Citing continuing support to cross-border terrorism from Pakistan, India on Saturday said it was difficult to proceed with the South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation (SAARC) initiative under current circumstances.

The issue of organising the SAARC Summit came up for discussion during a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Nepalese counterpart KP Sharma Oli, who is in India on a three-day visit.

"The Prime Minister (Modi) mentioned that he very enthusiastically participated in the Kathmandu (SAARC) summit, but given the current state of play where there is cross-border terrorism - and this is a disruptive force in the region, it is difficult in such circumstances to proceed with such initiatives," Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale told reporters.

SAARC Summits are usually held biennially and are hosted by a member state in alphabetical order. The member state hosting the summit assumes the Chair of the Association.

The last SAARC Summit in 2014 was held in Kathmandu, which was attended by PM Modi.

The 2016 SAARC Summit was to be held in Islamabad.

But after the terrorist attack on an Indian Army camp in Uri in Jammu and Kashmir on September 18 that year, India expressed its inability to participate in the summit due to "prevailing circumstances" and stepped up diplomatic pressure on Pakistan. 19 Indian soldiers had died in the attack.

The summit was called off after Bangladesh, Bhutan and Afghanistan also declined to participate in the Islamabad meet.

Maldives and Sri Lanka are the seventh and eighth members of the initiative.

During his visit to Kathmandu last month, Pakistani Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi sought Mr Oli's support for convening the SAARC Summit in Islamabad.

Abbasi has also urged Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena "to play his role for early convening of the summit".

"While India is very supportive of all regional connectivity and regional cooperation issues, the views expressed by the Prime Minister (Modi) was Prime Minister Oil was well aware of the circumstances," Mr Gokhale said.

The foreign secretary said the Nepalese prime minister told PM Modi he was looking forward to host the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation Summit or BIMSTEC this year. BIMSTEC excludes Pakistan.

Oli also gave a "positive reference" to the sub-regional Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal (BBIN) initiative, Mr Gokhale said.

Citing continuing support to cross-border terrorism from Pakistan, India on Saturday said it was difficult to proceed with the South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation (SAARC) initiative under current circumstances

Citing continuing support to cross-border terrorism from Pakistan, India on Saturday said it was difficult to proceed with the South Asian Association of Regional Cooperation (SAARC) initiative under current circumstances. The issue of organising the SAARC Summit came up for discussion during a meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his Nepalese counterpart KP Sharma Oli, who is in India on a three-day visit. "The Prime Minister (Modi) mentioned that he very enthusiastically participated in the Kathmandu (SAARC) summit, but given the current state of play where there is cross-border terrorism - and this is a disruptive force in the region, it is difficult in such circumstances to proceed with such initiatives," Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale told reporters. SAARC Summits are usually held biennially and are hosted by a member state in alphabetical order. The member state hosting the summit assumes the Chair of the Association. The last SAARC Summit in 2014 was held in Kathmandu, which was attended by PM Modi. The 2016 SAARC Summit was to be held in Islamabad. But after the terrorist attack on an Indian Army camp in Uri in Jammu and Kashmir on September 18 that year, India expressed its inability to participate in the summit due to "prevailing circumstances" and stepped up diplomatic pressure on Pakistan. 19 Indian soldiers had died in the attack. The summit was called off after Bangladesh, Bhutan and Afghanistan also declined to participate in the Islamabad meet. Maldives and Sri Lanka are the seventh and eighth members of the initiative. During his visit to Kathmandu last month, Pakistani Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi sought Mr Oli's support for convening the SAARC Summit in Islamabad. Abbasi has also urged Sri Lankan President Maithripala Sirisena "to play his role for early convening of the summit". "While India is very supportive of all regional connectivity and regional cooperation issues, the views expressed by the Prime Minister (Modi) was Prime Minister Oil was well aware of the circumstances," Mr Gokhale said. The foreign secretary said the Nepalese prime minister told PM Modi he was looking forward to host the Bay of Bengal Initiative for Multi-Sectoral Technical and Economic Cooperation Summit or BIMSTEC this year. BIMSTEC excludes Pakistan. Oli also gave a "positive reference" to the sub-regional Bangladesh, Bhutan, India and Nepal (BBIN) initiative, Mr Gokhale said.

Difficult to proceed with SAARC initiative under current circumstances: India

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is going to conduct its biggest ever combat exercise along Pakistan and China borders.

The exercise- Gagan Shakti, 2018- will be taking place between April 10 to 23. Depending upon the order of the Air Force Chief, the Air Force will mobilise its assets in the war scenario within 48 hours of the orders.

Meanwhile, the IAF is readying to mobilise its entire asset and equipment inventory to conduct its biggest exercise ever.

IAF will mobilise more than 1100 combat, transport and rotary wing (helicopter) aircraft in order to practice the real time scenario, to be conducted day and night, of Combat with the enemy encompassing along Pakistan border in the Western areas and along China border in the Northern areas.

For the first time, the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft Tejas will be taking part in the exercise and will perform both the offensive and defensive roles. Navy's Maritime Combat Aircraft MiG 29s will also take part.

As per the protocol, Pakistan has been informed. The scale of the exercise can be gauged from the fact that just from Air Force more than 300 officers and more than 15,000 airmen have been mobilised. Joint operations scenario with the Army and the Navy are part of this exercise.

The pan India synergised exercise will showcase the multi spectrum capabilities, both offensive and defensive. The IAF will conduct all terrain operations- desert, high altitude, maritime scenarios and special operations- in the real time.

Mobility and resilience of air combat operations will be visible from the fact that Aircraft from Bhuj in Gujarat will fly towards Assam and conduct bombing and simultaneously aircraft from Assam will fly towards deserts of Rajasthan and will do bombing. Also, inter valley transfer of troops and equipments will be performed.

A senior IAF officer on the condition of anonymity told ANI, "The exercise will cover from the heights of 20,000 ft to the extreme hot areas of the desert and also the maritime scenarios. We will be utilising all the Air Force firing ranges. The IAF will be conducting landing at Advanced Landing Grounds, Improvised Airstrips and helipads."

During the exercise, 1100 aircraft will be flying three-four sorties in a day with the cumulative sorties reaching to the count of 3300 to 4400 in a day.

In order to maintain optimum turn around, keeping the aircraft Combat ready Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) will be placing their technicians at the maintenance bases. Apart from the Defence assets there is participation of the railways and civil aviation manpower and machinery.

The exercise- Gagan Shakti, 2018- will be taking place from April 10 to 23. Depending upon the order of the Air Force Chief, the Air Force will mobilise its assets in the war scenario within 48 hours of the orders

The Indian Air Force (IAF) is going to conduct its biggest ever combat exercise along Pakistan and China borders. The exercise- Gagan Shakti, 2018- will be taking place between April 10 to 23. Depending upon the order of the Air Force Chief, the Air Force will mobilise its assets in the war scenario within 48 hours of the orders. Meanwhile, the IAF is readying to mobilise its entire asset and equipment inventory to conduct its biggest exercise ever. IAF will mobilise more than 1100 combat, transport and rotary wing (helicopter) aircraft in order to practice the real time scenario, to be conducted day and night, of Combat with the enemy encompassing along Pakistan border in the Western areas and along China border in the Northern areas. For the first time, the indigenous Light Combat Aircraft Tejas will be taking part in the exercise and will perform both the offensive and defensive roles. Navy's Maritime Combat Aircraft MiG 29s will also take part. As per the protocol, Pakistan has been informed. The scale of the exercise can be gauged from the fact that just from Air Force more than 300 officers and more than 15,000 airmen have been mobilised. Joint operations scenario with the Army and the Navy are part of this exercise. The pan India synergised exercise will showcase the multi spectrum capabilities, both offensive and defensive. The IAF will conduct all terrain operations- desert, high altitude, maritime scenarios and special operations- in the real time. Mobility and resilience of air combat operations will be visible from the fact that Aircraft from Bhuj in Gujarat will fly towards Assam and conduct bombing and simultaneously aircraft from Assam will fly towards deserts of Rajasthan and will do bombing. Also, inter valley transfer of troops and equipments will be performed. A senior IAF officer on the condition of anonymity told ANI, "The exercise will cover from the heights of 20,000 ft to the extreme hot areas of the desert and also the maritime scenarios. We will be utilising all the Air Force firing ranges. The IAF will be conducting landing at Advanced Landing Grounds, Improvised Airstrips and helipads." During the exercise, 1100 aircraft will be flying three-four sorties in a day with the cumulative sorties reaching to the count of 3300 to 4400 in a day. In order to maintain optimum turn around, keeping the aircraft Combat ready Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) and Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL) will be placing their technicians at the maintenance bases. Apart from the Defence assets there is participation of the railways and civil aviation manpower and machinery.

IAF to conduct biggest combat exercise along Pak, China borders

<a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/india-news/pnb-scam-non-bailable-warrants-issued-against-nirav-modi-mehul-choksi-on-cbi-plea-129156">PNB scam: Non-bailable warrants issued against Nirav Modi, Mehul Choksi on CBI plea</a>

A special CBI court in Mumbai has issued non-bailable warrants (NBWs) against billionaire diamantaire Nirav Modi and his uncle Mehul Choksi in connection with the cases related to over $2 billion banking fraud in the Punjab National Bank, officials said in New Delhi on Sunday.

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Rajinikanth on Sunday urged IPL franchise Chennai and its fans to wear a black armband as a show of solidarity with the protests in Tamil Nadu calling for the quick set up of a Cauvery management board.&nbsp&nbsp

<a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/india-news/china-objects-to-indias-transgression-in-arunachal-pradesh-india-rejects-the-protest-129126">China objects to India's 'transgression' in Arunachal Pradesh India rejects the protest</a>

In yet another incident of discord, the Chinese military last month strongly protested against what it called the Indian Army's transgressions into the strategically sensitive Asaphila area along the border in Arunachal Pradesh, but the Indian side roundly dismissed the complaint, official sources said.

<a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/india-news/worst-behind-us-will-be-out-of-nirav-modi-mess-in-6-months-pnb-md--129125">Worst behind </a><a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/india-news/worst-behind-us-will-be-out-of-nirav-modi-mess-in-6-months-pnb-md--129125">us,</a><a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/india-news/worst-behind-us-will-be-out-of-nirav-modi-mess-in-6-months-pnb-md--129125"> will be out of Nirav Modi mess in 6 months: PNB MD</a>

The worst is over for PNB and it will come out of the mess created by the Nirav Modi fraud case in six months, the state-run lender's Managing Director Sunil Mehta said Sunday.

<a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-afghanistan-to-act-against-fugitives-irreconcilable-militants-129127">Pakistan, Afghanistan to act against fugitives, irreconcilable militants</a>

Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to take action against fugitives and the irreconcilable militants under a bilateral agreement for regional peace and security, the Foreign Office said today.

PNB scam: Non-bailable warrants issued against Nirav Modi, Mehul Choksi on CBI plea A special CBI court in Mumbai has issued non-bailable warrants (NBWs) against billionaire diamantaire Nirav Modi and his uncle Mehul Choksi in connection with the cases related to over $2 billion banking fraud in the Punjab National Bank, officials said in New Delhi on Sunday. Rajinikanth wants Chennai players to wear black armbands. This is why Rajinikanth on Sunday urged IPL franchise Chennai and its fans to wear a black armband as a show of solidarity with the protests in Tamil Nadu calling for the quick set up of a Cauvery management board. China objects to India's 'transgression' in Arunachal Pradesh India rejects the protest In yet another incident of discord, the Chinese military last month strongly protested against what it called the Indian Army's transgressions into the strategically sensitive Asaphila area along the border in Arunachal Pradesh, but the Indian side roundly dismissed the complaint, official sources said. Worst behind us, will be out of Nirav Modi mess in 6 months: PNB MD The worst is over for PNB and it will come out of the mess created by the Nirav Modi fraud case in six months, the state-run lender's Managing Director Sunil Mehta said Sunday. Pakistan, Afghanistan to act against fugitives, irreconcilable militants Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to take action against fugitives and the irreconcilable militants under a bilateral agreement for regional peace and security, the Foreign Office said today.

Newsbrief: Big stories of the day

Pakistan's former military ruler Pervez Musharraf shall not return to the country until an interim government is formed. Musharraf is supposed to appear before a special Pakistani court in a high treason court.&nbsp;

The former president and chief of All Pakistan Muslim League (APML) has postponed his plan to return from the UAE. According to reports, the incumbent government will not provide him the security he had applied for.

Musharraf is likely to return by the end of May or early June this year as soon as an interim government is formed, a party leader told media.

The 74-year-old retired general has been living in Dubai since last year after he was allowed to leave Pakistan for his medical treatment.

Musharraf had ruled Pakistan from 1999 to 2008. He had sought adequate security from the government for his return. A&nbsp;petition was moved to the interior ministry as the former president faced security threats.

A new application will be filed with the federal government seeking foolproof security for Musharraf.

Musharraf was indicted in March 2014 on treason charges for imposing emergency in Pakistan. The move led to the confinement of a number of superior court judges in their houses and sacking of over 100 judges.

Former President of Pakistan has been declared "proclaimed offender" by courts in the treason and the Benazir Bhutto assassination cases.

