India today lodged a strong protest with Pakistan over blocking of access of visiting Sikh pilgrims to Indian diplomats in that country and even "compelling" the Indian envoy to return while on way to a prominent gurudwara there.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said a group of around 1800 Sikh pilgrims are on a visit to Pakistan from April 12 under a bilateral agreement on facilitating visits to religious shrines.

In a statement, the MEA also said the Indian High Commissioner, who was to greet Indian pilgrims on the occasion of Baisakhi, was compelled to return when he was en route to Gurdwara Panja Sahib yesterday.

The MEA called it an "inexplicable diplomatic discourtesy" by Pakistan, holding that these incidents constitute a clear violation of the Vienna Convention on diplomatic relations.

"India has lodged a strong protest with Pakistan over a block of access for visiting pilgrims to Indian diplomats and consular teams," it said in a statement.

The fresh incidents came, over two weeks after India and Pakistan agreed to resolve matters related to treatment of diplomats after envoys of the two countries made claims and counter-claims about harassment of each other's diplomats.

The MEA said the Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan, who was to visit Gurdwara Panja Sahib at the invitation of the Chairman of the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB), was suddenly asked to return while en route the shrine yesterday, for unspecified 'security' reasons.

It said the High Commissioner, who was to greet Indian pilgrims on the occasion of Baisakhi, was thus compelled to return without meeting Indian citizens.

"India has lodged a strong protest with Pakistan against this inexplicable diplomatic discourtesy, pointing out that these incidents constitute a clear violation of the Vienna Convention of 1961, the bilateral Protocol to visit Religious Shrines, 1974 and the Code of Conduct (for the treatment of diplomatic/consular personnel in India and Pakistan) of 1992, recently reaffirmed by both countries," the MEA said.

On not allowing the pilgrims to meet Indian diplomats, it said a standard practice has been that the Indian High Commission's consular/protocol team is attached with visiting pilgrims, to perform consular and protocol duties, like helping out in medical or family emergencies.

"However, this year, the consular team has been denied access to Indian Sikh pilgrims. The team could not meet the pilgrims on their arrival at Wagah Railway Station on April 12. Similarly, it was denied entry into Gurdwara Panja Sahib on April 14, for a scheduled meeting with pilgrims there. The High Commission was thus prevented from performing basic consular and protocol duties for Indian citizens," it said. PTI

The MEA called it an 'inexplicable diplomatic discourtesy' by Pakistan, holding that these incidents constitute a clear violation of the Vienna Convention on diplomatic relations

India today lodged a strong protest with Pakistan over blocking of access of visiting Sikh pilgrims to Indian diplomats in that country and even "compelling" the Indian envoy to return while on way to a prominent gurudwara there. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said a group of around 1800 Sikh pilgrims are on a visit to Pakistan from April 12 under a bilateral agreement on facilitating visits to religious shrines. In a statement, the MEA also said the Indian High Commissioner, who was to greet Indian pilgrims on the occasion of Baisakhi, was compelled to return when he was en route to Gurdwara Panja Sahib yesterday. The MEA called it an "inexplicable diplomatic discourtesy" by Pakistan, holding that these incidents constitute a clear violation of the Vienna Convention on diplomatic relations. "India has lodged a strong protest with Pakistan over a block of access for visiting pilgrims to Indian diplomats and consular teams," it said in a statement. The fresh incidents came, over two weeks after India and Pakistan agreed to resolve matters related to treatment of diplomats after envoys of the two countries made claims and counter-claims about harassment of each other's diplomats. The MEA said the Indian High Commissioner to Pakistan, who was to visit Gurdwara Panja Sahib at the invitation of the Chairman of the Evacuee Trust Property Board (ETPB), was suddenly asked to return while en route the shrine yesterday, for unspecified 'security' reasons. It said the High Commissioner, who was to greet Indian pilgrims on the occasion of Baisakhi, was thus compelled to return without meeting Indian citizens. "India has lodged a strong protest with Pakistan against this inexplicable diplomatic discourtesy, pointing out that these incidents constitute a clear violation of the Vienna Convention of 1961, the bilateral Protocol to visit Religious Shrines, 1974 and the Code of Conduct (for the treatment of diplomatic/consular personnel in India and Pakistan) of 1992, recently reaffirmed by both countries," the MEA said. On not allowing the pilgrims to meet Indian diplomats, it said a standard practice has been that the Indian High Commission's consular/protocol team is attached with visiting pilgrims, to perform consular and protocol duties, like helping out in medical or family emergencies. "However, this year, the consular team has been denied access to Indian Sikh pilgrims. The team could not meet the pilgrims on their arrival at Wagah Railway Station on April 12. Similarly, it was denied entry into Gurdwara Panja Sahib on April 14, for a scheduled meeting with pilgrims there. The High Commission was thus prevented from performing basic consular and protocol duties for Indian citizens," it said. PTI

Indian envoy to Pakistan not allowed to meet Sikh pilgrims, India lodges protests

An Afghan official has alleged Pakistani forces for crossing into eastern Afghanistan and clashing with Afghan troops.

According to Colonel Abdul Hanan, the acting provincial police chief in the eastern Khost province, the clash broke out earlier today and is currently underway.&nbsp

Hanan did not confirm reports of the number casualties.

Both Afghanistan and Pakistan have shared a history of hurling accusations at each other for failing to crack down on militants operating along the porous border.

Meanwhile, a Taliban-led attack on an Afghan checkpoint killed at least 11, officials noted. A spokesman reported two other forces wounded in the attack that took place on late Saturday.&nbsp

According to reports, three insurgents were killed while four others were wounded. The attack, reportedly, targeted members of the Local Uprising Forces, militias supported by the government.

While no one claimed the attack, an Afghan official blamed the attack on the Taliban.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp

The clash broke out earlier today and believed to be underway

An Afghan official has alleged Pakistani forces for crossing into eastern Afghanistan and clashing with Afghan troops. According to Colonel Abdul Hanan, the acting provincial police chief in the eastern Khost province, the clash broke out earlier today and is currently underway. Hanan did not confirm reports of the number casualties. Both Afghanistan and Pakistan have shared a history of hurling accusations at each other for failing to crack down on militants operating along the porous border. Meanwhile, a Taliban-led attack on an Afghan checkpoint killed at least 11, officials noted. A spokesman reported two other forces wounded in the attack that took place on late Saturday. According to reports, three insurgents were killed while four others were wounded. The attack, reportedly, targeted members of the Local Uprising Forces, militias supported by the government. While no one claimed the attack, an Afghan official blamed the attack on the Taliban. (With inputs from agencies)

Afghan, Pakistani forces clash near disputed border: Afghan official

Unidentified gunmen opened fire at the residence of Pakistan's Supreme Court judge Ijaz ul Ahsan here in two separate incidents only hours apart, media reports said today.

Justice Ahsan was part of a five-member apex court bench that heard the high-profile Panamagate case last year that led to the disqualification of the then prime minister Nawaz Sharif.

A statement by the apex court said that the unidentified gunmen opened fire at Justice Ahsan's Model Town residence first late last night and then again early this morning.

No casualties were reported in the attacks, Dawn reported.

Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar visited the residence of the Justice Ahsan, and called the Punjab inspector general to probe the incidents. The chief justice is said to be overseeing the situation himself, the paper said.

Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif ordered immediate arrests of the attackers. He also asked the Punjab inspector general (IG) to submit a report on the incident.

Security personnel, including Rangers, have been deployed outside the residence of the judge.

"This is a highly condemnable incident. We are trying our best to arrest the attackers and a thorough investigation is underway," Punjab government spokesman Malik Ahmad Khan was quoted as saying.

He said that additional security has been provided to the Supreme Court judge.

The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) and Lahore High Court Bar Association (LHCBA) condemned the firing incidents and demanded immediate arrest of the culprits.

Pakistan People's Party co-chairperson Asif Ali Zardari termed the attacks alarming and called for a judicial probe.

Pakistan Tehrek-e-Insaaf chief Imran Khan "strongly condemned" the incidents and claimed that they were "tactics to pressurise senior judiciary".

Justice Ahsan was appointed as the monitoring judge to supervise and monitor the implementation of the Panamagate case verdict and oversee the ongoing proceedings by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) and accountability courts against the Sharif family members and Ishaq Dar.

He was also part of the three-member bench hearing 17 petitions against the controversial Elections Act 2017. The bench had ruled that an individual disqualified under Articles 62 and 63 of the Constitution cannot serve as head of a political party, leading to Sharif losing his position as the party chief.&nbsp

Justice Ijaz ul Ahsan was part of a five-member apex court bench that heard the high-profile Panamagate case last year that led to the disqualification of the then prime minister Nawaz Sharif

Unidentified gunmen opened fire at the residence of Pakistan's Supreme Court judge Ijaz ul Ahsan here in two separate incidents only hours apart, media reports said today. Justice Ahsan was part of a five-member apex court bench that heard the high-profile Panamagate case last year that led to the disqualification of the then prime minister Nawaz Sharif. A statement by the apex court said that the unidentified gunmen opened fire at Justice Ahsan's Model Town residence first late last night and then again early this morning. No casualties were reported in the attacks, Dawn reported. Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar visited the residence of the Justice Ahsan, and called the Punjab inspector general to probe the incidents. The chief justice is said to be overseeing the situation himself, the paper said. Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif ordered immediate arrests of the attackers. He also asked the Punjab inspector general (IG) to submit a report on the incident. Security personnel, including Rangers, have been deployed outside the residence of the judge. "This is a highly condemnable incident. We are trying our best to arrest the attackers and a thorough investigation is underway," Punjab government spokesman Malik Ahmad Khan was quoted as saying. He said that additional security has been provided to the Supreme Court judge. The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) and Lahore High Court Bar Association (LHCBA) condemned the firing incidents and demanded immediate arrest of the culprits. Pakistan People's Party co-chairperson Asif Ali Zardari termed the attacks alarming and called for a judicial probe. Pakistan Tehrek-e-Insaaf chief Imran Khan "strongly condemned" the incidents and claimed that they were "tactics to pressurise senior judiciary". Justice Ahsan was appointed as the monitoring judge to supervise and monitor the implementation of the Panamagate case verdict and oversee the ongoing proceedings by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) and accountability courts against the Sharif family members and Ishaq Dar. He was also part of the three-member bench hearing 17 petitions against the controversial Elections Act 2017. The bench had ruled that an individual disqualified under Articles 62 and 63 of the Constitution cannot serve as head of a political party, leading to Sharif losing his position as the party chief.

Pakistan: Gunmen open fire at home of Supreme Court judge

Pakistan has successfully test-fired an enhanced version of the indigenously-built Babur cruise missile that can deliver conventional and non-conventional weapons with a range of 700 kilometres, covering many Indian cities.

The Pakistan Army said that the 'Babur Weapon System-1 (B)' is a low-flying, terrain-hugging missile, which carries certain stealth features and is capable of carrying various types of warheads.

The missile incorporates advanced aerodynamics and avionics that can strike targets both at land and sea with high accuracy, the army said in a statement.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Pakistan?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Pakistan</a> successfully test fired an enhanced range version of indigenously-developed Babur Cruise Missile on Saturday, ISPR said.??<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/BaburCruiseMissile?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#BaburCruiseMissile</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/MoIB_Official?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MoIB_Official</a> <a href="https://t.co/gP9800e6LN">pic.twitter.com/gP9800e6LN</a>
— Govt of Pakistan (@pid_gov) <a href="https://twitter.com/pid_gov/status/985183798630518785?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 14, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"Equipped with the Terrain Contour Matching (TERCOM) and all-time Digital Scene Matching and Area Co-relation (DSMAC) technologies, which enable it to engage in various types of targets with pinpoint accuracy even in the absence of GPS navigation, thus making it an important force multiplier for Pakistan's strategic deterrence," the army said.

Senior officials and scientists of the Strategic Plans Division were present to witness the launch.

President Mamnoon Hussain and Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi appreciated the scientists and engineers on the successful conduct of the missile test.&nbsp;

President Mamnoon Hussain and Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi appreciated the scientists and engineers on the successful conduct of the missile test

Pakistan has successfully test-fired an enhanced version of the indigenously-built Babur cruise missile that can deliver conventional and non-conventional weapons with a range of 700 kilometres, covering many Indian cities. The Pakistan Army said that the 'Babur Weapon System-1 (B)' is a low-flying, terrain-hugging missile, which carries certain stealth features and is capable of carrying various types of warheads. The missile incorporates advanced aerodynamics and avionics that can strike targets both at land and sea with high accuracy, the army said in a statement. #Pakistan successfully test fired an enhanced range version of indigenously-developed Babur Cruise Missile on Saturday, ISPR said.??#BaburCruiseMissile @MoIB_Official pic.twitter.com/gP9800e6LN — Govt of Pakistan (@pid_gov) April 14, 2018 × "Equipped with the Terrain Contour Matching (TERCOM) and all-time Digital Scene Matching and Area Co-relation (DSMAC) technologies, which enable it to engage in various types of targets with pinpoint accuracy even in the absence of GPS navigation, thus making it an important force multiplier for Pakistan's strategic deterrence," the army said. Senior officials and scientists of the Strategic Plans Division were present to witness the launch. President Mamnoon Hussain and Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi appreciated the scientists and engineers on the successful conduct of the missile test.

