Pakistan's Interior Ministry has abruptly removed the chief prosecutor from the Mumbai terror attack case for "not taking the government line", an official said on Sunday, in a major setback to India's efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice.

Ten Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists had sailed into Mumbai from Karachi and carried out coordinated attacks, killing 166 people and injuring over 300 in November 2008.

"The Interior Ministry has removed Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Special Prosecutor Chaudhry Azhar, who had been representing as chief of prosecution in the Mumbai attack case since 2009, from the high-profile case," an official of the FIA privy to the development said.

The decision by Pakistan’s Interior Ministry can hamper India’s efforts to bring the perpetrators of the crime to justice, the news agency observed. The official said that Azhar had been informed that his services “will no longer be required”, PTI reported.&nbsp;

"Azhar has only been separated from the Mumbai attack case. However, he will continue to represent the state in other cases like Benazir assassination,” the official added.

Explaining the Pakistani government’s rationale in removing the chief prosecutor of the case abruptly, the official said that Azhar had developed “differences” with the Pakistani government over the “manner” in which the case was being pursued.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)

Pakistan has sacked the chief public prosecutor of the trial 2008 Mumbai terror attack case, citing the reason that the prosecutor was not “toeing the government line” in the case.

Pakistan's Interior Ministry has abruptly removed the chief prosecutor from the Mumbai terror attack case for "not taking the government line", an official said on Sunday, in a major setback to India's efforts to bring the perpetrators to justice. Ten Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists had sailed into Mumbai from Karachi and carried out coordinated attacks, killing 166 people and injuring over 300 in November 2008. "The Interior Ministry has removed Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) Special Prosecutor Chaudhry Azhar, who had been representing as chief of prosecution in the Mumbai attack case since 2009, from the high-profile case," an official of the FIA privy to the development said. The decision by Pakistan’s Interior Ministry can hamper India’s efforts to bring the perpetrators of the crime to justice, the news agency observed. The official said that Azhar had been informed that his services “will no longer be required”, PTI reported. "Azhar has only been separated from the Mumbai attack case. However, he will continue to represent the state in other cases like Benazir assassination,” the official added. Explaining the Pakistani government’s rationale in removing the chief prosecutor of the case abruptly, the official said that Azhar had developed “differences” with the Pakistani government over the “manner” in which the case was being pursued. (With inputs from PTI)

26/11 Mumbai terror attack case: Pakistan sacks chief prosecutor for ‘not taking the government line'

By Siddhant Sibbal

Pakistan's ruling PML(N) has presented its last budget with CPEC, terror and Afghanistan making their way into the papers. But where Pakistan is involved, so is geopolitics. &nbsp;

As always, Pakistan increased its defence budget. The Pakistani defence budget has been proposed at Pakistani Rs 1,100 billion for FY 2018-2019 as against the revised budget of Rs 999 billion for 2017-18.&nbsp;

And its no longer 3 A’s — Allah, America and the Army — but ACC — Allah, China and CPEC.

 
China-Pakistan Economic Corridor 
CPEC found mention seven times in Pakistan Finance Minister Miftah Ismail's speech.&nbsp;

Lauding CPEC, Ismail said, “Vision of Mian Nawaz Sharif, CPEC initiative has become a global brand of Pakistan. &nbsp;As part of CPEC, our government initiated road projects that would link north of Pakistan with Gwadar. Trans-Pakistan corridor of motorways and special economic zones are designed to provide jobs, enhance manufacturing base, and increase prosperity and growth.”&nbsp;

He said that as part of CPEC, the Pakistani government has also finalised its plan to increase by three times the speed of trains on Main Line-I from Peshawar to Karachi.

 
Chinese loans replace US aid 
China has already overtaken, by millions of Pakistani rupees, the US when it comes to loans granted to Pakistan, and this year it will grant even more. In FY 2018-2019, China will be giving loans and grants to Pakistan amounting to Pakistani Rs 98,395.783 million.&nbsp;

Of this, Rs 96,895.738 million will be in the form of loans while Rs 1,500 million will be in the form of grants. The US will be providing just Rs 13,523 million but all of it will be a grant. Clearly. most of the Chinese money being pumped into Pakistan is in the form of loans, the rates of interest on which are not known and nor are the tenures.&nbsp;

China however is well known for its loans ensnaring countries in debt traps.&nbsp;

South Asia has a lot of examples. The most famous one being Sri Lanka's Hambantota port of which China has been granted a 99-year lease.

China’s foreign investment has been called predatory and many in Pakistan itself believe that CPEC could turn Pakistan into a Chinese colony.

<img alt="23.JPG" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="685" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/23.JPG" width="610" />

(The loans and grants provided to Pakistan.)

&nbsp;

The AIIB link 
Interestingly, the China-led AIIB (Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank) is also giving loans to Islamabad.&nbsp;

India, with a 7.6% share, is the second largest shareholder in the bank.&nbsp;

AIIB will be giving Pakistan loans totalling up to Rs 13,189 million. It’s a substantial increase from the Rs 5,289.609 given in FY 2017-2018. The new AIIB loan will be given for rehabilitation of the existing carriageway between the DI Khan-Saraigumble section, the Rajanpur-DG. Khan section, and Sehan-Ratodero.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Gwadar: China’s helping hand to the port 
China and Pakistan's love child remains Gwadar.&nbsp;

Pakistan has been granted a Rs 200 million loan for fresh water supply and distribution at Gwadar, and a Rs 100 million loan for the upgradation of an existing 50-bed hospital to 300 beds at the port.&nbsp;

China has also made a Rs 1,000 million grant for the construction of the new Gwadar international airport.

 
China to help in Pakistan's space projects 
Beijing will also be helping Pakistan in its space projects.&nbsp;

According to the Estimates of Foreign Assistance 2018-19, China will help Pakistan build a remote sensing satellite by giving it a loan of Rs 1,116 million space centres in Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi with a Rs 700 million loan and a multi-mission satellite (PAK SAT MM1) with a loan of Rs 850 million.&nbsp;

India had approached Pakistan to be a part of the South Asian satellite project, which Islamabad declined. All the other South Asian countries are part of the New Delhi-led project.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

$126.79 billion: Cost of terror since 2001 
The Pakistani economic survey has a special header “Annex-IV: Impact of War in Afghanistan and Ensuing Terrorism on Pakistan's Economy”.&nbsp;

The two pages talk of what Pakistan has been cribbing about for the last 20 years. That they are victims of terror, but without mentioning how they have provided safe haven to terrorists. According to the Economic Survey of Pakistan, in the last 17 years, the direct and indirect cost incurred by Pakistan due to incidents of terrorism totalled up to US$ 126.79 billion 10,762.64 billion in Pakistani rupees.

<img alt="1.JPG" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="480" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/1.JPG" width="806" />

(The cost of terror paid by Pakistan.)&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Afghan refugees are a burden: Economic Survey of Pakistan 
The Pakistani economic survey says the country “continues to be a target of terrorism, including state-sponsored terrorism from its immediate neighbours”. It goes on to say Afghan refugees are a burden on the Pakistani economy. The survey said: “Hosting of millions of Afghan refugees not only burdened Pakistan’s economy but also put additional stress on its internal security situation. Pakistan continued to face terrorist attacks from terrorist hide-outs in Afghanistan.”

&nbsp;

Footnote 
Nothing of course can happen without a bit of drama in Pakistan.&nbsp;

The Pakistani Finance minister Miftah Ismail was sworn in just a few hours ahead of the budget. A miffed opposition walked out. It may be recalled that Ishaq Dar was the Finance Minister until he voluntarily stepped down after a corruption case against him.

China has already overtaken, by millions of Pakistani rupees, the US when it comes to loans granted to Pakistan, and this year it will grant even more

By Siddhant Sibbal Pakistan's ruling PML(N) has presented its last budget with CPEC, terror and Afghanistan making their way into the papers. But where Pakistan is involved, so is geopolitics. As always, Pakistan increased its defence budget. The Pakistani defence budget has been proposed at Pakistani Rs 1,100 billion for FY 2018-2019 as against the revised budget of Rs 999 billion for 2017-18. And its no longer 3 A’s — Allah, America and the Army — but ACC — Allah, China and CPEC. China-Pakistan Economic Corridor CPEC found mention seven times in Pakistan Finance Minister Miftah Ismail's speech. Lauding CPEC, Ismail said, “Vision of Mian Nawaz Sharif, CPEC initiative has become a global brand of Pakistan. As part of CPEC, our government initiated road projects that would link north of Pakistan with Gwadar. Trans-Pakistan corridor of motorways and special economic zones are designed to provide jobs, enhance manufacturing base, and increase prosperity and growth.” He said that as part of CPEC, the Pakistani government has also finalised its plan to increase by three times the speed of trains on Main Line-I from Peshawar to Karachi. Chinese loans replace US aid China has already overtaken, by millions of Pakistani rupees, the US when it comes to loans granted to Pakistan, and this year it will grant even more. In FY 2018-2019, China will be giving loans and grants to Pakistan amounting to Pakistani Rs 98,395.783 million. Of this, Rs 96,895.738 million will be in the form of loans while Rs 1,500 million will be in the form of grants. The US will be providing just Rs 13,523 million but all of it will be a grant. Clearly. most of the Chinese money being pumped into Pakistan is in the form of loans, the rates of interest on which are not known and nor are the tenures. China however is well known for its loans ensnaring countries in debt traps. South Asia has a lot of examples. The most famous one being Sri Lanka's Hambantota port of which China has been granted a 99-year lease. China’s foreign investment has been called predatory and many in Pakistan itself believe that CPEC could turn Pakistan into a Chinese colony. (The loans and grants provided to Pakistan.) The AIIB link Interestingly, the China-led AIIB (Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank) is also giving loans to Islamabad. India, with a 7.6% share, is the second largest shareholder in the bank. AIIB will be giving Pakistan loans totalling up to Rs 13,189 million. It’s a substantial increase from the Rs 5,289.609 given in FY 2017-2018. The new AIIB loan will be given for rehabilitation of the existing carriageway between the DI Khan-Saraigumble section, the Rajanpur-DG. Khan section, and Sehan-Ratodero. Gwadar: China’s helping hand to the port China and Pakistan's love child remains Gwadar. Pakistan has been granted a Rs 200 million loan for fresh water supply and distribution at Gwadar, and a Rs 100 million loan for the upgradation of an existing 50-bed hospital to 300 beds at the port. China has also made a Rs 1,000 million grant for the construction of the new Gwadar international airport. China to help in Pakistan's space projects Beijing will also be helping Pakistan in its space projects. According to the Estimates of Foreign Assistance 2018-19, China will help Pakistan build a remote sensing satellite by giving it a loan of Rs 1,116 million space centres in Islamabad, Lahore and Karachi with a Rs 700 million loan and a multi-mission satellite (PAK SAT MM1) with a loan of Rs 850 million. India had approached Pakistan to be a part of the South Asian satellite project, which Islamabad declined. All the other South Asian countries are part of the New Delhi-led project. $126.79 billion: Cost of terror since 2001 The Pakistani economic survey has a special header “Annex-IV: Impact of War in Afghanistan and Ensuing Terrorism on Pakistan's Economy”. The two pages talk of what Pakistan has been cribbing about for the last 20 years. That they are victims of terror, but without mentioning how they have provided safe haven to terrorists. According to the Economic Survey of Pakistan, in the last 17 years, the direct and indirect cost incurred by Pakistan due to incidents of terrorism totalled up to US$ 126.79 billion 10,762.64 billion in Pakistani rupees. (The cost of terror paid by Pakistan.) Afghan refugees are a burden: Economic Survey of Pakistan The Pakistani economic survey says the country “continues to be a target of terrorism, including state-sponsored terrorism from its immediate neighbours”. It goes on to say Afghan refugees are a burden on the Pakistani economy. The survey said: “Hosting of millions of Afghan refugees not only burdened Pakistan’s economy but also put additional stress on its internal security situation. Pakistan continued to face terrorist attacks from terrorist hide-outs in Afghanistan.” Footnote Nothing of course can happen without a bit of drama in Pakistan. The Pakistani Finance minister Miftah Ismail was sworn in just a few hours ahead of the budget. A miffed opposition walked out. It may be recalled that Ishaq Dar was the Finance Minister until he voluntarily stepped down after a corruption case against him.

China is Pakistan's new paymaster: A closer look at the Pakistani budget

An exiled Kashmiri leader Shaukat Ali Kashmiri has blamed the Pakistan Army for endorsing terrorist organisations like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Hizb-ul-Mujahideen.

Claiming that the Pakistan civil and political organisation have no control over the Pakistan army he said that the army was using them as its proxies against India.

He said that a deliberate attempt was made by Pakistan to use PoK for 'jihadi' activities and that the army is promoting a philosophy that the world is not permanent and one has to die.&nbsp;

He also said that the majority of these terror outfits were based in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

The exiled leader highlighted the growing instability and lack of development in Pakistan occupied Kashmir which has forced many people to vacate the region.

He also hit out at the multi-billion&nbsp;CPEC project saying that Pakistan and China's were exploiting the resources from PoK and Gilgit baltistan. He added the funds that were meant for the welfare and development of PoK was diverted for other purposes.

"In the past 70 years, our sources of income, including foreign remittances, were not spent for the welfare and empowerment of the people of PoK. They have established a camp to promote 'jihadi' culture. They have endorsed a philosophy that the world is not permanent and one has to die. They want to exploit the resources and occupy territory but tell Kashmiri that this world is temporary. Here, you don't need a good hospital and education and you don't need to live here but to migrate to Saudi Arabia, Britain and the US to earn money. They have promoted a forced migration, which people are not able to understand," he added.

Claiming that the Pakistan civil and political organisation have no control over the Pakistan army he said that the army was using them as its proxies against India

An exiled Kashmiri leader Shaukat Ali Kashmiri has blamed the Pakistan Army for endorsing terrorist organisations like Lashkar-e-Taiba and Hizb-ul-Mujahideen. Claiming that the Pakistan civil and political organisation have no control over the Pakistan army he said that the army was using them as its proxies against India. He said that a deliberate attempt was made by Pakistan to use PoK for 'jihadi' activities and that the army is promoting a philosophy that the world is not permanent and one has to die. He also said that the majority of these terror outfits were based in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). The exiled leader highlighted the growing instability and lack of development in Pakistan occupied Kashmir which has forced many people to vacate the region. He also hit out at the multi-billion CPEC project saying that Pakistan and China's were exploiting the resources from PoK and Gilgit baltistan. He added the funds that were meant for the welfare and development of PoK was diverted for other purposes. "In the past 70 years, our sources of income, including foreign remittances, were not spent for the welfare and empowerment of the people of PoK. They have established a camp to promote 'jihadi' culture. They have endorsed a philosophy that the world is not permanent and one has to die. They want to exploit the resources and occupy territory but tell Kashmiri that this world is temporary. Here, you don't need a good hospital and education and you don't need to live here but to migrate to Saudi Arabia, Britain and the US to earn money. They have promoted a forced migration, which people are not able to understand," he added.