 
&nbsp;

Musharraf was indicted in March 2014 on treason charges for imposing emergency in the Pakistan

Pakistan's former military ruler Pervez Musharraf shall not return to the country until an interim government is formed. Musharraf is supposed to appear before a special Pakistani court in a high treason court. The former president and chief of All Pakistan Muslim League (APML) has postponed his plan to return from the UAE. According to reports, the incumbent government will not provide him the security he had applied for. Musharraf is likely to return by the end of May or early June this year as soon as an interim government is formed, a party leader told media. The 74-year-old retired general has been living in Dubai since last year after he was allowed to leave Pakistan for his medical treatment. Musharraf had ruled Pakistan from 1999 to 2008. He had sought adequate security from the government for his return. A petition was moved to the interior ministry as the former president faced security threats. A new application will be filed with the federal government seeking foolproof security for Musharraf. Musharraf was indicted in March 2014 on treason charges for imposing emergency in Pakistan. The move led to the confinement of a number of superior court judges in their houses and sacking of over 100 judges. Former President of Pakistan has been declared "proclaimed offender" by courts in the treason and the Benazir Bhutto assassination cases.

Pervez Musharraf postpones plan to return to Pakistan

Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to take action against fugitives and the irreconcilable militants under a bilateral agreement for regional peace and security, the Foreign Office said today.

In a statement, it said that the two sides have agreed to "operationalise the working groups under Afghanistan-Pakistan Action Plan for Peace and Solidarity (APAPPS)" during Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi's visit to Kabul on April 6.

It said that Pakistan was committed to "support the Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace and reconciliation."

"The two countries to undertake effective actions against fugitives and the irreconcilable elements posing security threats to either of the two countries," it further said.

"Both countries commit to deny use of their respective territories by any country, network, group or individuals for anti-state activities against either country," according to APAPPS.

They agreed to put in place a joint supervision, coordination and confirmation mechanism through Liaison Officers for realisation of the agreed actions.

The two countries vowed to avoid territorial and aerial violations of each other's territory.

The two countries also agreed to avoid public blame game and instead use APAPPS cooperation mechanisms to respond to mutual issues of contention and concerns.

They would establish Working Groups and necessary cooperation mechanism as per APAPPS for full its implementation and the above mutually reinforcing principles.

The APAPPS was agreed in February and the officials of the two countries held several high level meetings before it was decided to operationalize the agreement.&nbsp

The two countries vowed to avoid territorial and aerial violations of each other's territory

Pakistan and Afghanistan have agreed to take action against fugitives and the irreconcilable militants under a bilateral agreement for regional peace and security, the Foreign Office said today. In a statement, it said that the two sides have agreed to "operationalise the working groups under Afghanistan-Pakistan Action Plan for Peace and Solidarity (APAPPS)" during Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi's visit to Kabul on April 6. It said that Pakistan was committed to "support the Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace and reconciliation." "The two countries to undertake effective actions against fugitives and the irreconcilable elements posing security threats to either of the two countries," it further said. "Both countries commit to deny use of their respective territories by any country, network, group or individuals for anti-state activities against either country," according to APAPPS. They agreed to put in place a joint supervision, coordination and confirmation mechanism through Liaison Officers for realisation of the agreed actions. The two countries vowed to avoid territorial and aerial violations of each other's territory. The two countries also agreed to avoid public blame game and instead use APAPPS cooperation mechanisms to respond to mutual issues of contention and concerns. They would establish Working Groups and necessary cooperation mechanism as per APAPPS for full its implementation and the above mutually reinforcing principles. The APAPPS was agreed in February and the officials of the two countries held several high level meetings before it was decided to operationalize the agreement.

Pakistan, Afghanistan to act against fugitives, irreconcilable militants

Pakistan is working on a draft bill to permanently ban Mumbai attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed-led Jamaat-ud Dawa as well as other terror groups and individuals on the watch list of the interior ministry, a move which has the backing of the powerful military establishment.

The bill will replace the presidential ordinance that banned outfits and people already on the watch list of the interior ministry, Dawn reported today.

Citing its sources in the law ministry, the paper reported that the proposed draft bill to amend the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA), 1997 was likely to be tabled in the upcoming session of the National Assembly scheduled to commence tomorrow.

The law ministry was involved in the process for the purpose of vetting the proposed draft bill, the sources said, adding that the military establishment was also on board.

The powerful military establishment enjoys considerable influence over policy decisions in Pakistan.

The government decided to prepare a draft bill to amend the ATA as part of its damage-control campaign after the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) approved a nomination proposal tabled jointly by the US, the UK, France and Germany to place

Pakistan on the international watchdog's money-laundering and terror-financing grey list in February.

Earlier, President Mamnoon Hussain had promulgated the ordinance amending the ATA to include entities listed by the UNSC as proscribed groups but it will expire in 120 days.

The National Assembly can extend it for another four months after which it has to be tabled before both the houses - National Assembly and the Senate - for further extension.

Through the ordinance, amendments were made to ATA's Section 11-B that sets out parameters for proscription of groups and Section 11-EE that describes the grounds for listing of individuals. In both sections, Sub-Section 'aa' was added.

According to the sub-section, organisations and individuals "listed under the United Nations (Security Council) Act, 1948 (XIV of 1948), or" will be included in the First Schedule (for organisations) and Fourth Schedule (for individuals), respectively, on an ex parte basis.

Under Section 11-EE, the requirements were: "(a) concerned in terrorism (b) an activist, office-bearer or an associate of an organisation kept under observation under section 11D or proscribed under section 11B and (c) in any way concerned or suspected to be concerned with such organisation or affiliated with any group or organisation suspected to be involved in terrorism or sectarianism or acting on behalf of, or at the direction of, any person or organisation proscribed under this Act."

In addition to the draft bill, Pakistan is also preparing a consolidated database of known terrorists and terrorist organisations which will be accessible to financial institutions and law-enforcement agencies of the country to strengthen the regime against money laundering and terror financing.

For the enforcement of prohibition of funds and financial services, it was recommended to the authorities to ensure that statutory regulatory orders issued under UNSC Resolutions-1267 and - 1373 (issued under ATA) are implemented without delay.

The government would also frame the ATA's freezing and seizure rules and ensure that Anti-Terrorism Amendment Ordinance 2018 is enacted through the parliament, according to the draft action plan.

The amendment to the ATA would also enable investigation officers to be trained to investigate sources of funding besides other financial aspects in terrorism cases.

The presidential ordinance has already been challenged by Saeed in the Islamabad High Court. He claimed that the ordinance had been promulgated due to external pressure and hence was not only prejudicial to the sovereignty but also contradictory to the fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution.

Saeed was listed under UN Security Council Resolution 1267 in December 2008.

His JuD is believed to be the front organisation for the LeT which is responsible for carrying out the Mumbai attack that killed 166 people. It has been declared as a foreign terrorist organisation by the US in June 2014.

When contacted, Barrister Zafarullah Khan, special assistant to the prime minister, said that the amendment to the ATA was a subject of the interior ministry. He added the law would not introduce anything new, as it would basically ensure compliance to the UNSC Resolutions.&nbsp;

The bill will replace the presidential ordinance that banned outfits and people already on the watch list of the interior ministry

Pakistan is working on a draft bill to permanently ban Mumbai attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed-led Jamaat-ud Dawa as well as other terror groups and individuals on the watch list of the interior ministry, a move which has the backing of the powerful military establishment. The bill will replace the presidential ordinance that banned outfits and people already on the watch list of the interior ministry, Dawn reported today. Citing its sources in the law ministry, the paper reported that the proposed draft bill to amend the Anti-Terrorism Act (ATA), 1997 was likely to be tabled in the upcoming session of the National Assembly scheduled to commence tomorrow. The law ministry was involved in the process for the purpose of vetting the proposed draft bill, the sources said, adding that the military establishment was also on board. The powerful military establishment enjoys considerable influence over policy decisions in Pakistan. The government decided to prepare a draft bill to amend the ATA as part of its damage-control campaign after the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) approved a nomination proposal tabled jointly by the US, the UK, France and Germany to place Pakistan on the international watchdog's money-laundering and terror-financing grey list in February. Earlier, President Mamnoon Hussain had promulgated the ordinance amending the ATA to include entities listed by the UNSC as proscribed groups but it will expire in 120 days. The National Assembly can extend it for another four months after which it has to be tabled before both the houses - National Assembly and the Senate - for further extension. Through the ordinance, amendments were made to ATA's Section 11-B that sets out parameters for proscription of groups and Section 11-EE that describes the grounds for listing of individuals. In both sections, Sub-Section 'aa' was added. According to the sub-section, organisations and individuals "listed under the United Nations (Security Council) Act, 1948 (XIV of 1948), or" will be included in the First Schedule (for organisations) and Fourth Schedule (for individuals), respectively, on an ex parte basis. Under Section 11-EE, the requirements were: "(a) concerned in terrorism (b) an activist, office-bearer or an associate of an organisation kept under observation under section 11D or proscribed under section 11B and (c) in any way concerned or suspected to be concerned with such organisation or affiliated with any group or organisation suspected to be involved in terrorism or sectarianism or acting on behalf of, or at the direction of, any person or organisation proscribed under this Act." In addition to the draft bill, Pakistan is also preparing a consolidated database of known terrorists and terrorist organisations which will be accessible to financial institutions and law-enforcement agencies of the country to strengthen the regime against money laundering and terror financing. For the enforcement of prohibition of funds and financial services, it was recommended to the authorities to ensure that statutory regulatory orders issued under UNSC Resolutions-1267 and - 1373 (issued under ATA) are implemented without delay. The government would also frame the ATA's freezing and seizure rules and ensure that Anti-Terrorism Amendment Ordinance 2018 is enacted through the parliament, according to the draft action plan. The amendment to the ATA would also enable investigation officers to be trained to investigate sources of funding besides other financial aspects in terrorism cases. The presidential ordinance has already been challenged by Saeed in the Islamabad High Court. He claimed that the ordinance had been promulgated due to external pressure and hence was not only prejudicial to the sovereignty but also contradictory to the fundamental rights enshrined in the Constitution. Saeed was listed under UN Security Council Resolution 1267 in December 2008. His JuD is believed to be the front organisation for the LeT which is responsible for carrying out the Mumbai attack that killed 166 people. It has been declared as a foreign terrorist organisation by the US in June 2014. When contacted, Barrister Zafarullah Khan, special assistant to the prime minister, said that the amendment to the ATA was a subject of the interior ministry. He added the law would not introduce anything new, as it would basically ensure compliance to the UNSC Resolutions.

Pakistan plans permanent ban on Hafiz Saeed's JuD, other terror groups

Pakistan scored in the last minute to draw the action-packed opener Pool B match against India of the men's hockey competition at the 21st Commonwealth Games.

For India, Dilepreet Singh (13th minute) scored in the first quarter and later on Harmanpreet Singh (20the minute) stretched the lead by converting a penalty corner in the second quarter of the game.

Team India was leading 2-0 when Muhammad Irfan Jr. (39th minute) pulled the deficit and scored the first goal for Pakistan. In the last minutes of the game, Pakistan was given a penalty corner and Ali Mubashar scored the sensational equaliser.

Pakistan emerged late in the game to snatch the victory from India. India lost tempo in the second half and Pakistan's last-minute review was fortunate for the team as their penalty corner conversion helped them to draw against arch-rival India.

All the excitement came down to the last seven seconds as the Indian hockey team's perennial problem of conceding late goals left them with a disappointment.

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FT. India's impressive show in their opening game of the <a href="https://twitter.com/GC2018?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GC2018</a> XXI Commonwealth Games is marred by a set-piece goal at the last moment to result in a draw against Pakistan on 7th April.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/IndiaKaGame?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#IndiaKaGame</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/HallaHockeyKa?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#HallaHockeyKa</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GC2018?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GC2018</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/INDvPAK?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#INDvPAK</a> <a href="https://t.co/9V2tWoXLJ8">pic.twitter.com/9V2tWoXLJ8</a>
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Pakistan scored in the last minute to draw the action-packed men's hockey opener Pool B match against India

Pakistan scored in the last minute to draw the action-packed opener Pool B match against India of the men's hockey competition at the 21st Commonwealth Games. For India, Dilepreet Singh (13th minute) scored in the first quarter and later on Harmanpreet Singh (20the minute) stretched the lead by converting a penalty corner in the second quarter of the game. Team India was leading 2-0 when Muhammad Irfan Jr. (39th minute) pulled the deficit and scored the first goal for Pakistan. In the last minutes of the game, Pakistan was given a penalty corner and Ali Mubashar scored the sensational equaliser. Pakistan emerged late in the game to snatch the victory from India. India lost tempo in the second half and Pakistan's last-minute review was fortunate for the team as their penalty corner conversion helped them to draw against arch-rival India. All the excitement came down to the last seven seconds as the Indian hockey team's perennial problem of conceding late goals left them with a disappointment. FT. India's impressive show in their opening game of the @GC2018 XXI Commonwealth Games is marred by a set-piece goal at the last moment to result in a draw against Pakistan on 7th April.#IndiaKaGame #HallaHockeyKa #GC2018 #INDvPAK pic.twitter.com/9V2tWoXLJ8 — Hockey India (@TheHockeyIndia) April 7, 2018 ×

Commonwealth Games: Pak salvages 2-2 draw with last-gasp goal against India

&nbspA former seminary student who hurled a shoe at Pakistan's ousted prime minister Nawaz Sharif last month has been released from prison on bail.

A judicial magistrate Friday granted post-arrest bail to Munawar Hussain along with his two accomplices Abdul Ghafoor and Muhammad Sajid subject to furnishing surety bonds of worth Rs 100,000 each.

"The suspects were released from the Kot Lakhpat Jail today after they furnished surety bonds of worth Rs 100,000 each," a jail official said.

Several members of the Tahreek-e-Labaik party greeted them outside the jail and chanted slogans against the PML-N government for not punishing those involved in making changes to the law of finality of Prophet Mohammad.

The party is also known for widespread street power and massive protests in opposition to any change in Pakistan's controversial blasphemy law.

On Friday&nbspa counsel for the accused argued that their clients did not belong to any political party nor had any political motive.

He said their act was in reaction to the amendment to the 'Khatam-i-Nabuwat' (finality of Prophethood) law by the parliament. He asked the magistrate to release the suspects on bail as they were ready to submit surety bonds.