Watch: Pakistan successfully test-fires enhanced version of Babur cruise missile

A United States-based advocacy group, Voice of Karachi, has held important meetings in Washington DC&nbsp;with the Congressmen and members of powerful House committees over the latest situation in Pakistan and South Asia region.

Nadeem Nusrat, Chairman of the Voice of Karachi, met influential US Congressmen and members of House Foreign Affairs Committee, Ted Yoho and Tom Garrett, and held another important meeting with House Majority leader Tim McCarthy in Washington DC&nbsp;Representative McCarthy is the front-runner to become the Chairman of the House following the current speaker's decision to not seek the reelection this year.

Nusrat apprised the US lawmakers of the victimisation and persecution of Mohajirs, Balochs, Pashtuns, Gilgitis and Hazaras by the state of Pakistan. He briefed them about the role of Pakistan's spy agency Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) in providing safe havens to terror outfits in the port city of Karachi. He said that the ISI was fueling extremism and terrorism as a tool to advance its own agenda in the region, which was destabilising South Asia.

He also told the US legislators that Pakistan's oppressed ethnic and religious communities were looking towards the United States and the international community to play their role in stopping state atrocities being committed by the Pakistani security forces, ISI in particular. He emphasised that the world needed to act to stop human rights abuses in Karachi, Balochistan, Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) and Gilgit Baltistan in order to save innocent human lives.

In these meetings, Nusrat extended his support to the US administration in its efforts to curb terrorism and bring peace, harmony, and stability in South Asia.

The Voice of Karachi has been working to raise global awareness about injustices and human rights violations that Urdu-speaking Mohajirs and other ethnic and religious minorities have been facing in Pakistan. This group has also been running the Free Karachi campaign in the US since January 15 this year.

More than 22,000 Mohajirs have been brutally killed in military actions in Karachi since 1992. Enforced disappearances are a routine urban Sindh where hundreds of MQM workers and supporters are missing in the latest phase of security operation launched in 2013.

A United States-based advocacy group, Voice of Karachi, has held important meetings in Washington DC with the Congressmen and members of powerful House committees over the latest situation in Pakistan and South Asia region

A United States-based advocacy group, Voice of Karachi, has held important meetings in Washington DC with the Congressmen and members of powerful House committees over the latest situation in Pakistan and South Asia region. Nadeem Nusrat, Chairman of the Voice of Karachi, met influential US Congressmen and members of House Foreign Affairs Committee, Ted Yoho and Tom Garrett, and held another important meeting with House Majority leader Tim McCarthy in Washington DC Representative McCarthy is the front-runner to become the Chairman of the House following the current speaker's decision to not seek the reelection this year. Nusrat apprised the US lawmakers of the victimisation and persecution of Mohajirs, Balochs, Pashtuns, Gilgitis and Hazaras by the state of Pakistan. He briefed them about the role of Pakistan's spy agency Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) in providing safe havens to terror outfits in the port city of Karachi. He said that the ISI was fueling extremism and terrorism as a tool to advance its own agenda in the region, which was destabilising South Asia. He also told the US legislators that Pakistan's oppressed ethnic and religious communities were looking towards the United States and the international community to play their role in stopping state atrocities being committed by the Pakistani security forces, ISI in particular. He emphasised that the world needed to act to stop human rights abuses in Karachi, Balochistan, Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) and Gilgit Baltistan in order to save innocent human lives. In these meetings, Nusrat extended his support to the US administration in its efforts to curb terrorism and bring peace, harmony, and stability in South Asia. The Voice of Karachi has been working to raise global awareness about injustices and human rights violations that Urdu-speaking Mohajirs and other ethnic and religious minorities have been facing in Pakistan. This group has also been running the Free Karachi campaign in the US since January 15 this year. More than 22,000 Mohajirs have been brutally killed in military actions in Karachi since 1992. Enforced disappearances are a routine urban Sindh where hundreds of MQM workers and supporters are missing in the latest phase of security operation launched in 2013.

Mohajir activists apprise US lawmakers of human rights violations in Pakistan

Iran has expressed keen interest in entering into a partnership with Pakistan to explore possibilities in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) which falls under the ambitious One Belt, One Road (OBOR).

The remarks were made as Iran's Minister for Roads and Urbanisation Abbas Akhoundi visited Karachi Port Trust (KPT) on Friday along with a high-level Iranian delegation, a media reported.

Exhibiting interest in transshipment cargo, the visiting minister underscored that Iran is keen to work with Pakistan for inter-connection linkage between Karachi Port and Iranian port city Bandar Abbas.

Furthermore, the minister touted the ample space of 204,000 hectares available at Bandar Abbas for promoting transhipment cargo handling facility.

Iran is right next to Pakistan geographically having the strategic advantage as both share the ocean waters which will thus help Iran to carry on trade with China as well via Gwadar port (CPEC).

On a related note the Iranian delegation took a keen interest in the deepwater container port project of KPT as well and it was given a tour of the South Asia Pakistan Terminals Ltd at the Deepwater Container Port, according to the report.

The remarks were made as Iran's Minister for Roads and Urbanisation Abbas Akhoundi visited Karachi Port Trust (KPT) on Friday along with a high level Iranian delegation, a media reported

Iran has expressed keen interest in entering into a partnership with Pakistan to explore possibilities in the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) which falls under the ambitious One Belt, One Road (OBOR). The remarks were made as Iran's Minister for Roads and Urbanisation Abbas Akhoundi visited Karachi Port Trust (KPT) on Friday along with a high-level Iranian delegation, a media reported. Exhibiting interest in transshipment cargo, the visiting minister underscored that Iran is keen to work with Pakistan for inter-connection linkage between Karachi Port and Iranian port city Bandar Abbas. Furthermore, the minister touted the ample space of 204,000 hectares available at Bandar Abbas for promoting transhipment cargo handling facility. Iran is right next to Pakistan geographically having the strategic advantage as both share the ocean waters which will thus help Iran to carry on trade with China as well via Gwadar port (CPEC). On a related note the Iranian delegation took a keen interest in the deepwater container port project of KPT as well and it was given a tour of the South Asia Pakistan Terminals Ltd at the Deepwater Container Port, according to the report.

Iran keen to partner Pakistan on CPEC

Pakistan Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has inaugurated the first unit of a key hydropower mega-project built with the financial and technical support of China in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir.

The 969 MW Neelum Jehlum Hydropower Project near Muzaffarabad was announced more than 12 years ago but work on it lingered on until ousted prime minister Nawaz Sharif vowed in 2013 to build it before the end of the five-year tenure of his government.

Though Sharif stepped down last year after disqualification by the Supreme Court his nominee and successor, Abbasi, yesterday lauded his vision and efforts for the project.

"Only 10 per cent work was done when the former prime minister (Sharif) decided to complete it. If we have succeeded it is due to his vision and efforts," Abbasi said.

As the project was delayed, the cost climbed to USD 5 billion, a three-fold increase in the initial estimates, Abbasi said, adding the project would be fully operational before the end of this year.

Abbasi thanked China for support and also paid tribute to 21 workers who died while working on the project.

Abbasi further said that government added about 10,400 MW power into the system in five years and addressed the chronic power shortage.

Pakistan-occupied Kashmir Prime Minister Raja Farooq Haider addressing on the occasion demanded that 250 MW of electricity from the project should be dedicated to PoK to end energy crisis.

Earlier, chief of Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda), Muzammil Hussain, said the NJHPP was conceived some three decades ago but the work was started only after it became evident that India was planning to build Kishanganga project.&nbsp;

The 969 MW Neelum Jehlum Hydropower Project near Muzaffarabad was announced more than 12 years ago

Pakistan Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has inaugurated the first unit of a key hydropower mega-project built with the financial and technical support of China in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. The 969 MW Neelum Jehlum Hydropower Project near Muzaffarabad was announced more than 12 years ago but work on it lingered on until ousted prime minister Nawaz Sharif vowed in 2013 to build it before the end of the five-year tenure of his government. Though Sharif stepped down last year after disqualification by the Supreme Court his nominee and successor, Abbasi, yesterday lauded his vision and efforts for the project. "Only 10 per cent work was done when the former prime minister (Sharif) decided to complete it. If we have succeeded it is due to his vision and efforts," Abbasi said. As the project was delayed, the cost climbed to USD 5 billion, a three-fold increase in the initial estimates, Abbasi said, adding the project would be fully operational before the end of this year. Abbasi thanked China for support and also paid tribute to 21 workers who died while working on the project. Abbasi further said that government added about 10,400 MW power into the system in five years and addressed the chronic power shortage. Pakistan-occupied Kashmir Prime Minister Raja Farooq Haider addressing on the occasion demanded that 250 MW of electricity from the project should be dedicated to PoK to end energy crisis. Earlier, chief of Water and Power Development Authority (Wapda), Muzammil Hussain, said the NJHPP was conceived some three decades ago but the work was started only after it became evident that India was planning to build Kishanganga project.

Pakistan inaugurates strategic hydropower project in PoK

The Pakistan Supreme Court in a landmark judgement disqualified ex-prime minister Nawaz Sharif from ever holding public office.

The Pakistan SC disqualified Nawaz Sharif under the under Article 62 (1)(f).

According to Article 62(1)(f), a person holding public office should be "honest and righteous".

Sharif was earlier disqualified under the same provision by the court in the Panama Papers case.&nbsp;

Reports said the decision of the 5-judge&nbsp;bench was unanimous.

Sharif, 67, resigned in July after the Supreme Court disqualified him from holding office over an undeclared source of income, but the veteran leader maintains his grip on the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz&nbsp;(PML-N) party.

Friday's ruling addressed an ambiguity over&nbsp;Sharif's disqualification and whether he was barred from office for life or a specific period.

According to Article 62(1)(f), a person holding public office should be "honest and righteous".

The Pakistan Supreme Court in a landmark judgement disqualified ex-prime minister Nawaz Sharif from ever holding public office. The Pakistan SC disqualified Nawaz Sharif under the under Article 62 (1)(f). According to Article 62(1)(f), a person holding public office should be "honest and righteous". Sharif was earlier disqualified under the same provision by the court in the Panama Papers case. Reports said the decision of the 5-judge bench was unanimous. Sharif, 67, resigned in July after the Supreme Court disqualified him from holding office over an undeclared source of income, but the veteran leader maintains his grip on the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party. Friday's ruling addressed an ambiguity over Sharif's disqualification and whether he was barred from office for life or a specific period.

Pakistan Supreme Court disqualifies Nawaz Sharif from holding public office for life

Asserting that the Taliban and the Haqqani network enjoy safe havens in the border regions of Pakistan, a top US Army General today told the lawmakers that it was very difficult to contain insurgency in war-torn Afghanistan if Islamabad continues to harbour terrorists on its soil.

"It's very, very difficult to eliminate any insurgency if that insurgency has safe haven in another country. But right now, the Taliban, the Haqqanis and other organisations do, in fact, enjoy some safe haven in the border regions on the Pakistani side of the border. Pakistan has got to be part of the solution," General Mark A Milley, Chief of Staff of the US Army, told lawmakers during a Congressional hearing.

Testifying before the Senate Armed Services Committee, he said to the end insurgency in Afghanistan, it was important to reduce the threat of terrorism something that can be handled on a routine basis by the internal security forces.

"In order to do that, you have to essentially do several things. You mentioned Pakistan. That is key. It's important that Pakistan is part of the solution. It's a regional solution. Part of our strategy is a regional strategy. That very much involves Pakistan," Milley said.

Responding to a question on reconciliation, he said the Afghan government was on the path right now to establish some sort of political reconciliation with various opponent groups. US is in support of that effort, Milley added.

"So it's important that we realign the forces, that we reinforce the capabilities that we're already doing, and that we regionalise the problem, including Pakistan, and that there's some sort of reconciliation process. At the end of the day, that's how that ends, and it ends successfully, and I believe that's achievable,' the General said.

Milley said it was in the national security interest of the United States to maintain troops in Afghanistan.

One of the American objectives since 2001 has been that Afghanistan no longer was a platform for terrorists to conduct strikes on the continental United States, or in the United States.

"That's key. That's why we're there, and that's why we're still there," he said, adding that this can be achieved through a stable Afghanistan.

"So what does that look like? It means that the armed opposition, the Taliban, Haqqani network, Al-Qaida, ISIS, K and all these other groups are reduced in terms of capability that they no longer present an existential threat to the regime in Kabul, and that the Afghan National Security Forces are at large," he said.

"Their army, their police, their intelligence forces can handle the violent threat against the regime at a level that is something akin to crime or banditry," Milley said. 
&nbsp

Milley said it was in the national security interest of the United States to maintain troops in Afghanistan.