Pakistan army endorsing terrorist organisations like Lashkar-e-Taiba, Hizb-ul-Mujahideen: Exiled Kashmiri leader

In a first, arch rivals India and Pakistan will be part of a multi-nation counter-terror exercise in Russia in September, which will also be joined by China and several other countries.

Termed “Peace Mission”, the military exercise will be held at the Ural mountains of Russia and its main aim will be to enhance counter-terror cooperation among the eight SCO member countries.&nbsp;

The military exercise will take place under the framework of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, a China-dominated security grouping which is increasingly seen as a counterweight to NATO, officials said.

They said the military drill will be held in the Ural mountains of Russia and almost all SCO member countries will be part of it.

The drill will also see the resumption of bilateral military exercise between India and China, which was suspended last year following the 73-day Doklam standoff.

The officials said India's participation at the exercise was confirmed by Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman during a meeting of SCO Defence Ministers' meeting in Beijing last week.

It will be for the first time since Independence that India and Pakistan will both be part of a military exercise, though the armies of the two nations have worked together in UN peace keeping missions, they said.

At the informal meeting between Prime Minister&nbsp;Narendra Modi&nbsp;and Chinese President Xi Jinping, the two leaders asked their militaries to strengthen communication, build trust and mutual understanding and “enhance predictability” and “effectiveness” in managing border affairs.

The SCO was founded at a summit in Shanghai in 2001 by the Presidents of Russia, China, Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

India and Pakistan were admitted as observers of the grouping in 2005. Both the countries were admitted as full members of the bloc last year.

India's membership was strongly pushed by Russia while Pakistan's entry into the grouping was backed by China. With expansion of the grouping, SCO now represents over 40 per cent of humanity and nearly 20 per cent of the global GDP.

India feels that as an SCO member, it will be able to play a major role in addressing the threat of terrorism in the region. It is also keen on deepening its security-related cooperation with the SCO and its Regional Anti-Terrorism Structure (RATS) which specifically deals with issues relating to security and defence.

India has been holding military exercise with China. The two countries are likely to resume their bilateral military exercise in September. Last year the drill was suspended following a tense standoff between their troops in Doklam.

(With PTI inputs)

The military exercise will take place under the framework of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, a China-dominated security grouping which is increasingly seen as a counterweight to NATO

In a first, arch rivals India and Pakistan will be part of a multi-nation counter-terror exercise in Russia in September, which will also be joined by China and several other countries. Termed “Peace Mission”, the military exercise will be held at the Ural mountains of Russia and its main aim will be to enhance counter-terror cooperation among the eight SCO member countries. The military exercise will take place under the framework of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, a China-dominated security grouping which is increasingly seen as a counterweight to NATO, officials said. They said the military drill will be held in the Ural mountains of Russia and almost all SCO member countries will be part of it. The drill will also see the resumption of bilateral military exercise between India and China, which was suspended last year following the 73-day Doklam standoff. The officials said India's participation at the exercise was confirmed by Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman during a meeting of SCO Defence Ministers' meeting in Beijing last week. It will be for the first time since Independence that India and Pakistan will both be part of a military exercise, though the armies of the two nations have worked together in UN peace keeping missions, they said. At the informal meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping, the two leaders asked their militaries to strengthen communication, build trust and mutual understanding and “enhance predictability” and “effectiveness” in managing border affairs. The SCO was founded at a summit in Shanghai in 2001 by the Presidents of Russia, China, Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. India and Pakistan were admitted as observers of the grouping in 2005. Both the countries were admitted as full members of the bloc last year. India's membership was strongly pushed by Russia while Pakistan's entry into the grouping was backed by China. With expansion of the grouping, SCO now represents over 40 per cent of humanity and nearly 20 per cent of the global GDP. India feels that as an SCO member, it will be able to play a major role in addressing the threat of terrorism in the region. It is also keen on deepening its security-related cooperation with the SCO and its Regional Anti-Terrorism Structure (RATS) which specifically deals with issues relating to security and defence. India has been holding military exercise with China. The two countries are likely to resume their bilateral military exercise in September. Last year the drill was suspended following a tense standoff between their troops in Doklam. (With PTI inputs)

India, Pakistan to carry out military drills as part of multi-nation exercise

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-pakistan-to-carry-out-military-drills-as-part-of-multi-nation-exercise-133608">India, Pakistan to carry out military drills as part of </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-pakistan-to-carry-out-military-drills-as-part-of-multi-nation-exercise-133608">multi-nation</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-pakistan-to-carry-out-military-drills-as-part-of-multi-nation-exercise-133608"> exercise</a>

In a first, India and Pakistan will be part of a multi-nation counter-terror exercise in September, which will also be joined by China and several other countries.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-set-to-launch-space-programme-to-keep-an-eye-on-indian-side-report-133590">Pakistan set to launch space programme to keep an eye on Indian side: Report</a>

Pakistan is set to launch an ambitious space programme during the next fiscal year with an aim to keep an eye on the Indian side and reduce its dependence on foreign satellites for civil and military purposes, according to a media report.

<a href="3,292 NGOs, institutes yet to disclose foreign donations: Government">3,292 NGOs, institutes yet to disclose foreign donations: Government</a>

As many as 3,292 NGOs and institutes, including some top academic centres like JNU, IGNOU, IIT Delhi and Madras, besides the Infosys Foundation in Bangalore have not disclosed their annual foreign donations and expenditure for the last fiscal or previous years, the Home Ministry has said.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/libyan-transport-plane-crashes-at-el-sharara-oilfield-3-killed-reports-133615">Libyan transport plane crashes at El Sharara oilfield, 3 </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/libyan-transport-plane-crashes-at-el-sharara-oilfield-3-killed-reports-133615">killed </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/libyan-transport-plane-crashes-at-el-sharara-oilfield-3-killed-reports-133615">:</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/libyan-transport-plane-crashes-at-el-sharara-oilfield-3-killed-reports-133615">Reports</a>

Three people were killed in a plane crash at an airfield at EI Sharara oilfield on Sunday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/north-korea-willing-to-talk-to-japan-at-any-time-133582">North Korea willing to talk to Japan at 'any time'</a>

North Korea leader Kim Jong-Un has agreed to have a dialogue with Japan "any time", Seoul's presidential office said Sunday, two days after the historic North-South Summit.&nbsp;

India, Pakistan to carry out military drills as part of multi-nation exercise In a first, India and Pakistan will be part of a multi-nation counter-terror exercise in September, which will also be joined by China and several other countries. Pakistan set to launch space programme to keep an eye on Indian side: Report Pakistan is set to launch an ambitious space programme during the next fiscal year with an aim to keep an eye on the Indian side and reduce its dependence on foreign satellites for civil and military purposes, according to a media report. 3,292 NGOs, institutes yet to disclose foreign donations: Government As many as 3,292 NGOs and institutes, including some top academic centres like JNU, IGNOU, IIT Delhi and Madras, besides the Infosys Foundation in Bangalore have not disclosed their annual foreign donations and expenditure for the last fiscal or previous years, the Home Ministry has said. Libyan transport plane crashes at El Sharara oilfield, 3 killed :Reports Three people were killed in a plane crash at an airfield at EI Sharara oilfield on Sunday. North Korea willing to talk to Japan at 'any time' North Korea leader Kim Jong-Un has agreed to have a dialogue with Japan "any time", Seoul's presidential office said Sunday, two days after the historic North-South Summit.

News brief: Big stories of the day

In a first, India and Pakistan will be part of a multi-nation counter-terror exercise in September, which will also be joined by China and several other countries.

The military exercise will take place under the framework of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, a China-dominated security grouping which is increasingly seen as a counterweight to NATO, officials said.

They said the military drill will be held in the Ural mountains of Russia and almost all SCO member countries will be part of it.&nbsp

They said the main aim of the exercise, Peace Mission, will be to enhance counter-terror cooperation among the eight SCO member countries.

The officials said India's participation at the exercise was confirmed by Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman during a meeting of SCO Defence Ministers' meeting in Beijing last week.

It will be for the first time since Independence that India and Pakistan will both be part of a military exercise, though the armies of the two nations have worked together in UN peacekeeping missions, they said.

The SCO was founded at a summit in Shanghai in 2001 by the Presidents of Russia, China, Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan.

India and Pakistan were admitted as observers of the grouping in 2005. Both the countries were admitted as full members of the bloc last year.

India's membership was strongly pushed by Russia while Pakistan's entry into the grouping was backed by China. With the expansion of the grouping, SCO now represents over 40 per cent of humanity and nearly 20 per cent of the global GDP.&nbsp

India feels that as an SCO member, it will be able to play a major role in addressing the threat of terrorism in the region. It is also keen on deepening its security-related cooperation with the SCO and its Regional Anti-Terrorism Structure (RATS) which specifically deals with issues relating to security and defence.

India has been holding the military exercise with China. The two countries are likely to resume their bilateral military exercise in September. Last year the drill was suspended following a tense standoff between their troops in Doklam.&nbsp

The main aim of the exercise will be to enhance counter-terror cooperation among the eight SCO member countries

In a first, India and Pakistan will be part of a multi-nation counter-terror exercise in September, which will also be joined by China and several other countries. The military exercise will take place under the framework of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, a China-dominated security grouping which is increasingly seen as a counterweight to NATO, officials said. They said the military drill will be held in the Ural mountains of Russia and almost all SCO member countries will be part of it. They said the main aim of the exercise, Peace Mission, will be to enhance counter-terror cooperation among the eight SCO member countries. The officials said India's participation at the exercise was confirmed by Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman during a meeting of SCO Defence Ministers' meeting in Beijing last week. It will be for the first time since Independence that India and Pakistan will both be part of a military exercise, though the armies of the two nations have worked together in UN peacekeeping missions, they said. The SCO was founded at a summit in Shanghai in 2001 by the Presidents of Russia, China, Kyrgyz Republic, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. India and Pakistan were admitted as observers of the grouping in 2005. Both the countries were admitted as full members of the bloc last year. India's membership was strongly pushed by Russia while Pakistan's entry into the grouping was backed by China. With the expansion of the grouping, SCO now represents over 40 per cent of humanity and nearly 20 per cent of the global GDP. India feels that as an SCO member, it will be able to play a major role in addressing the threat of terrorism in the region. It is also keen on deepening its security-related cooperation with the SCO and its Regional Anti-Terrorism Structure (RATS) which specifically deals with issues relating to security and defence. India has been holding the military exercise with China. The two countries are likely to resume their bilateral military exercise in September. Last year the drill was suspended following a tense standoff between their troops in Doklam.

As per reports, Pakistani intelligence officials have moved the doctor who helped the CIA track and kill Osama bin Laden to an unknown location due to "security reasons". The Pak doctor, Shakil Afridi, was housed at Peshawar's Central Jail for almost seven years.

Afridi's fake vaccination programme served as a catalyst in facilitating the US track and kill the Al-Qaeda leader.

The former senior surgeon was found guilty of being associated with militants and was convicted for the same. In May 2012, Afridi was sentenced to jail for over three decades.

US President Donald Trump had earlier expressed his desire to pressure Pakistan into setting Afridi free. Afridi's sentence was cut down by a decade in 2016 after the United States threatened to cut aid to Pakistan.&nbsp;

US President Donald Trump had earlier expressed his desire to pressure Pakistan into setting Afridi free

As per reports, Pakistani intelligence officials have moved the doctor who helped the CIA track and kill Osama bin Laden to an unknown location due to "security reasons". The Pak doctor, Shakil Afridi, was housed at Peshawar's Central Jail for almost seven years. Afridi's fake vaccination programme served as a catalyst in facilitating the US track and kill the Al-Qaeda leader. The former senior surgeon was found guilty of being associated with militants and was convicted for the same. In May 2012, Afridi was sentenced to jail for over three decades. US President Donald Trump had earlier expressed his desire to pressure Pakistan into setting Afridi free. Afridi's sentence was cut down by a decade in 2016 after the United States threatened to cut aid to Pakistan.

Pakistani doctor who helped US track Bin Laden moved to 'safer' location

Members of the Pashtun community called Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement (PTM) staged a massive rally in Lahore's Mochi Gate on Sunday after the Punjab government's refusal to issue permits to the event. The community staged a series of protests against extrajudicial arrests and killings of members of the ethnic minority by security forces.

The killing of an aspiring model from the community - which makes up about 15 per cent of Pakistan's 207 million population - in January sparked the countrywide protests. The PTM will hold a rally on May 12 in Karachi. His death sparked protests who accused Pakistan's security forces of racial profiling, seeing all Pashtuns as Taliban simply because many insurgents in Afghanistan and Pakistan are recruited from among Pashtun tribesmen.

Among those who took the rostrum were Tahera Jalib — daughter of revolutionary poet Habib Jalib, whose father wrote Dastoor as well as Amina Masood Janjua of the Defence of Human Rights Pakistan, whose husband has been missing since 2005.

The groups leader 25-year-old Manzoor Pashteen, has become the face of the country's oppressed Pashtun, charging that in the name of its "war on terror" the military has used indiscriminate force as it hunts for Taliban hideouts in the tribal regions where the Pashtun dominate, imposing collective punishments like bulldozing the homes of family members of suspected militants and punishing entire villages for extremist attacks. Wearing his signature red embroidered cap and a dark, well-kept beard, Mansoor seems an unlikely leader.

<img alt="28INTHVLRPAKISTAN-PROTESTS.jpg" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="690" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/28INTHVLRPAKISTAN-PROTESTS.jpg" width="460" />

Manzoor Pashteen

On Sunday, he led another Pashtun Long March in Peshawar, the capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, demanding protection and rights.

As per reports, Masood was involved with the Islamist militants which were denied by his family and close peers.

Even though the rallies have not been violent and more like peaceful demonstrations across the country, the authorities have boycotted the recent one staged in Lahore and also detained several leaders.

Manzoor has been demanding the release of all “missing people.” He posits that, if these missing people have committed any crime against the state of Pakistan, they should be tried as citizens of the state in courts of law.

Second, he has called for the establishment of a judicial commission in Pakistan, that assesses the legitimacy of extrajudicial killings committed so far. 
Finally, Manzoor has demanded that all landmines planted during security operations during the War on Terror, be cleared by authorities in FATA, that the paramilitary forces stop harassing Pashtun families on the pretext of search operations. Additionally, he demands that the number of security check posts be reduced in the northwestern areas and that Pashtun citizens of the state not be subjected to constant embarrassment.

Manzoor announced that the next stop for the movement would be Swat following which a gathering would be held in Karachi on May 12 — to mark the day when over 40 people were killed in the metropolis in 2007.