Police in Lahore's Qila Gujjar Singh area had registered a case against the suspects for assault and criminal intimidation.

Later the police also added the Anti-Terrorism Act in the FIR. However, an anti-terrorism court allowing a petition of the suspects ordered the police to delete the terrorism charge.

Hussain had hurled a shoe at Sharif, who resigned as prime minister last July after the Supreme Court disqualified him over alleged corruption, when he came to the dais to address a gathering here. The attacker then chanted "Labbaik Ya Rasoolallah".

The shoe hit Sharif's shoulder and ear. The co-suspects also tried to throw shoes but security personnel overpowered them. All three were former students of the Jamia Naeemia, a religious seminary in Lahore.

The incident had drawn widespread condemnation from all political and religious parties.

An identical reason was given by Faiz Rasool, who threw black ink on the face of Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif last month.

A judicial magistrate Friday granted post-arrest bail to Munawar Hussain along with his two accomplices Abdul Ghafoor and Muhammad Sajid subject to furnishing surety bonds of worth Rs 100,000 each

&nbspA former seminary student who hurled a shoe at Pakistan's ousted prime minister Nawaz Sharif last month has been released from prison on bail. A judicial magistrate Friday granted post-arrest bail to Munawar Hussain along with his two accomplices Abdul Ghafoor and Muhammad Sajid subject to furnishing surety bonds of worth Rs 100,000 each. "The suspects were released from the Kot Lakhpat Jail today after they furnished surety bonds of worth Rs 100,000 each," a jail official said. Several members of the Tahreek-e-Labaik party greeted them outside the jail and chanted slogans against the PML-N government for not punishing those involved in making changes to the law of finality of Prophet Mohammad. The party is also known for widespread street power and massive protests in opposition to any change in Pakistan's controversial blasphemy law. On Friday&nbspa counsel for the accused argued that their clients did not belong to any political party nor had any political motive. He said their act was in reaction to the amendment to the 'Khatam-i-Nabuwat' (finality of Prophethood) law by the parliament. He asked the magistrate to release the suspects on bail as they were ready to submit surety bonds. Police in Lahore's Qila Gujjar Singh area had registered a case against the suspects for assault and criminal intimidation. Later the police also added the Anti-Terrorism Act in the FIR. However, an anti-terrorism court allowing a petition of the suspects ordered the police to delete the terrorism charge. Hussain had hurled a shoe at Sharif, who resigned as prime minister last July after the Supreme Court disqualified him over alleged corruption, when he came to the dais to address a gathering here. The attacker then chanted "Labbaik Ya Rasoolallah". The shoe hit Sharif's shoulder and ear. The co-suspects also tried to throw shoes but security personnel overpowered them. All three were former students of the Jamia Naeemia, a religious seminary in Lahore. The incident had drawn widespread condemnation from all political and religious parties. An identical reason was given by Faiz Rasool, who threw black ink on the face of Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif last month.

Pakistan man who hurled shoe at Sharif released on bail

Walking on the path of social reform, Pakistan is to inaugurate country's first ever institute for educational and vocational training for transgender community.

Named The Gender Guardian, the school offers a full 12 years of academic education from the primary level to matriculation, and then leading up to college.

As per a news report by the Dawn on Friday, The Gender Guardian school will be inaugurated on April 15 at Lahore under the aegis of Asif Shahzad, who is also school's founder.

The school has been built by an NGO named Exploring Future Foundation which is set to open two more branches of the school in Islamabad and Karachi

The school will also impart technical education, such as fashion designing, beautician and hair styling courses, graphic designing, computer and mobile repairing, among others.

It will have separate wings for primary, matriculation and also graduation-level classes.

Shahzad said that the school has 15 faculty members — three of whom themselves are from the transgender community.

Shahzad said," School has 15 faculty members three of whom themselves are from the transgender community".

The management said that more than 40 aspiring students from the transgender community have already registered with the soon-to-be operational school and will be a part of the opening batch.

The school will be formally launched through an opening ceremony at Gaddafi Stadium Lahore's Alhamra Hall, with several names from the showbiz industry expected to attend.

The Gender Guardian school will be inaugurated on April 15 at Lahore under the aegis of Asif Shahzad, who is also school's founder

Walking on the path of social reform, Pakistan is to inaugurate country's first ever institute for educational and vocational training for transgender community. Named The Gender Guardian, the school offers a full 12 years of academic education from the primary level to matriculation, and then leading up to college. As per a news report by the Dawn on Friday, The Gender Guardian school will be inaugurated on April 15 at Lahore under the aegis of Asif Shahzad, who is also school's founder. The school has been built by an NGO named Exploring Future Foundation which is set to open two more branches of the school in Islamabad and Karachi The school will also impart technical education, such as fashion designing, beautician and hair styling courses, graphic designing, computer and mobile repairing, among others. It will have separate wings for primary, matriculation and also graduation-level classes. Shahzad said that the school has 15 faculty members — three of whom themselves are from the transgender community. Shahzad said," School has 15 faculty members three of whom themselves are from the transgender community". The management said that more than 40 aspiring students from the transgender community have already registered with the soon-to-be operational school and will be a part of the opening batch. The school will be formally launched through an opening ceremony at Gaddafi Stadium Lahore's Alhamra Hall, with several names from the showbiz industry expected to attend.

Pakistan to open its first school for transgenders

The Pakistan Army appears to have taken its game of 'good and bad' terrorists to a new level.

According to a commentary published in the web site of the European Foundation for South Asian Studies (EFSAS), there exists a nexus between the judiciary, the army and Lashkar-e-Toiba and Jamaat-ud-Dawa de facto head Hafiz Saeed, wherein, "Good terrorists are set to become the lawmakers of tomorrow."

It may be recalled that in October 2017, Pakistan Army spokesman Major General Asif Ghafoor said, "That the State was working on a 'mainstreaming' programme to induct members of armed groups into the political process..".

The EFSAS commentary clearly visualizes this as terrorists and terrorists-linked groups being integrated into Pakistan's country's mainstream politics with the aim, according to the Major General, "to develop a constructive role for them.".

It does not seem to matter that recently created political entities such as the Milli Muslim League (MML) and the Tehreek-i-Azad-i-Kashmir (TAK), both Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) fronts with Hafiz Saeed as the de facto head, have been added to the lists of Foreign Terrorist Organisations (FTO) and Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGT) by the US State Department on April 3, 2018. It also does not seem to matter that the US Treasury Department has also designated seven MML members as terrorists.

The courts of Pakistan seem to think differently. On the same day that the United States amended the designation of TAK and MML as fronts of the terrorist organisation, Lashkar-e-Taiba, the Lahore High Court (LHC) ordered the Government of Pakistan "...not to harass Hafiz Saeed and to allow him to continue with his 'social welfare activities' until further order.". It is pertinent to note that the same court freed Saeed from house arrest in November 2017, which drew widespread international condemnation.

"Make no mistake: whatever LeT chooses to call itself, it remains a violent terrorist group. The US supports all efforts to ensure that LeT does not have a political voice until it gives up violence as a tool of influence" - Nathan A. Sales, coordinator for counter-terrorism at the US Department of State, said.

Hafiz Saeed has been named as the mastermind of the Mumbai attack in 2008 in which more than 160 people lost their lives. The international community, led by the United Nations and the United States, has declared Hafiz Saeed a global terrorist. In 2012, the US placed a $10 million bounty on him.

From Field Marshal Ayub Khan (President of Pakistan from 1958-1969) to General Pervez Musharraf (President of Pakistan from 2001-2008) and in between, the Pakistani Army has a history of working in tandem with the courts of Pakistan, aimed at legitimising the military's unconstitutional actions.

In Pakistan, the army has a history of overshadowing the political landscape. The civilian government in reality has very limited authority or control over critical matters of national importance such as foreign policy and security. Courts have been instrumental in engineering political outcomes and recent developments suggest that they will play a pre-emptive role in guarding 'strategic interests', vital for the country's foreign policy and security, concludes the EFSAS commentary.&nbsp

In Pakistan, the army has a history of overshadowing the political landscape. The civilian government, in reality, has very limited authority or control over critical matters of national importance such as foreign policy and security

The Pakistan Army appears to have taken its game of 'good and bad' terrorists to a new level. According to a commentary published in the web site of the European Foundation for South Asian Studies (EFSAS), there exists a nexus between the judiciary, the army and Lashkar-e-Toiba and Jamaat-ud-Dawa de facto head Hafiz Saeed, wherein, "Good terrorists are set to become the lawmakers of tomorrow." It may be recalled that in October 2017, Pakistan Army spokesman Major General Asif Ghafoor said, "That the State was working on a 'mainstreaming' programme to induct members of armed groups into the political process..". The EFSAS commentary clearly visualizes this as terrorists and terrorists-linked groups being integrated into Pakistan's country's mainstream politics with the aim, according to the Major General, "to develop a constructive role for them.". It does not seem to matter that recently created political entities such as the Milli Muslim League (MML) and the Tehreek-i-Azad-i-Kashmir (TAK), both Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) fronts with Hafiz Saeed as the de facto head, have been added to the lists of Foreign Terrorist Organisations (FTO) and Specially Designated Global Terrorists (SDGT) by the US State Department on April 3, 2018. It also does not seem to matter that the US Treasury Department has also designated seven MML members as terrorists. The courts of Pakistan seem to think differently. On the same day that the United States amended the designation of TAK and MML as fronts of the terrorist organisation, Lashkar-e-Taiba, the Lahore High Court (LHC) ordered the Government of Pakistan "...not to harass Hafiz Saeed and to allow him to continue with his 'social welfare activities' until further order.". It is pertinent to note that the same court freed Saeed from house arrest in November 2017, which drew widespread international condemnation. "Make no mistake: whatever LeT chooses to call itself, it remains a violent terrorist group. The US supports all efforts to ensure that LeT does not have a political voice until it gives up violence as a tool of influence" - Nathan A. Sales, coordinator for counter-terrorism at the US Department of State, said. Hafiz Saeed has been named as the mastermind of the Mumbai attack in 2008 in which more than 160 people lost their lives. The international community, led by the United Nations and the United States, has declared Hafiz Saeed a global terrorist. In 2012, the US placed a $10 million bounty on him. From Field Marshal Ayub Khan (President of Pakistan from 1958-1969) to General Pervez Musharraf (President of Pakistan from 2001-2008) and in between, the Pakistani Army has a history of working in tandem with the courts of Pakistan, aimed at legitimising the military's unconstitutional actions. In Pakistan, the army has a history of overshadowing the political landscape. The civilian government in reality has very limited authority or control over critical matters of national importance such as foreign policy and security. Courts have been instrumental in engineering political outcomes and recent developments suggest that they will play a pre-emptive role in guarding 'strategic interests', vital for the country's foreign policy and security, concludes the EFSAS commentary.

Pak Army, courts giving political legitimacy to Saeed, others

As ironical as it gets, Afghanistan had accused Pakistan of launching air strikes a day before Pakistani Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi's day-long visit was scheduled to Kabul on Friday, aimed at easing tensions between the two countries.

The air strikes reportedly caused "huge financial damages" in Afghanistan's Kunar border province.

Afghanistan's Foreign Affairs Ministry said, "Afghanistan warns that continuing violations of international norms ... will have further consequences on the relations between the two countries," reported RadioFreeEurope Radio Liberty (RFE/RL).

On Friday, Pakistan dubbed the allegation as "baseless" that it violated Afghan airspace, however.

Later on that day, Abbasi arrived in Kabul.

The delegation held talks with Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani, Afghan Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah and other senior officials in Kabul.

The talks will focus on consolidating bilateral political, economic, security and counter-terrorism cooperation, return of Afghan refugees, combating drug production and narco-trade, the Afghan peace process and regional political and security situation.

According to Afghan presidential spokesman Shah Hussain Murtazawi that bracing peace talks with the Taliban, the return of Afghan refugees who are now in Pakistan, and the exchange of prisoners were high on the agenda of the meeting between Ghani and Abbasi, reported (RFE/RL).

Abbasi's visit to Kabul is his first since becoming prime minister in 2017.

Pakistan and Afghanistan share strained bilateral relationship. Both Kabul and Islamabad steadily purport that the attacks in the two countries were being plotted and carried out by the safe havens located in the two countries.

Earlier this week a high-level Pakistani delegation, headed by Tehmina Janjua, has reached Afghanistan to hold talks with Afghan authorities on the Afghanistan-Pakistan Action Plan for Peace and Solidarity (APAPPS).&nbsp

Pakistan and Afghanistan share strained bilateral relationship. Both Kabul and Islamabad steadily purport that the attacks in the two countries were being plotted and carried out by the safe havens located in the two countries

As ironical as it gets, Afghanistan had accused Pakistan of launching air strikes a day before Pakistani Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi's day-long visit was scheduled to Kabul on Friday, aimed at easing tensions between the two countries. The air strikes reportedly caused "huge financial damages" in Afghanistan's Kunar border province. Afghanistan's Foreign Affairs Ministry said, "Afghanistan warns that continuing violations of international norms ... will have further consequences on the relations between the two countries," reported RadioFreeEurope Radio Liberty (RFE/RL). On Friday, Pakistan dubbed the allegation as "baseless" that it violated Afghan airspace, however. Later on that day, Abbasi arrived in Kabul. The delegation held talks with Afghanistan President Ashraf Ghani, Afghan Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah and other senior officials in Kabul. The talks will focus on consolidating bilateral political, economic, security and counter-terrorism cooperation, return of Afghan refugees, combating drug production and narco-trade, the Afghan peace process and regional political and security situation. According to Afghan presidential spokesman Shah Hussain Murtazawi that bracing peace talks with the Taliban, the return of Afghan refugees who are now in Pakistan, and the exchange of prisoners were high on the agenda of the meeting between Ghani and Abbasi, reported (RFE/RL). Abbasi's visit to Kabul is his first since becoming prime minister in 2017. Pakistan and Afghanistan share strained bilateral relationship. Both Kabul and Islamabad steadily purport that the attacks in the two countries were being plotted and carried out by the safe havens located in the two countries. Earlier this week a high-level Pakistani delegation, headed by Tehmina Janjua, has reached Afghanistan to hold talks with Afghan authorities on the Afghanistan-Pakistan Action Plan for Peace and Solidarity (APAPPS).