Asserting that the Taliban and the Haqqani network enjoy safe havens in the border regions of Pakistan, a top US Army General today told the lawmakers that it was very difficult to contain insurgency in war-torn Afghanistan if Islamabad continues to harbour terrorists on its soil. "It's very, very difficult to eliminate any insurgency if that insurgency has safe haven in another country. But right now, the Taliban, the Haqqanis and other organisations do, in fact, enjoy some safe haven in the border regions on the Pakistani side of the border. Pakistan has got to be part of the solution," General Mark A Milley, Chief of Staff of the US Army, told lawmakers during a Congressional hearing. Testifying before the Senate Armed Services Committee, he said to the end insurgency in Afghanistan, it was important to reduce the threat of terrorism something that can be handled on a routine basis by the internal security forces. "In order to do that, you have to essentially do several things. You mentioned Pakistan. That is key. It's important that Pakistan is part of the solution. It's a regional solution. Part of our strategy is a regional strategy. That very much involves Pakistan," Milley said. Responding to a question on reconciliation, he said the Afghan government was on the path right now to establish some sort of political reconciliation with various opponent groups. US is in support of that effort, Milley added. "So it's important that we realign the forces, that we reinforce the capabilities that we're already doing, and that we regionalise the problem, including Pakistan, and that there's some sort of reconciliation process. At the end of the day, that's how that ends, and it ends successfully, and I believe that's achievable,' the General said. Milley said it was in the national security interest of the United States to maintain troops in Afghanistan. One of the American objectives since 2001 has been that Afghanistan no longer was a platform for terrorists to conduct strikes on the continental United States, or in the United States. "That's key. That's why we're there, and that's why we're still there," he said, adding that this can be achieved through a stable Afghanistan. "So what does that look like? It means that the armed opposition, the Taliban, Haqqani network, Al-Qaida, ISIS, K and all these other groups are reduced in terms of capability that they no longer present an existential threat to the regime in Kabul, and that the Afghan National Security Forces are at large," he said. "Their army, their police, their intelligence forces can handle the violent threat against the regime at a level that is something akin to crime or banditry," Milley said.

Taliban, Haqqani Network enjoy safe haven in Pak border region: US Army chief of staff to lawmakers

Nawaz Sharif's party has called the Supreme Court verdict against the former Pakistan Prime Minister a "joke". The Pakistan Supreme Court, in a landmark judgement, disqualified Sharif from holding office for life while hearing a case related to determination of time duration for disqualification of a lawmaker under the Constitution. Sharif, facing corruption charges, was disqualified under Article 62 (1)(f) of Pakistan's Constitution.

"This is the same decision that led to the hanging of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and to the assassination of Benazir Bhutto," PML-N leader and State Minister for Information Maryam Aurangzeb said.

"This joke has already been played on previous premiers and all 17 prime ministers of Pakistan have faced a similar fate," she added.

Article 62(1)(f) of Pakistan's Constitution specifies that a person shall not be qualified to be elected or chosen as a member of Majlis-e-Shoora (Parliament) "unless he is sagacious, righteous, non-profligate, honest and ameen, there being no declaration to the contrary by a court of law".

Friday's ruling addressed an ambiguity over Sharif's disqualification and whether he was barred from office for life or a specific period.

"None of the learned counsels, who appeared before us, confronted the elephant in the room i.e. the obvious interpretation of Article 62(1)(f) of the Constitution is that lack of the qualification to a Member is the effect of declaration by a Court of Law, which is the cause and period of lack of qualification would be co-extensive with the period to the cause i.e. declaration," the Pakistan Supreme Court said in its judgement.

"...this Court on more than one occasions has already held that lack of qualification suffered under Article 62(1)(f) of the Constitution is in perpetuity," the Supreme Court said.

Article 62 is the same provision under which Sharif, 68, was disqualified in July last year in the Panama Papers case. He resigned as prime minister in July last after his disqualification.

Three cases were registered against Sharif, his children and son-in-law in the court on September 8. His family, however, alleges that the cases are politically motivated.

Friday's ruling addressed an ambiguity over Sharif's disqualification and whether he was barred from office for life or a specific period.

Nawaz Sharif's party has called the Supreme Court verdict against the former Pakistan Prime Minister a "joke". The Pakistan Supreme Court, in a landmark judgement, disqualified Sharif from holding office for life while hearing a case related to determination of time duration for disqualification of a lawmaker under the Constitution. Sharif, facing corruption charges, was disqualified under Article 62 (1)(f) of Pakistan's Constitution. "This is the same decision that led to the hanging of Zulfikar Ali Bhutto and to the assassination of Benazir Bhutto," PML-N leader and State Minister for Information Maryam Aurangzeb said. "This joke has already been played on previous premiers and all 17 prime ministers of Pakistan have faced a similar fate," she added. Article 62(1)(f) of Pakistan's Constitution specifies that a person shall not be qualified to be elected or chosen as a member of Majlis-e-Shoora (Parliament) "unless he is sagacious, righteous, non-profligate, honest and ameen, there being no declaration to the contrary by a court of law". Friday's ruling addressed an ambiguity over Sharif's disqualification and whether he was barred from office for life or a specific period. "None of the learned counsels, who appeared before us, confronted the elephant in the room i.e. the obvious interpretation of Article 62(1)(f) of the Constitution is that lack of the qualification to a Member is the effect of declaration by a Court of Law, which is the cause and period of lack of qualification would be co-extensive with the period to the cause i.e. declaration," the Pakistan Supreme Court said in its judgement. "...this Court on more than one occasions has already held that lack of qualification suffered under Article 62(1)(f) of the Constitution is in perpetuity," the Supreme Court said. Article 62 is the same provision under which Sharif, 68, was disqualified in July last year in the Panama Papers case. He resigned as prime minister in July last after his disqualification. Three cases were registered against Sharif, his children and son-in-law in the court on September 8. His family, however, alleges that the cases are politically motivated.

Pak Supreme Court verdict disqualifying Nawaz Sharif a joke, says his party

American military attach&nbspColonel Joseph Emanuel Hall at the US embassy in Islamabad, who is facing charges of killing a Pakistani national and injuring other in a road accident, enjoys diplomatic immunity under the Vienna Convention, the US said to on Thursday.

"The individual involved is an accredited diplomat," a State Department spokesperson said, responding to a question on Hall, who over the weekend was involved in a fatal road accident in which one Pakistani motorcyclist lost his life while the pillion rider was injured.

Islamabad Police has urged the Pakistani Ministry of Interior that Hall may not be allowed to leave the country.

"In accordance with the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, the individual, like all diplomats, is immune from the criminal, civil and administrative jurisdiction of Pakistan and cannot be arrested, detained, or banned from leaving the country," the spokesperson said.

"For the safety and security of those involved, we cannot disclose the diplomat's current location. We are in close contact with the appropriate Pakistani officials," the spokesperson said, adding that the US embassy is co-operating with the investigation.

Meanwhile, State-run Voice of America reported that the US has not imposed any restriction on the travel of Pakistani diplomats in the US.

The US State Department has confirmed via email that there are "no restrictions on travel for Pakistani diplomats in the United States", despite reports that they will soon be subjected to new travel restrictions, VOA reported today.

American military attach Colonel Joseph Emanuel Hall at the US embassy in Islamabad, who is facing charges of killing a Pakistani national and injuring other in a road accident, enjoys diplomatic immunity under the Vienna Convention, the US said to on Thursday

American military attach&nbspColonel Joseph Emanuel Hall at the US embassy in Islamabad, who is facing charges of killing a Pakistani national and injuring other in a road accident, enjoys diplomatic immunity under the Vienna Convention, the US said to on Thursday. "The individual involved is an accredited diplomat," a State Department spokesperson said, responding to a question on Hall, who over the weekend was involved in a fatal road accident in which one Pakistani motorcyclist lost his life while the pillion rider was injured. Islamabad Police has urged the Pakistani Ministry of Interior that Hall may not be allowed to leave the country. "In accordance with the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, the individual, like all diplomats, is immune from the criminal, civil and administrative jurisdiction of Pakistan and cannot be arrested, detained, or banned from leaving the country," the spokesperson said. "For the safety and security of those involved, we cannot disclose the diplomat's current location. We are in close contact with the appropriate Pakistani officials," the spokesperson said, adding that the US embassy is co-operating with the investigation. Meanwhile, State-run Voice of America reported that the US has not imposed any restriction on the travel of Pakistani diplomats in the US. The US State Department has confirmed via email that there are "no restrictions on travel for Pakistani diplomats in the United States", despite reports that they will soon be subjected to new travel restrictions, VOA reported today.

Accused of killing Pakistani national, Colonel Hall enjoys diplomatic immunity under Vienna Convention: US

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/inflation-falls-for-third-straight-month-is-at-428-in-march-130104">Inflation falls for </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/inflation-falls-for-third-straight-month-is-at-428-in-march-130104">third</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/inflation-falls-for-third-straight-month-is-at-428-in-march-130104"> straight month, is at 4.28% in March</a>

Retail inflation slowed to 4.28 per cent in March, the third consecutive month of decline, mainly on account of easing food prices including vegetables, government data showed today.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/indian-star-shuttler-kidambi-srikanth-is-new-world-no-1-130094">Indian star shuttler Kidambi Srikanth is new World No. 1</a>

Kidambi Srikanth reached the top of men's singles rankings with 76895 points in the Badminton World Federation (BWF) chart which was released today. He became the first Indian shuttler to achieve the number one rank in the modern ranking system. Though legendary Indian shuttler Prakash Padukone had reached the number one spot in 1980 but at that time computerized ranking system was not implemented.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/laziness-incompetence-hidden-motives-of-previous-govt-hurt-indias-defence-modi-130089">'Laziness, incompetence' of </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/laziness-incompetence-hidden-motives-of-previous-govt-hurt-indias-defence-modi-130089">previous</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/laziness-incompetence-hidden-motives-of-previous-govt-hurt-indias-defence-modi-130089"> govt hurt India's defence: Modi</a>

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today hit out at the previous UPA government for "policy paralysis" in the defence sector and told foreign companies that it will not take a decade to take a decision on procurement of a batch of 110 fighter jets.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-could-face-us-aid-cuts-over-human-trafficking-sources-130086">Pakistan could face US aid cuts over human trafficking: Sources</a>

The Trump administration is warning Pakistan it could lose US civilian aid worth tens of millions of dollars this year if Washington finds that the South Asian nation has not done enough to combat human trafficking, US officials said.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/macron-says-has-proof-assad-regime-behind-syria-chemical-attack-130110">Macron says has 'proof' Assad regime behind Syria chemical attack</a>

Speaking to a television interview France President Emmanuel Macron has admitted to having proof about the Syrian government using chemical weapons on its civilians.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Inflation falls for third straight month, is at 4.28% in March Retail inflation slowed to 4.28 per cent in March, the third consecutive month of decline, mainly on account of easing food prices including vegetables, government data showed today. Indian star shuttler Kidambi Srikanth is new World No. 1 Kidambi Srikanth reached the top of men's singles rankings with 76895 points in the Badminton World Federation (BWF) chart which was released today. He became the first Indian shuttler to achieve the number one rank in the modern ranking system. Though legendary Indian shuttler Prakash Padukone had reached the number one spot in 1980 but at that time computerized ranking system was not implemented. 'Laziness, incompetence' of previous govt hurt India's defence: Modi Prime Minister Narendra Modi today hit out at the previous UPA government for "policy paralysis" in the defence sector and told foreign companies that it will not take a decade to take a decision on procurement of a batch of 110 fighter jets. Pakistan could face US aid cuts over human trafficking: Sources The Trump administration is warning Pakistan it could lose US civilian aid worth tens of millions of dollars this year if Washington finds that the South Asian nation has not done enough to combat human trafficking, US officials said. Macron says has 'proof' Assad regime behind Syria chemical attack Speaking to a television interview France President Emmanuel Macron has admitted to having proof about the Syrian government using chemical weapons on its civilians.

News brief: Big stories of the day

The Trump administration is warning Pakistan it could lose U.S. civilian aid worth tens of millions of dollars this year if Washington finds that the South Asian nation has not done enough to combat human trafficking, U.S. officials said.

An aid cutback would deal a fresh blow to US-Pakistan relations following President Donald Trump’s suspension in January of some $2 billion in US&nbspsecurity assistance over what Trump said was Islamabad's failure to crack down on Afghan insurgent sanctuaries used for attacks into Afghanistan.

A large portion of US&nbspcivilian aid - $265 million in 2017, according to a source at the US&nbspEmbassy in Islamabad – could be withheld if the State Department puts Pakistan on a list of worst global offenders in human trafficking in an annual report due out in June.

The funding is relatively modest for the size of Pakistan's economy. But Islamabad could suffer a heavier jolt if Washington also decides to oppose new assistance from international financial institutions such as the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.

These are all sanctions that the United States, under federal law, can impose on any country receiving the lowest grade on human trafficking unless Trump issues a full or partial waiver. He did so for most countries on last year's blacklist, following a pattern set by recent predecessors who were especially lenient on U.S. allies and partners.

By making good on its threat against Pakistan, the Trump administration would raise questions about whether it was using the Trafficking in Persons (TIP) report to pressure Islamabad to do more on counter-terrorism.

The report is not supposed to be influenced by other geopolitical considerations, but human rights groups accused the Trump administration last year, and the Obama administration before it, of sometimes prioritizing economic and security interests over human trafficking concerns.

Pakistani Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal told Reuters the country has "taken very stringent steps" against human trafficking and the issue "should not be used for political means to pressurize countries."

A senior Trump administration official said no decision on the ranking has been made, but that Pakistan, long an uneasy US&nbspally, has been told it can avoid a lower ranking - and a possible aid cut - only “if we see them making sincere efforts to address the problems that have been raised."

The U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity, denied any link between Pakistan’s cooperation with Trump’s strategy to force the Afghan Taliban into peace talks and the possible loss of U.S. civilian assistance, stressing that any TIP decision would be based solely on Islamabad’s human trafficking record.

The State Department declined to comment, except to cite the penalties available under the US&nbspanti-human trafficking law.

Pakistan has long rejected U.S. accusations that it provides Afghan Taliban and allied Haqqani network militants with sanctuaries from which they attack the Kabul government and U.S.-led foreign forces in Afghanistan.