The district administration had earlier rejected an application by the Lahore Left Front for the PTM rally citing security concerns.

Punjab police officials — both male and female — provided security at the venue to ensure that no one entered the ground with weapons or sharp objects.

A number of PTM leaders were briefly detained on Saturday while workers found the venue of the rally flooded with water when they arrived to kickstart preparations today.

The killing of an aspiring model from the community - which makes up about 15 per cent of Pakistan's 207 million population - in January sparked the countrywide protests

Members of the Pashtun community called Pashtun Tahaffuz Movement (PTM) staged a massive rally in Lahore's Mochi Gate on Sunday after the Punjab government's refusal to issue permits to the event. The community staged a series of protests against extrajudicial arrests and killings of members of the ethnic minority by security forces. The killing of an aspiring model from the community - which makes up about 15 per cent of Pakistan's 207 million population - in January sparked the countrywide protests. The PTM will hold a rally on May 12 in Karachi. His death sparked protests who accused Pakistan's security forces of racial profiling, seeing all Pashtuns as Taliban simply because many insurgents in Afghanistan and Pakistan are recruited from among Pashtun tribesmen. Among those who took the rostrum were Tahera Jalib — daughter of revolutionary poet Habib Jalib, whose father wrote Dastoor as well as Amina Masood Janjua of the Defence of Human Rights Pakistan, whose husband has been missing since 2005. The groups leader 25-year-old Manzoor Pashteen, has become the face of the country's oppressed Pashtun, charging that in the name of its "war on terror" the military has used indiscriminate force as it hunts for Taliban hideouts in the tribal regions where the Pashtun dominate, imposing collective punishments like bulldozing the homes of family members of suspected militants and punishing entire villages for extremist attacks. Wearing his signature red embroidered cap and a dark, well-kept beard, Mansoor seems an unlikely leader. Manzoor Pashteen On Sunday, he led another Pashtun Long March in Peshawar, the capital of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, demanding protection and rights. As per reports, Masood was involved with the Islamist militants which were denied by his family and close peers. Even though the rallies have not been violent and more like peaceful demonstrations across the country, the authorities have boycotted the recent one staged in Lahore and also detained several leaders. Manzoor has been demanding the release of all “missing people.” He posits that, if these missing people have committed any crime against the state of Pakistan, they should be tried as citizens of the state in courts of law. Second, he has called for the establishment of a judicial commission in Pakistan, that assesses the legitimacy of extrajudicial killings committed so far. Finally, Manzoor has demanded that all landmines planted during security operations during the War on Terror, be cleared by authorities in FATA, that the paramilitary forces stop harassing Pashtun families on the pretext of search operations. Additionally, he demands that the number of security check posts be reduced in the northwestern areas and that Pashtun citizens of the state not be subjected to constant embarrassment. Manzoor announced that the next stop for the movement would be Swat following which a gathering would be held in Karachi on May 12 — to mark the day when over 40 people were killed in the metropolis in 2007. The district administration had earlier rejected an application by the Lahore Left Front for the PTM rally citing security concerns. Punjab police officials — both male and female — provided security at the venue to ensure that no one entered the ground with weapons or sharp objects. A number of PTM leaders were briefly detained on Saturday while workers found the venue of the rally flooded with water when they arrived to kickstart preparations today.

Meet Manzoor Pashteen, the man leading protests to defy Pakistan army

Pakistani Finance Minister Miftah Ismail lauded a resurgent economy and announced a big hike in military spending for the next fiscal year on Friday in a chaotic budget session marred by lawmakers'&nbsp;jeers and scuffles ahead of an expected election.

Opposition lawmakers objected to the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) presenting a full-year budget so close to the election, likely in July, and staged a walkout. Others tried to storm the podium to physically disrupt Ismail's speech, but were blocked by a human chain of PML-N parliamentarians.

Pakistan's economy has rebounded in recent years due to a drop in militant violence and vast investments by China that have helped alleviate power shortages. Growth is projected to hit a 13-year high of 5.8 percent in 2017/2018 (July-June) before accelerating to 6.2 percent next fiscal year.

"Due to historic low-interest rates, the business and industry has seen growth, and employment opportunities have been created," Miftah said, while opposition lawmakers threw papers in the air.

But a widening current account deficit and dwindling foreign currency reserves have taken some shine off the economic outlook, with the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) warning of risks to the economy.

Ismail said the budget deficit would hit 5.5 percent for the current fiscal year, missing the government's fiscal deficit target of 4.1 percent. He forecast the budget deficit at 4.9 percent of GDP in 2018/2019.

A government document put the total budget outlay for 2018/2019 at 5.9 trillion Pakistani rupees ($51.06 billion).

A very big success

Ismail said tax revenues reached 13.2 percent of GDP in 2017/2018, up from 10.1 percent in 2012/2013.

"This unusual increase in tax collection is a very big success," Ismail said.&nbsp;

A budget document said total tax receipts would reach 4.2 trillion for 2017/2018 - barely missing the official target - and Ismail projected they would jump to 4.43 trillion rupees next fiscal year.

Ismail also set aside 1.1 trillion for the defence budget, increasing it by about 20 percent from the 920 million that the government had budgeted for the military to spend. Revised figures from a budget document suggest military spending will hit 1 trillion this year anyway.&nbsp;

The United States has announced a suspension of military assistance to Pakistan totalling about $2 billion, though it was not clear whether this was why Pakistan's military budget exceeded its planned outlay.

Washington suspended the assistance due to claims that Islamabad was either assisting or turning a blind eye to Islamist militants who use Pakistan's soil as a launchpad for attacks in Afghanistan.

The huge boost to defence spending comes at a time of fraught relations between the ruling party and the powerful military, which has ruled Pakistan for nearly half its history.

Senior PML-N officials have suggested that elements of the military establishment are trying to weaken the party before the polls. The military has denied interfering in politics. 
&nbsp;

The huge boost to defence spending comes at a time of fraught relations between the ruling party and the powerful military, which has ruled Pakistan for nearly half its history

Pakistani Finance Minister Miftah Ismail lauded a resurgent economy and announced a big hike in military spending for the next fiscal year on Friday in a chaotic budget session marred by lawmakers' jeers and scuffles ahead of an expected election. Opposition lawmakers objected to the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) presenting a full-year budget so close to the election, likely in July, and staged a walkout. Others tried to storm the podium to physically disrupt Ismail's speech, but were blocked by a human chain of PML-N parliamentarians. Pakistan's economy has rebounded in recent years due to a drop in militant violence and vast investments by China that have helped alleviate power shortages. Growth is projected to hit a 13-year high of 5.8 percent in 2017/2018 (July-June) before accelerating to 6.2 percent next fiscal year. "Due to historic low-interest rates, the business and industry has seen growth, and employment opportunities have been created," Miftah said, while opposition lawmakers threw papers in the air. But a widening current account deficit and dwindling foreign currency reserves have taken some shine off the economic outlook, with the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF) warning of risks to the economy. Ismail said the budget deficit would hit 5.5 percent for the current fiscal year, missing the government's fiscal deficit target of 4.1 percent. He forecast the budget deficit at 4.9 percent of GDP in 2018/2019. A government document put the total budget outlay for 2018/2019 at 5.9 trillion Pakistani rupees ($51.06 billion). A very big success Ismail said tax revenues reached 13.2 percent of GDP in 2017/2018, up from 10.1 percent in 2012/2013. "This unusual increase in tax collection is a very big success," Ismail said. A budget document said total tax receipts would reach 4.2 trillion for 2017/2018 - barely missing the official target - and Ismail projected they would jump to 4.43 trillion rupees next fiscal year. Ismail also set aside 1.1 trillion for the defence budget, increasing it by about 20 percent from the 920 million that the government had budgeted for the military to spend. Revised figures from a budget document suggest military spending will hit 1 trillion this year anyway. The United States has announced a suspension of military assistance to Pakistan totalling about $2 billion, though it was not clear whether this was why Pakistan's military budget exceeded its planned outlay. Washington suspended the assistance due to claims that Islamabad was either assisting or turning a blind eye to Islamist militants who use Pakistan's soil as a launchpad for attacks in Afghanistan. The huge boost to defence spending comes at a time of fraught relations between the ruling party and the powerful military, which has ruled Pakistan for nearly half its history. Senior PML-N officials have suggested that elements of the military establishment are trying to weaken the party before the polls. The military has denied interfering in politics.

Pakistan finance minister hikes military spending in rowdy budget session

Two men from the Shia Hazara community were shot dead by unidentified assailants here on Saturday.

The incident occurred when the bike-borne assailants opened fire on them at an electronics shop in Jamaluddin Afghani road in the city and fled after the incident, Express Tribune reported.

The two men were immediately rushed to the civil hospital but were declared dead on their arrival.

An investigation has been launched to identify the motive behind the attack.

A day earlier, police said, brother of a prayer leader was targetted on Toghi Road in the city.

Prior to this, five policemen were martyred after a suicide attacker bombed a police truck in Quetta, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations.

Balochistan Inspector General of Police Moazzam Jah Ansari said the suicide bomber had come on a motorcycle and hit the truck from the rear end.

Earlier in the day, two suicide bombers were killed by the security forces in the city's Mian Ghundi area, the military's media wing said. The bombers had attempted to target a Frontier Corps post near the Western Bypass.&nbsp;

Hundreds of Hazaras in the Balochistan capital recently gathered together to protest against the targeted killings and the constant persecution of the community.

The Hazara community is targeted by miscreants because of their distinctive physical appearance and has been severely affected by sectarian terrorism in Balochistan in the last few years.

Last month, a report released by the Pakistan National Commission for Human Rights showed that 509 people from the community were killed, while 627 of them were wounded in different incidents of terrorism for the last five years in the Balochistan capital.

(With inputs from ANI)

The two men were immediately rushed to the civil hospital but were declared dead on their arrival.

Two men from the Shia Hazara community were shot dead by unidentified assailants here on Saturday. The incident occurred when the bike-borne assailants opened fire on them at an electronics shop in Jamaluddin Afghani road in the city and fled after the incident, Express Tribune reported. The two men were immediately rushed to the civil hospital but were declared dead on their arrival. An investigation has been launched to identify the motive behind the attack. A day earlier, police said, brother of a prayer leader was targetted on Toghi Road in the city. Prior to this, five policemen were martyred after a suicide attacker bombed a police truck in Quetta, according to the Inter-Services Public Relations. Balochistan Inspector General of Police Moazzam Jah Ansari said the suicide bomber had come on a motorcycle and hit the truck from the rear end. Earlier in the day, two suicide bombers were killed by the security forces in the city's Mian Ghundi area, the military's media wing said. The bombers had attempted to target a Frontier Corps post near the Western Bypass. Hundreds of Hazaras in the Balochistan capital recently gathered together to protest against the targeted killings and the constant persecution of the community. The Hazara community is targeted by miscreants because of their distinctive physical appearance and has been severely affected by sectarian terrorism in Balochistan in the last few years. Last month, a report released by the Pakistan National Commission for Human Rights showed that 509 people from the community were killed, while 627 of them were wounded in different incidents of terrorism for the last five years in the Balochistan capital. (With inputs from ANI)

Two Shia Hazara community members killed in Pakistan's Quetta

India has handed over to Bangladesh a Mi-4 helicopter and two PT-76 tanks as part of the 1971 Liberation War memorabilia, officials said on Thursday in Dhaka.

"The gifts are to be showcased at the Bangladesh army and air force museums," a defence ministry spokesman said.

He said the helicopter and the tanks were part of gifts given by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj during her Bangladesh visit last year.

The memorabilia included 25 weapons like pistol, rifles, machine guns and mortars alongside a large number of artefact, historical photographs, archival audio and video clipping, maps and battle records related to the 1971 Liberation War.

"While most items of memorabilia have been handed over to the Bangladesh National Museum the larger items ie PT-76 Tanks and Mi 4 Helicopter are now being handed over to the Bangladesh Army and Air Force," Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Harsh Vardhan Shringla said.

The light amphibious PT-76 tanks were used by the Indian Army's armoured regiments in 1971 which played a crucial role in crossing rivers and water bodies during the war.

Analysts said these tanks often outclassed a much larger force and technically superior M34 Chafee tanks, used by the Pakistani Army in the war.

The Mi-4 transport helicopter was extensively utilised for heliborne operations by the India-Bangladesh joint forces in the eastern sector confirming early defeat of Pakistani troops in 1971.

Indian air force earlier gifted Bangladesh one Hunter jet fighter, one Dakota transport air craft ahead of this helicopter while India's navy previously gifted memorabilia of its INS Vikrant, models of ships that took part in the war and archival photographs and its army gifts included six 3.7 Howitzer Guns.&nbsp

India backed Bangladesh's Liberation War, which began after the sudden crackdown at midnight past on March 25, 1971 in the erstwhile East Pakistan by Pakistani troops.

On December 16, the same year as Pakistan conceded defeat and its troops unconditionally surrendered in Dhaka to the allied forces comprising the freedom fighters and the Indian Army.&nbsp

'The gifts are to be showcased at the Bangladesh army and air force museums' a defence ministry spokesman said

India has handed over to Bangladesh a Mi-4 helicopter and two PT-76 tanks as part of the 1971 Liberation War memorabilia, officials said on Thursday in Dhaka. "The gifts are to be showcased at the Bangladesh army and air force museums," a defence ministry spokesman said. He said the helicopter and the tanks were part of gifts given by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj during her Bangladesh visit last year. The memorabilia included 25 weapons like pistol, rifles, machine guns and mortars alongside a large number of artefact, historical photographs, archival audio and video clipping, maps and battle records related to the 1971 Liberation War. "While most items of memorabilia have been handed over to the Bangladesh National Museum the larger items ie PT-76 Tanks and Mi 4 Helicopter are now being handed over to the Bangladesh Army and Air Force," Indian High Commissioner to Bangladesh Harsh Vardhan Shringla said. The light amphibious PT-76 tanks were used by the Indian Army's armoured regiments in 1971 which played a crucial role in crossing rivers and water bodies during the war. Analysts said these tanks often outclassed a much larger force and technically superior M34 Chafee tanks, used by the Pakistani Army in the war. The Mi-4 transport helicopter was extensively utilised for heliborne operations by the India-Bangladesh joint forces in the eastern sector confirming early defeat of Pakistani troops in 1971. Indian air force earlier gifted Bangladesh one Hunter jet fighter, one Dakota transport air craft ahead of this helicopter while India's navy previously gifted memorabilia of its INS Vikrant, models of ships that took part in the war and archival photographs and its army gifts included six 3.7 Howitzer Guns. India backed Bangladesh's Liberation War, which began after the sudden crackdown at midnight past on March 25, 1971 in the erstwhile East Pakistan by Pakistani troops. On December 16, the same year as Pakistan conceded defeat and its troops unconditionally surrendered in Dhaka to the allied forces comprising the freedom fighters and the Indian Army.