Abbasi met Ghani amid air strike allegations

Pakistan Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi will travel to Afghanistan Friday on a day-long visit during which he is likely to discuss a range of issues, including ways to facilitate talks with the Taliban.

In a statement, the Foreign Office said Abbasi was visiting Kabul on an invitation of Afghan President Ashraf Ghani.

"The Prime Minister's visit is taking place in the backdrop of Pakistan's support to President Ghani's offer of peace talks with the Taliban for lasting peace and stability in Afghanistan and strengthening bilateral engagement," it said.

Abbasi will have in-depth consultations with Ghani and Afghan Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah on matters of mutual interest, including strengthening bilateral political, economic, security and counter-terrorism cooperation, the return of Afghan refugees, combating drug production and narco-trade, Afghan peace process and regional political and security situation.

He will also meet senior Afghan political leaders.

Pakistan will continue to support Afghanistan's developments efforts through capacity building in infrastructure, educational and health sectors in Afghanistan. Pakistan also aspires to deepen people-to-people contacts, the statement said.

Prime Minister Abbasi would also discuss with the Afghan leadership ways to facilitate travel between the two countries, assist education and medical treatment of Afghan nationals in Pakistan and expand trade and transit facilitation between the two countries.

To promote regional economic integration, the two countries are participating in key trans-regional initiatives namely Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline and Central Asia-South Asia Electricity Transmission and Trade Project (CASA-1000).

Abbasi recently joined the Afghan president in Herat to inaugurate the TAPI gas pipeline project. The two sides are also engaged in undertaking major bilateral rail-road connectivity projects.

The objective of Abbasi's visit to Afghanistan is to strengthen the positive momentum in bilateral relations and help augment joint endeavours in the pursuit of durable peace, stability and economic prosperity in the two countries, and the region, according to FO statement.

Afghanistan and the US have blamed Pakistan for allegedly providing safe havens to elements of the Afghan Taliban and Haqqani Network.

Pakistan denies the charge, alleging that it is Afghan forces that offer sanctuary to elements of the Pakistani Taliban.&nbsp;

Pakistan Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi will travel to Afghanistan tomorrow on a day-long visit

Pakistan Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi will travel to Afghanistan Friday on a day-long visit during which he is likely to discuss a range of issues, including ways to facilitate talks with the Taliban. In a statement, the Foreign Office said Abbasi was visiting Kabul on an invitation of Afghan President Ashraf Ghani. "The Prime Minister's visit is taking place in the backdrop of Pakistan's support to President Ghani's offer of peace talks with the Taliban for lasting peace and stability in Afghanistan and strengthening bilateral engagement," it said. Abbasi will have in-depth consultations with Ghani and Afghan Chief Executive Abdullah Abdullah on matters of mutual interest, including strengthening bilateral political, economic, security and counter-terrorism cooperation, the return of Afghan refugees, combating drug production and narco-trade, Afghan peace process and regional political and security situation. He will also meet senior Afghan political leaders. Pakistan will continue to support Afghanistan's developments efforts through capacity building in infrastructure, educational and health sectors in Afghanistan. Pakistan also aspires to deepen people-to-people contacts, the statement said. Prime Minister Abbasi would also discuss with the Afghan leadership ways to facilitate travel between the two countries, assist education and medical treatment of Afghan nationals in Pakistan and expand trade and transit facilitation between the two countries. To promote regional economic integration, the two countries are participating in key trans-regional initiatives namely Turkmenistan-Afghanistan-Pakistan-India (TAPI) gas pipeline and Central Asia-South Asia Electricity Transmission and Trade Project (CASA-1000). Abbasi recently joined the Afghan president in Herat to inaugurate the TAPI gas pipeline project. The two sides are also engaged in undertaking major bilateral rail-road connectivity projects. The objective of Abbasi's visit to Afghanistan is to strengthen the positive momentum in bilateral relations and help augment joint endeavours in the pursuit of durable peace, stability and economic prosperity in the two countries, and the region, according to FO statement. Afghanistan and the US have blamed Pakistan for allegedly providing safe havens to elements of the Afghan Taliban and Haqqani Network. Pakistan denies the charge, alleging that it is Afghan forces that offer sanctuary to elements of the Pakistani Taliban.

Pakistan PM to visit Afghanistan Friday

A sporting clash which is never short of political undertones, India and Pakistan will be up against each other in their Commonwealth Games hockey opener here tomorrow -- a match touted as the blockbuster showdown of the preliminary stage.

"We start favourites," declared India coach Sjoerd Marijne after his two-time defending silver-medallist team's practice session here today.

More than the politics though, Marijne was concerned about the high temperatures in Gold Coast for their Group B match.

"It's really hot, 28-29 degrees and we play at 2:30pm (Local Time), so, that will be difficult circumstances. That's why we have to stay calm for ourselves," he said.

Also he doesn't want his side to panic if an early goal doesn't come along.

"If it is happening, it is good, if not then we have to be patient. Let the ball do the work."

The two sides' last Commonwealth Games face-off happened eight years ago in the 2010 Delhi edition and it turned out to be a memorable outing for both for contrasting reasons.

The Indians ended up jubilant after slamming seven goals, while the Pakistanis were left to agonise after securing just four in that match.

Overall, the record stands 1-1 between the two sides as Pakistan had the last laugh in the 2006 Games in Melbourne.

The two teams squared off most recently at last year's Asia Cup in Bangladesh where India claimed the honours.

Here at the Games, the two south asian rivals are placed in a group that also features England, Wales and Malaysia.

The Indians are favourites to advance along with England and they would be aiming to get the perfect start. And what better to get the adrenaline going than beating the nemesis from across the border.

In fact, the Indians simply dominated Pakistan in all the four clashes the two teams were involved in last year.

Under the guidance of new coach Marijne, form also seems to be on India's side, having claimed the Asia Cup in October. Marijne took over compatriot Roelant Oltmans, who is interestingly now the chief coach of Pakistan after being unceremoinously dumped by Hockey India in a bitter parting.

The team boasts of four penalty corner specialists in Rupinder Pal Singh, Harmanpreet Singh, Varun Kumar and Amit Rohidas but this particular aspect of the game has always been bit of a bother for the team.

It remains to be seen how much of a difference Marijne is able to make in improving the poor penalty corner conversion rate.

Skipper Manpreet Singh, who has taken over from the now out-of-favour Sardar Singh, will be handling the midfield, while SV Sunil and the power of Gurjant Singh will be expected to lead precise attacks on the opposition citadel.

Speaking of citadels, the ever-reliable PR Sreejesh will be guarding the Indian net.

For Pakistan too, there has been change of guard on the coaching front with Oltmans coming in last month for a second stint as their coach.

The team has not had good results in the last few months, losing early in the Asia Cup before going down in the four-nation invitational in Australia.

Given the turmoil, they are not expected to be much of a challenge to India but then an Indo-Pak showdown has always been known to bring out something special from both sides.

So much so that even Australian captain Mark Knowles is looking forward to it.

"...That is the one people should get out and watch, that is colour, that is flair, that is excitement. It is two sports mad nations going at each other. It will be very exciting," he promised.&nbsp

The match is touted as the blockbuster showdown of the preliminary stage

A sporting clash which is never short of political undertones, India and Pakistan will be up against each other in their Commonwealth Games hockey opener here tomorrow -- a match touted as the blockbuster showdown of the preliminary stage. "We start favourites," declared India coach Sjoerd Marijne after his two-time defending silver-medallist team's practice session here today. More than the politics though, Marijne was concerned about the high temperatures in Gold Coast for their Group B match. "It's really hot, 28-29 degrees and we play at 2:30pm (Local Time), so, that will be difficult circumstances. That's why we have to stay calm for ourselves," he said. Also he doesn't want his side to panic if an early goal doesn't come along. "If it is happening, it is good, if not then we have to be patient. Let the ball do the work." The two sides' last Commonwealth Games face-off happened eight years ago in the 2010 Delhi edition and it turned out to be a memorable outing for both for contrasting reasons. The Indians ended up jubilant after slamming seven goals, while the Pakistanis were left to agonise after securing just four in that match. Overall, the record stands 1-1 between the two sides as Pakistan had the last laugh in the 2006 Games in Melbourne. The two teams squared off most recently at last year's Asia Cup in Bangladesh where India claimed the honours. Here at the Games, the two south asian rivals are placed in a group that also features England, Wales and Malaysia. The Indians are favourites to advance along with England and they would be aiming to get the perfect start. And what better to get the adrenaline going than beating the nemesis from across the border. In fact, the Indians simply dominated Pakistan in all the four clashes the two teams were involved in last year. Under the guidance of new coach Marijne, form also seems to be on India's side, having claimed the Asia Cup in October. Marijne took over compatriot Roelant Oltmans, who is interestingly now the chief coach of Pakistan after being unceremoinously dumped by Hockey India in a bitter parting. The team boasts of four penalty corner specialists in Rupinder Pal Singh, Harmanpreet Singh, Varun Kumar and Amit Rohidas but this particular aspect of the game has always been bit of a bother for the team. It remains to be seen how much of a difference Marijne is able to make in improving the poor penalty corner conversion rate. Skipper Manpreet Singh, who has taken over from the now out-of-favour Sardar Singh, will be handling the midfield, while SV Sunil and the power of Gurjant Singh will be expected to lead precise attacks on the opposition citadel. Speaking of citadels, the ever-reliable PR Sreejesh will be guarding the Indian net. For Pakistan too, there has been change of guard on the coaching front with Oltmans coming in last month for a second stint as their coach. The team has not had good results in the last few months, losing early in the Asia Cup before going down in the four-nation invitational in Australia. Given the turmoil, they are not expected to be much of a challenge to India but then an Indo-Pak showdown has always been known to bring out something special from both sides. So much so that even Australian captain Mark Knowles is looking forward to it. "...That is the one people should get out and watch, that is colour, that is flair, that is excitement. It is two sports mad nations going at each other. It will be very exciting," he promised.

India-Pakistan sub-continental rivalry set to light up CWG hockey competition

By Adnan Rasool*

Pakistanis head to the polls to elect their next prime minister in July. Until then, though, the Supreme Court seems to be in charge of the country.

In July 2017, revelations from the Panama Papers leak spurred Pakistan’s high court to rule that then-Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had lied to the public about his family finances. Sharif, who maintained his innocence, was forced to resign as prime minister.

However, he continued to lead his Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz party, or PML-N, effectively controlling Pakistan’s government. Then, in February 2018, the Supreme Court also removed him as party chairman.

Because Sharif was not “honest” or “righteous,” Chief Justice of Pakistan Saqib Nisar additionally ruled, all “orders passed, directions given and documents issued” under his leadership were officially declared null.

Sharif and his supporters accuse Pakistan’s chief justice of interfering in politics and swaying the upcoming election. As a Pakistani political scientist, I fear they may be right.

Judicial overreach

Military coups used to be the biggest risk to Pakistani democracy. Thanks to coup d'etats in 1958, 1977 and 1999, my country has spent 33 years of its 71-year history under military rule.

To a people rightfully fearful of interference in their political system, then, the Supreme Court’s recent actions are alarming. By discrediting some politicians while seemingly overlooking corrupt public officials from other parties, the judiciary is effectively influencing the outcome of July’s election.

How do a nation’s top judges - people sworn to defend the Constitution - become a threat to democracy? That’s the focus of my research on judicial independence in Pakistan.

In Pakistan, as in other former British colonies, the Supreme Court has the power to take what’s called “suo motu” action. That means judges can rule on issues of their own volition, without any motion or complaint filed in court.

For instance, Chief Justice Nisar recently ordered a hearing on the rape and murder of a young child in Lahore, because closing that case quickly was deemed to be in the public interest.

As it happens, in recent years he has also removed the prime minister from public office twice, conducted surprise inspections at government hospitals, lambasted the media for commenting on open cases and ordered investigations into police violence.

Such sweeping authority creates a clash of institutions between the judiciary and other branches of government. Such competition can be detrimental to democracy. My research in several countries has found that when supreme court justices venture into political affairs, they create conflict with lawmakers and heads of state.

It is unsurprising, then, that Chief Justice Nisar’s suo motu cases over the past few months have outraged many Pakistani politicians, who say the justice is guilty of judicial overreach.

Nisar responds that he is simply following the law, adding that the “courts are not the enemies of the government.”

Sharif takes his case to the ‘people’s court’

But to some, Nisar’s timing – the lead-up to a big national election – is suspicious. So, too, is his selection of suo motu hearings: The overwhelming majority of political cases added to the Supreme Court’s docket since 2015 have focused on Sharif’s party.

The toppled prime minister, for his part, claims that he is the victim of a “judicial coup.” At rallies across Pakistan, Sharif tells his supporters that since he cannot run for re-election this fall, he must ask them, the “people’s court,” to vote for his PML-N party.

The Supreme Court has already removed one PML-N senator, and two of its ministers are under investigation for alleged contempt of court. Sharif and the PLM-N leadership cite these cases as evidence that the party is under judicial attack.

