 at the Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament on Saturday. This is India's second continuous win of the tournament as earlier team India had outclassed hosts Oman 11-0 in their opening match. Muhammad Irfan Junior of Pakistan scored team's only goal in the opening minutes of the match to stun team India. India, however, came back into the match in the second quarter when skipper Manpreet Singh (24th minute) netted the equalizer. Mandeep Singh scored in the 33rd minute as India took a 2-1 lead. FT| A commendable effort by the Indian Men's Hockey Team saw them beat arch-rivals Pakistan by a goal margin of 3-1, in spite of trailing in the first quarter in this blockbuster clash of the Hero Asian Champions Trophy 2018 on 20th October.#IndiaKaGame #HeroACT2018 #INDvPAK pic.twitter.com/g7sq5mGmVX — Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) October 20, 2018 × The lead was further extended 3-1 when striker Dilpreet Singh scored another field goal in the 42nd minute. India took the lead in the 33rd minute through a field strike from Mandeep Singh. The Indians extended their lead to 3-1 when striker Dilpreet Singh scored another field goal in the 42nd minute. India had defeated Pakistan 4-0 in the final edition of the Champions Trophy earlier in the year before registering a close 2-1 win over the arch-rivals in the Jakarta Asian Games. Pakistan had defeated South Korea 3-1 in their opening match on Friday. India will next face Japan tomorrow while Pakistan will play against Oman on Monday.

India beat Pakistan 3-1 at Asian Champions Trophy hockey

A woman worker of a software firm in Pakistan was told to either stop wearing hijab at workplace or resign, in perhaps the first incident of its kind in the Muslim-majority country.

The incident caused an uproar on social media, leading to the resignation of Chief Executive Officer Jawwad Kadir of the Creative Choas company.

She was told that she could keep her job only if she took off her hijab by her line manager who said that wearing hijab would spoil the company's image as an "all-embracing" workplace.

The woman said that she was offered alternative jobs in two Islamic banks if she left.

Kadir initially tried to downplay the incident by issuing an apology.

"Yesterday, a senior member of our staff asked a colleague to resign on unprofessional and unethical grounds. She was told that her obligations may come in the way of her performance," Kadir said.

"Not only is this action disgraceful but shows extremely poor moral judgement by her hiring manager. I take full responsibility for this failure and am deeply ashamed that a colleague was put through distress and trauma," he said.

Kadir said the victim has been asked to withdraw her resignation and resume her job.

A Facebook post detailing the trauma faced by the hijab-wearing woman caused a hue and cry with majority of people terming it as discrimination against the woman.

The software firm in a Facebook post later said Kadir had been asked to step down "for workplace discrimination".

In an email sent to the board members and associates, titled "My apology is not enough", Kadir said he was resigning as the CEO of the software house.

"I have crossed a line which I deeply regret," he wrote in the email, a copy of which was available on social media.&nbsp;

A woman worker of a software firm in Pakistan was told to either stop wearing hijab at workplace or resign, in perhaps the first incident of its kind in the Muslim-majority country.

A woman worker of a software firm in Pakistan was told to either stop wearing hijab at workplace or resign, in perhaps the first incident of its kind in the Muslim-majority country. The incident caused an uproar on social media, leading to the resignation of Chief Executive Officer Jawwad Kadir of the Creative Choas company. She was told that she could keep her job only if she took off her hijab by her line manager who said that wearing hijab would spoil the company's image as an "all-embracing" workplace. The woman said that she was offered alternative jobs in two Islamic banks if she left. Kadir initially tried to downplay the incident by issuing an apology. "Yesterday, a senior member of our staff asked a colleague to resign on unprofessional and unethical grounds. She was told that her obligations may come in the way of her performance," Kadir said. "Not only is this action disgraceful but shows extremely poor moral judgement by her hiring manager. I take full responsibility for this failure and am deeply ashamed that a colleague was put through distress and trauma," he said. Kadir said the victim has been asked to withdraw her resignation and resume her job. A Facebook post detailing the trauma faced by the hijab-wearing woman caused a hue and cry with majority of people terming it as discrimination against the woman. The software firm in a Facebook post later said Kadir had been asked to step down "for workplace discrimination". In an email sent to the board members and associates, titled "My apology is not enough", Kadir said he was resigning as the CEO of the software house. "I have crossed a line which I deeply regret," he wrote in the email, a copy of which was available on social media.

Woman asked to shun hijab at workplace or resign in Pakistan

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