India hands over helicopter, tanks to Bangladesh as 1971 memorabilia

Pakistan on Thursday asked India to take steps to resume bilateral talks instead of issuing "provocative" statements.

Foreign Office spokesman Mohammad Faisal made the remarks in response to a query about Home Minister Rajnath Singh's statement that India will not open fire first, but if Pakistan does so, it would unleash a volley of fire.

"India should walk the talk and refrain from provocative statements. Our armed forces practice restraint but have the capacity and are ever vigilant to give a befitting response to any threat to the motherland," Faisal said.

He claimed that India was violating the ceasefire agreement and 23 civilians were killed so far in 2018 and more than 100 others injured in over 1,000 ceasefire violations.

To a question, he said that "there is no confirmation of any hand-shake or a formal meeting" between Prime Ministers of Pakistan and India during the recently concluded CHOGM meet in London.

He also confirmed that Pakistani troops will be part of military exercises under the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation ambit along with other members including India.&nbsp

To a question, Faisal said that US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, Alice Wells, was in Islamabad earlier this week for talks and Pakistan briefed her about the situation in Kashmir as well as there was discussion about Afghanistan.

He said Pakistan's relations with Russia were constantly improving as evident from recent visits by Foreign Minister, Chief of Army Staff and National Security Adviser to Russia

Foreign Office spokesman Mohammad Faisal made the remarks in response to a query about Home Minister Rajnath Singh's statement that India will not open fire first, but if Pakistan does so, it would unleash a volley of fire

Pakistan on Thursday asked India to take steps to resume bilateral talks instead of issuing "provocative" statements. Foreign Office spokesman Mohammad Faisal made the remarks in response to a query about Home Minister Rajnath Singh's statement that India will not open fire first, but if Pakistan does so, it would unleash a volley of fire. "India should walk the talk and refrain from provocative statements. Our armed forces practice restraint but have the capacity and are ever vigilant to give a befitting response to any threat to the motherland," Faisal said. He claimed that India was violating the ceasefire agreement and 23 civilians were killed so far in 2018 and more than 100 others injured in over 1,000 ceasefire violations. To a question, he said that "there is no confirmation of any hand-shake or a formal meeting" between Prime Ministers of Pakistan and India during the recently concluded CHOGM meet in London. He also confirmed that Pakistani troops will be part of military exercises under the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation ambit along with other members including India. To a question, Faisal said that US Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for South and Central Asian Affairs, Alice Wells, was in Islamabad earlier this week for talks and Pakistan briefed her about the situation in Kashmir as well as there was discussion about Afghanistan. He said Pakistan's relations with Russia were constantly improving as evident from recent visits by Foreign Minister, Chief of Army Staff and National Security Adviser to Russia

Pakistan urges India to take steps for bilateral talks

Pakistan's economy is set to record its fastest growth since 2005 during the current fiscal year, reports said on Thursday quoting authorities.&nbsp;

But the projected 5.8 per cent growth rate means the government will still miss its six percent target.

"We would have achieved 6.1 percent without political turmoil," Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal said while launching the Pakistan Economic Survey 2017-2018.

The country was rocked last July when Nawaz Sharif was ousted from the premiership over graft allegations.

Pakistan, for years plagued by a bloody homegrown Taliban insurgency, has been battling to get its shaky economy back on track and solve a chronic energy crisis that cripples its industry.

But now confidence in South Asia`s second-biggest economy is growing, with security improving and the International Monetary Fund claiming in October that it has emerged from crisis after completing a bailout programme, though it still faces major challenges.

The growth in GDP comes amid structural reforms, the improved energy sector, and China`s ambitious $46 billion infrastructure project, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, linking its western province of Xinjiang to the Arabian Sea via Pakistan. 
&nbsp;

"We would have achieved 6.1 percent without political turmoil," Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal said while launching the Pakistan Economic Survey 2017-2018.

Pakistan's economy is set to record its fastest growth since 2005 during the current fiscal year, reports said on Thursday quoting authorities. But the projected 5.8 per cent growth rate means the government will still miss its six percent target. "We would have achieved 6.1 percent without political turmoil," Minister for Planning and Development Ahsan Iqbal said while launching the Pakistan Economic Survey 2017-2018. The country was rocked last July when Nawaz Sharif was ousted from the premiership over graft allegations. Pakistan, for years plagued by a bloody homegrown Taliban insurgency, has been battling to get its shaky economy back on track and solve a chronic energy crisis that cripples its industry. But now confidence in South Asia`s second-biggest economy is growing, with security improving and the International Monetary Fund claiming in October that it has emerged from crisis after completing a bailout programme, though it still faces major challenges. The growth in GDP comes amid structural reforms, the improved energy sector, and China`s ambitious $46 billion infrastructure project, the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, linking its western province of Xinjiang to the Arabian Sea via Pakistan.

Pakistan economy set to record fastest growth in 13 years

Building a peaceful neighbourhood is Pakistan's foreign policy priority which requires normalisation of relations with India on a durable basis, Islamabad's envoy to the UN has said.

According to a statement issued by Pakistan's Permanent Mission to the UN, Ambassador Maleeha Lodhi told a visiting delegation of the US War College that on the foreign policy front, Pakistan's external engagements and strategy emerge from its key national priorities.&nbsp;

She said the defeat of terrorism and militancy as well as the creation of conditions in which violent extremism cannot survive was foremost to establish durable stability.

The release quoted her as saying that among the other important foreign policy priorities was to build a peaceful neighbourhood.&nbsp;

This required the promotion of peace and stability in Afghanistan and "normalisation of relations with India on a durable basis, predicated on the peaceful settlement of longstanding disputes", she said

Another key priority was to promote regional economic integration and connectivity.

"These priorities frame what we do on the international front, guide our multiple foreign relationships and of course our engagement at the UN," she said.

On the security front, she said Pakistan has sought to "eliminate all terrorist groups" through a comprehensive strategy, involving forceful law enforcement actions and targeted military operations as well as actions to counter "violent extremism and its toxic narrative."&nbsp;

According to a statement issued by Pakistan's Permanent Mission to the UN, Ambassador Maleeha Lodhi told a visiting delegation of the US War College that on the foreign policy front, Pakistan's external engagements and strategy emerge from its key national priorities.

Building a peaceful neighbourhood is Pakistan's foreign policy priority which requires normalisation of relations with India on a durable basis, Islamabad's envoy to the UN has said. According to a statement issued by Pakistan's Permanent Mission to the UN, Ambassador Maleeha Lodhi told a visiting delegation of the US War College that on the foreign policy front, Pakistan's external engagements and strategy emerge from its key national priorities. She said the defeat of terrorism and militancy as well as the creation of conditions in which violent extremism cannot survive was foremost to establish durable stability. The release quoted her as saying that among the other important foreign policy priorities was to build a peaceful neighbourhood. This required the promotion of peace and stability in Afghanistan and "normalisation of relations with India on a durable basis, predicated on the peaceful settlement of longstanding disputes", she said Another key priority was to promote regional economic integration and connectivity. "These priorities frame what we do on the international front, guide our multiple foreign relationships and of course our engagement at the UN," she said. On the security front, she said Pakistan has sought to "eliminate all terrorist groups" through a comprehensive strategy, involving forceful law enforcement actions and targeted military operations as well as actions to counter "violent extremism and its toxic narrative."

Building peaceful neighbourhood Pak's foreign policy priority: UN envoy

A Hindu Member of the Provincial assembly-elect in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa was today acquitted by a Pakistani anti-terrorism court in the murder case of a Sikh lawmaker - the then adviser to chief minister of the province.

Baldev Kumar of the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) was a prime suspect in the murder case of his own party lawmaker Sardar Soran Singh, who was shot dead in April 2016 in Buner district. Singh was elected to the provincial assembly on a minority seat.

Judge Jamaluddin acquitted Kumar along with six other accused including Alam Khan and Feroz Khan due to lack of evidence, the Express Tribune reported.&nbsp;

The trial was conducted over two years.

Kumar was on the second spot on the priority list of the ruling party for the minority reserved seats. He was arrested when the police claimed that the motive for the murder was to take Singh's position as an MPA.

After Singh's murder, Kumar was declared MPA-elect by the Election Commission of Pakistan. However, the MPA-elect was in jail since 2016 with the seat lying vacant.

Kumar was twice prevented from taking oath by members of his own party in the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Assembly.&nbsp;

Judge Jamaluddin acquitted Kumar along with six other accused including Alam Khan and Feroz Khan due to lack of evidence, the Express Tribune reported.

A Hindu Member of the Provincial assembly-elect in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa was today acquitted by a Pakistani anti-terrorism court in the murder case of a Sikh lawmaker - the then adviser to chief minister of the province. Baldev Kumar of the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) was a prime suspect in the murder case of his own party lawmaker Sardar Soran Singh, who was shot dead in April 2016 in Buner district. Singh was elected to the provincial assembly on a minority seat. Judge Jamaluddin acquitted Kumar along with six other accused including Alam Khan and Feroz Khan due to lack of evidence, the Express Tribune reported. The trial was conducted over two years. Kumar was on the second spot on the priority list of the ruling party for the minority reserved seats. He was arrested when the police claimed that the motive for the murder was to take Singh's position as an MPA. After Singh's murder, Kumar was declared MPA-elect by the Election Commission of Pakistan. However, the MPA-elect was in jail since 2016 with the seat lying vacant. Kumar was twice prevented from taking oath by members of his own party in the Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Assembly.

Hindu MPA-elect acquitted in 2016 murder of Sikh lawmaker in Pakistan

Ahead of PM Modi and <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/at-wuhan-modi-xi-to-have-heart-to-heart-discussions-chinese-vp-xuanyou-132965">President Xi's meeting at Wuhan</a>, Pakistan said its friendship with China "time-tested" based on mutual trust and convergence of interests on bilateral, regional and international issues.&nbsp;

Pakistan's foreign office said relations with China are not aimed against any country. Pakistan and China continue to engage regularly on all matters of mutual interest, it said.

PM Modi is set to engage President Xi at Wuhan over two days at Wuhan with both leaders set to discuss matters in an informal environment which is being keenly watched by South Asia experts, including by leaders in Indian and Pakistan.

"We fully endorse foreign minister Wang Yi's recent statement that China-Pakistan all-weather strategic partnership is not only valuable treasure of the two countries, but also stands as an example for building new type international relations," the foreign office said, adding that "bilateral relations remain a priority" in the foreign policy of both countries.&nbsp;

Talking about the impending visit, India's ambassador to China, said the two leaders might talk about the current world situation mainly aimed at understanding each other better.

"We resolutely support each other’s core and major interests, strengthen collaboration on international and regional affairs to build China-Pakistan community of common destiny," Pakistan said in a statement.

The Pakistan foreign office added that Pak ministers had recently met top Chinese officials in Beijing including the Chinese vice-president in Beijing.

<iframe allow="autoplay encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/zgaIuLLCHeY" width="560"></iframe>

PM Modi is set to engage President Xi at Wuhan over two days at Wuhan

Ahead of PM Modi and President Xi's meeting at Wuhan, Pakistan said its friendship with China "time-tested" based on mutual trust and convergence of interests on bilateral, regional and international issues. Pakistan's foreign office said relations with China are not aimed against any country. Pakistan and China continue to engage regularly on all matters of mutual interest, it said. PM Modi is set to engage President Xi at Wuhan over two days at Wuhan with both leaders set to discuss matters in an informal environment which is being keenly watched by South Asia experts, including by leaders in Indian and Pakistan. "We fully endorse foreign minister Wang Yi's recent statement that China-Pakistan all-weather strategic partnership is not only valuable treasure of the two countries, but also stands as an example for building new type international relations," the foreign office said, adding that "bilateral relations remain a priority" in the foreign policy of both countries. Talking about the impending visit, India's ambassador to China, said the two leaders might talk about the current world situation mainly aimed at understanding each other better. "We resolutely support each other’s core and major interests, strengthen collaboration on international and regional affairs to build China-Pakistan community of common destiny," Pakistan said in a statement. The Pakistan foreign office added that Pak ministers had recently met top Chinese officials in Beijing including the Chinese vice-president in Beijing.

'Relations with China 'time-tested,' says Pak ahead of Modi-Xi summit

As the Indian Air Force <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/we-achieved-things-beyond-our-stated-objectives-air-chief-marshal-on-gagan-shakti-exercise-132330">closed the Gagan Shakti exercise</a>, Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa addressing a press conference said India has "no intention" of global dominance.

The military exercise included long-range strike mission with SU30 aircraft engaging multiple targets in the 13-day exercise.

During the exercise, 13,000 sorties were carried out by Indian Air Force aircraft and helicopters. The main aim of the exercise was to test India's war preparedness in a war-like situation with Pakistan or China.

The exercise also focussed joint maritime air operations with the Indian Navy.

During the press conference, the IAF chief said: "Gagan Shakti conducted to exercise our resources. It was not against any country."

"What we did in exercise Gagan Shakti is that we have walked the mile," India's air chief added.

Speaking to reporters on India's global ambitions, Dhanoa said: "We don't aim at global dominance because as a country, we need to get economically well-off. We're helpful to our neigbours in any situation."

"We have no intention of domination," he declared.

"Pakistan will keep the Kashmir part boiling. It will continue to attack the military," &nbsp;Dhanoa told reporters, adding," any such attack may have unintended consequences which may result in an escalation."

"In most countries, state has an army. But in Pakistan, the army has a state. If peace were to come,it will lose several of its privileges," he said.

"I can't afford to put my children in Ivy League colleges & settle down in London. Like many of their generals do," he added.

"For China, the geography works against them, especially in the Tibetan autonomous region. Over the past few years, we have seen significant increase in deployment of aircraft & air crew in Tibetan autonomous region," Dhanoa informed.

During the Gagan Shakti exercise 13,000 sorties were carried out by Indian Air Force aircraft and helicopters

As the Indian Air Force closed the Gagan Shakti exercise, Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa addressing a press conference said India has "no intention" of global dominance. The military exercise included long-range strike mission with SU30 aircraft engaging multiple targets in the 13-day exercise. During the exercise, 13,000 sorties were carried out by Indian Air Force aircraft and helicopters. The main aim of the exercise was to test India's war preparedness in a war-like situation with Pakistan or China. The exercise also focussed joint maritime air operations with the Indian Navy. During the press conference, the IAF chief said: "Gagan Shakti conducted to exercise our resources. It was not against any country." "What we did in exercise Gagan Shakti is that we have walked the mile," India's air chief added. Speaking to reporters on India's global ambitions, Dhanoa said: "We don't aim at global dominance because as a country, we need to get economically well-off. We're helpful to our neigbours in any situation." "We have no intention of domination," he declared. "Pakistan will keep the Kashmir part boiling. It will continue to attack the military," Dhanoa told reporters, adding," any such attack may have unintended consequences which may result in an escalation." "In most countries, state has an army. But in Pakistan, the army has a state. If peace were to come,it will lose several of its privileges," he said. "I can't afford to put my children in Ivy League colleges & settle down in London. Like many of their generals do," he added. "For China, the geography works against them, especially in the Tibetan autonomous region. Over the past few years, we have seen significant increase in deployment of aircraft & air crew in Tibetan autonomous region," Dhanoa informed.