In targeting Sharif and his party, Justice Nisar has allowed the ousted prime minister to paint themselves as the underdogs, even though the party is still in power. This has strengthened the PML-N’s position ahead of the upcoming election. Currently, it is polling above its closest rivals by about eight points.

Sharif also remains the most popular leader in the country, according to recent surveys.

Chief justice or general?

Suggestions that the Pakistani military was behind Sharif’s 2017 ouster have bolstered the former prime minister’s claim of victimhood.

Credible analysts assert that the prime minister challenged Pakistan’s generals’ authority when he was in power by taking relatively noncombative approach to neighboring India and Afghanistan. Normally, the Pakistani military – whose power is so enduring that Pakistanis often call it simply the “establishment” – directs regional security.

Sharif also butted heads with Pakistan’s armed forces during his 1997-1999 administration, ultimately leading to his overthrow by the military in 1999.

Since coups are no longer acceptable in Pakistan, the logic goes, this time the generals used legal action to remove Sharif. 
Judicial overreach abroad

Pakistan is not the only place questioning the limits of judicial intervention in the democratic process.

Bangladeshi courts used their suo motu powers to prosecute and sideline a main opposition leader prior to elections in both 2008 and 2009.

In Brazil, Judge Sergio Moro faced accusations of staging a judicial coup in January when he convicted former President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of corruption, likely disqualifying him from this year’s presidential election.

Brazilian courts don’t have suo motu power. But judges there have used the judicial discretion of their civil law system to dramatically expand the scope of a nationwide bribery inquiry. Upwards of 100 congressmen and senators are now under judicial investigation.

Judges in the United States, too, have the power expand the scope of a petition to the court. A classic example is the 2010 Supreme Court case Citizens United. Nominally, the nine justices were supposed to rule on what constituted political advertising. Instead, they issued a much broader verdict on free speech and corporate money in elections.

In those countries, as in Pakistan, judges contend they are simply doing their jobs, acting as a critical constitutional check on the political system.

But in a young democracy like Pakistan’s, the standoff between judges and the ruling party is fueling an unhealthy level of uncertainty during a campaign season. If the chief justice is not in fact staging a coup, I’m alarmed to say, it sure feels like he is.

*(Adnan Rasool is a PhD candidate/student innovation fellow, Georgia State University )

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the authors and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Sharif and his supporters accuse Pakistan’s chief justice of interfering in politics and swaying the upcoming election.

By Adnan Rasool* Pakistanis head to the polls to elect their next prime minister in July. Until then, though, the Supreme Court seems to be in charge of the country. In July 2017, revelations from the Panama Papers leak spurred Pakistan’s high court to rule that then-Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had lied to the public about his family finances. Sharif, who maintained his innocence, was forced to resign as prime minister. However, he continued to lead his Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz party, or PML-N, effectively controlling Pakistan’s government. Then, in February 2018, the Supreme Court also removed him as party chairman. Because Sharif was not “honest” or “righteous,” Chief Justice of Pakistan Saqib Nisar additionally ruled, all “orders passed, directions given and documents issued” under his leadership were officially declared null. Sharif and his supporters accuse Pakistan’s chief justice of interfering in politics and swaying the upcoming election. As a Pakistani political scientist, I fear they may be right. Judicial overreach Military coups used to be the biggest risk to Pakistani democracy. Thanks to coup d'etats in 1958, 1977 and 1999, my country has spent 33 years of its 71-year history under military rule. To a people rightfully fearful of interference in their political system, then, the Supreme Court’s recent actions are alarming. By discrediting some politicians while seemingly overlooking corrupt public officials from other parties, the judiciary is effectively influencing the outcome of July’s election. How do a nation’s top judges - people sworn to defend the Constitution - become a threat to democracy? That’s the focus of my research on judicial independence in Pakistan. In Pakistan, as in other former British colonies, the Supreme Court has the power to take what’s called “suo motu” action. That means judges can rule on issues of their own volition, without any motion or complaint filed in court. For instance, Chief Justice Nisar recently ordered a hearing on the rape and murder of a young child in Lahore, because closing that case quickly was deemed to be in the public interest. As it happens, in recent years he has also removed the prime minister from public office twice, conducted surprise inspections at government hospitals, lambasted the media for commenting on open cases and ordered investigations into police violence. Such sweeping authority creates a clash of institutions between the judiciary and other branches of government. Such competition can be detrimental to democracy. My research in several countries has found that when supreme court justices venture into political affairs, they create conflict with lawmakers and heads of state. It is unsurprising, then, that Chief Justice Nisar’s suo motu cases over the past few months have outraged many Pakistani politicians, who say the justice is guilty of judicial overreach. Nisar responds that he is simply following the law, adding that the “courts are not the enemies of the government.” Sharif takes his case to the ‘people’s court’ But to some, Nisar’s timing – the lead-up to a big national election – is suspicious. So, too, is his selection of suo motu hearings: The overwhelming majority of political cases added to the Supreme Court’s docket since 2015 have focused on Sharif’s party. The toppled prime minister, for his part, claims that he is the victim of a “judicial coup.” At rallies across Pakistan, Sharif tells his supporters that since he cannot run for re-election this fall, he must ask them, the “people’s court,” to vote for his PML-N party. The Supreme Court has already removed one PML-N senator, and two of its ministers are under investigation for alleged contempt of court. Sharif and the PLM-N leadership cite these cases as evidence that the party is under judicial attack. In targeting Sharif and his party, Justice Nisar has allowed the ousted prime minister to paint themselves as the underdogs, even though the party is still in power. This has strengthened the PML-N’s position ahead of the upcoming election. Currently, it is polling above its closest rivals by about eight points. Sharif also remains the most popular leader in the country, according to recent surveys. Chief justice or general? Suggestions that the Pakistani military was behind Sharif’s 2017 ouster have bolstered the former prime minister’s claim of victimhood. Credible analysts assert that the prime minister challenged Pakistan’s generals’ authority when he was in power by taking relatively noncombative approach to neighboring India and Afghanistan. Normally, the Pakistani military – whose power is so enduring that Pakistanis often call it simply the “establishment” – directs regional security. Sharif also butted heads with Pakistan’s armed forces during his 1997-1999 administration, ultimately leading to his overthrow by the military in 1999. Since coups are no longer acceptable in Pakistan, the logic goes, this time the generals used legal action to remove Sharif. Judicial overreach abroad Pakistan is not the only place questioning the limits of judicial intervention in the democratic process. Bangladeshi courts used their suo motu powers to prosecute and sideline a main opposition leader prior to elections in both 2008 and 2009. In Brazil, Judge Sergio Moro faced accusations of staging a judicial coup in January when he convicted former President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva of corruption, likely disqualifying him from this year’s presidential election. Brazilian courts don’t have suo motu power. But judges there have used the judicial discretion of their civil law system to dramatically expand the scope of a nationwide bribery inquiry. Upwards of 100 congressmen and senators are now under judicial investigation. Judges in the United States, too, have the power expand the scope of a petition to the court. A classic example is the 2010 Supreme Court case Citizens United. Nominally, the nine justices were supposed to rule on what constituted political advertising. Instead, they issued a much broader verdict on free speech and corporate money in elections. In those countries, as in Pakistan, judges contend they are simply doing their jobs, acting as a critical constitutional check on the political system. But in a young democracy like Pakistan’s, the standoff between judges and the ruling party is fueling an unhealthy level of uncertainty during a campaign season. If the chief justice is not in fact staging a coup, I’m alarmed to say, it sure feels like he is. *(Adnan Rasool is a PhD candidate/student innovation fellow, Georgia State University ) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the authors and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Pakistan's activist Supreme Court endangers a fragile democracy

The Afghan government on Thursday accused Pakistan of air strikes in the Afghan province of Kunar, which borders Pakistan, causing "huge financial damage".

The tension comes ahead of a scheduled visit to Kabul on Friday by Pakistani Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, when he and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani are expected to discuss cooperation in stopping militant attacks.

Pakistani jets dropped four bombs on Wednesday evening in Kunar's Dangam district, according to a statement from Afghanistan's ministry of foreign affairs. It did not elaborate on the damage and made no mention of any casualties.

"Afghanistan warns that continuing violations of international norms ... will have further consequences on the relations between the two countries," the ministry said.

Pakistan's foreign ministry and military did not respond to requests for comment.

Afghanistan's Western-backed government has long accused Pakistan of harbouring Afghan Taliban insurgents, a charge that Islamabad denies.

Islamabad, in turn, accuses Afghanistan of not doing enough to eradicate Pakistani Taliban militants, many of whom are based in Afghanistan and mostly carry out attacks inside Pakistan.

The tension comes ahead of a scheduled visit to Kabul on Friday by Pakistani Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, when he and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani are expected to discuss cooperation in stopping militant attacks

The Afghan government on Thursday accused Pakistan of air strikes in the Afghan province of Kunar, which borders Pakistan, causing "huge financial damage". The tension comes ahead of a scheduled visit to Kabul on Friday by Pakistani Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, when he and Afghan President Ashraf Ghani are expected to discuss cooperation in stopping militant attacks. Pakistani jets dropped four bombs on Wednesday evening in Kunar's Dangam district, according to a statement from Afghanistan's ministry of foreign affairs. It did not elaborate on the damage and made no mention of any casualties. "Afghanistan warns that continuing violations of international norms ... will have further consequences on the relations between the two countries," the ministry said. Pakistan's foreign ministry and military did not respond to requests for comment. Afghanistan's Western-backed government has long accused Pakistan of harbouring Afghan Taliban insurgents, a charge that Islamabad denies. Islamabad, in turn, accuses Afghanistan of not doing enough to eradicate Pakistani Taliban militants, many of whom are based in Afghanistan and mostly carry out attacks inside Pakistan.

Afghanistan accuses Pakistan of air strikes ahead of leaders' talks

Pakistan and Afghanistan on Friday reiterated the need for achieving regional security and stability for attaining lasting peace in South Asia.

The call was made during the bilateral meeting between Pakistan Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and Afghanistan President Ashraf in Kabul, according to media reports.

Abbasi is on a one-day visit to Afghanistan, having arrived earlier on Friday.

During the meet, the Pakistani Prime Minister discussed a variety of issues such as counter-terror cooperation, the regional situation in South Asia, repatriation of Afghan refugees, combating drug production and bilateral trade and power projects among others with the Afghan President.

Abbasi also extended an invitation to Ghani to visit Pakistan soon. The former is expected to hold talks with Afghanistan Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Abdullah Abdullah and other officials.

The Pakistan Prime Minister is accompanied by Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif, Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Governor Iqbal Zafar Jhagra and National Security Advisor (NSA) Nasser Khan Janjua.

Ghani received Abbasi and the delegation at the Afghan Presidential Palace and was accorded a guard of honour.

Abbasi's visit to Afghanistan follows an invitation by Ghani. It comes in the light of Pakistan backing Ghani's peace offering to the Taliban.

Earlier this week, a high-level Pakistani delegation, headed by Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua visited Afghanistan to hold talks with Afghan authorities on the Afghanistan-Pakistan Action Plan for Peace and Solidarity (APAPPS), in an effort to improve the relations between the two countries.

Relations between Kabul and Islamabad have remained frosty in recent times due to the terrorist activities of the Taliban and Haqqani Network carried out in the former's land. Afghanistan contests that the two groups are supported by Pakistan and it does very little to stop them.

Pakistan has urged Afghanistan to stop the blame game and asked for its co-operation in combating terrorism, as well as ensuring lasting peace and stability in Afghanistan.

In February, the Afghan President had made a peace offer to the Taliban in the Kabul Process Conference, which also included the recognition of the militant group as a political entity.

However, the group is yet to respond to Ghani's offer.

&nbsp

The call was made during the bilateral meeting between Pakistan Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and Afghanistan President Ashraf in Kabul

Pakistan and Afghanistan on Friday reiterated the need for achieving regional security and stability for attaining lasting peace in South Asia. The call was made during the bilateral meeting between Pakistan Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and Afghanistan President Ashraf in Kabul, according to media reports. Abbasi is on a one-day visit to Afghanistan, having arrived earlier on Friday. During the meet, the Pakistani Prime Minister discussed a variety of issues such as counter-terror cooperation, the regional situation in South Asia, repatriation of Afghan refugees, combating drug production and bilateral trade and power projects among others with the Afghan President. Abbasi also extended an invitation to Ghani to visit Pakistan soon. The former is expected to hold talks with Afghanistan Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Abdullah Abdullah and other officials. The Pakistan Prime Minister is accompanied by Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif, Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal, Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa Governor Iqbal Zafar Jhagra and National Security Advisor (NSA) Nasser Khan Janjua. Ghani received Abbasi and the delegation at the Afghan Presidential Palace and was accorded a guard of honour. Abbasi's visit to Afghanistan follows an invitation by Ghani. It comes in the light of Pakistan backing Ghani's peace offering to the Taliban. Earlier this week, a high-level Pakistani delegation, headed by Foreign Secretary Tehmina Janjua visited Afghanistan to hold talks with Afghan authorities on the Afghanistan-Pakistan Action Plan for Peace and Solidarity (APAPPS), in an effort to improve the relations between the two countries. Relations between Kabul and Islamabad have remained frosty in recent times due to the terrorist activities of the Taliban and Haqqani Network carried out in the former's land. Afghanistan contests that the two groups are supported by Pakistan and it does very little to stop them. Pakistan has urged Afghanistan to stop the blame game and asked for its co-operation in combating terrorism, as well as ensuring lasting peace and stability in Afghanistan. In February, the Afghan President had made a peace offer to the Taliban in the Kabul Process Conference, which also included the recognition of the militant group as a political entity. However, the group is yet to respond to Ghani's offer.

Pakistan, Afghanistan call for regional security, stability

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi announced a tax amnesty on Thursday aimed at broadening the government's revenue base in a country where only about 1 percent of the adult population are taxpayers.