CIVILIAN AID HANGS IN BALANCE

Future civilian aid hinges on Pakistan's rating in the State Department’s 2018 TIP report, an assessment of how more than 180 countries and territories are fighting human smuggling, modern slavery and related issues like child soldiers.

Pakistan has been on the report’s Tier 2 "Watch List" for four years, the limit a country can remain at the second-to-worst ranking. Unless it is upgraded, Pakistan will drop to Tier 3, the lowest rung, alongside Iran, North Korea and Syria, among others.

This would trigger the suspension of civilian assistance, except for humanitarian and trade-related aid, unless Trump, who has been stridently critical of Pakistan, waives the penalties. A Tier 3 rating assesses that a country does not comply with minimum U.S. standards against human trafficking.

Pakistan has struggled to eradicate bonded labour practices, especially in dirty brick kilns where children often work.

Iqbal said Pakistan would soon enact tougher laws. He did not confirm, however, that Washington had warned his government about potential aid cuts related to human trafficking.

“This cause is much more valuable than billions of dollars in aid because this is about human dignity," he told Reuters. "There has to be more understanding of the efforts that countries like us are doing."

Pakistani officials dismissed the impact of a loss of US&nbspcivilian aid, most of which flows through non-governmental organizations, on the country's growing economy of nearly $300 billion.

Still, they have expressed concern that Washington wants international bodies to punish Pakistan for not heeding Trump's South Asia security agenda.

&nbspIn February, urged by the United States and European powers, the Financial Action Task Force, a global money-laundering watchdog, placed Pakistan on a terrorist financing watchlist.

Pakistan fears Washington could use its vote in the IMF, to which the United States is the largest contributor, to oppose new loans to Islamabad. Pakistan's economic growth has surged to above 5 percent, but many analysts expect Pakistan to seek a new IMF bailout this year due to a ballooning current account deficit and dwindling foreign currency reserves.

An aid cutback would deal a fresh blow to US-Pakistan relations following President Donald Trump’s suspension in January of some $2 billion in U.S. security assistance

The Trump administration is warning Pakistan it could lose U.S. civilian aid worth tens of millions of dollars this year if Washington finds that the South Asian nation has not done enough to combat human trafficking, U.S. officials said. An aid cutback would deal a fresh blow to US-Pakistan relations following President Donald Trump’s suspension in January of some $2 billion in US&nbspsecurity assistance over what Trump said was Islamabad's failure to crack down on Afghan insurgent sanctuaries used for attacks into Afghanistan. A large portion of US&nbspcivilian aid - $265 million in 2017, according to a source at the US&nbspEmbassy in Islamabad – could be withheld if the State Department puts Pakistan on a list of worst global offenders in human trafficking in an annual report due out in June. The funding is relatively modest for the size of Pakistan's economy. But Islamabad could suffer a heavier jolt if Washington also decides to oppose new assistance from international financial institutions such as the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. These are all sanctions that the United States, under federal law, can impose on any country receiving the lowest grade on human trafficking unless Trump issues a full or partial waiver. He did so for most countries on last year's blacklist, following a pattern set by recent predecessors who were especially lenient on U.S. allies and partners. By making good on its threat against Pakistan, the Trump administration would raise questions about whether it was using the Trafficking in Persons (TIP) report to pressure Islamabad to do more on counter-terrorism. The report is not supposed to be influenced by other geopolitical considerations, but human rights groups accused the Trump administration last year, and the Obama administration before it, of sometimes prioritizing economic and security interests over human trafficking concerns. Pakistani Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal told Reuters the country has "taken very stringent steps" against human trafficking and the issue "should not be used for political means to pressurize countries." A senior Trump administration official said no decision on the ranking has been made, but that Pakistan, long an uneasy US&nbspally, has been told it can avoid a lower ranking - and a possible aid cut - only “if we see them making sincere efforts to address the problems that have been raised." The U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity, denied any link between Pakistan’s cooperation with Trump’s strategy to force the Afghan Taliban into peace talks and the possible loss of U.S. civilian assistance, stressing that any TIP decision would be based solely on Islamabad’s human trafficking record. The State Department declined to comment, except to cite the penalties available under the US&nbspanti-human trafficking law. Pakistan has long rejected U.S. accusations that it provides Afghan Taliban and allied Haqqani network militants with sanctuaries from which they attack the Kabul government and U.S.-led foreign forces in Afghanistan. CIVILIAN AID HANGS IN BALANCE Future civilian aid hinges on Pakistan's rating in the State Department’s 2018 TIP report, an assessment of how more than 180 countries and territories are fighting human smuggling, modern slavery and related issues like child soldiers. Pakistan has been on the report’s Tier 2 "Watch List" for four years, the limit a country can remain at the second-to-worst ranking. Unless it is upgraded, Pakistan will drop to Tier 3, the lowest rung, alongside Iran, North Korea and Syria, among others. This would trigger the suspension of civilian assistance, except for humanitarian and trade-related aid, unless Trump, who has been stridently critical of Pakistan, waives the penalties. A Tier 3 rating assesses that a country does not comply with minimum U.S. standards against human trafficking. Pakistan has struggled to eradicate bonded labour practices, especially in dirty brick kilns where children often work. Iqbal said Pakistan would soon enact tougher laws. He did not confirm, however, that Washington had warned his government about potential aid cuts related to human trafficking. “This cause is much more valuable than billions of dollars in aid because this is about human dignity," he told Reuters. "There has to be more understanding of the efforts that countries like us are doing." Pakistani officials dismissed the impact of a loss of US&nbspcivilian aid, most of which flows through non-governmental organizations, on the country's growing economy of nearly $300 billion. Still, they have expressed concern that Washington wants international bodies to punish Pakistan for not heeding Trump's South Asia security agenda. &nbspIn February, urged by the United States and European powers, the Financial Action Task Force, a global money-laundering watchdog, placed Pakistan on a terrorist financing watchlist. Pakistan fears Washington could use its vote in the IMF, to which the United States is the largest contributor, to oppose new loans to Islamabad. Pakistan's economic growth has surged to above 5 percent, but many analysts expect Pakistan to seek a new IMF bailout this year due to a ballooning current account deficit and dwindling foreign currency reserves.

Pakistan could face US aid cuts over human trafficking: Sources

Facebook is committed to ensure the integrity of key elections across the world, including in India, its founder Mark Zuckerberg said as he testified before the US Congress over the massive Cambridge Analytica scandal that has shaken the social media giant.

Zuckerberg's testimony came after it was revealed in March that British firm Cambridge Analytica tied to US President Donald Trump's 2016 campaign improperly collected profile data of up to 87 million Facebook users.

The scandal shook confidence in Facebook, leading some people to go as far as abandoning the social media site altogether&nbspa revolt called the hashtag #DeleteFacebook.

Zuckerberg, who is also the CEO of Facebook, said data privacy and foreign interference in elections were topics that they have discussed at the Facebook board meeting.

"These are some of the biggest issues that the company has faced, and we feel a huge responsibility to get these right," Zuckerberg told lawmakers during the Congressional hearing, adding that "this is one of my top priorities in 2018".

He said Facebook was taking steps to ensure the integrity of elections in countries like the United States, India, Brazil, and Pakistan.

"2018 is is an incredibly important year for elections. Not just in the US mid-terms, but, around the world, there are important elections -- in India, Brazil, Mexico, Pakistan, and Hungary -- and we want to make sure we do everything we can to protect the integrity of these elections," he said.

Zuckerberg organisation faces charges of failing to prevent Cambridge Analytica from gathering personal information of Facebook users to try to influence an election.

Zuckerberg said his one of the greatest regrets was that Facebook has been slow in identifying the Russian information operations in 2016.

"We expected them to do a number of more traditional cyber attacks, which we did identify and notify the campaigns that they were trying to hack into them," he said.

The Facebook CEO said he was now more confident as his company has set the things right. Since the 2016 election, there have been several important elections around the world where it has had a better record, he said.

There was the French presidential election. There was the German election. There was the US Senate Alabama special election last year," Zuckerberg added.

He said Facebook has deployed new Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools that better identify fake accounts, trying to interfere in elections or spread misinformation.

"Between those three elections, we were able to proactively remove tens of thousands of accounts before they could do significant harm," he said.

"And the nature of these attacks, though, is that there are people in Russia whose job is to try to exploit our systems and other internet systems, and other systems, as well. So this is an arms race, right? I mean, they're going to keep on getting better at this, and we need to invest in keeping on getting better at this, too, which is why one of the things I mentioned before is we're going to have more than 20,000 people, by the end of this year, working on security and content review across the company," he said.

Zuckerberg said they had developed tools which identify people when they try to create fake accounts.

Your content has to be authentic. So we build technical tools to try to identify when people are creating fake accounts, especially large networks of fake accounts, like the Russians have in order to remove all of that content," he said.

Zuckerberg said after the US 2016 election, Facebook's top priority was to protect the integrity of other elections around the world.

"What we're going to do is to ask a valid government identity and we're going to verify the location. We are going to do that so that someone sitting in Russia, for example, couldn't say that they're in America and, therefore, able to run an election ad," he said.

Mark Zuckerberg's testimony came after it was revealed in March that British firm Cambridge Analytica tied to US President Donald Trump's 2016 campaign improperly collected profile data of up to 87 million Facebook users

Facebook is committed to ensure the integrity of key elections across the world, including in India, its founder Mark Zuckerberg said as he testified before the US Congress over the massive Cambridge Analytica scandal that has shaken the social media giant. Zuckerberg's testimony came after it was revealed in March that British firm Cambridge Analytica tied to US President Donald Trump's 2016 campaign improperly collected profile data of up to 87 million Facebook users. The scandal shook confidence in Facebook, leading some people to go as far as abandoning the social media site altogether&nbspa revolt called the hashtag #DeleteFacebook. Zuckerberg, who is also the CEO of Facebook, said data privacy and foreign interference in elections were topics that they have discussed at the Facebook board meeting. "These are some of the biggest issues that the company has faced, and we feel a huge responsibility to get these right," Zuckerberg told lawmakers during the Congressional hearing, adding that "this is one of my top priorities in 2018". He said Facebook was taking steps to ensure the integrity of elections in countries like the United States, India, Brazil, and Pakistan. "2018 is is an incredibly important year for elections. Not just in the US mid-terms, but, around the world, there are important elections -- in India, Brazil, Mexico, Pakistan, and Hungary -- and we want to make sure we do everything we can to protect the integrity of these elections," he said. Zuckerberg organisation faces charges of failing to prevent Cambridge Analytica from gathering personal information of Facebook users to try to influence an election. Zuckerberg said his one of the greatest regrets was that Facebook has been slow in identifying the Russian information operations in 2016. "We expected them to do a number of more traditional cyber attacks, which we did identify and notify the campaigns that they were trying to hack into them," he said. The Facebook CEO said he was now more confident as his company has set the things right. Since the 2016 election, there have been several important elections around the world where it has had a better record, he said. There was the French presidential election. There was the German election. There was the US Senate Alabama special election last year," Zuckerberg added. He said Facebook has deployed new Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools that better identify fake accounts, trying to interfere in elections or spread misinformation. "Between those three elections, we were able to proactively remove tens of thousands of accounts before they could do significant harm," he said. "And the nature of these attacks, though, is that there are people in Russia whose job is to try to exploit our systems and other internet systems, and other systems, as well. So this is an arms race, right? I mean, they're going to keep on getting better at this, and we need to invest in keeping on getting better at this, too, which is why one of the things I mentioned before is we're going to have more than 20,000 people, by the end of this year, working on security and content review across the company," he said. Zuckerberg said they had developed tools which identify people when they try to create fake accounts. Your content has to be authentic. So we build technical tools to try to identify when people are creating fake accounts, especially large networks of fake accounts, like the Russians have in order to remove all of that content," he said. Zuckerberg said after the US 2016 election, Facebook's top priority was to protect the integrity of other elections around the world. "What we're going to do is to ask a valid government identity and we're going to verify the location. We are going to do that so that someone sitting in Russia, for example, couldn't say that they're in America and, therefore, able to run an election ad," he said.

Facebook committed to ensure integrity of elections in India, other countries: Zuckerberg

Pakistan has deported five Chinese engineers and workers engaged in the construction of a 126-km portion of the Gojra-Khanewal Motorway for their involvement in a clash with security personnel in Punjab province of the country.

Those deported include the project manager Xu libing, administration officer Tian Weijun, material and equipment engineer Wang Yifan, financial affairs manager Wang Yifan and field engineer Tan Yang.

"Five Chinese engineers and workers engaged in the construction of a 126-km portion of the Gojra-Khanewal Motorway from Dinpur to Khanewal Punjab have been deported. Police brought them to Lahore from where they were deported to Beijing yesterday," says Khanewal District Police Officer Rizwan Umer Gondal.

The Chinese nationals in question on April 4 allegedly had placed heavy machines on roads linking Kabirwala to Khanewal, some 350-km from Lahore, to protest against "unnecessary restriction on their movement."

They had also clashed with the personnel of a special protection unit of the police set up for the security of Chinese working in the country. They also allegedly damaged a vehicle of the unit. A video of their altercation between the Chinese had also gone viral on social media.

The government had formed a three-member committee that probed the matter. It held the Chinese national responsible for the clash and security violation. Declaring them persona non grata, it said, "the Chinese workers should have realised the sensitivity of the situation and should not have taken the law into their own hands."