'We don't aim at global dominance, helpful towards our neigbours,' says IAF chief post-Gagan Shakti exercise

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-court-disqualifies-foreign-minister-khwaja-asif-for-holding-foreign-work-permit-of-uae-132966">Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif disqualified as </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-court-disqualifies-foreign-minister-khwaja-asif-for-holding-foreign-work-permit-of-uae-132966">member</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-court-disqualifies-foreign-minister-khwaja-asif-for-holding-foreign-work-permit-of-uae-132966"> of Parliament for life&nbsp;</a>

 
The court announced its verdict on a petition stating that Asif did not mention his foreign employment in his nomination papers.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/at-wuhan-modi-xi-to-have-heart-to-heart-discussions-chinese-vp-xuanyou-132965">At Wuhan, Modi, Xi to have heart-to-heart discussions: Chinese VP Xuanyou</a>

 
Both the leaders will hold bilateral meetings and discussions over a range of issues including the border standoffs and US President Donald Trump's 'protectionist' trade policy.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/h1-b-visa-row-democrat-congresswoman-republican-senator-back-us-visa-for-spouses-132976">H1-B visa row: Democrat Congresswoman, Republican Senator back US visa for spouses</a>

 
The US Citizenship and Immigration Services(USCIS) chief Francis Cissna had informed a few days ago that the H-4 visas may be terminated this summer.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/chinese-air-force-bombers-circle-around-taiwan-132991">Chinese Air Force bombers 'circle around' Taiwan</a>

 
In a move which further fueled tensions, Chinese aircraft flew around Taiwan today which the Air Force said was meant for "combat military drills".

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/dont-condemn-sarojji-for-speaking-the-truth-shatrughan-sinha-on-casting-couch--132943">Sexual favours happen in politics and cinema: Shatrughan Sinha on casting couch controversy</a>

 
"Neither Saroj Khan nor Renuka Chowdhary is wrong. Sexual favours are demanded and given in both the entertainment world and in politics. It's an old and time-tested way of getting ahead in life. 'You please me I'll please you'.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/players-who-dethroned-themselves-from-captaincy-in-ipl--132993">Players who 'dethroned themselves' from captaincy in IPL&nbsp;</a>

 
Gambhir, who brought two titles for Kolkata, failed to spread similar magic for Delhi as his team lost five out of six matches played.

Pakistan’s Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif disqualified as member of Parliament for life The court announced its verdict on a petition stating that Asif did not mention his foreign employment in his nomination papers. At Wuhan, Modi, Xi to have heart-to-heart discussions: Chinese VP Xuanyou Both the leaders will hold bilateral meetings and discussions over a range of issues including the border standoffs and US President Donald Trump's 'protectionist' trade policy. H1-B visa row: Democrat Congresswoman, Republican Senator back US visa for spouses The US Citizenship and Immigration Services(USCIS) chief Francis Cissna had informed a few days ago that the H-4 visas may be terminated this summer. Chinese Air Force bombers 'circle around' Taiwan In a move which further fueled tensions, Chinese aircraft flew around Taiwan today which the Air Force said was meant for "combat military drills". Sexual favours happen in politics and cinema: Shatrughan Sinha on casting couch controversy "Neither Saroj Khan nor Renuka Chowdhary is wrong. Sexual favours are demanded and given in both the entertainment world and in politics. It's an old and time-tested way of getting ahead in life. 'You please me I'll please you'. Players who 'dethroned themselves' from captaincy in IPL Gambhir, who brought two titles for Kolkata, failed to spread similar magic for Delhi as his team lost five out of six matches played.

News brief—Big stories of the day

The Army did not establish Pakistan so it will not be ruled on the whims and wishes of anyone, the country's Supreme Court said today as it censured security agencies for their failure to submit a detailed report on a protest led by a hardline cleric last year that paralysed the capital, Islamabad.

Two-member bench comprising Justice Qazi Faez Isa and Justice Musheer Alam heard the suo motu case against the three-week long siege of the capital in November, 2017 by religious groups against so-called changes in the oath by parliamentarians.

Justice Isa used strong words to castigate a representative of the ministry of defence and deputy attorney general when he was informed that security agencies had not prepared any fresh report about the protest.

The judge said that since the previous report was rejected as unsatisfactory, it was the duty of intelligence agencies to come up with the new report, detailing who funded the protest.

"Who is paying you? Who is paying the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI)? No one should consider themselves above the law," the judge said, addressing an army officer and deputy attorney general who present for hearing.

He said Pakistan was established through the efforts of a political leader (Jinnah) who was not surrounded by any army brigade.

The army did not establish this country and the state will not be ruled on the whims and wishes of anyone,? he said further.

Last month the court had thrown out a report by ISI by passing highly critical remarks.

This report is deeply unsettling: it has been prepared by one of the premier agencies of the country, yet a journalist could have given more details [about the protests] than this report," Justice Isa had said.

Separately, Justice Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) also criticised the military while hearing a petition demanding to make an inquiry report about the protest public.

No army in the world is involved in commercial activities but our's is selling even cement, meat and bread,&nbsphe said referring towards alleged commercial activities of armed forces.

He said that the court will summon the defence secretary over the issue.

Two-member bench comprising Justice Qazi Faez Isa and Justice Musheer Alam heard the suo motu case against the three-week long siege of the capital in November, 2017 by religious groups against so-called changes in the oath by parliamentarians.

The Army did not establish Pakistan so it will not be ruled on the whims and wishes of anyone, the country's Supreme Court said today as it censured security agencies for their failure to submit a detailed report on a protest led by a hardline cleric last year that paralysed the capital, Islamabad. Two-member bench comprising Justice Qazi Faez Isa and Justice Musheer Alam heard the suo motu case against the three-week long siege of the capital in November, 2017 by religious groups against so-called changes in the oath by parliamentarians. Justice Isa used strong words to castigate a representative of the ministry of defence and deputy attorney general when he was informed that security agencies had not prepared any fresh report about the protest. The judge said that since the previous report was rejected as unsatisfactory, it was the duty of intelligence agencies to come up with the new report, detailing who funded the protest. "Who is paying you? Who is paying the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI)? No one should consider themselves above the law," the judge said, addressing an army officer and deputy attorney general who present for hearing. He said Pakistan was established through the efforts of a political leader (Jinnah) who was not surrounded by any army brigade. The army did not establish this country and the state will not be ruled on the whims and wishes of anyone,? he said further. Last month the court had thrown out a report by ISI by passing highly critical remarks. This report is deeply unsettling: it has been prepared by one of the premier agencies of the country, yet a journalist could have given more details [about the protests] than this report," Justice Isa had said. Separately, Justice Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui of the Islamabad High Court (IHC) also criticised the military while hearing a petition demanding to make an inquiry report about the protest public. No army in the world is involved in commercial activities but our's is selling even cement, meat and bread,&nbsphe said referring towards alleged commercial activities of armed forces. He said that the court will summon the defence secretary over the issue.

Pak court criticises Army over its failure to submit report on last year's protest

A top US State Department official visited Pakistan to review the progress made by Islamabad on regional security and stability and met Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua and other senior officials, but the meeting ended without any breakthrough, according to a media report.

The US Department of State's Senior Bureau Official for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs Ambassador Alice Wells visited Islamabad for meetings with Foreign Secretary (Tehmina) Janjua and other senior officials, a statement, issued late yesterday, by the US Embassy here said.

"In her meetings, she discussed the status of the United States' South Asia strategy and efforts to make progress on regional security and stability," it added.

Wells was on a day-long trip to Islamabad to continue her talks in the wake of President Donald Trump's new South Asia and Afghanistan policy, in particular Pakistan's commitment in the war against terrorism.

In Washington, a State Department Spokesperson told PTI, "The purpose of Ambassador Wells' visit was to discuss the relationship between the United States and Pakistan, which is based on a broad range of shared interests, including a commitment to defeat all terrorist groups that threaten regional stability and security, and a desire to build economic and commercial ties that benefit both countries."&nbsp;

This is a follow on of Ambassador Wells' visit there last month as part of its ongoing dialogue on the bilateral relationship and Pakistani support for our South Asia strategy, the spokesperson said.

Pakistan's Foreign Office (FO) spokeperson, Mohammad Faisal only shared a picture of Janjua receiving Wells on the micro-blogging site 'twitter', but did not share any details of the meeting.

The two sides failed to make any headway, instead some new issues cropped up during the meeting which may further complicate the already strained US-Pak ties, the report said.

The second round of Pakistan-US talks aimed at getting Islamabad to fulfil Washington's expectations, envisioned in its South Asia and Afghanistan policy, ended without any breakthrough, the Dawn reported.

Quoting a diplomatic source, it said that the agenda of both sides at the meeting at the FO were same as before, with the addition of two new issues - the restrictions on Pakistani diplomats that would come into effect from May 1 and a traffic accident involving US defence attach? Col Joseph Hall, who had earlier this month jumped a red light her and hit a motorcyclist, who later died.

Pakistan has demanded waiver of the diplomatic immunity to Hall, so that he could be prosecuted.

"There was no forward movement. But at the same time we must acknowledge that both sides continue to remain engaged in search of the elusive common ground," the source said.

The US' Afghan strategy has soured the ties between the two countries after they openly traded barbs over deteriorating situation in Afghanistan.

The US has been demanding Islamabad to use its influence to bring Taliban to negotiating table and but the latter said that it has only limited control of rebels who now have areas in Afghanistan to live and operate without any foreign assistance.

This was ambassador Wells' second trip in less than a month after her last visit to Islamabad between March 28 and April 3.&nbsp;

Wells was on a day-long trip to Islamabad to continue her talks in the wake of President Donald Trump's new South Asia and Afghanistan policy, in particular Pakistan's commitment in the war against terrorism

A top US State Department official visited Pakistan to review the progress made by Islamabad on regional security and stability and met Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua and other senior officials, but the meeting ended without any breakthrough, according to a media report. The US Department of State's Senior Bureau Official for the Bureau of South and Central Asian Affairs Ambassador Alice Wells visited Islamabad for meetings with Foreign Secretary (Tehmina) Janjua and other senior officials, a statement, issued late yesterday, by the US Embassy here said. "In her meetings, she discussed the status of the United States' South Asia strategy and efforts to make progress on regional security and stability," it added. Wells was on a day-long trip to Islamabad to continue her talks in the wake of President Donald Trump's new South Asia and Afghanistan policy, in particular Pakistan's commitment in the war against terrorism. In Washington, a State Department Spokesperson told PTI, "The purpose of Ambassador Wells' visit was to discuss the relationship between the United States and Pakistan, which is based on a broad range of shared interests, including a commitment to defeat all terrorist groups that threaten regional stability and security, and a desire to build economic and commercial ties that benefit both countries." This is a follow on of Ambassador Wells' visit there last month as part of its ongoing dialogue on the bilateral relationship and Pakistani support for our South Asia strategy, the spokesperson said. Pakistan's Foreign Office (FO) spokeperson, Mohammad Faisal only shared a picture of Janjua receiving Wells on the micro-blogging site 'twitter', but did not share any details of the meeting. The two sides failed to make any headway, instead some new issues cropped up during the meeting which may further complicate the already strained US-Pak ties, the report said. The second round of Pakistan-US talks aimed at getting Islamabad to fulfil Washington's expectations, envisioned in its South Asia and Afghanistan policy, ended without any breakthrough, the Dawn reported. Quoting a diplomatic source, it said that the agenda of both sides at the meeting at the FO were same as before, with the addition of two new issues - the restrictions on Pakistani diplomats that would come into effect from May 1 and a traffic accident involving US defence attach? Col Joseph Hall, who had earlier this month jumped a red light her and hit a motorcyclist, who later died. Pakistan has demanded waiver of the diplomatic immunity to Hall, so that he could be prosecuted. "There was no forward movement. But at the same time we must acknowledge that both sides continue to remain engaged in search of the elusive common ground," the source said. The US' Afghan strategy has soured the ties between the two countries after they openly traded barbs over deteriorating situation in Afghanistan. The US has been demanding Islamabad to use its influence to bring Taliban to negotiating table and but the latter said that it has only limited control of rebels who now have areas in Afghanistan to live and operate without any foreign assistance. This was ambassador Wells' second trip in less than a month after her last visit to Islamabad between March 28 and April 3.

Talks between top US official, Pakistan Foreign Secretary over Afghanistan end without breakthrough

China has asked Pakistan to engage with India to keep tensions between the two countries to a minimum in order to maintain a conducive environment for timely completion of various projects under the ongoing multi-billion dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project, which forms a part of Beijing's ambitious transnational Belt Road Initiative (BRI).

An editorial published in Pakistan English newspaper Daily Times read, "Keeping the economy first is a lesson that our state has yet to learn from its big brother in the hood."

The editorial also throws light upon Prime Minister Narendra Modi's informal talks, with Chinese President Xi Jinping scheduled to take place on April 27-28 in Wuhan city, ahead of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in June.

According to it, "cautious" China's denial of constructing any hidden military base on the CPEC "could also be viewed through the prism of China's public reassurance to Islamabad that the Xi-Modi meeting scheduled for the end of this week will in no way dilute Sino-Pak friendship."

The editorial, however, expressing displeasure questions if Pakistan is playing its "due role," as the Editorial opines that the statement should have come from Pakistan.&nbsp;

"We appreciate the Chinese statement but cannot help wonder if the Pakistan" Pakistan Foreign Office and other policy quarters are playing their due role. For it is for Islamabad to keep its people and the world informed and manage the complex regional and international relationships," the editorial read.&nbsp;

An editorial published in Pakistani English newspaper Daily Times read, 'Keeping the economy first is a lesson that our state has yet to learn from its big brother in the hood'

China has asked Pakistan to engage with India to keep tensions between the two countries to a minimum in order to maintain a conducive environment for timely completion of various projects under the ongoing multi-billion dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project, which forms a part of Beijing's ambitious transnational Belt Road Initiative (BRI). An editorial published in Pakistan English newspaper Daily Times read, "Keeping the economy first is a lesson that our state has yet to learn from its big brother in the hood." The editorial also throws light upon Prime Minister Narendra Modi's informal talks, with Chinese President Xi Jinping scheduled to take place on April 27-28 in Wuhan city, ahead of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit in June. According to it, "cautious" China's denial of constructing any hidden military base on the CPEC "could also be viewed through the prism of China's public reassurance to Islamabad that the Xi-Modi meeting scheduled for the end of this week will in no way dilute Sino-Pak friendship." The editorial, however, expressing displeasure questions if Pakistan is playing its "due role," as the Editorial opines that the statement should have come from Pakistan. "We appreciate the Chinese statement but cannot help wonder if the Pakistan" Pakistan Foreign Office and other policy quarters are playing their due role. For it is for Islamabad to keep its people and the world informed and manage the complex regional and international relationships," the editorial read.