Announcing that all 120 million national identity card holders will be assigned tax numbers, Abbasi told a news conference in Islamabad: "If you don't pay taxes, Pakistan will not be sustainable."

Under the amnesty plan, all Pakistanis will be able to declare their unreported income and assets and bring their money into the tax base after paying a 5 percent one-off penalty, Abbasi said. He said Pakistanis living overseas and declaring income or assets would pay a 2 per cent one-time penalty.

Pakistani politicians will be exempted from the amnesty, which will be effective until June 30.

"This is some 2-1/2 months' time you have to benefit from, and after that, you will have to face the law," the prime minister said.

Once the amnesty period expires, Pakistani authorities will use technology to identify and catch tax evaders.

He said only 1.2 million of Pakistan's 208 million people filed income tax returns in the last year, and of them, 500,000 paid zero taxes.

Abbasi said the government was also reducing the tax rate to encourage people to voluntarily sign up. Tax rates on individuals vary in Pakistan but can be as high as 30 percent for salaried individuals and 35 percent for non-salaried individuals.

Pakistan has one of the world's lowest number of taxpayers as a percentage of the population.

Successive governments have promised to rein in tax evasion and boost revenues but have faced fierce resistance to change, including from the many politicians and businessmen believed to be among those dodging payment.

Pakistan's nearly $300 billion economies has recently been showing signs of vulnerability despite surging growth rates above 5 percent, the fastest pace in a decade.

The government has in recent months devalued the rupee, imposed tariffs on imported goods and sought to boost exports to reduce growing balance of payments pressures.

A widened current account deficit has prompted analysts to suggest the country may need an International Monetary Fund bailout in the next 12 months.

Abbasi said he was aware of the challenges.

"We have been in a growth phase. There are current account challenges. We are tackling that," he said.&nbsp

Announcing that all 120 million national identity card holders will be assigned tax numbers, Abbasi told a news conference in Islamabad: "If you don't pay taxes, Pakistan will not be sustainable."

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi announced a tax amnesty on Thursday aimed at broadening the government's revenue base in a country where only about 1 percent of the adult population are taxpayers. Announcing that all 120 million national identity card holders will be assigned tax numbers, Abbasi told a news conference in Islamabad: "If you don't pay taxes, Pakistan will not be sustainable." Under the amnesty plan, all Pakistanis will be able to declare their unreported income and assets and bring their money into the tax base after paying a 5 percent one-off penalty, Abbasi said. He said Pakistanis living overseas and declaring income or assets would pay a 2 per cent one-time penalty. Pakistani politicians will be exempted from the amnesty, which will be effective until June 30. "This is some 2-1/2 months' time you have to benefit from, and after that, you will have to face the law," the prime minister said. Once the amnesty period expires, Pakistani authorities will use technology to identify and catch tax evaders. He said only 1.2 million of Pakistan's 208 million people filed income tax returns in the last year, and of them, 500,000 paid zero taxes. Abbasi said the government was also reducing the tax rate to encourage people to voluntarily sign up. Tax rates on individuals vary in Pakistan but can be as high as 30 percent for salaried individuals and 35 percent for non-salaried individuals. Pakistan has one of the world's lowest number of taxpayers as a percentage of the population. Successive governments have promised to rein in tax evasion and boost revenues but have faced fierce resistance to change, including from the many politicians and businessmen believed to be among those dodging payment. Pakistan's nearly $300 billion economies has recently been showing signs of vulnerability despite surging growth rates above 5 percent, the fastest pace in a decade. The government has in recent months devalued the rupee, imposed tariffs on imported goods and sought to boost exports to reduce growing balance of payments pressures. A widened current account deficit has prompted analysts to suggest the country may need an International Monetary Fund bailout in the next 12 months. Abbasi said he was aware of the challenges. "We have been in a growth phase. There are current account challenges. We are tackling that," he said.

Pakistan declares tax amnesty to broaden income revenue base

Pakistan Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif on Thursday said that Bollywood actor Salman Khan was jailed in the 1998 blackbuck poaching case because he belongs to the minority community.

In an interview with Hamid Mir of Pakistan's Geo TV, Asif said, "Salman Khan has been sentenced because he's a minority. To sentence him in a case that is twenty years old goes on to show that lives of those who are Muslims, 'untouchables' or Christians are not valued in India."

"Maybe if he belonged to the religion of the ruling party of India he would not have been given such a harsh sentence and the court might have been lenient with him," he claimed.

Earlier on Thursday, a Jodhpur court convicted Salman for five years in the 1998 blackbuck poaching case. A penalty of Rs 10,000 has also been levied on him.

Other accused in the case - Tabu, Saif Ali Khan, Sonali Bendre, Neelam - were acquitted, while Salman was held in the court.

In October 1998, total three cases in connection with poaching and one under the Arms Act were registered against Salman. The 52-year-old actor allegedly shot two blackbucks in Bhagoda ki Dhani in Kankani village near Jodhpur during the shooting of 'Hum Saath Saath Hain'.

Saif Ali Khan, Sonali Bendre, Tabu and Neelam were also present in the vehicle Salman allegedly used for hunting the endangered species protected under Schedule 1 of the Indian Wildlife Act.

Pakistan foreign minister Khawaja Asif attributed Salman Khan's sentencing in the blackbuck poaching case today to his religion.

Pakistan Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif on Thursday said that Bollywood actor Salman Khan was jailed in the 1998 blackbuck poaching case because he belongs to the minority community. In an interview with Hamid Mir of Pakistan's Geo TV, Asif said, "Salman Khan has been sentenced because he's a minority. To sentence him in a case that is twenty years old goes on to show that lives of those who are Muslims, 'untouchables' or Christians are not valued in India." "Maybe if he belonged to the religion of the ruling party of India he would not have been given such a harsh sentence and the court might have been lenient with him," he claimed. Earlier on Thursday, a Jodhpur court convicted Salman for five years in the 1998 blackbuck poaching case. A penalty of Rs 10,000 has also been levied on him. Other accused in the case - Tabu, Saif Ali Khan, Sonali Bendre, Neelam - were acquitted, while Salman was held in the court. In October 1998, total three cases in connection with poaching and one under the Arms Act were registered against Salman. The 52-year-old actor allegedly shot two blackbucks in Bhagoda ki Dhani in Kankani village near Jodhpur during the shooting of 'Hum Saath Saath Hain'. Saif Ali Khan, Sonali Bendre, Tabu and Neelam were also present in the vehicle Salman allegedly used for hunting the endangered species protected under Schedule 1 of the Indian Wildlife Act.

Salman Khan jailed because he is a minority: Pakistan Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif

India and Pakistan have agreed to resolve matters related to the treatment of diplomats after envoys of the two countries made claims and counter-claims about harassment of each other’s diplomats, the government today informed Rajya Sabha.

V K Singh, minister of state in the External Affairs Ministry, said India and Pakistan agreed on March 30 to resolve the issues in line with the 1992 ‘Code of Conduct’ for treatment of diplomatic/consular personnel in India and Pakistan.

The Code provides for “smooth and unhindered functioning” of the diplomatic and consular officials of the two countries in conformity with international laws without violating their privileges and immunities.

It also says that the two countries should not resort to intrusive and aggressive surveillance and actions such as verbal and physical harassment, disconnection of phone lines, etc.

“The Government of India has, from time to time, taken up the incidents of harassments, aggressive surveillance and intimidation of the officials of the Indian High Commission in Islamabad and also the obstacles placed in the early completion of residential complexes for the Indian High Commission officials,” Singh said in a written response to a question.

Pakistan was asked to resolve the issues and ensure the safety of Indian diplomatic missions and officials, he said.

Last month, India had asked Pakistan to ensure safety and security of its officials working at the Indian mission in Islamabad, saying they continue to face harassment and “intimidation”.

In its 16th note verbale, a diplomatic communication, to the Pakistan foreign ministry on March 22, the Indian High Commission specifically mentioned three incidents of harassment of senior officials.

Pakistan had claimed that there had been as many as 26 instances of harassment and intimidation of its diplomats since March 7, following which Islamabad called back its high commissioner Sohail Mahmood to discuss the issue.

In response to another question on whether the government has adopted a policy of holding talks with neighbours, including Pakistan and China, to settle disputes, Singh said the process of bilateral engagement with India’s neighbours is a continuous and on-going process.

This, he said, is reflected in the government’s continuing political outreach, joint initiatives and people-to-people contacts with neighbouring countries.

Singh said India and Pakistan had agreed to hold a Comprehensive Bilateral Dialogue in December 2015 and the foreign secretaries were mandated to finalise the modalities of the dialogue.

However, the dialogue did not happen because of the Pathankot Air Base terrorist attack on January 2, 2016, and intensification of cross-border terrorism, the minister said.

“The government has conveyed that it is committed to resolving all issues peacefully in keeping with the Simla Agreement and the Lahore Declaration, in an atmosphere free from terror, hostility and violence. Onus is on Pakistan to create such a conducive atmosphere,” he said.

On China, Singh said New Delhi and Beijing are working towards utilising their bilateral dialogue mechanism to promote mutually beneficial cooperation, and enhancing communication at all levels in order to build greater trust and understanding.

India and China have a long-pending territorial dispute.

Last month, India had asked Pakistan to ensure safety and security of its officials working at the Indian mission in Islamabad, saying they continue to face harassment and "intimidation".

India and Pakistan have agreed to resolve matters related to the treatment of diplomats after envoys of the two countries made claims and counter-claims about harassment of each other’s diplomats, the government today informed Rajya Sabha. V K Singh, minister of state in the External Affairs Ministry, said India and Pakistan agreed on March 30 to resolve the issues in line with the 1992 ‘Code of Conduct’ for treatment of diplomatic/consular personnel in India and Pakistan. The Code provides for “smooth and unhindered functioning” of the diplomatic and consular officials of the two countries in conformity with international laws without violating their privileges and immunities. It also says that the two countries should not resort to intrusive and aggressive surveillance and actions such as verbal and physical harassment, disconnection of phone lines, etc. “The Government of India has, from time to time, taken up the incidents of harassments, aggressive surveillance and intimidation of the officials of the Indian High Commission in Islamabad and also the obstacles placed in the early completion of residential complexes for the Indian High Commission officials,” Singh said in a written response to a question. Pakistan was asked to resolve the issues and ensure the safety of Indian diplomatic missions and officials, he said. Last month, India had asked Pakistan to ensure safety and security of its officials working at the Indian mission in Islamabad, saying they continue to face harassment and “intimidation”. In its 16th note verbale, a diplomatic communication, to the Pakistan foreign ministry on March 22, the Indian High Commission specifically mentioned three incidents of harassment of senior officials. Pakistan had claimed that there had been as many as 26 instances of harassment and intimidation of its diplomats since March 7, following which Islamabad called back its high commissioner Sohail Mahmood to discuss the issue. In response to another question on whether the government has adopted a policy of holding talks with neighbours, including Pakistan and China, to settle disputes, Singh said the process of bilateral engagement with India’s neighbours is a continuous and on-going process. This, he said, is reflected in the government’s continuing political outreach, joint initiatives and people-to-people contacts with neighbouring countries. Singh said India and Pakistan had agreed to hold a Comprehensive Bilateral Dialogue in December 2015 and the foreign secretaries were mandated to finalise the modalities of the dialogue. However, the dialogue did not happen because of the Pathankot Air Base terrorist attack on January 2, 2016, and intensification of cross-border terrorism, the minister said. “The government has conveyed that it is committed to resolving all issues peacefully in keeping with the Simla Agreement and the Lahore Declaration, in an atmosphere free from terror, hostility and violence. Onus is on Pakistan to create such a conducive atmosphere,” he said. On China, Singh said New Delhi and Beijing are working towards utilising their bilateral dialogue mechanism to promote mutually beneficial cooperation, and enhancing communication at all levels in order to build greater trust and understanding. India and China have a long-pending territorial dispute.

Harassment of diplomats: ‘India, Pakistan last week agreed to resolve issues’, says V K Singh in Rajya Sabha

In what can be dubbed as the first move, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) president and Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has openly come to the fore and has backed the Pakistan Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa, calling him "professional" and "straightforward".

"The civilian and military authorities must work together to counter the challenges facing Pakistan," the Dawn reported, citing Shahbaz as saying to journalists at the Kidney and Liver Transplant Institute.

"We must respect and honour the efforts the army chief is making (to safeguard national interests)," he added.

The PML-N chief said that, in a meeting he had had with the chief of the army staff, he found him professional and straightforward.

He also dwelled upon the sacrifices made by the armed forces to ensure the country's defence and to eliminate terrorism and fanaticism, appealing people to appreciate their efforts, according to the report.

The remarks seemingly are not in sync with his party's as even as many in his party blame the military establishment for the current political crisis facing the Sharifs.

'The civilian and military authorities must work together to counter the challenges facing Pakistan,' the Dawn reported citing Shahbaz

In what can be dubbed as the first move, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) president and Punjab Chief Minister Shahbaz Sharif has openly come to the fore and has backed the Pakistan Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) General Qamar Javed Bajwa, calling him "professional" and "straightforward". "The civilian and military authorities must work together to counter the challenges facing Pakistan," the Dawn reported, citing Shahbaz as saying to journalists at the Kidney and Liver Transplant Institute. "We must respect and honour the efforts the army chief is making (to safeguard national interests)," he added. The PML-N chief said that, in a meeting he had had with the chief of the army staff, he found him professional and straightforward. He also dwelled upon the sacrifices made by the armed forces to ensure the country's defence and to eliminate terrorism and fanaticism, appealing people to appreciate their efforts, according to the report. The remarks seemingly are not in sync with his party's as even as many in his party blame the military establishment for the current political crisis facing the Sharifs.