The Chinese nationals in question were reportedly unhappy with restrictions on their movement and ban on visits by outsiders at night. They also wanted the removal of the special protection unit staff from their camp.&nbsp

Deported workers engaged in the construction of a 126-km portion of the Gojra-Khanewal Motorway

Pakistan has deported five Chinese engineers and workers engaged in the construction of a 126-km portion of the Gojra-Khanewal Motorway for their involvement in a clash with security personnel in Punjab province of the country. Those deported include the project manager Xu libing, administration officer Tian Weijun, material and equipment engineer Wang Yifan, financial affairs manager Wang Yifan and field engineer Tan Yang. "Five Chinese engineers and workers engaged in the construction of a 126-km portion of the Gojra-Khanewal Motorway from Dinpur to Khanewal Punjab have been deported. Police brought them to Lahore from where they were deported to Beijing yesterday," says Khanewal District Police Officer Rizwan Umer Gondal. The Chinese nationals in question on April 4 allegedly had placed heavy machines on roads linking Kabirwala to Khanewal, some 350-km from Lahore, to protest against "unnecessary restriction on their movement." They had also clashed with the personnel of a special protection unit of the police set up for the security of Chinese working in the country. They also allegedly damaged a vehicle of the unit. A video of their altercation between the Chinese had also gone viral on social media. The government had formed a three-member committee that probed the matter. It held the Chinese national responsible for the clash and security violation. Declaring them persona non grata, it said, "the Chinese workers should have realised the sensitivity of the situation and should not have taken the law into their own hands." The Chinese nationals in question were reportedly unhappy with restrictions on their movement and ban on visits by outsiders at night. They also wanted the removal of the special protection unit staff from their camp.

Pakistan deports five Chinese engineers and workers

Pakistan`s capital market regulator will introduce seven new standards covering a variety of Islamic finance transactions, as it fast-tracks the adoption of rules to help streamline industry practices.

The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) said it had opened a two-week public consultation period for the standards, which are to be issued by the Accounting and Auditing Organisation for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI).

The sharia standards cover areas including indices, liquidity tools, capital protection and agency agreements, and follow three other AAOIFI standards adopted in February.

The SECP published governance rules last month to cover sharia-compliant companies and securities, and it has also amended rules governing the issuance of Islamic bonds, or sukuk.

The sukuk funding format is attracting a wider number of issuers, such as Agha Steel Industries, which is planning to tap the market to raise 5 billion rupees ($43.3 million).

Javedan Corporation plans to sell sukuk worth 3 billion rupees for a middle-income housing project, and Pakistan Services Ltd intends to issue sukuk worth 7 billion rupees to finance construction of a hotel in the city of Mirpur.

Pakistan`s capital market regulator will introduce seven new standards covering a variety of Islamic finance transactions, as it fast-tracks the adoption of rules to help streamline industry practices

Pakistan`s capital market regulator will introduce seven new standards covering a variety of Islamic finance transactions, as it fast-tracks the adoption of rules to help streamline industry practices. The Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan (SECP) said it had opened a two-week public consultation period for the standards, which are to be issued by the Accounting and Auditing Organisation for Islamic Financial Institutions (AAOIFI). The sharia standards cover areas including indices, liquidity tools, capital protection and agency agreements, and follow three other AAOIFI standards adopted in February. The SECP published governance rules last month to cover sharia-compliant companies and securities, and it has also amended rules governing the issuance of Islamic bonds, or sukuk. The sukuk funding format is attracting a wider number of issuers, such as Agha Steel Industries, which is planning to tap the market to raise 5 billion rupees ($43.3 million). Javedan Corporation plans to sell sukuk worth 3 billion rupees for a middle-income housing project, and Pakistan Services Ltd intends to issue sukuk worth 7 billion rupees to finance construction of a hotel in the city of Mirpur.

Pakistan regulator to adopt 7 new Islamic finance standards

Indian sellers registered on the e-commerce giant Amazon could soon be able to find customers in Pakistan if the company is successful in holding a share in Pakistan-based fashion portal Clicky.pk.&nbsp;

Amazon bought Dubai company Souk which automatically gave the online retail giant a 33% stake in Click.pk. Souk had invested in the Pakistan fashion company in 2016.&nbsp;

Indian merchants will be able to sell products in Pakistan via Dubai if all goes to plan, reports said. Pakistan already has a list of 1,200 products which are forbidden to be imported from India which has led to an informal trade between the two&nbsp;countries mostly through Dubai and sometimes through Afghanistan.

Amazon and Click.pk have not made any remarks yet.&nbsp;

If the deal is cracked, Amazon&nbsp;could have a higher foothold in Pakistan - something that China's Alibaba has been planning to do.&nbsp;

Clicky.pk competes with players like Daraz. Pakistan’s online commerce market was estimated to be worth $100 million in 2017. Clicky.pk had raised nearly $1million by selling 33% stake to Souq in late 2016. In 2017, Amazon completed the acquisition of Souq for $580 million.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

If the deal is cracked, Amazone could have a higher foothold in Pakistan - something that China's Alibaba has been planning to do

Indian sellers registered on the e-commerce giant Amazon could soon be able to find customers in Pakistan if the company is successful in holding a share in Pakistan-based fashion portal Clicky.pk. Amazon bought Dubai company Souk which automatically gave the online retail giant a 33% stake in Click.pk. Souk had invested in the Pakistan fashion company in 2016. Indian merchants will be able to sell products in Pakistan via Dubai if all goes to plan, reports said. Pakistan already has a list of 1,200 products which are forbidden to be imported from India which has led to an informal trade between the two countries mostly through Dubai and sometimes through Afghanistan. Amazon and Click.pk have not made any remarks yet. If the deal is cracked, Amazon could have a higher foothold in Pakistan - something that China's Alibaba has been planning to do. Clicky.pk competes with players like Daraz. Pakistan’s online commerce market was estimated to be worth $100 million in 2017. Clicky.pk had raised nearly $1million by selling 33% stake to Souq in late 2016. In 2017, Amazon completed the acquisition of Souq for $580 million.

Indian sellers may soon be able to sell products in Pakistan as Amazon looks to acquire market

According to an Afghan official, Pakistan has fired nearly 200 rockets across the border. Provincial government spokesman Abdul Ghani Musamim reported the attack yesterday.

He further stated that the attack targetted the northeastern province of Kunar and killed one person. Nearly 300 residents had to flee due to the attack, Musamim added.

Pakistan has not reacted to the report.

Afghanistan and Pakistan have experienced sour relations due to cross-border terrorism and militant activity along the porous border. Both the nations have accused each other of failing to crack down on the militant operations.

According to an Afghan official, Pakistan has fired nearly 200 rockets across the border. Provincial government spokesman Abdul Ghani Musamim reported the attack yesterday. He further stated that the attack targetted the northeastern province of Kunar and killed one person. Nearly 300 residents had to flee due to the attack, Musamim added. Pakistan has not reacted to the report. Afghanistan and Pakistan have experienced sour relations due to cross-border terrorism and militant activity along the porous border. Both the nations have accused each other of failing to crack down on the militant operations.

Pakistan fired 200 rockets across border: Afghan officials

Militarism and militancy are not going to ensure a better future for Pakistan, said former Pakistan&nbsp;Ambassador to the United States Husain Haqqani on Tuesday.

Talking to ANI, the former Pakistan&nbsp;diplomat talked about Pakistani military's intervention in politics, terrorism, Pashtun uprising and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.

Maintaining that Pakistan&nbsp;military is not trained to intervene in the country's politics, Haqqani said military interventions in Pakistan&nbsp;politics have resulted in political chaos.

"Military interventions going back to 1958 have only brought war, destruction, or political chaos in the country. Pakistan&nbsp;people will start loving their military when it stops interfering and intervening in politics. If public opinion in Pakistan becomes so critical of the military's role in politics that the military realizes that its interventions are not acceptable to the people then the military's behaviour will also have to change," Haqqani said.

The Pakistan&nbsp;military has historically been interfering in the country's politics and has dethroned democratically elected governments many times.

Talking about jihadi elements getting safe havens in Pakistan, the former diplomat said, "As far as militants and jihadi outfits are concerned, they have already brought Pakistan on the brink of global sanctions. I think it is time to get rid of militancy without any conditions and Pakistani people can demand of their government action against militants."

Haqqani said it is high time that Pakistan corrects its pro-terror image in the world.

"Terrorism has become an issue that is now not only hurting India, Pakistan relations but also US-Pakistan relations. Many other countries are also becoming negative in their approach to Pakistan. So, Pakistan will have to change that perception around the world," Haqqani said.

He also said that Pakistan also needs to take action against Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) co-founder and Jama'at-ud-Da'wah (JUD) Hafiz Saeed as people like him do not bring pride to Pakistan.

"When somebody (Hafiz Saeed) has been declared a terrorist by the global community then all countries should act against such a person and Pakistan also needs to take steps that will redeem it in the eyes of the world. International opinion should not be flouted in the manner it has been by Pakistan in relation to Hafiz Saeed," Haqqani said.

Replying a question about Saeed's foray into politics, Haqqani hoped that Saeed does not make it to Parliament in Pakistan and said efforts to "mainstream a terrorist" is going to be problematic for Pakistan in terms of its relations with several countries of the world.

He said Saeed's political face 'the Milli Muslim League' has been recognized by the US as another name for the LeT.

"As far as the Milli Muslim League is concerned, the United States has just recognized it as another name for Lashkar-e-Taiba. One can keep changing the name many times but unless you change your actions, changing names will not change reality."

Expressing his views about the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Haqqani said China's investment in Pakistan is strategic so Islamabad should be alert as to not become indebted to China.

"China considers Pakistan as its strategic instrument for keeping in check India's ambitions in Asia. It also considers Pakistan as a secondary deterrent. Therefore, China's investment in Pakistan is strategic. That said, China does have a very capitalistic outlook right now. And, once they have invested heavily in, they will not go back without having their pound of flesh as they did in Sri Lanka in the case of Hambantota port," Haqqani said.

He added that Pakistan will get benefit out of the CPEC if it has a strong economic base.

"If Pakistan ends up becoming highly indebted to China, without creating jobs for its own people, then the CPEC will end up becoming a liability rather than an asset."

Talking about Pashtun movement in Pakistan, the former Pakistani diplomat said Pashtuns are not foreign agents as being alleged by the government but people who have been deprived of their just rights.

"Pashtuns have acted totally spontaneously and without any serious political organisation and that basically shows how a young Pakistani population is quite disgruntled with the situation they face. Pashtun Tahafuz Movement leaders are being termed as traitors and foreign agents. They are not foreign agents but they are people facing injustice and standing up for their rights," Haqqani said.

He also said that there will be many movements like Pashtun Tahafuz across Pakistan because Pakistani state has ignored too many people within the country to pursue objectives that have nothing to do with providing education, healthcare and justice to the poorest of poor.

Haqqani, who has written a book titled 'Reimagining Pakistan', said Pakistan should actually become a pragmatic state instead of an ideological nation that it has been trying to become from the last 70 years.

He said priorities of Pakistani people are being ignored due to religion-based ideology.

"The problem with having a religion based ideology and an ideology that envisages the country's largest neighbour (India) as the permanent enemy is that peoples' priorities get ignored," Haqqani said.

The diplomat turned author said instead of being obsessed with religion and with India as enemy, Pakistan should look after its own people as the nation with world's sixth largest has its economy on the 42nd number in the world.