China urges Pakistan to keep tensions with India to 'minimum'

&nbspA ministerial committee proposed three names, including Gandhara - the name of the land and its associated civilisation - for Islamabad's new state-of-the-art airport, but all the names were rejected by Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi. 
 
The four-member ministerial committee was constituted by the then prime minister Nawaz Sharif just two weeks prior to his disqualification by the Supreme Court in Panama Papers case in July last year. 
 
During one of the recent meetings of the federal cabinet, Mr Abbasi after listening to the arguments of his colleagues rejected all the three names that had been proposed by the committee under Ports and Shipping Minister Hasil Bizenjo "without giving any specific justification", Dawn reported, citing sources in the government and ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N). 
 
The committee had suggested the names of Liaquat Ali Khan, the first prime minister of Pakistan, Fatima Jinnah, one of the leading founders of Pakistan and the younger sister of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, and Gandhara, the name of the land and its associated civilisation that existed in the areas now situated in northern Pakistan and Potohar plateau. 
 
The sources said the cabinet members in the presence of the officials of the Civil Aviation Authority or CAA had a thorough debate on the issue of the name of the new airport which is set to become operational from May 3, the paper said.

They said a majority of the members were of the view that they should name the new facility after some Pakistan Movement personality so that no one could dare change its name later on political grounds, it said. 
 
A number of cabinet members, when contacted, confirmed that there was almost a consensus among them on the name of Liaquat Ali Khan because of his contribution to the Pakistan Movement. 
 
"There were very strong arguments in support of Liaquat Ali Khan's name, but it seems that the prime minister had come with a prepared mind," said a federal minister, while recalling the proceedings. 
 
The sources said the officials of the CAA told the cabinet members that in their correspondence with national and international organisations, they had been using the name of the airport as Islamabad International Airport. 
 
The Pakistan People's Party has been demanding that the new airport should be named after former party chairperson Benazir Bhutto since it is the name of the present airport in Islamabad. 
 
The committee had been formed under Ports and Shipping Mir Hasil Khan Bizenjo and it comprised Adviser on National History and Literary Heritage Irfan Siddiqui, Minister of State for Information Marriyum Aurangzeb and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Law Barrister Zafarullah. 
 
When contacted, Irfan Siddiqui confirmed that his committee had presented three names to the cabinet, but the prime minister rejected them.

The new airport is Pakistan's largest international airport, designed for up to 15 million passengers annually in the first phase, and up to 25 million in future.

The four-member ministerial committee was constituted by the then prime minister Nawaz Sharif just two weeks prior to his disqualification by the Supreme Court in Panama Papers case in July last year

&nbspA ministerial committee proposed three names, including Gandhara - the name of the land and its associated civilisation - for Islamabad's new state-of-the-art airport, but all the names were rejected by Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi. The four-member ministerial committee was constituted by the then prime minister Nawaz Sharif just two weeks prior to his disqualification by the Supreme Court in Panama Papers case in July last year. During one of the recent meetings of the federal cabinet, Mr Abbasi after listening to the arguments of his colleagues rejected all the three names that had been proposed by the committee under Ports and Shipping Minister Hasil Bizenjo "without giving any specific justification", Dawn reported, citing sources in the government and ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N). The committee had suggested the names of Liaquat Ali Khan, the first prime minister of Pakistan, Fatima Jinnah, one of the leading founders of Pakistan and the younger sister of Muhammad Ali Jinnah, and Gandhara, the name of the land and its associated civilisation that existed in the areas now situated in northern Pakistan and Potohar plateau. The sources said the cabinet members in the presence of the officials of the Civil Aviation Authority or CAA had a thorough debate on the issue of the name of the new airport which is set to become operational from May 3, the paper said. They said a majority of the members were of the view that they should name the new facility after some Pakistan Movement personality so that no one could dare change its name later on political grounds, it said. A number of cabinet members, when contacted, confirmed that there was almost a consensus among them on the name of Liaquat Ali Khan because of his contribution to the Pakistan Movement. "There were very strong arguments in support of Liaquat Ali Khan's name, but it seems that the prime minister had come with a prepared mind," said a federal minister, while recalling the proceedings. The sources said the officials of the CAA told the cabinet members that in their correspondence with national and international organisations, they had been using the name of the airport as Islamabad International Airport. The Pakistan People's Party has been demanding that the new airport should be named after former party chairperson Benazir Bhutto since it is the name of the present airport in Islamabad. The committee had been formed under Ports and Shipping Mir Hasil Khan Bizenjo and it comprised Adviser on National History and Literary Heritage Irfan Siddiqui, Minister of State for Information Marriyum Aurangzeb and Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Law Barrister Zafarullah. When contacted, Irfan Siddiqui confirmed that his committee had presented three names to the cabinet, but the prime minister rejected them. The new airport is Pakistan's largest international airport, designed for up to 15 million passengers annually in the first phase, and up to 25 million in future.

Pakistan PM rejects three names proposed for new Islamabad airport

Much milder and measuredly less charismatic than his predecessor Raheel Sharif, Pakistan's new army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa took to the stage on April 12 to address an investiture ceremony at the army's General HQ in Rawalpindi. General Bajwa took this opportunity to denounce a protest movement that had been dominating public discourse in the country for the two preceding weeks despite a media blackout - the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) or Pashtun Protection Movement.

In typical Pakistani fashion, General Bajwa called the protests "engineered". As is pitifully often the case, the allusion was that there was a "foreign hand" behind these protests and Pakistani military pages on social media blamed CIA, R&AW, NDS and even Mossad of all agencies of supporting the movement's leader Manzoor Pashteen. These allegations are perfectly in line with the victimhood narrative that is painfully prevalent in Pakistan. As former US Ambassador Husain Haqqani puts it, painting any unflattering analysis as "foreign inspired" or "anti-state" shuts the door for course correction. And lo and behold, there is much course correction needed as far as the PTM's demands are concerned.

Originally founded in 2014 in Pakistan's FATA region, the PTM has been protesting against forced disappearances of Pashtuns, stereotyping of Pashtuns as militants, their harassment at excessive military checkposts and curbing of civilian life in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, removal of landmines responsible for countless deaths in FATA and Pashtuns being part of collateral damage in the war waged by the Pakistan Army against the Taliban and other militants in Pakistan's North-West. The discontent amongst Pakistan's Pashtuns had been bubbling for quite some time and burst on to the scene after being catalysed by the extra-judicial murder of a young FATA native in Karachi by the name of Naqeebullah Mehsud. Mehsud's murder allowed this movement to burst onto the mainstream under the leadership of its charismatic young leader Manzoor Pashteen in a country where ethnic and religious minorities have often complained of discrimination. However, despite a mammoth rally held in Peshawar on the April 8 with tens of thousands in attendance, there was no media coverage for the movement. Ostensibly on instruction of the Pakistani military the movement got no coverage on any mainstream media outlets. This was a classic example of the ruthless and unjust media censorship often undertaken by Pakistan's armed forces.

Op-ed pieces in national dailies on the topic of the PTM were rejected as Pakistani intelligentsia took to Twitter to denounce the censorship. The Daily Times, a leading national daily saw its website blocked after printing articles about the movement. Any and all discussion about the PTM's demands was bulwarked on primetime television and coverage of the movement remained restricted to social media. Even so, those who gave light to the movement on social media were described as "foreign agents" or "anti-state elements" in a style so very becoming of the typical schizophrenic conservative Pakistani mindset.

The PTM has not endeared itself to the military with slogans such as "The uniform is behind terrorism" and "General, Colonel Terrorist!" but one must realise the angst that these Pashtuns hold in their hearts. For years, theirs has been a war-ravaged land with indiscriminate action against "terrorists", with the military's ISPR doing the only official reporting of casualties in the operation against militants. Thousands of Pashtuns have been displaced and even more have been whisked away by military agencies under suspicion of being militants. Moreover, FATA's status as an autonomous region keeps it outside the constitution where few Pakistani laws are applied and courts have no jurisdiction. The PTM presses for these regions to be brought on equal footing with the rest of the country but unfortunately this has not been the case due to political reasons far beyond the scope of this article. After attracting hordes in Peshawar, the PTM took to Punjab to attract more support. But its April 22 protest in the city did not receive the required 'No Objection Certificate' from the government. Protests are to go ahead despite this rejection. Only time will tell what becomes of this gathering.

Whilst there is no doubt that the demands of the PTM are legitimate, the problem lies in the deafening paranoia of the Pakistani populace who are calling this movement "foreign inspired". By calling their Pashutn counterparts Indian agents not only are they alienating them, they are also closing the door for any constructive discourse to take place on the matter. The military has played a major role in shaping this narrative with the very chief of the armed forces calling the protests engineered. This narrative of labelling any and all criticism as anti-state has to change for any real progress to take place in Pakistan. As far as the PTM is concerned, they must stick to their guns and move forward with their genuine demands.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

&nbsp;

Originally founded in 2014 in Pakistan's FATA region, the PTM has been protesting against forced disappearances of Pashtuns.

Much milder and measuredly less charismatic than his predecessor Raheel Sharif, Pakistan's new army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa took to the stage on April 12 to address an investiture ceremony at the army's General HQ in Rawalpindi. General Bajwa took this opportunity to denounce a protest movement that had been dominating public discourse in the country for the two preceding weeks despite a media blackout - the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement (PTM) or Pashtun Protection Movement. In typical Pakistani fashion, General Bajwa called the protests "engineered". As is pitifully often the case, the allusion was that there was a "foreign hand" behind these protests and Pakistani military pages on social media blamed CIA, R&AW, NDS and even Mossad of all agencies of supporting the movement's leader Manzoor Pashteen. These allegations are perfectly in line with the victimhood narrative that is painfully prevalent in Pakistan. As former US Ambassador Husain Haqqani puts it, painting any unflattering analysis as "foreign inspired" or "anti-state" shuts the door for course correction. And lo and behold, there is much course correction needed as far as the PTM's demands are concerned. Originally founded in 2014 in Pakistan's FATA region, the PTM has been protesting against forced disappearances of Pashtuns, stereotyping of Pashtuns as militants, their harassment at excessive military checkposts and curbing of civilian life in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, removal of landmines responsible for countless deaths in FATA and Pashtuns being part of collateral damage in the war waged by the Pakistan Army against the Taliban and other militants in Pakistan's North-West. The discontent amongst Pakistan's Pashtuns had been bubbling for quite some time and burst on to the scene after being catalysed by the extra-judicial murder of a young FATA native in Karachi by the name of Naqeebullah Mehsud. Mehsud's murder allowed this movement to burst onto the mainstream under the leadership of its charismatic young leader Manzoor Pashteen in a country where ethnic and religious minorities have often complained of discrimination. However, despite a mammoth rally held in Peshawar on the April 8 with tens of thousands in attendance, there was no media coverage for the movement. Ostensibly on instruction of the Pakistani military the movement got no coverage on any mainstream media outlets. This was a classic example of the ruthless and unjust media censorship often undertaken by Pakistan's armed forces. Op-ed pieces in national dailies on the topic of the PTM were rejected as Pakistani intelligentsia took to Twitter to denounce the censorship. The Daily Times, a leading national daily saw its website blocked after printing articles about the movement. Any and all discussion about the PTM's demands was bulwarked on primetime television and coverage of the movement remained restricted to social media. Even so, those who gave light to the movement on social media were described as "foreign agents" or "anti-state elements" in a style so very becoming of the typical schizophrenic conservative Pakistani mindset. The PTM has not endeared itself to the military with slogans such as "The uniform is behind terrorism" and "General, Colonel Terrorist!" but one must realise the angst that these Pashtuns hold in their hearts. For years, theirs has been a war-ravaged land with indiscriminate action against "terrorists", with the military's ISPR doing the only official reporting of casualties in the operation against militants. Thousands of Pashtuns have been displaced and even more have been whisked away by military agencies under suspicion of being militants. Moreover, FATA's status as an autonomous region keeps it outside the constitution where few Pakistani laws are applied and courts have no jurisdiction. The PTM presses for these regions to be brought on equal footing with the rest of the country but unfortunately this has not been the case due to political reasons far beyond the scope of this article. After attracting hordes in Peshawar, the PTM took to Punjab to attract more support. But its April 22 protest in the city did not receive the required 'No Objection Certificate' from the government. Protests are to go ahead despite this rejection. Only time will tell what becomes of this gathering. Whilst there is no doubt that the demands of the PTM are legitimate, the problem lies in the deafening paranoia of the Pakistani populace who are calling this movement "foreign inspired". By calling their Pashutn counterparts Indian agents not only are they alienating them, they are also closing the door for any constructive discourse to take place on the matter. The military has played a major role in shaping this narrative with the very chief of the armed forces calling the protests engineered. This narrative of labelling any and all criticism as anti-state has to change for any real progress to take place in Pakistan. As far as the PTM is concerned, they must stick to their guns and move forward with their genuine demands. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Of Pashtuns and provocation

Five police officials were killed and eight were injured in a third suicide bombing in Quetta on Tuesday evening, the Inter-Services Public Relations said.

A suicide bomber targeted a police van on Airport Road, martyring at least five policemen and injuring seven others, reports said.&nbsp;

As per reports, another explosion happened in Mina Gundi area close to the western bypass, targeting a Frontier Corps post.&nbsp;

The military’s media wing said that three suicide bombers attempted to attack the FC post. However, the attack was foiled by the personnel deployed at the check post, killing two attackers.

The Civil Defence DG has confirmed that all were suicide attacks. He said two suicide bombers loaded with 8 to 10 kilograms of explosives attacked the FC post.

There were also reports of intense gunfire in the wake of the explosions.

The injured security personnel have been shifted to CMH Quetta where two personnel are said to be in critical condition.

There were also reports of intense gunfire in the wake of the explosions

Five police officials were killed and eight were injured in a third suicide bombing in Quetta on Tuesday evening, the Inter-Services Public Relations said. A suicide bomber targeted a police van on Airport Road, martyring at least five policemen and injuring seven others, reports said. As per reports, another explosion happened in Mina Gundi area close to the western bypass, targeting a Frontier Corps post. The military’s media wing said that three suicide bombers attempted to attack the FC post. However, the attack was foiled by the personnel deployed at the check post, killing two attackers. The Civil Defence DG has confirmed that all were suicide attacks. He said two suicide bombers loaded with 8 to 10 kilograms of explosives attacked the FC post. There were also reports of intense gunfire in the wake of the explosions. The injured security personnel have been shifted to CMH Quetta where two personnel are said to be in critical condition.