Shahbaz Sharif heaps praises on Pakistan Army chief

Pakistan has informed the World Bank about India's completing of the Kishanganga hydropower project during the bank's "pause" period and has urged it to "recognise its responsibility" under the Indus Waters Treaty, a media report said today.

Pakistan has approached the World Bank, the mediator between the two countries of the water distribution treaty, in the past and raised issues over Kishanganga and Ratle projects in Jammu and Kashmir.

It has been flagging concern over designs of India's five hydroelectricity projects - Pakal Dul (1000 MW), Ratle (850 MW), Kishanganga (330 MW), Miyar (120 MW) and Lower Kalnai (48 MW) - being built/planned in the Indus river basin, contending these violate the treaty.

The power division of the energy ministry sent a fresh communique early this week to the bank's vice president urging the international organisation to ensure that India abided by the provisions of the 1960 treaty while building the projects, a government official told Dawn newspaper.

The official said the letter had reached the bank's head office in Washington and had been delivered to its vice president concerned as confirmed by Pakistan's director to the bank, the report said.

The official said there was no doubt that India had completed the Kishanganga project during the period the World Bank "paused" the process for constitution of a Court of Arbitration (COA) as requested by Pakistan in early 2016.

Pakistan's request was countered by India by calling for a neutral expert.

Pakistan had called for resolution of disputes over Kishanganga project on the Neelum river and Ratle hydropower project on the Chenab.

Asked about the government's next move, the official said the authorities could not just sit back and had to take the matter to its logical conclusion.

Pakistan had received reports in August last year that New Delhi had completed the Kishanganga project as per the design that had been objected by Islamabad, the report said.

The letter was sent to the World Bank after a Pakistani delegation of the Indus Waters Commission was not allowed to visit various projects in India, including Kishanganga and Ratle schemes, it said.

Pakistan has raised objections over the design of the hydel project in Jammu and Kashmir, saying it is not in line with the criteria laid down under the Indus Water Treaty between the two countries.

India has, however, asserted the project design is "well within parameters" of the treaty and urged the bank to appoint a neutral expert.

In December 2016, the bank had announced that it had "paused" the process for either appointing a COA or a neutral expert and started mediation between the two countries on how to advance and develop consensus in the light of the treaty on the mechanism for resolution of faulty designs of the two projects.

Since then, the bank has arranged two rounds of talks between the two sides but the Indians kept on building the project, the report alleged.

The last round of bank-facilitated and secretary-level talks between India and Pakistan were held in Washington in September that ended in disappointment for Pakistan, it said.

In view of the inability of the parties to agree on whether a COA or a neutral expert is the way forward, the World Bank is reported to have called another round of discussions to minimise the differences but failed to bring New Delhi to the negotiating table.

Under the provisions of the Indus Waters Treaty, the waters of the eastern rivers&nbspthe Sutlej, Beas and Ravi had been allocated to India and that of the western rivers&nbspthe Indus, Jhelum and Chenab&nbspto Pakistan except for certain non-consumptive uses.&nbsp

Pakistan has informed the World Bank about India's completing of the Kishanganga hydropower project during the bank's 'pause' period and has urged it to 'recognise its responsibility' under the Indus Waters Treaty

Pakistan has informed the World Bank about India's completing of the Kishanganga hydropower project during the bank's "pause" period and has urged it to "recognise its responsibility" under the Indus Waters Treaty, a media report said today. Pakistan has approached the World Bank, the mediator between the two countries of the water distribution treaty, in the past and raised issues over Kishanganga and Ratle projects in Jammu and Kashmir. It has been flagging concern over designs of India's five hydroelectricity projects - Pakal Dul (1000 MW), Ratle (850 MW), Kishanganga (330 MW), Miyar (120 MW) and Lower Kalnai (48 MW) - being built/planned in the Indus river basin, contending these violate the treaty. The power division of the energy ministry sent a fresh communique early this week to the bank's vice president urging the international organisation to ensure that India abided by the provisions of the 1960 treaty while building the projects, a government official told Dawn newspaper. The official said the letter had reached the bank's head office in Washington and had been delivered to its vice president concerned as confirmed by Pakistan's director to the bank, the report said. The official said there was no doubt that India had completed the Kishanganga project during the period the World Bank "paused" the process for constitution of a Court of Arbitration (COA) as requested by Pakistan in early 2016. Pakistan's request was countered by India by calling for a neutral expert. Pakistan had called for resolution of disputes over Kishanganga project on the Neelum river and Ratle hydropower project on the Chenab. Asked about the government's next move, the official said the authorities could not just sit back and had to take the matter to its logical conclusion. Pakistan had received reports in August last year that New Delhi had completed the Kishanganga project as per the design that had been objected by Islamabad, the report said. The letter was sent to the World Bank after a Pakistani delegation of the Indus Waters Commission was not allowed to visit various projects in India, including Kishanganga and Ratle schemes, it said. Pakistan has raised objections over the design of the hydel project in Jammu and Kashmir, saying it is not in line with the criteria laid down under the Indus Water Treaty between the two countries. India has, however, asserted the project design is "well within parameters" of the treaty and urged the bank to appoint a neutral expert. In December 2016, the bank had announced that it had "paused" the process for either appointing a COA or a neutral expert and started mediation between the two countries on how to advance and develop consensus in the light of the treaty on the mechanism for resolution of faulty designs of the two projects. Since then, the bank has arranged two rounds of talks between the two sides but the Indians kept on building the project, the report alleged. The last round of bank-facilitated and secretary-level talks between India and Pakistan were held in Washington in September that ended in disappointment for Pakistan, it said. In view of the inability of the parties to agree on whether a COA or a neutral expert is the way forward, the World Bank is reported to have called another round of discussions to minimise the differences but failed to bring New Delhi to the negotiating table. Under the provisions of the Indus Waters Treaty, the waters of the eastern rivers&nbspthe Sutlej, Beas and Ravi had been allocated to India and that of the western rivers&nbspthe Indus, Jhelum and Chenab&nbspto Pakistan except for certain non-consumptive uses.

Pakistan approaches World Bank over Kishanganga project: Report

Pakistan on Wednesday is observing the 39th death anniversary of former prime minister Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto.

A ceremony is slated to be held in Rawalpindi's Jinnah Park (Old Jail).

A Quran Khawani would be held at 10 AM and dua will be offered at 1 PM, reported Geo TV.

Leaders of the Pakistan People's Party (PPP), a party which was founded by Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, will gather in Garhi Khuda Bakhsh village in Sindh province to address the party workers near the mausoleum of the former prime minister.

The meeting will be addressed by party chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, co-chairman and Pakistan's former president Asif Ali Zardari, opposition leaders in the National Assembly Syed Khursheed Ahmed Shah and Nisar Ahmed Khuhro, Chief Minister of Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah, and the PPP's central leaders, the report said.

To mark the occasion, the Sindh Labour and Human Resources department has declared April 4 as a public holiday across Sindh.

A documentary displaying Bhutto`s feat and accomplishments and his life will be shown.

Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto was hanged in 1979, two years after his government was toppled in a military coup by the chief of the army staff General Ziaul Haq, according to the media reports.

A ceremony is slated to be held in Rawalpindi's Jinnah Park (Old Jail)

Pakistan on Wednesday is observing the 39th death anniversary of former prime minister Shaheed Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. A ceremony is slated to be held in Rawalpindi's Jinnah Park (Old Jail). A Quran Khawani would be held at 10 AM and dua will be offered at 1 PM, reported Geo TV. Leaders of the Pakistan People's Party (PPP), a party which was founded by Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, will gather in Garhi Khuda Bakhsh village in Sindh province to address the party workers near the mausoleum of the former prime minister. The meeting will be addressed by party chairman Bilawal Bhutto Zardari, co-chairman and Pakistan's former president Asif Ali Zardari, opposition leaders in the National Assembly Syed Khursheed Ahmed Shah and Nisar Ahmed Khuhro, Chief Minister of Sindh Syed Murad Ali Shah, and the PPP's central leaders, the report said. To mark the occasion, the Sindh Labour and Human Resources department has declared April 4 as a public holiday across Sindh. A documentary displaying Bhutto`s feat and accomplishments and his life will be shown. Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto was hanged in 1979, two years after his government was toppled in a military coup by the chief of the army staff General Ziaul Haq, according to the media reports.

Pakistan observes Zulfikar Ali Bhutto's 39th death anniversary

The new consolidated United Nations Security Council(UNSC) list has 139 entries from Pakistan, a Pak-based daily said.

The list includes Indian national Dawood Ibrahim Kaskar, who the report said held "several passports" issued in Rawalpindi and Karachi.

The UN report says Dawood owns a "palatial bungalow in the hilly area of Noorabad, Karachi", Pakistan's daily the Dawn reported.

India's another most wanted criminal LeT chief Hafiz Saeed has also been mentioned in the list for terrorist activities.

&nbsp;Haji Mohammed Yahya Mujahid, LeT’s media contact, and Hafiz Saeed’s deputies, Abdul Salaam and Zafar Iqbal, have also been listed, Pakistan daily claimed.

The Dawn said LeT used several aliases including al-Mansoorian, Paasban-i-Kashmir, Paasban-i-Ahle Hadith, Jamaatud Dawa and Falah-i-Insaniat Foundation.

The UNSC also has list of "trusts, humanitarian organization and foundations" linked to Pakistani individuals involved in terror, Dawn said, adding that some organizations are based in the restive Afghanistan-Pakistan border.

The Dawn said the first person on list is current al-Qaida chief Ayman al-Zawahiri, Osama bin Laden's successor who was killed in a US operation in 2011 at Abbottabad, Pakistan.

According to the UNSC report, Zawahiri is still hiding in the Afghanistan-Pakistan border.

The second on the list is &nbsp;Ramzi Mohammad bin al-Sheibah, a Yemeni national arrested in Pakistan who was later handed over to the US.

India's another most wanted criminal LeT chief Hafiz Saeed has also been mentioned in the list for terrorist activities.

The new consolidated United Nations Security Council(UNSC) list has 139 entries from Pakistan, a Pak-based daily said. The list includes Indian national Dawood Ibrahim Kaskar, who the report said held "several passports" issued in Rawalpindi and Karachi. The UN report says Dawood owns a "palatial bungalow in the hilly area of Noorabad, Karachi", Pakistan's daily the Dawn reported. India's another most wanted criminal LeT chief Hafiz Saeed has also been mentioned in the list for terrorist activities. Haji Mohammed Yahya Mujahid, LeT’s media contact, and Hafiz Saeed’s deputies, Abdul Salaam and Zafar Iqbal, have also been listed, Pakistan daily claimed. The Dawn said LeT used several aliases including al-Mansoorian, Paasban-i-Kashmir, Paasban-i-Ahle Hadith, Jamaatud Dawa and Falah-i-Insaniat Foundation. The UNSC also has list of "trusts, humanitarian organization and foundations" linked to Pakistani individuals involved in terror, Dawn said, adding that some organizations are based in the restive Afghanistan-Pakistan border. The Dawn said the first person on list is current al-Qaida chief Ayman al-Zawahiri, Osama bin Laden's successor who was killed in a US operation in 2011 at Abbottabad, Pakistan. According to the UNSC report, Zawahiri is still hiding in the Afghanistan-Pakistan border. The second on the list is Ramzi Mohammad bin al-Sheibah, a Yemeni national arrested in Pakistan who was later handed over to the US.

UNSC terror list has 139 Pakistan entries: Report

Pakistan produced another imperious performance to beat the West Indies by eight wickets in the third and final Twenty20 international in Karachi on Tuesday, completing a 3-0 clean sweep of the series.

The West Indies fared better with the bat compared with the first two matches, reaching 153-6 in their 20 overs after winning the toss. Opener Andre Fletcher scored a 43-ball 52 -- his team's only half-century on this tour.

It was not enough, however, as Pakistan got to the total comfortably, with opener Babar Azam scoring a rapid 40-ball 51.

The hosts raced to 61 in the sixth over with left-handed opener Fakhar Zaman smashing two sixes and six boundaries in his 17-ball 40.

He miscued a drive off Rayad Emrit and was caught behind, but Azam and Hussain Talat continued Pakistan's domination with a 52-run stand.

Talat finished with 31, and Asif Ali scored 25 not out as Pakistan chased down the target in 16.5 overs.

"When I first took over the captaincy, (coach) Mickey Arthur told me that we should become consistent. We are giving the boys a consistent run in the team and so we are flourishing," said Pakistan skipper Sarfraz Ahmed.

He also thanked the fans in Karachi, his home city.

"Karachi has won (people's) hearts. I want to say that lot of people are hurt with no cricket in Pakistan, but we will try our best to have more," he said.

West Indian captain Jason Mohammed said his side fell short again but pointed to an improved performance.

"We weren't good enough again, but happier to play a decent game. There were lots of youngsters in our squad, including myself," said Mohammed.&nbsp

"The Karachi crowd was excellent."

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Read how Pakistan sealed a historic 3-0 series win against West Indies in Karachi!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PAKvWI?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PAKvWI</a> REPORT ➡️ <a href="https://t.co/jkDrcu3Wry">https://t.co/jkDrcu3Wry</a> <a href="https://t.co/KNbyN6T6UN">pic.twitter.com/KNbyN6T6UN</a>
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Earlier, Fletcher added an invaluable 72 runs for the second wicket with Marlon Samuels who scored a 25-ball 31 with two sixes and as many boundaries.

Denesh Ramdin cracked a fiery 18-ball 42 not out with four boundaries and three sixes -- two in the last over from Usman Shinwari -- as the West Indies scored 57 in the last five overs.

Leg-spinner Shadab Khan finished with 2-27 while Mohammad Nawaz, Shinwari and Faheem Ashraf took a wicket each.