The former Pakistan diplomat talked about Pakistan military's intervention in politics, terrorism, Pashtun uprising and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor

Militarism and militancy are not going to ensure a better future for Pakistan, said former Pakistan Ambassador to the United States Husain Haqqani on Tuesday. Talking to ANI, the former Pakistan diplomat talked about Pakistani military's intervention in politics, terrorism, Pashtun uprising and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. Maintaining that Pakistan military is not trained to intervene in the country's politics, Haqqani said military interventions in Pakistan politics have resulted in political chaos. "Military interventions going back to 1958 have only brought war, destruction, or political chaos in the country. Pakistan people will start loving their military when it stops interfering and intervening in politics. If public opinion in Pakistan becomes so critical of the military's role in politics that the military realizes that its interventions are not acceptable to the people then the military's behaviour will also have to change," Haqqani said. The Pakistan military has historically been interfering in the country's politics and has dethroned democratically elected governments many times. Talking about jihadi elements getting safe havens in Pakistan, the former diplomat said, "As far as militants and jihadi outfits are concerned, they have already brought Pakistan on the brink of global sanctions. I think it is time to get rid of militancy without any conditions and Pakistani people can demand of their government action against militants." Haqqani said it is high time that Pakistan corrects its pro-terror image in the world. "Terrorism has become an issue that is now not only hurting India, Pakistan relations but also US-Pakistan relations. Many other countries are also becoming negative in their approach to Pakistan. So, Pakistan will have to change that perception around the world," Haqqani said. He also said that Pakistan also needs to take action against Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) co-founder and Jama'at-ud-Da'wah (JUD) Hafiz Saeed as people like him do not bring pride to Pakistan. "When somebody (Hafiz Saeed) has been declared a terrorist by the global community then all countries should act against such a person and Pakistan also needs to take steps that will redeem it in the eyes of the world. International opinion should not be flouted in the manner it has been by Pakistan in relation to Hafiz Saeed," Haqqani said. Replying a question about Saeed's foray into politics, Haqqani hoped that Saeed does not make it to Parliament in Pakistan and said efforts to "mainstream a terrorist" is going to be problematic for Pakistan in terms of its relations with several countries of the world. He said Saeed's political face 'the Milli Muslim League' has been recognized by the US as another name for the LeT. "As far as the Milli Muslim League is concerned, the United States has just recognized it as another name for Lashkar-e-Taiba. One can keep changing the name many times but unless you change your actions, changing names will not change reality." Expressing his views about the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Haqqani said China's investment in Pakistan is strategic so Islamabad should be alert as to not become indebted to China. "China considers Pakistan as its strategic instrument for keeping in check India's ambitions in Asia. It also considers Pakistan as a secondary deterrent. Therefore, China's investment in Pakistan is strategic. That said, China does have a very capitalistic outlook right now. And, once they have invested heavily in, they will not go back without having their pound of flesh as they did in Sri Lanka in the case of Hambantota port," Haqqani said. He added that Pakistan will get benefit out of the CPEC if it has a strong economic base. "If Pakistan ends up becoming highly indebted to China, without creating jobs for its own people, then the CPEC will end up becoming a liability rather than an asset." Talking about Pashtun movement in Pakistan, the former Pakistani diplomat said Pashtuns are not foreign agents as being alleged by the government but people who have been deprived of their just rights. "Pashtuns have acted totally spontaneously and without any serious political organisation and that basically shows how a young Pakistani population is quite disgruntled with the situation they face. Pashtun Tahafuz Movement leaders are being termed as traitors and foreign agents. They are not foreign agents but they are people facing injustice and standing up for their rights," Haqqani said. He also said that there will be many movements like Pashtun Tahafuz across Pakistan because Pakistani state has ignored too many people within the country to pursue objectives that have nothing to do with providing education, healthcare and justice to the poorest of poor. Haqqani, who has written a book titled 'Reimagining Pakistan', said Pakistan should actually become a pragmatic state instead of an ideological nation that it has been trying to become from the last 70 years. He said priorities of Pakistani people are being ignored due to religion-based ideology. "The problem with having a religion based ideology and an ideology that envisages the country's largest neighbour (India) as the permanent enemy is that peoples' priorities get ignored," Haqqani said. The diplomat turned author said instead of being obsessed with religion and with India as enemy, Pakistan should look after its own people as the nation with world's sixth largest has its economy on the 42nd number in the world.

'Military interventions in Pakistan politics have resulted in political chaos,' says ex-Pakistan Ambassador to US

Pakistan President Mamnoon Hussain said today that if the South Asian countries do not learn to overcome their problems then the future generation will have to suffer from its repercussions.

Addressing the inaugural ceremony of 7th South Asian Conference on Sanitation here, he said it is necessary to promote mutual cooperation in South Asia by rising above the differences for the prosperity and wellbeing of people.

Hussain said that the current era belongs to Asia and South Asia is the heart of this world.

"The whole world is looking towards us economic corridor is reducing distances between different regions and it has laid the foundation for a new age of regional development and prosperity," he added.

The president emphasised that clean environment in South Asia is essential for the welfare of masses and economic development.

He underscored that basic amenities should be easily available to the people according to the international standards so that life could flourish in this region and investors from all across the world could invest here without any reservations.

He said that Pakistan has witnessed unprecedented progress in the field of sanitation and hygiene during the last three decades.&nbsp;

Hussain said that Pakistan has witnessed unprecedented progress in the field of sanitation and hygiene

Pakistan President Mamnoon Hussain said today that if the South Asian countries do not learn to overcome their problems then the future generation will have to suffer from its repercussions. Addressing the inaugural ceremony of 7th South Asian Conference on Sanitation here, he said it is necessary to promote mutual cooperation in South Asia by rising above the differences for the prosperity and wellbeing of people. Hussain said that the current era belongs to Asia and South Asia is the heart of this world. "The whole world is looking towards us economic corridor is reducing distances between different regions and it has laid the foundation for a new age of regional development and prosperity," he added. The president emphasised that clean environment in South Asia is essential for the welfare of masses and economic development. He underscored that basic amenities should be easily available to the people according to the international standards so that life could flourish in this region and investors from all across the world could invest here without any reservations. He said that Pakistan has witnessed unprecedented progress in the field of sanitation and hygiene during the last three decades.

South Asian countries should rise above differences: Pakistan President Mamnoon Hussain

Two Indian army soldiers were killed in Jammu and Kashmir's Sunderbani sector of Rajouri district during a shelling by Pakistan along the Line of Control (LoC) on Monday.&nbsp 
&nbsp 
"Pakistan Army initiated unprovoked and indiscriminate firing of small arms, automatics and mortars from 1715 hours in Sunderbanisector along the Line of Control (LoC) last night," a defence spokesman said.

The soldiers, Rifleman Vinod Singh and Rifleman Jaki Sharma, &nbspwere critically injured after which both of them succumbed to their injuries, the spokesperson informed.&nbsp

Singh, 24, belonged to Danapur village of Akhnoor district in Jammu and Kashmir. He is survived by his father, Ajit Singh. 
Sharma, 30, was from Sanhail village of Hiranagar district in Jammu. He is survived by his wife, Rajni Devi.

"Rifleman Vinod Singh and Rifleman Jaki Sharma were brave and sincere soldiers. The nation will always remain indebted to the brave hearts for their supreme sacrifice and devotion to duty," the defence spokesperson said.&nbsp

The fresh ceasefire violation comes four days after an army officer was injured when Pakistan Army violated ceasefire on Line of Control (LoC) in Nowshera sector of Rajouri district.&nbsp

(With inputs from PTI)

The soldiers, Rifleman Vinod Singh and Rifleman Jaki Sharma, were critically injured after which both of them succumbed to their injuries, the spokesperson informed

Two Indian army soldiers were killed in Jammu and Kashmir's Sunderbani sector of Rajouri district during a shelling by Pakistan along the Line of Control (LoC) on Monday. "Pakistan Army initiated unprovoked and indiscriminate firing of small arms, automatics and mortars from 1715 hours in Sunderbanisector along the Line of Control (LoC) last night," a defence spokesman said. The soldiers, Rifleman Vinod Singh and Rifleman Jaki Sharma, &nbspwere critically injured after which both of them succumbed to their injuries, the spokesperson informed. Singh, 24, belonged to Danapur village of Akhnoor district in Jammu and Kashmir. He is survived by his father, Ajit Singh. Sharma, 30, was from Sanhail village of Hiranagar district in Jammu. He is survived by his wife, Rajni Devi. "Rifleman Vinod Singh and Rifleman Jaki Sharma were brave and sincere soldiers. The nation will always remain indebted to the brave hearts for their supreme sacrifice and devotion to duty," the defence spokesperson said. The fresh ceasefire violation comes four days after an army officer was injured when Pakistan Army violated ceasefire on Line of Control (LoC) in Nowshera sector of Rajouri district. (With inputs from PTI)

2 Indian army soldiers dead after unprovoked shelling by Pakistan

Noted senior Pakistani journalist Nusrat Javed has claimed that the United States (US) has imposed drastic sanctions on the Pakistani diplomats posted in Washington DC, saying, seeking permission to cross the radius of 25 kilometres will be mandatory for them from May 1.

"The US has made it mandatory for the Pakistani diplomats posted in Washington DC to seek permission to step outside the radius of 25 kilometres since May 1," said Nusrat on a TV show titled 'Bol Bol Pakistan.'

With this move, the diplomatic relations between the US and Pakistan, are expected to sour further, which are already going through a rough patch following an American envoy allegedly running down three people in Islamabad earlier this month.

"The restrictions are the ones which the US usually imposes on the countries it despises. For instance, the Russian diplomats have been expelled out of the country (over the poisoning of a former spy in Britain). However, such restrictions have not been slapped on Russia," the senior journalist noted.

Colonel Joseph Emanuel Hall, Defence and Air attache at the US Embassy in Pakistan, on Saturday, ran down three persons in Daman-e-Koh, north of Islamabad, prompting Pakistan to summon the US Ambassador David Hale to lodge a formal protest.

However, unlike American intelligence operative Raymond Davis, who, in 2011, was arrested in Lahore on charges of killing two Pakistani citizens, stirring up a massive diplomatic rift with Islamabad, Hall is not in police custody and is back on the embassy compound.

Earlier, the US State Department had conveyed to the Pakistan Embassy in Washington DC that if it does not ease the travel of the US diplomats, reciprocal restrictions will be imposed on the Pakistan envoys in the US from May 1, including restrictions on travel beyond 25 kilometres of the city of posting.&nbsp

The diplomatic relations between the US and Pakistan are already going through a rough patch

Noted senior Pakistani journalist Nusrat Javed has claimed that the United States (US) has imposed drastic sanctions on the Pakistani diplomats posted in Washington DC, saying, seeking permission to cross the radius of 25 kilometres will be mandatory for them from May 1. "The US has made it mandatory for the Pakistani diplomats posted in Washington DC to seek permission to step outside the radius of 25 kilometres since May 1," said Nusrat on a TV show titled 'Bol Bol Pakistan.' With this move, the diplomatic relations between the US and Pakistan, are expected to sour further, which are already going through a rough patch following an American envoy allegedly running down three people in Islamabad earlier this month. "The restrictions are the ones which the US usually imposes on the countries it despises. For instance, the Russian diplomats have been expelled out of the country (over the poisoning of a former spy in Britain). However, such restrictions have not been slapped on Russia," the senior journalist noted. Colonel Joseph Emanuel Hall, Defence and Air attache at the US Embassy in Pakistan, on Saturday, ran down three persons in Daman-e-Koh, north of Islamabad, prompting Pakistan to summon the US Ambassador David Hale to lodge a formal protest. However, unlike American intelligence operative Raymond Davis, who, in 2011, was arrested in Lahore on charges of killing two Pakistani citizens, stirring up a massive diplomatic rift with Islamabad, Hall is not in police custody and is back on the embassy compound. Earlier, the US State Department had conveyed to the Pakistan Embassy in Washington DC that if it does not ease the travel of the US diplomats, reciprocal restrictions will be imposed on the Pakistan envoys in the US from May 1, including restrictions on travel beyond 25 kilometres of the city of posting.

US imposed drastic restrictions on Pak diplomats in Washington DC: Pakistani journalist

By Khalid Bashir Shah

At 12:36 pm on April 9, 2018, Farooq Dar looks at his watch and says that at around this time last year he had been tied to an Indian Army jeep which doing the rounds of villages in Jammu and Kashmir's Budgam district.

The incident triggered a national debate which went on for many months and every now and then, the debate makes a return to the national headlines.&nbsp;

While the Indian Army awarded Major Leetul Gogoi, the officer who tied Farooq to the jeep, for saving people's lives and thinking strategically during a stone-pelting incident, Farooq’s life has been turned upside down.&nbsp;

He has had no employment or income this past year.&nbsp;

"Today is my birthday because on the same day I was tied to a car. God put me in this misery and pulled me out of the misery. This became my new birthday. IT was my mistake that I came out to cast the vote. After casting the vote I was tied to the car. This is the the exact time when I was tied to the vehicle. It is one o'clock and at this time I was near Arizal village tied to the vehicle," says Farooq.&nbsp;

"It was my fault to cast the vote, I was used as a human shield immediately after casting my vote. Is this my fault or of the person who tied me to the vehicle? If I had been the stone pelter, let them prove I was a stone pelter. At least there should have been some investigation and the man who tied me to the vehicle should have been asked why he tied me to the vehicle."

Farooq worked as an embroidery artist before, for want of a better word, the "incident".&nbsp;

He is fighting his legal battle with help from his lawyer, Ahsan Untoo. Other than his lawyer, no one else has come forward with support. The Jammu and Kashmir Human Rights Commission had sanctioned Farooq relief of a million rupees but the government turned it down.&nbsp;

"Problem is that I have lost my peace of mind, I am barely able to relax. If I go anywhere, people say, 'The human shield guy has come, he was paid 10 lakh, he has no worry. Only my lawyer came to rescue me and told me stand on my feet and I will fight for your justice. If my lawyer, Mohammad Ahsan Untoo, hadn’t supported me, my life would have gotten over."

Most recently a furore erupted in the Kashmir valley after a company began making <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kashmir-man-tied-to-jeep-now-theres-a-t-shirt-and-another-controversy-126473">T-shirts</a> showing Farooq tied to the Indian Army jeep. And then the Tiger Shroff movie Baaghi 2 also depicted the incident.&nbsp;

These, says Farooq, are an assault on his wounds.&nbsp;

"If anyone gets a small injury, and even if the injury starts healing, if there is a scratch on that clot... The wound will start bleeding again. That is what happens to my mind, my heart and my soul, when such things happen," he says.&nbsp;

"We have sent a legal notice to T-shirt people and to the film directors as well. Now the high court will deal with them."&nbsp;

He also talks about his lack of employment, saying, "No I don’t do any work. I used to work as a daily wage labourer and now that is now possible either. No one is willing to give me employment."