Suicide bombers in Quetta kill 5 security personnel, injure 8

Pakistan is well on its way to amassing the world`s third largest nuclear weapons stockpile and its decision to deploy low-yield (5 to 10 kiloton) battlefield weapons, represents a dangerous new strategy that could have a telling impact on South Asia`s future stability, claims a military history and world affairs expert.

In an article written for the www.military.com website, Joseph V Micallef, a best-selling military history and world affairs author and a keynote speaker, warns that if Islamabad continues in this vein, there is every possibility of nuclear device or devices falling into the hands of militant jihadist organisations, both in Pakistan and in other parts of the world.

In his article, Micallef says, "Pakistan`s past ties to militant jihadist groups like the Afghan Taliban, Tehreek-e-Jihad Islami, Jaish-e-Muhammad, Lashkar-e-Taiba or Hizbul Mujahideen, to name a few, and the emergence of al-Qaida affiliated Ansar Ghawzat-Ul-Hind, have added an additional element of conflict into Indian-Pakistani relations."

"They have also led to a significant deterioration" in bilateral ties between Pakistan and the United States, he adds.

He says this conflict between Pakistan and India must be seen in a larger context, ie, expanded to a "larger rivalry between China and India in Asia and the Indian Ocean basin."

"The military intervention by the United States and its allies to defeat the Taliban in Afghanistan, and the role of both India and Pakistan in that conflict, have added a further layer of complexity between the two countries," Micallef maintains.

Micallef suggests that what concerns him most is that Pakistan continues to engage in a nuclear arms build-up, which it has been doing clandestinely and illicitly for the past 48 years, and that these arms could be accessed by rogue elements, both in Pakistan and abroad.

Between 1971 and 2016, Islamabad has been developing its own nuclear arsenal, "both plutonium and enriched uranium-based weapons."

Micallef assesses that Pakistan reportedly has four plutonium production reactors and three plutonium reprocessing plants.

Pakistan is also producing highly enriched uranium (HEU), using gas centrifuge enriched uranium.

"The specially designed centrifuges spin uranium hexafluoride gas at high speeds to increase the concentration of the uranium 235 isotope. This is the same technology that Iran had been using in its nuclear weapons program," Micallef states.

"There continue to be reports, however, that rogue elements of that (AQ&nbspKhan) network continue to operate clandestinely. According to unconfirmed media reports, as recently as 2014, the Islamic State (IS) reached out to former members of the Khan network for assistance in securing atomic weaponry," he says.

"While the design and construction of a nuclear device is very likely beyond the capabilities of al-Qaida, IS or any other militant jihadist group, the use of radiological dispersal devices, so called dirty bombs, is well within their capability," he cautions.

He also makes a worrying mention of China`s considerable help to Pakistan in supplying "a broad array of missile and nuclear weapons related assistance.

"Micallef, cites various intelligence sources to say that Pakistan currently has between 140 and 150 nuclear weapons in its control, but has, it is believed, produced and stockpiled around 3,000 to 4,000 kilograms (6,600 to 8,800 lbs) of weapons grade HEU and about 200 to 300 kilograms (440 to 660 lbs) of plutonium.

"The current stockpile is enough for an additional 200 to 250 weapons, depending on the warhead`s desired yield.&nbspAs of the end of 2017, Pakistan has enough HEU and plutonium to produce an additional 230 to 290 warheads. This number could be higher if Pakistan opts for smaller warheads intended for battlefield weapons. This would raise the Pakistani nuclear arsenal to between 350 and 450 nuclear warheads. Pakistan is adding enough HEU and plutonium to its stockpile to produce around 10 to 20 additional bombs a year."

Micallef mentions that since the late 1980's, Pakistan has used a variety of militant organisations as proxies in its ongoing struggle with India over Kashmir and elsewhere.

He certifies that the Pakistan Army`s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) sponsors, organises, trains and funds terror outfits operating from its soil such as the Lashkar-e-Taiba, al-Qaida, Lashkar-e-Omar, Jaish-e-Mohammed, Sipah-e-Sahaba, the Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF), Jamaat-ud-Da`wah, Harkat-ud-Jihad al-Islami, the Haqqani Network, Jamaat-ud-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) and the Afghan Taliban, and uses them as proxies for its covert military operations.

According to Micallef, since 1990, Pakistan`s military strategy has followed a three-fold approach:

(1) use militant proxy organizations to strike at Indian military positions in Kashmir

(2) rely on the threat to deploy nuclear weapons should India try to retaliate with a military invasion of Pakistan and

(3) rely on the US&nbspand China, in particular, and world opinion in general, to restrain India from attacking Pakistan.

He says that the Indian Army has come up with a comprehensively developed "Cold Start," Doctrine to make its offensive capabilities more aggressive, while the Pakistani response has been to emphasize the development of so called "theatre nuclear weapons" to be in a position to meet the challenge of India`s rapid deployment forces with a series of limited nuclear strikes and then rely on international pressure to restrain India from escalating the confrontation into a full-blown nuclear conflict.

Micallef says it is important to note that Pakistan`s nuclear weapons are kept disassembled at separate facilities, which technically prevents a terrorist organisation from obtaining a functional nuclear weapon.

"The combination of a multi-branch command authority and the fact that the weapons are kept in a disassembled state makes it extremely difficult for rogue elements within Pakistan or for militant organizations to secure, divert or launch a nuclear weapon," he adds.

"Battlefield weapons, on the other hand, by their very nature, are more at risk for theft, diversion or unauthorized use," because while they are under the control of the national command authority, their actual use is left to the commander in the field.

He concludes by saying, "the future direction of Pakistan`s nuclear weapons policy is going to be a function of the state of Indian-Pakistan relations on the subcontinent. In turn, this will be shaped both by the state of US-Pakistan relations over the ongoing conflict with the Taliban in Afghanistan, as well as the broader challenge to India of China`s ambitions in Central Asia and the Indian Ocean Basin."&nbsp&nbsp 
&nbsp

The claim has been made by Joseph V Micallef, a best-selling military history and world affairs author

Pakistan is well on its way to amassing the world`s third largest nuclear weapons stockpile and its decision to deploy low-yield (5 to 10 kiloton) battlefield weapons, represents a dangerous new strategy that could have a telling impact on South Asia`s future stability, claims a military history and world affairs expert. In an article written for the www.military.com website, Joseph V Micallef, a best-selling military history and world affairs author and a keynote speaker, warns that if Islamabad continues in this vein, there is every possibility of nuclear device or devices falling into the hands of militant jihadist organisations, both in Pakistan and in other parts of the world. In his article, Micallef says, "Pakistan`s past ties to militant jihadist groups like the Afghan Taliban, Tehreek-e-Jihad Islami, Jaish-e-Muhammad, Lashkar-e-Taiba or Hizbul Mujahideen, to name a few, and the emergence of al-Qaida affiliated Ansar Ghawzat-Ul-Hind, have added an additional element of conflict into Indian-Pakistani relations." "They have also led to a significant deterioration" in bilateral ties between Pakistan and the United States, he adds. He says this conflict between Pakistan and India must be seen in a larger context, ie, expanded to a "larger rivalry between China and India in Asia and the Indian Ocean basin." "The military intervention by the United States and its allies to defeat the Taliban in Afghanistan, and the role of both India and Pakistan in that conflict, have added a further layer of complexity between the two countries," Micallef maintains. Micallef suggests that what concerns him most is that Pakistan continues to engage in a nuclear arms build-up, which it has been doing clandestinely and illicitly for the past 48 years, and that these arms could be accessed by rogue elements, both in Pakistan and abroad. Between 1971 and 2016, Islamabad has been developing its own nuclear arsenal, "both plutonium and enriched uranium-based weapons." Micallef assesses that Pakistan reportedly has four plutonium production reactors and three plutonium reprocessing plants. Pakistan is also producing highly enriched uranium (HEU), using gas centrifuge enriched uranium. "The specially designed centrifuges spin uranium hexafluoride gas at high speeds to increase the concentration of the uranium 235 isotope. This is the same technology that Iran had been using in its nuclear weapons program," Micallef states. "There continue to be reports, however, that rogue elements of that (AQ&nbspKhan) network continue to operate clandestinely. According to unconfirmed media reports, as recently as 2014, the Islamic State (IS) reached out to former members of the Khan network for assistance in securing atomic weaponry," he says. "While the design and construction of a nuclear device is very likely beyond the capabilities of al-Qaida, IS or any other militant jihadist group, the use of radiological dispersal devices, so called dirty bombs, is well within their capability," he cautions. He also makes a worrying mention of China`s considerable help to Pakistan in supplying "a broad array of missile and nuclear weapons related assistance. "Micallef, cites various intelligence sources to say that Pakistan currently has between 140 and 150 nuclear weapons in its control, but has, it is believed, produced and stockpiled around 3,000 to 4,000 kilograms (6,600 to 8,800 lbs) of weapons grade HEU and about 200 to 300 kilograms (440 to 660 lbs) of plutonium. "The current stockpile is enough for an additional 200 to 250 weapons, depending on the warhead`s desired yield.&nbspAs of the end of 2017, Pakistan has enough HEU and plutonium to produce an additional 230 to 290 warheads. This number could be higher if Pakistan opts for smaller warheads intended for battlefield weapons. This would raise the Pakistani nuclear arsenal to between 350 and 450 nuclear warheads. Pakistan is adding enough HEU and plutonium to its stockpile to produce around 10 to 20 additional bombs a year." Micallef mentions that since the late 1980's, Pakistan has used a variety of militant organisations as proxies in its ongoing struggle with India over Kashmir and elsewhere. He certifies that the Pakistan Army`s Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) sponsors, organises, trains and funds terror outfits operating from its soil such as the Lashkar-e-Taiba, al-Qaida, Lashkar-e-Omar, Jaish-e-Mohammed, Sipah-e-Sahaba, the Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF), Jamaat-ud-Da`wah, Harkat-ud-Jihad al-Islami, the Haqqani Network, Jamaat-ud-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) and the Afghan Taliban, and uses them as proxies for its covert military operations. According to Micallef, since 1990, Pakistan`s military strategy has followed a three-fold approach: (1) use militant proxy organizations to strike at Indian military positions in Kashmir (2) rely on the threat to deploy nuclear weapons should India try to retaliate with a military invasion of Pakistan and (3) rely on the US&nbspand China, in particular, and world opinion in general, to restrain India from attacking Pakistan. He says that the Indian Army has come up with a comprehensively developed "Cold Start," Doctrine to make its offensive capabilities more aggressive, while the Pakistani response has been to emphasize the development of so called "theatre nuclear weapons" to be in a position to meet the challenge of India`s rapid deployment forces with a series of limited nuclear strikes and then rely on international pressure to restrain India from escalating the confrontation into a full-blown nuclear conflict. Micallef says it is important to note that Pakistan`s nuclear weapons are kept disassembled at separate facilities, which technically prevents a terrorist organisation from obtaining a functional nuclear weapon. "The combination of a multi-branch command authority and the fact that the weapons are kept in a disassembled state makes it extremely difficult for rogue elements within Pakistan or for militant organizations to secure, divert or launch a nuclear weapon," he adds. "Battlefield weapons, on the other hand, by their very nature, are more at risk for theft, diversion or unauthorized use," because while they are under the control of the national command authority, their actual use is left to the commander in the field. He concludes by saying, "the future direction of Pakistan`s nuclear weapons policy is going to be a function of the state of Indian-Pakistan relations on the subcontinent. In turn, this will be shaped both by the state of US-Pakistan relations over the ongoing conflict with the Taliban in Afghanistan, as well as the broader challenge to India of China`s ambitions in Central Asia and the Indian Ocean Basin."

Pakistan may soon have the world's third-largest nuclear stockpile: Report

India will take on Pakistan in the ICC World Cup 2019 on June 16 at Old Trafford, a BCCI official said on Tuesday.

Cut to 10 teams from 14, the World Cup this year will be in a round-robin format where every team which play each other.

It is to be noted that in the history of Cricket World Cup, India has never lost to Pakistan. Usually, ICC banks on the Indo-Pak rivalry and makes it an opening fixture at marquee events, like it did in the 2015 World Cup and 2017 Champions Trophy, as it is a crowd puller. This won't be the case in the upcoming edition as it will be a round-robin format.

The 2019 World Cup will be held in the UK from May 30 to July 14 and India will start on June 5 as the BCCI will have to maintain a mandatory 15-day gap between the IPL final and international assignment as per the Lodha Committee recommendations.

The matter was discussed during the ICC Chief Executives Meeting here today.

"The 2019 IPL will be played between March 29 and May 19. But we need to maintain a 15-day gap and World Cup starts on May 30. Therefore as per a 15-day gap, we could have only played on June 5. Earlier, we were scheduled to start on June 2 but we couldn't have played on that day," a senior BCCI official present here said on conditions of anonymity.

India will open their 2019 World Cup campaign against South Africa on June 5 and will square off against arch-rivals Pakistan on June 16, as per senior BCCI official.

India will take on Pakistan in the ICC World Cup 2019 on June 16 at Old Trafford, a BCCI official said on Tuesday. Cut to 10 teams from 14, the World Cup this year will be in a round-robin format where every team which play each other. It is to be noted that in the history of Cricket World Cup, India has never lost to Pakistan. Usually, ICC banks on the Indo-Pak rivalry and makes it an opening fixture at marquee events, like it did in the 2015 World Cup and 2017 Champions Trophy, as it is a crowd puller. This won't be the case in the upcoming edition as it will be a round-robin format. The 2019 World Cup will be held in the UK from May 30 to July 14 and India will start on June 5 as the BCCI will have to maintain a mandatory 15-day gap between the IPL final and international assignment as per the Lodha Committee recommendations. The matter was discussed during the ICC Chief Executives Meeting here today. "The 2019 IPL will be played between March 29 and May 19. But we need to maintain a 15-day gap and World Cup starts on May 30. Therefore as per a 15-day gap, we could have only played on June 5. Earlier, we were scheduled to start on June 2 but we couldn't have played on that day," a senior BCCI official present here said on conditions of anonymity.

ICC World Cup 2019: India to clash with Pakistan on June 16 in a high-voltage contest

India is unlikely to take part in the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/nepal-india-joint-secretaries-to-discuss-trade-transit-132606">South Asian Association for Regional </a>Cooperation(SAARC) summit in Pakistan this year, newswire ANI reported today.

Last week China's Xinhua news agency had said Nepal has been negotiating with Pakistan and India to restart the SAARC summit. The Himalayan kingdom is the current chair of the regional grouping which comprises India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Maldives, Bhutan and Afganistan.

Nepal PM K.P. Sharma Oli has reportedly requested PM Modi and his Pakistani counterpart Shahid Khaqan Abbasi to "remove misunderstanding".