"They think the CID guys will be after me. Police will be searching for me, media will be following. The employees think if they take me for employment, their money will go to waste." &nbsp;

Dar has had no employment — people are too scared to hire him — since he was tied to an Indian Army jeep and used as a 'human shield' exactly a year ago

By Khalid Bashir Shah At 12:36 pm on April 9, 2018, Farooq Dar looks at his watch and says that at around this time last year he had been tied to an Indian Army jeep which doing the rounds of villages in Jammu and Kashmir's Budgam district. The incident triggered a national debate which went on for many months and every now and then, the debate makes a return to the national headlines. While the Indian Army awarded Major Leetul Gogoi, the officer who tied Farooq to the jeep, for saving people's lives and thinking strategically during a stone-pelting incident, Farooq’s life has been turned upside down. He has had no employment or income this past year. "Today is my birthday because on the same day I was tied to a car. God put me in this misery and pulled me out of the misery. This became my new birthday. IT was my mistake that I came out to cast the vote. After casting the vote I was tied to the car. This is the the exact time when I was tied to the vehicle. It is one o'clock and at this time I was near Arizal village tied to the vehicle," says Farooq. "It was my fault to cast the vote, I was used as a human shield immediately after casting my vote. Is this my fault or of the person who tied me to the vehicle? If I had been the stone pelter, let them prove I was a stone pelter. At least there should have been some investigation and the man who tied me to the vehicle should have been asked why he tied me to the vehicle." Farooq worked as an embroidery artist before, for want of a better word, the "incident". He is fighting his legal battle with help from his lawyer, Ahsan Untoo. Other than his lawyer, no one else has come forward with support. The Jammu and Kashmir Human Rights Commission had sanctioned Farooq relief of a million rupees but the government turned it down. "Problem is that I have lost my peace of mind, I am barely able to relax. If I go anywhere, people say, 'The human shield guy has come, he was paid 10 lakh, he has no worry. Only my lawyer came to rescue me and told me stand on my feet and I will fight for your justice. If my lawyer, Mohammad Ahsan Untoo, hadn’t supported me, my life would have gotten over." Most recently a furore erupted in the Kashmir valley after a company began making T-shirts showing Farooq tied to the Indian Army jeep. And then the Tiger Shroff movie Baaghi 2 also depicted the incident. These, says Farooq, are an assault on his wounds. "If anyone gets a small injury, and even if the injury starts healing, if there is a scratch on that clot... The wound will start bleeding again. That is what happens to my mind, my heart and my soul, when such things happen," he says. "We have sent a legal notice to T-shirt people and to the film directors as well. Now the high court will deal with them." He also talks about his lack of employment, saying, "No I don’t do any work. I used to work as a daily wage labourer and now that is now possible either. No one is willing to give me employment." "They think the CID guys will be after me. Police will be searching for me, media will be following. The employees think if they take me for employment, their money will go to waste."

There should have been an investigation: 'Human shield' Farooq Dar says 1 year on

China today welcomed the fence-mending visit of Pakistan Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi to Afghanistan, terming it as an "important step" to improve the strained ties between the two neighbours.

China is promoting a trilateral approach with Pakistan and Afghanistan and encouraging both of them to bury their differences over the Taliban as it seeks to connect its ambitious China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) with Kabul.

Abbasi's "visit is an important step for improving the relations between the two countries. It demonstrates firm resolution of the two country to enhance dialogue and cooperation," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told a media briefing here today.

During Abbasi's day-long visit to Afghanistan on Friday, the two sides agreed to take action against fugitives and the irreconcilable militants under a bilateral agreement for regional peace and security.

Geng said that China noticed that the two countries reached a consensus on the Afghan peace process.

Without directly referring to the CPEC, which is opposed by India as it is being laid through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, Geng said Pakistan and Afghanistan amity "enhance regional connectivity".

"China highly appreciates and firmly supports it (Abbasi's visit). This is conducive to the early achievement of peace in Afghanistan and also conducive peace and development," he said.

"As a neighbour and friend of Pakistan and Afghanistan, China is willing to play a constructive role in improving the relation between the two counties and actively promoting China, Pakistan and Afghanistan trilateral cooperation," he said.

China for the first time held a trilateral meeting of the foreign ministers of the three countries here in December last where it proposed the extension of CPEC to Afghanistan much to the disquiet of India.

A study report titled Asian Competitiveness Annual Report 2018 released yesterday on the sidelines of Boao Forum for Asia in China's Boao city said CPEC the "flagship" project of the Belt and Road Initiative is being extended to Afghanistan.

"CPEC a flagship project under the Belt and Road Initiative, has not only improved local infrastructure but also is extending toward Afghanistan, reducing poverty, the hotbed of terrorism, and bringing better prospects for local people's lives," state-run Xinhua news agency quoted the report as saying.&nbsp

During Abbasi's day-long visit to Afghanistan on Friday, the two sides agreed to take action against fugitives and the irreconcilable militants under a bilateral agreement

China today welcomed the fence-mending visit of Pakistan Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi to Afghanistan, terming it as an "important step" to improve the strained ties between the two neighbours. China is promoting a trilateral approach with Pakistan and Afghanistan and encouraging both of them to bury their differences over the Taliban as it seeks to connect its ambitious China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) with Kabul. Abbasi's "visit is an important step for improving the relations between the two countries. It demonstrates firm resolution of the two country to enhance dialogue and cooperation," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told a media briefing here today. During Abbasi's day-long visit to Afghanistan on Friday, the two sides agreed to take action against fugitives and the irreconcilable militants under a bilateral agreement for regional peace and security. Geng said that China noticed that the two countries reached a consensus on the Afghan peace process. Without directly referring to the CPEC, which is opposed by India as it is being laid through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, Geng said Pakistan and Afghanistan amity "enhance regional connectivity". "China highly appreciates and firmly supports it (Abbasi's visit). This is conducive to the early achievement of peace in Afghanistan and also conducive peace and development," he said. "As a neighbour and friend of Pakistan and Afghanistan, China is willing to play a constructive role in improving the relation between the two counties and actively promoting China, Pakistan and Afghanistan trilateral cooperation," he said. China for the first time held a trilateral meeting of the foreign ministers of the three countries here in December last where it proposed the extension of CPEC to Afghanistan much to the disquiet of India. A study report titled Asian Competitiveness Annual Report 2018 released yesterday on the sidelines of Boao Forum for Asia in China's Boao city said CPEC the "flagship" project of the Belt and Road Initiative is being extended to Afghanistan. "CPEC a flagship project under the Belt and Road Initiative, has not only improved local infrastructure but also is extending toward Afghanistan, reducing poverty, the hotbed of terrorism, and bringing better prospects for local people's lives," state-run Xinhua news agency quoted the report as saying.

Pakistan PM's Afghan visit 'important step' to improve strained ties: China

An editorial published in a Pakistani daily has cautioned Pakistan to avoid an overtly sympathetic approach to extremism and groups espousing such causes, as not doing so, could germinate new forms of terror on its soil, and lead to more critical finger pointing by the international community.

The editorial, which has been published in the Express Tribune, says, " An ambivalent or equivocal attitude to extremism, in some instances a barely concealed sympathy for extremist groups, makes fertile ground for terror to germinate in and subsequently for entities such as the UNSC to point the finger so convincingly. The rest of the world reads these lists as well - and Pakistan makes its choices."

While it describes as unfortunate Pakistan's appearance and description on several global lists indirectly as a problematic nation without specifically acknowledging that terror flourishes from its soil, the editorial further states, "Some of those listed have been arrested but many are not, and as time passes and terrorist and extremist groups continue to recruit many without let or hindrance, and the pool of future terrorist grows, so does the problem. Their names are not yet on any list but they may be in future. Therein lies the root of the problem for Pakistan."

On the latest list issued by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) of 139 individuals as terrorists and entities, it says, "There will be those that disagree with the presence of some individuals and organisations on the list, but in a majority of cases the evidence is clear and growing."

"Such lists rarely shrink over time unless the state in question is successfully and longitudinally countering terrorism. Using this list as a basis for argument there will be those that say that Pakistan has failed in that respect, and failed consistently and over time," the Express Tribune editorial concludes.&nbsp;

The editorial describes as unfortunate Pakistan's appearance and description on several global lists indirectly as a problematic nation

An editorial published in a Pakistani daily has cautioned Pakistan to avoid an overtly sympathetic approach to extremism and groups espousing such causes, as not doing so, could germinate new forms of terror on its soil, and lead to more critical finger pointing by the international community. The editorial, which has been published in the Express Tribune, says, " An ambivalent or equivocal attitude to extremism, in some instances a barely concealed sympathy for extremist groups, makes fertile ground for terror to germinate in and subsequently for entities such as the UNSC to point the finger so convincingly. The rest of the world reads these lists as well - and Pakistan makes its choices." While it describes as unfortunate Pakistan's appearance and description on several global lists indirectly as a problematic nation without specifically acknowledging that terror flourishes from its soil, the editorial further states, "Some of those listed have been arrested but many are not, and as time passes and terrorist and extremist groups continue to recruit many without let or hindrance, and the pool of future terrorist grows, so does the problem. Their names are not yet on any list but they may be in future. Therein lies the root of the problem for Pakistan." On the latest list issued by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) of 139 individuals as terrorists and entities, it says, "There will be those that disagree with the presence of some individuals and organisations on the list, but in a majority of cases the evidence is clear and growing." "Such lists rarely shrink over time unless the state in question is successfully and longitudinally countering terrorism. Using this list as a basis for argument there will be those that say that Pakistan has failed in that respect, and failed consistently and over time," the Express Tribune editorial concludes.

Pakistan could germinate new forms of terror: Pakistani daily

A woman's legs were brutally chopped off by her brothers over a property dispute in Khanewal city in Pakistan's Punjab province, a media report said today.

The woman, a local farm worker, had asked her brothers to give her share in an inherited property. When rejected, she had threatened to move the court, The News reported.

But before she could move the court, her brothers attacked her with axes and chopped off her legs, the paper said.

The woman was shifted to the district hospital Khanewal, but later transferred to Multan's Nishtar Hospital, where she is stated to be in a critical condition.

Police have started investigation and are conducting raids to arrest the accused.&nbsp 
&nbsp

The woman, a local farm worker, had asked for a share of the siblings' inherited property. When rejected, she had threatened to move court

A woman's legs were brutally chopped off by her brothers over a property dispute in Khanewal city in Pakistan's Punjab province, a media report said today. The woman, a local farm worker, had asked her brothers to give her share in an inherited property. When rejected, she had threatened to move the court, The News reported. But before she could move the court, her brothers attacked her with axes and chopped off her legs, the paper said. The woman was shifted to the district hospital Khanewal, but later transferred to Multan's Nishtar Hospital, where she is stated to be in a critical condition. Police have started investigation and are conducting raids to arrest the accused.

Brothers chop off sister's legs over property dispute in Pak's Punjab

A protest was organised by over one lakh Pashtuns in Pakistan's Peshawar region on Sunday.

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The protest rally held against the Pakistan government and the security forces demanded an intervention of International community in the conflicted Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA).

The protesters also demanded the release of suspects arrested by authorities over alleged links to militants.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/anti-pakistan-protests-across-pok-to-mark-1947-invasion-22724">Anti-Pakistan protests across PoK to mark 1947 invasion</a>

Shouting slogans against the security forces the people demanded to clear mines planted in their areas.

Anti Pak protests are frequently staged in various parts of Pakistan including PoK and Balochistan.

Such protests are also organised by International community in Geneva, London and New York.&nbsp;

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/baloch-republican-party-holds-anti-pakistan-protest-in-geneva-35082">Baloch Republican Party holds </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/baloch-republican-party-holds-anti-pakistan-protest-in-geneva-35082">anti-Pakistan</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/baloch-republican-party-holds-anti-pakistan-protest-in-geneva-35082"> protest in Geneva</a>

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Over 100,000 Pashtuns held a rally in Peshawar against Pakistan govt earlier today. The protesters demanded international community to intervene in the war crimes in Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). <a href="https://t.co/W8eUIu8z38">pic.twitter.com/W8eUIu8z38</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/983005191225184257?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 8, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

The protest rally held against the Pakistan government and the security forces demanded an intervention of International community in the conflicted Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA)

A protest was organised by over one lakh Pashtuns in Pakistan's Peshawar region on Sunday. × The protest rally held against the Pakistan government and the security forces demanded an intervention of International community in the conflicted Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). The protesters also demanded the release of suspects arrested by authorities over alleged links to militants. Also read: Anti-Pakistan protests across PoK to mark 1947 invasion Shouting slogans against the security forces the people demanded to clear mines planted in their areas. Anti Pak protests are frequently staged in various parts of Pakistan including PoK and Balochistan. Such protests are also organised by International community in Geneva, London and New York. Also read: Baloch Republican Party holds anti-Pakistan protest in Geneva Over 100,000 Pashtuns held a rally in Peshawar against Pakistan govt earlier today. The protesters demanded international community to intervene in the war crimes in Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). pic.twitter.com/W8eUIu8z38 — ANI (@ANI) April 8, 2018 ×

Pashtuns protest against Pak government, demand international intervention in FATA

Pakistan is holding direct talks with Russia for the procurement of sophisticated military hardware, including air defence systems, fighter jets and battle tanks, a media report said on Sunday.

Defence Minister Khurram Dastgir Khan confirmed that Islamabad was interested in buying weapons from Moscow in an interview to the Russian news agency Sputnik, The Express Tribune reported.

"Air defence system is a different kind of weapon we are interested. We are very much interested in a very wide range of the Russian weapons technology. We are in negotiations [on air defence systems] and once we conclude negotiations, we will be able to announce them," Khan said.

The defence minister also outlined that Islamabad was interested in acquiring T-90 tanks from Moscow as part of a long-term deal rather than committing itself to a single purchase.

"We are interested in tanks T-90 and it is not going to be a one-time purchase but it is going to be a long-term commitment," Khan was quoted as saying by the agency.

He added that negotiations for the purchase of Russian Su-35 fighter jets are in their early stages, and an agreement in this regard may be reached "in the next few years", according to the Russian website.

The defence minister noted that both Pakistan and Russia were interested in a stable and democratic Afghanistan.

(With PTI inputs)&nbsp

"We are interested in tanks T-90 and it is not going to be a one-time purchase but it is going to be a long-term commitment," Khan was quoted as saying

Pakistan is holding direct talks with Russia for the procurement of sophisticated military hardware, including air defence systems, fighter jets and battle tanks, a media report said on Sunday. Defence Minister Khurram Dastgir Khan confirmed that Islamabad was interested in buying weapons from Moscow in an interview to the Russian news agency Sputnik, The Express Tribune reported. "Air defence system is a different kind of weapon we are interested. We are very much interested in a very wide range of the Russian weapons technology. We are in negotiations [on air defence systems] and once we conclude negotiations, we will be able to announce them," Khan said. The defence minister also outlined that Islamabad was interested in acquiring T-90 tanks from Moscow as part of a long-term deal rather than committing itself to a single purchase. "We are interested in tanks T-90 and it is not going to be a one-time purchase but it is going to be a long-term commitment," Khan was quoted as saying by the agency. He added that negotiations for the purchase of Russian Su-35 fighter jets are in their early stages, and an agreement in this regard may be reached "in the next few years", according to the Russian website. The defence minister noted that both Pakistan and Russia were interested in a stable and democratic Afghanistan. (With PTI inputs)

Pak in talks with Russia for procurement of sophisticated arms: Report

National Conference president Farooq Abdullah today sought that the Line of Control (LoC) should be converted into a 'Line of Peace' while India and Pakistan should initiate the dialogue process with an active involvement of the people of Jammu and Kashmir to usher harmony and tranquillity in the state.

He cautioned the Centre against taking the people of J&K "for granted and ignoring" their legitimate aspirations. He said the claims that demonetization had curbed stone pelting had fallen flat and expressed concern that "youth were now taking to guns".

India and Pakistan should resume the dialogue process and engage people of Jammu and Kashmir in an acceptable solution, Abdullah said addressing party workers at Balakote in Poonch district. Sagacity lies in acknowledging realities and shedding the baggage of the past, he said.

Referring to the Indo-Pak hostilities in 1990s, he said former prime minister Atal Behari Vajpayee had invited the then Pakistan president Parvez Musharraf despite the Kargil incursion and his political wisdom worked in terms of a cease-fire agreement which brought cheer to the lives of border people.

"Why can't Vajpayee's spirit be emulated by his political inheritors," he said warning that extreme positions could lead to devastation and destruction in the entire region.

Reiterating his party's demand for greater autonomy to the state, the former chief minister said internal autonomy within the framework of Indian Constitution and conversion of Line of Control (LoC) into Line of Peace was the pragmatic way forward.

"The people of the state decided their future in 1947 by acceding to Mahatma Gandhi's secular India and they will fight all machinations of reversing these well-established credentials by polarising forces. "India is not religion specific but a country of all, irrespective of religion, region and caste. This legacy cannot be trampled on by fringe elements, currently holding the centre-stage in Indian politics, as a majority of Hindus disapprove politics of polarisation and division,"&nbsp;he said.

Without naming BJP, he said the current spell of governance in New Delhi had created chaos all over, with people feeling their identities threatened and thus taking to streets.

Abdullah expressed concern over the "dicey political situation" saying he would keep his fingers crossed about things to happen in case the present arrangement is repeated in New Delhi in 2019.

"India cannot flourish with a myopic political vision. It has been a forward-looking country, which has to move forward as a strong, stable and a united nation," he added.

Abdullah cautioned people against the divisive politics, saying attempts were being made to create a&nbsp;wedge in the society on the basis of region and religion. "All this is being done with a sinister motive of fragmenting Jammu and Kashmir into three different regions", he said and warned those nurturing this "nightmarish dream".

National Conference would fight these designs tooth and nail, he said.

Earlier, at a public meeting at Mandi in Poonch district, Abdullah cautioned the Centre against taking the people of Jammu and Kashmir for granted.

"The claims that demonetization had put an end to stone pelting in Jammu and Kashmir have fallen flat as the youth were now taking to guns. The situation, therefore, cannot be allowed to drift anymore,"&nbsp;he said.

The former chief minister called for earnest initiatives to reach out to the people and urged the Centre to resolve the issues which are essentially political in nature and try to win over the alienated hearts and minds by shunning the policy of "creating divisions".

The MP reiterated the need for Indo-Pak dialogue and said Line of Control (LoC) should be converted into 'Line of Peace and Goodwill' to enable unhindered people to people exchange and trade.

Abdullah said the conversion of LoC into Line of Peace would benefit peoples living along the borders on both sides, who have been braving the brunt of hostilities.

He referred to the violence over the alleged "dilution" of SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and said machinations are being engineered to end reservation.

"The present dispensation at the Centre is working against the interests of farmers, weaker sections, and minorities," he alleged.

The NC president also blamed the PDP-BJP dispensation in Jammu and Kashmir for "failing" to deliver.

"The lack of accountability and mis-governance have added to the miseries of the people, who are feeling let down on every front,"&nbsp;he claimed.&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

India and Pakistan should resume the dialogue process and engage people of Jammu and Kashmir in an acceptable solution, Abdullah said

National Conference president Farooq Abdullah today sought that the Line of Control (LoC) should be converted into a 'Line of Peace' while India and Pakistan should initiate the dialogue process with an active involvement of the people of Jammu and Kashmir to usher harmony and tranquillity in the state. He cautioned the Centre against taking the people of J&K "for granted and ignoring" their legitimate aspirations. He said the claims that demonetization had curbed stone pelting had fallen flat and expressed concern that "youth were now taking to guns". India and Pakistan should resume the dialogue process and engage people of Jammu and Kashmir in an acceptable solution, Abdullah said addressing party workers at Balakote in Poonch district. Sagacity lies in acknowledging realities and shedding the baggage of the past, he said. Referring to the Indo-Pak hostilities in 1990s, he said former prime minister Atal Behari Vajpayee had invited the then Pakistan president Parvez Musharraf despite the Kargil incursion and his political wisdom worked in terms of a cease-fire agreement which brought cheer to the lives of border people. "Why can't Vajpayee's spirit be emulated by his political inheritors," he said warning that extreme positions could lead to devastation and destruction in the entire region. Reiterating his party's demand for greater autonomy to the state, the former chief minister said internal autonomy within the framework of Indian Constitution and conversion of Line of Control (LoC) into Line of Peace was the pragmatic way forward. "The people of the state decided their future in 1947 by acceding to Mahatma Gandhi's secular India and they will fight all machinations of reversing these well-established credentials by polarising forces. "India is not religion specific but a country of all, irrespective of religion, region and caste. This legacy cannot be trampled on by fringe elements, currently holding the centre-stage in Indian politics, as a majority of Hindus disapprove politics of polarisation and division," he said. Without naming BJP, he said the current spell of governance in New Delhi had created chaos all over, with people feeling their identities threatened and thus taking to streets. Abdullah expressed concern over the "dicey political situation" saying he would keep his fingers crossed about things to happen in case the present arrangement is repeated in New Delhi in 2019. "India cannot flourish with a myopic political vision. It has been a forward-looking country, which has to move forward as a strong, stable and a united nation," he added. Abdullah cautioned people against the divisive politics, saying attempts were being made to create a wedge in the society on the basis of region and religion. "All this is being done with a sinister motive of fragmenting Jammu and Kashmir into three different regions", he said and warned those nurturing this "nightmarish dream". National Conference would fight these designs tooth and nail, he said. Earlier, at a public meeting at Mandi in Poonch district, Abdullah cautioned the Centre against taking the people of Jammu and Kashmir for granted. "The claims that demonetization had put an end to stone pelting in Jammu and Kashmir have fallen flat as the youth were now taking to guns. The situation, therefore, cannot be allowed to drift anymore," he said. The former chief minister called for earnest initiatives to reach out to the people and urged the Centre to resolve the issues which are essentially political in nature and try to win over the alienated hearts and minds by shunning the policy of "creating divisions". The MP reiterated the need for Indo-Pak dialogue and said Line of Control (LoC) should be converted into 'Line of Peace and Goodwill' to enable unhindered people to people exchange and trade. Abdullah said the conversion of LoC into Line of Peace would benefit peoples living along the borders on both sides, who have been braving the brunt of hostilities. He referred to the violence over the alleged "dilution" of SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act and said machinations are being engineered to end reservation. "The present dispensation at the Centre is working against the interests of farmers, weaker sections, and minorities," he alleged. The NC president also blamed the PDP-BJP dispensation in Jammu and Kashmir for "failing" to deliver. "The lack of accountability and mis-governance have added to the miseries of the people, who are feeling let down on every front," he claimed.

India's legacy cannot be trampled on by fringe elements: Farooq Abdullah

The controversial China-Pakistan Economic Corridor - the flagship project of China's ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) - is being extended to Afghanistan, a study report said Sunday.

The BRI has injected "fresh vitality" to Asia's economic cooperation and helped the continent to reshape its international relations, said the Asian Competitiveness Annual Report 2018 released here on the sidelines of China's Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) annual conference.

China in December had unveiled its plans to extend the&nbsp;50 billion CPEC to Afghanistan which has sparked concerns in India.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi during his meeting with his Pakistan and Afghan counterparts had offered to extend CPEC to Afghanistan.

"China and Pakistan are willing to look at with Afghanistan, on the basis of win-win, mutually beneficial principles, using an appropriate means to extend the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor to Afghanistan," Wang had said at the trilateral foreign ministers' meeting.

The BFA was formed by China in 2001 on the lines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, and holds its meeting every year.

This year's forum to be held till April 11 has opened at Boao today a coastal town in the southern island province of Hainan. President Xi Jinping is due to address the conference.

"China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship project under the Belt and Road Initiative, has not only improved local infrastructure but also is extending toward Afghanistan, reducing poverty, the hotbed of terrorism, and bringing better prospects for local people's lives," state-run Xinhua news agency quoted the report as saying.

The multi-billion-dollar BRI, the pet project of Xi has become a major stumbling block in India-China relations as CPEC has been listed as its "flagship project".

India has protested to China over CPEC, which is being built through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK).

Outlining India's concerns on BRI, Indian Ambassador to China, Gautam Bambawale told Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post recently that "when we talk about development projects or connectivity projects, they must be transparent, fair and equal. There are certain internationally accepted norms for such projects".

"If a project meets those norms, we will be happy to take part in it. One of the norms is the project should not violate the sovereignty and territorial integrity of a country. Unfortunately, there is this thing called CPEC, which is called a flagship project of BRI which violates India's sovereignty and territory integrity. Therefore, we oppose it," he said.

Earlier, he told state-run Global Times that both countries should resolve differences. "This is a major problem for us. We need to talk about it, not push it under the carpet," he said.&nbsp;

China in December had unveiled its plans to extend the 50 billion CPEC to Afghanistan which has sparked concerns in India

The controversial China-Pakistan Economic Corridor - the flagship project of China's ambitious Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) - is being extended to Afghanistan, a study report said Sunday. The BRI has injected "fresh vitality" to Asia's economic cooperation and helped the continent to reshape its international relations, said the Asian Competitiveness Annual Report 2018 released here on the sidelines of China's Boao Forum for Asia (BFA) annual conference. China in December had unveiled its plans to extend the 50 billion CPEC to Afghanistan which has sparked concerns in India. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi during his meeting with his Pakistan and Afghan counterparts had offered to extend CPEC to Afghanistan. "China and Pakistan are willing to look at with Afghanistan, on the basis of win-win, mutually beneficial principles, using an appropriate means to extend the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor to Afghanistan," Wang had said at the trilateral foreign ministers' meeting. The BFA was formed by China in 2001 on the lines of the World Economic Forum in Davos, and holds its meeting every year. This year's forum to be held till April 11 has opened at Boao today a coastal town in the southern island province of Hainan. President Xi Jinping is due to address the conference. "China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a flagship project under the Belt and Road Initiative, has not only improved local infrastructure but also is extending toward Afghanistan, reducing poverty, the hotbed of terrorism, and bringing better prospects for local people's lives," state-run Xinhua news agency quoted the report as saying. The multi-billion-dollar BRI, the pet project of Xi has become a major stumbling block in India-China relations as CPEC has been listed as its "flagship project". India has protested to China over CPEC, which is being built through Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). Outlining India's concerns on BRI, Indian Ambassador to China, Gautam Bambawale told Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post recently that "when we talk about development projects or connectivity projects, they must be transparent, fair and equal. There are certain internationally accepted norms for such projects". "If a project meets those norms, we will be happy to take part in it. One of the norms is the project should not violate the sovereignty and territorial integrity of a country. Unfortunately, there is this thing called CPEC, which is called a flagship project of BRI which violates India's sovereignty and territory integrity. Therefore, we oppose it," he said. Earlier, he told state-run Global Times that both countries should resolve differences. "This is a major problem for us. We need to talk about it, not push it under the carpet," he said.

China-Pakistan Economic Corridor being extended to Afghanistan: Report

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