The 19th SAARC summit held in Islamabad in 2016 was cancelled after India, Afghanistan and Bangladesh blamed Pakistan for not cooperating on stopping cross-border terrorism, a charge the Abbasi-led government denied.

Sources told ANI that "talks and terrorism can't go hand in hand".

India's relations with Pakistan has frayed over the years with increasing incidents of cross-border terror along the Line of Control(LoC) even as Pak authorities have insisted it has no hand in it.

The Trump administration has repeatedly said Pakistan is a "safe haven" for terrorists and the Taliban who have been using the porous Afghanistan-Pakistan border to carry out terrorist attack on Afghan soil. Pakistan has said it has crackdowned on the Taliban operating inside its territory including the Haqqani Network which the US believes operates inside Pakistan.

Sources told ANI that "talks and terrorism can't go hand in hand".

India is unlikely to take part in the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation(SAARC) summit in Pakistan this year, newswire ANI reported today. Last week China's Xinhua news agency had said Nepal has been negotiating with Pakistan and India to restart the SAARC summit. The Himalayan kingdom is the current chair of the regional grouping which comprises India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh, Maldives, Bhutan and Afganistan. Nepal PM K.P. Sharma Oli has reportedly requested PM Modi and his Pakistani counterpart Shahid Khaqan Abbasi to "remove misunderstanding". The 19th SAARC summit held in Islamabad in 2016 was cancelled after India, Afghanistan and Bangladesh blamed Pakistan for not cooperating on stopping cross-border terrorism, a charge the Abbasi-led government denied. Sources told ANI that "talks and terrorism can't go hand in hand". India's relations with Pakistan has frayed over the years with increasing incidents of cross-border terror along the Line of Control(LoC) even as Pak authorities have insisted it has no hand in it. The Trump administration has repeatedly said Pakistan is a "safe haven" for terrorists and the Taliban who have been using the porous Afghanistan-Pakistan border to carry out terrorist attack on Afghan soil. Pakistan has said it has crackdowned on the Taliban operating inside its territory including the Haqqani Network which the US believes operates inside Pakistan.

India not to take part in SAARC summit in Pakistan this year: Report

According to reports, a 24-year-old man from a village near Amritsar who went missing from Panja Sahib Gurudwara in Pakistan has been found in Pakistan's Sheikhupura city.

Fresh reports suggest that Amarjit Singh had gone to Sheikhupura from Nankana to visit a Pakistani friend's house. Amarjit had told his friend Aamir Razzaq that he had a three-month-long visa

Amarjit's friend contacted the Gurdwara committee after watching the news on television.&nbsp;

Singh is to be deported to India, via Wagah, today.&nbsp;

Preliminary reports carried that Amarjit, a Sikh pilgrimage, went to Pakistan along with other pilgrims for Baisakhi celebration at Nankana Sahib Gurdwara.

Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) officials confirmed that Amarjit’s passport – along with that of other Sikh pilgrims – was in the board’s custody. It was communicated that Amarjit did not return to receive his passport upon departure.

The incident came on the same day when Indian High Commission officials were prevented from meeting the pilgrims. Nearly 1,800 Sikh pilgrims, who were visiting Pakistan under a bilateral agreement facilitating visits to religious shrines, were stopped from meeting Indian diplomats.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Preliminary reports carried that Amarjit, a Sikh pilgrimage, went to Pakistan along with other pilgrims for Baisakhi celebration at Nankana Sahib Gurdwara

According to reports, a 24-year-old man from a village near Amritsar who went missing from Panja Sahib Gurudwara in Pakistan has been found in Pakistan's Sheikhupura city. Fresh reports suggest that Amarjit Singh had gone to Sheikhupura from Nankana to visit a Pakistani friend's house. Amarjit had told his friend Aamir Razzaq that he had a three-month-long visa Amarjit's friend contacted the Gurdwara committee after watching the news on television. Singh is to be deported to India, via Wagah, today. Preliminary reports carried that Amarjit, a Sikh pilgrimage, went to Pakistan along with other pilgrims for Baisakhi celebration at Nankana Sahib Gurdwara. Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB) officials confirmed that Amarjit’s passport – along with that of other Sikh pilgrims – was in the board’s custody. It was communicated that Amarjit did not return to receive his passport upon departure. The incident came on the same day when Indian High Commission officials were prevented from meeting the pilgrims. Nearly 1,800 Sikh pilgrims, who were visiting Pakistan under a bilateral agreement facilitating visits to religious shrines, were stopped from meeting Indian diplomats.

Missing Indian pilgrim found in Pak, to be deported to India today

Pakistan's Hockey legend Mansoor Ahmed needs a heart transplant after problems began to surface in the pacemaker and stents implanted in his heart.

According to media reports, the World Cup-winning hockey goalkeeper has appealed to the Indian government and Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj to grant him a medical visa.

Ahmed helped Pakistan win the 1994 World Cup in Sydney with his penalty stroke push against the Netherlands in the final.

In a career spanning from 1986 to 2000, Ahmed 338 international matches. He was adjudged the best goalkeeper by International Hockey Federation (FIH) in 1994.

India has severed all sporting ties with Pakistan after the 26/11 terror attacks on Mumbai.&nbsp

However, Pakistanis are eligible to apply for medical visas to India.&nbsp

Mansoor has appealed to the Indian government to grant him a medical visa.

Pakistan's Hockey legend Mansoor Ahmed needs a heart transplant after problems began to surface in the pacemaker and stents implanted in his heart. According to media reports, the World Cup-winning hockey goalkeeper has appealed to the Indian government and Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj to grant him a medical visa. Ahmed helped Pakistan win the 1994 World Cup in Sydney with his penalty stroke push against the Netherlands in the final. In a career spanning from 1986 to 2000, Ahmed 338 international matches. He was adjudged the best goalkeeper by International Hockey Federation (FIH) in 1994. India has severed all sporting ties with Pakistan after the 26/11 terror attacks on Mumbai. However, Pakistanis are eligible to apply for medical visas to India.

Pakistan Hockey legend Mansoor Ahmed seeks India's help for heart transplant

Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Monday called for a "peaceful resolution"&nbsp;and "meaningful talks"&nbsp;between India-Pakistan.

Bajwa while addressing a passing-out parade of cadets said, "That only through comprehensive and meaningful dialogue a solution could be found for the disputes between the two countries", as quoted by European think-tank European Foundation for South Asian Studies (EFSAS).

This comes after Indian army Chief General Bipin Rawat's statement of April 15 saying that peace is the only solution to improve the situation in Jammu and Kashmir and it could be ensured through a dialogue between India and Pakistan.

He said that Islamabad “remains committed to such a dialogue, but only on the basis of sovereign equality, dignity and honour.”

The peaceful resolution of India-Pakistan disputes, including the core issue of Kashmir, can be found through comprehensive and meaningful dialogue, Bajwa had said earlier.

“It is our sincere belief that the route to peaceful resolution of Pak-India disputes — including the core issue of Kashmir — runs through comprehensive and meaningful dialogue. While such dialogue is no favour to any party, it remains the inevitable precursor to peace across the region. Pakistan remains committed to such a dialogue, but only on the basis of sovereign equality, dignity and honour,” he said.

Addressing the cadets, General Bajwa (57) said Pakistan is a peace-loving country and seeks harmonious and peaceful co- existence with all countries, especially its neighbours, according to the statement.

“However, this desire for peace must not, in any sense, be construed as a sign of weakness. Our valiant Armed Forces are fully prepared to respond across the full spectrum of threat in a befitting manner,” he added.

The Army Chief also reaffirmed his country’s “political and moral support” to the “basic right of self-determination” for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.

He said Pakistan has done its part to cleanse itself of the scourge of terrorism and extremism without any distinction and the efforts have started to bear results.

“We are committed to continue these efforts, not out of any compulsion, but to make Pakistan a safe, prosperous and progressive country,” he said.

This comes after Indian army Chief General Bipin Rawat's statement of April 15 saying that peace is the only solution to improve the situation in Jammu and Kashmir and it could be ensured through a dialogue between India and Pakistan

Pakistan's Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa on Monday called for a "peaceful resolution" and "meaningful talks" between India-Pakistan. Bajwa while addressing a passing-out parade of cadets said, "That only through comprehensive and meaningful dialogue a solution could be found for the disputes between the two countries", as quoted by European think-tank European Foundation for South Asian Studies (EFSAS). This comes after Indian army Chief General Bipin Rawat's statement of April 15 saying that peace is the only solution to improve the situation in Jammu and Kashmir and it could be ensured through a dialogue between India and Pakistan. He said that Islamabad “remains committed to such a dialogue, but only on the basis of sovereign equality, dignity and honour.” The peaceful resolution of India-Pakistan disputes, including the core issue of Kashmir, can be found through comprehensive and meaningful dialogue, Bajwa had said earlier. “It is our sincere belief that the route to peaceful resolution of Pak-India disputes — including the core issue of Kashmir — runs through comprehensive and meaningful dialogue. While such dialogue is no favour to any party, it remains the inevitable precursor to peace across the region. Pakistan remains committed to such a dialogue, but only on the basis of sovereign equality, dignity and honour,” he said. Addressing the cadets, General Bajwa (57) said Pakistan is a peace-loving country and seeks harmonious and peaceful co- existence with all countries, especially its neighbours, according to the statement. “However, this desire for peace must not, in any sense, be construed as a sign of weakness. Our valiant Armed Forces are fully prepared to respond across the full spectrum of threat in a befitting manner,” he added. The Army Chief also reaffirmed his country’s “political and moral support” to the “basic right of self-determination” for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He said Pakistan has done its part to cleanse itself of the scourge of terrorism and extremism without any distinction and the efforts have started to bear results. “We are committed to continue these efforts, not out of any compulsion, but to make Pakistan a safe, prosperous and progressive country,” he said.

Pak Army chief Bajwa calls for meaningful talks with India

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/china-reassures-pakistan-on-ties-ahead-of-xis-meeting-with-indias-modi-132264">Ties will 'never rust': China reassures Pakistan ahead of Xi's meeting with PM Modi</a>

Ahead of this week's meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Indian counterpart Prime Minister Narendra Modi, China today reassured Pakistan that relations between both the nations would "never rust" and are as firm as ever. &nbsp

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/china-pakistan-having-security-economic-issues-in-cpec-project-132289">China, Pakistan having security, economic issues in CPEC project: Report</a>

The US $60 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project which is a part of Beijing's promising Belt Road Initiative (BRI) is now turning out to quiet a task in terms of security and in the economic front for China and Pakistan.&nbsp

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/it-is-either-all-or-nothing-says-iran-foreign-minister-over-nuclear-deal--132298">It is either all or nothing, says Iran Foreign Minister over </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/it-is-either-all-or-nothing-says-iran-foreign-minister-over-nuclear-deal--132298">nuclear</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/it-is-either-all-or-nothing-says-iran-foreign-minister-over-nuclear-deal--132298"> deal</a>

The European signatories of Iran's nuclear deal with major powers should convince US President Donald Trump not to exit the accord as there is no "plan B" for the agreement, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif tweeted on Monday (April 23).

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/dhaka-siliguri-kathmandu-bus-service-goes-on-trial-132320">Dhaka-Siliguri-Kathmandu bus service goes on trial</a>

Government representatives of Bangladesh, India and Nepal launched the tri-nation trial bus service in Dhaka on Monday. Two buses from Dhaka set off for Kathmandu and would transit through Siliguri.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/good-news-sania-mirza-shoaib-malik-are-expecting-a-baby-132324">Good news! Sania Mirza, Shoaib Malik are expecting a baby</a>

Tennis champion Sania Mirza and husband, former Pakistan cricket captain Shoaib Malik, announced on Monday that they are expecting a baby in a post shared by the couple on Twitter and Instagram.&nbsp

Read the five big stories of the day here

Ties will 'never rust': China reassures Pakistan ahead of Xi's meeting with PM Modi Ahead of this week's meeting between Chinese President Xi Jinping and his Indian counterpart Prime Minister Narendra Modi, China today reassured Pakistan that relations between both the nations would "never rust" and are as firm as ever. China, Pakistan having security, economic issues in CPEC project: Report The US $60 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project which is a part of Beijing's promising Belt Road Initiative (BRI) is now turning out to quiet a task in terms of security and in the economic front for China and Pakistan. It is either all or nothing, says Iran Foreign Minister over nuclear deal The European signatories of Iran's nuclear deal with major powers should convince US President Donald Trump not to exit the accord as there is no "plan B" for the agreement, Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif tweeted on Monday (April 23). Dhaka-Siliguri-Kathmandu bus service goes on trial Government representatives of Bangladesh, India and Nepal launched the tri-nation trial bus service in Dhaka on Monday. Two buses from Dhaka set off for Kathmandu and would transit through Siliguri. Good news! Sania Mirza, Shoaib Malik are expecting a baby Tennis champion Sania Mirza and husband, former Pakistan cricket captain Shoaib Malik, announced on Monday that they are expecting a baby in a post shared by the couple on Twitter and Instagram.

pakistan-0

Pakistan, News on Pakistan, stories on Pakistan, articles on Pakistan, Pakistan stories at Wion, Pakistan news, Pakistan latest news

pakistan 0

26/11 Mumbai terror attack case: Pakistan sacks chief prosecutor for ‘not taking the government line'

China is Pakistan's new paymaster: A closer look at the Pakistani budget

Pakistan army endorsing terrorist organisations like Lashkar-e-Taiba, Hizb-ul-Mujahideen: Exiled Kashmiri leader

India, Pakistan to carry out military drills as part of multi-nation exercise

News brief: Big stories of the day

India, Pakistan to carry out military drills as part of multi-nation exercise

Pakistani doctor who helped US track Bin Laden moved to 'safer' location

Meet Manzoor Pashteen, the man leading protests to defy Pakistan army

Pakistan finance minister hikes military spending in rowdy budget session

Two Shia Hazara community members killed in Pakistan's Quetta

India hands over helicopter, tanks to Bangladesh as 1971 memorabilia

Pakistan urges India to take steps for bilateral talks

Pakistan economy set to record fastest growth in 13 years

Pakistan economy set to record fastest growth in 13 years

Building peaceful neighbourhood Pak's foreign policy priority: UN envoy

Hindu MPA-elect acquitted in 2016 murder of Sikh lawmaker in Pakistan

'Relations with China 'time-tested,' says Pak ahead of Modi-Xi summit

'We don't aim at global dominance, helpful towards our neigbours,' says IAF chief post-Gagan Shakti exercise

News brief—Big stories of the day

Pak court criticises Army over its failure to submit report on last year's protest

Talks between top US official, Pakistan Foreign Secretary over Afghanistan end without breakthrough

China urges Pakistan to keep tensions with India to 'minimum'

Pakistan PM rejects three names proposed for new Islamabad airport

Opinion: Of Pashtuns and provocation