Two players made their T20 debuts on Tuesday -- teenage paceman Shaheen Afridi for Pakistan and Andre McCarthy for the West Indies.

Pakistan won the first match by 143 runs and the second by 82 runs. Karachi hosted all three T20s, the first international matches in the city in nine years.&nbsp

The series is the latest in a number of steps taken recently to help revive international cricket in Pakistan, which was suspended for years after a 2009 militant attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team in Lahore.

The victory on Tuesday also strengthened Pakistan's position at the top of the world T20 rankings, with a four-point lead over second-placed Australia.

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Fakhar Zaman is the Man of the Match and Babar Azam is the Man of the Series<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PAKvWI?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PAKvWI</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/ApnaKhelApneGhar?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#ApnaKhelApneGhar</a> <a href="https://t.co/Ix959bFpLV">pic.twitter.com/Ix959bFpLV</a>
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&nbsp

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Read how Pakistan sealed a historic 3-0 series win against West Indies in Karachi!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PAKvWI?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PAKvWI</a> REPORT ➡️ <a href="https://t.co/jkDrcu3Wry">https://t.co/jkDrcu3Wry</a> <a href="https://t.co/KNbyN6T6UN">pic.twitter.com/KNbyN6T6UN</a>
— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/981253758926561280?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp

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With a 3-0 series win against West Indies, Pakistan have extended their lead at the top of the <a href="https://twitter.com/MRFWorldwide?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MRFWorldwide</a> ICC T20I Team Rankings! <a href="https://t.co/sFQyEdKFVq">pic.twitter.com/sFQyEdKFVq</a>
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Since Sarfraz took over as skipper in September 2016, Pakistan have notched up series wins over England, the West Indies, Sri Lanka, New Zealand, and a World XI side.

Pakistan produced another imperious performance to beat the West Indies by eight wickets in the third and final Twenty20 international

Pakistan produced another imperious performance to beat the West Indies by eight wickets in the third and final Twenty20 international in Karachi on Tuesday, completing a 3-0 clean sweep of the series. The West Indies fared better with the bat compared with the first two matches, reaching 153-6 in their 20 overs after winning the toss. Opener Andre Fletcher scored a 43-ball 52 -- his team's only half-century on this tour. It was not enough, however, as Pakistan got to the total comfortably, with opener Babar Azam scoring a rapid 40-ball 51. The hosts raced to 61 in the sixth over with left-handed opener Fakhar Zaman smashing two sixes and six boundaries in his 17-ball 40. He miscued a drive off Rayad Emrit and was caught behind, but Azam and Hussain Talat continued Pakistan's domination with a 52-run stand. Talat finished with 31, and Asif Ali scored 25 not out as Pakistan chased down the target in 16.5 overs. "When I first took over the captaincy, (coach) Mickey Arthur told me that we should become consistent. We are giving the boys a consistent run in the team and so we are flourishing," said Pakistan skipper Sarfraz Ahmed. He also thanked the fans in Karachi, his home city. "Karachi has won (people's) hearts. I want to say that lot of people are hurt with no cricket in Pakistan, but we will try our best to have more," he said. West Indian captain Jason Mohammed said his side fell short again but pointed to an improved performance. "We weren't good enough again, but happier to play a decent game. There were lots of youngsters in our squad, including myself," said Mohammed. "The Karachi crowd was excellent." Read how Pakistan sealed a historic 3-0 series win against West Indies in Karachi!#PAKvWI REPORT ➡️ https://t.co/jkDrcu3Wry pic.twitter.com/KNbyN6T6UN — ICC (@ICC) April 3, 2018 × Earlier, Fletcher added an invaluable 72 runs for the second wicket with Marlon Samuels who scored a 25-ball 31 with two sixes and as many boundaries. Denesh Ramdin cracked a fiery 18-ball 42 not out with four boundaries and three sixes -- two in the last over from Usman Shinwari -- as the West Indies scored 57 in the last five overs. Leg-spinner Shadab Khan finished with 2-27 while Mohammad Nawaz, Shinwari and Faheem Ashraf took a wicket each. Two players made their T20 debuts on Tuesday -- teenage paceman Shaheen Afridi for Pakistan and Andre McCarthy for the West Indies. Pakistan won the first match by 143 runs and the second by 82 runs. Karachi hosted all three T20s, the first international matches in the city in nine years. The series is the latest in a number of steps taken recently to help revive international cricket in Pakistan, which was suspended for years after a 2009 militant attack on the Sri Lankan cricket team in Lahore. The victory on Tuesday also strengthened Pakistan's position at the top of the world T20 rankings, with a four-point lead over second-placed Australia. Fakhar Zaman is the Man of the Match and Babar Azam is the Man of the Series#PAKvWI #ApnaKhelApneGhar pic.twitter.com/Ix959bFpLV — PCB Official (@TheRealPCB) April 3, 2018 × Read how Pakistan sealed a historic 3-0 series win against West Indies in Karachi!#PAKvWI REPORT ➡️ https://t.co/jkDrcu3Wry pic.twitter.com/KNbyN6T6UN — ICC (@ICC) April 3, 2018 × With a 3-0 series win against West Indies, Pakistan have extended their lead at the top of the @MRFWorldwide ICC T20I Team Rankings! pic.twitter.com/sFQyEdKFVq — ICC (@ICC) April 4, 2018 × Since Sarfraz took over as skipper in September 2016, Pakistan have notched up series wins over England, the West Indies, Sri Lanka, New Zealand, and a World XI side.

Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam shine as Pakistan whitewash West Indies in T20 series

The increasing temperature across parts of Asia have made records for the month of March&nbsp;already.&nbsp;

At least seven countries set monthly high-temperature records at the end of March, according to national weather authorities and tracking by Etienne Kapikian, a meteorologist with MeteoFrance, along with climatologist Maximiliano Herrera.&nbsp;

However, Pakistan made the highest record with the hottest weather in March end.&nbsp;

On March 30, the temperature Nawabshah, in Sindh Province peaked at 45.5 degrees Celsius beating its old record of 45 degrees Celsius in March 1991.&nbsp;

Moenjo Daro, southwest of Nawabshah, also saw a temperature of 45.5 degrees Celsius on March 31. That is noteworthy since that community holds the all-time high-temperature record for the country, of 53.3 degrees Celsius, set in 2010.

Iraq and Qatar also saw record high temperatures during last March at 43.8 and 40 degrees Celsius respectively. Iraq beat its old record of 42.4 degrees Celsius in 2010 and Qatar last saw its highest temperature of March in 1998 at 39 degrees Celsius.&nbsp;

These types of heat events are expected to become more frequent and severe as the world continues to warm due to human emissions of greenhouse gases from the burning of fossil fuels.&nbsp;

As the overall climate gets warmer, it becomes easier to set warm temperature extremes, even in months that didn't use to see such hot and potentially deadly weather.&nbsp;

As parts of Asia roast in springtime heat, the eastern US&nbsp;is in a very cold pattern. At the very least, these new records are a reminder that - global warming is on the rise- when one part of the world is exceptionally cool, another part must be exceptionally hot. Cerveny says these pronounced variations suggest the weather pattern will remain interesting for potential all-time records.

On March 30, the temperature Nawabshah, in Sindh Province peaked at 45.5 degrees Celsius beating its old record of 45 degrees Celcius of March 1991

The increasing temperature across parts of Asia have made records for the month of March already. At least seven countries set monthly high-temperature records at the end of March, according to national weather authorities and tracking by Etienne Kapikian, a meteorologist with MeteoFrance, along with climatologist Maximiliano Herrera. However, Pakistan made the highest record with the hottest weather in March end. On March 30, the temperature Nawabshah, in Sindh Province peaked at 45.5 degrees Celsius beating its old record of 45 degrees Celsius in March 1991. Moenjo Daro, southwest of Nawabshah, also saw a temperature of 45.5 degrees Celsius on March 31. That is noteworthy since that community holds the all-time high-temperature record for the country, of 53.3 degrees Celsius, set in 2010. Iraq and Qatar also saw record high temperatures during last March at 43.8 and 40 degrees Celsius respectively. Iraq beat its old record of 42.4 degrees Celsius in 2010 and Qatar last saw its highest temperature of March in 1998 at 39 degrees Celsius. These types of heat events are expected to become more frequent and severe as the world continues to warm due to human emissions of greenhouse gases from the burning of fossil fuels. As the overall climate gets warmer, it becomes easier to set warm temperature extremes, even in months that didn't use to see such hot and potentially deadly weather. As parts of Asia roast in springtime heat, the eastern US is in a very cold pattern. At the very least, these new records are a reminder that - global warming is on the rise- when one part of the world is exceptionally cool, another part must be exceptionally hot. Cerveny says these pronounced variations suggest the weather pattern will remain interesting for potential all-time records.

Heatwave sweeps South Asia, Pakistan hottest at 45.5 degrees

Bollywood lyricist-scriptwriter Javed Akhtar slammed Pakistani cricketer Shahid Afridi after the latter raked up a controversy with his ‘Indian-occupied-Kashmir’ comment.&nbsp;

An angry Akhtar took to Twitter to criticise Afridi and said that if he really wants to see a peaceful Kashmir, he should ask the Pakistani administration to stop supporting terrorist activities in the Valley.

In a tweet, he wrote: “Dear Afridi, since you want to see a peaceful JK sans any human rights violations could you please see to it that pak terrorists stop infiltrations n pak army stops supporting the separatists by closing down the training camps. It will greatly help in solving the problem.”

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Dear Mr Afridi , since you want to see a peaceful JK sans any human rights violations could you please see to it that pak terrorists stop infiltrations n pak army stops supporting the separatists by closing down the training camps . It will greatly help in solving the problem
— Javed Akhtar (@Javedakhtarjadu) <a href="https://twitter.com/Javedakhtarjadu/status/981260181773275136?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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This comes after Afridi tweeted a controversial stance on the state of Kashmir in India. He tweeted: “Appalling and worrisome situation ongoing in the Indian Occupied Kashmir. Innocents being shot down by oppressive regime to clamp voice of self-determination & independence. Wonder where is the @UN & other int bodies & why aren't they making efforts to stop this bloodshed?”

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Appalling and worrisome situation ongoing in the Indian Occupied Kashmir.Innocents being shot down by oppressive regime to clamp voice of self determination & independence. Wonder where is the <a href="https://twitter.com/UN?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@UN</a> & other int bodies & why aren't they making efforts to stop this bloodshed?
— Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/SAfridiOfficial/status/981084208369192961?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 3, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Soon after Afridi’s comment, many criticised the cricketer. Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir was quoted: “Media called me for reaction on @SAfridiOfficial tweet on OUR Kashmir & @UN. What’s there to say? Afridi is only looking for @UN which in his retarded dictionary means “UNDER NINETEEN” his age bracket. Media can relax, @SAfridiOfficial is celebrating a dismissal off a no- ball!!!.”

In a major turn of events, the US designated the Milli Muslim League (MML), the political front of Pakistan-based Mumbai attack mastermind-led Jamaat-ud Dawa, as a foreign terrorist organisation. Thus, &nbsp;seven members of the MML's central leadership body have been designated as foreign terrorists. The US also added Tehreek-e-Azadi-e-Kashmir (TAJK) to the list of terrorist groups. TAJK is said to be a front of the Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT), which according to the Trump administration, continues to operate freely inside Pakistan.

Also, LeT was responsible for the November 2008 terrorist attack in Mumbai that killed 166 people, including six Americans.

'Worrisome situation in Indian-occupied Kashmir with innocent being shot down by oppressive regime,' Afridi had tweeted

Bollywood lyricist-scriptwriter Javed Akhtar slammed Pakistani cricketer Shahid Afridi after the latter raked up a controversy with his ‘Indian-occupied-Kashmir’ comment. An angry Akhtar took to Twitter to criticise Afridi and said that if he really wants to see a peaceful Kashmir, he should ask the Pakistani administration to stop supporting terrorist activities in the Valley. In a tweet, he wrote: “Dear Afridi, since you want to see a peaceful JK sans any human rights violations could you please see to it that pak terrorists stop infiltrations n pak army stops supporting the separatists by closing down the training camps. It will greatly help in solving the problem.” Dear Mr Afridi , since you want to see a peaceful JK sans any human rights violations could you please see to it that pak terrorists stop infiltrations n pak army stops supporting the separatists by closing down the training camps . It will greatly help in solving the problem — Javed Akhtar (@Javedakhtarjadu) April 3, 2018 × This comes after Afridi tweeted a controversial stance on the state of Kashmir in India. He tweeted: “Appalling and worrisome situation ongoing in the Indian Occupied Kashmir. Innocents being shot down by oppressive regime to clamp voice of self-determination & independence. Wonder where is the @UN & other int bodies & why aren't they making efforts to stop this bloodshed?” Appalling and worrisome situation ongoing in the Indian Occupied Kashmir.Innocents being shot down by oppressive regime to clamp voice of self determination & independence. Wonder where is the @UN & other int bodies & why aren't they making efforts to stop this bloodshed? — Shahid Afridi (@SAfridiOfficial) April 3, 2018 × Soon after Afridi’s comment, many criticised the cricketer. Indian cricketer Gautam Gambhir was quoted: “Media called me for reaction on @SAfridiOfficial tweet on OUR Kashmir & @UN. What’s there to say? Afridi is only looking for @UN which in his retarded dictionary means “UNDER NINETEEN” his age bracket. Media can relax, @SAfridiOfficial is celebrating a dismissal off a no- ball!!!.” In a major turn of events, the US designated the Milli Muslim League (MML), the political front of Pakistan-based Mumbai attack mastermind-led Jamaat-ud Dawa, as a foreign terrorist organisation. Thus, seven members of the MML's central leadership body have been designated as foreign terrorists. The US also added Tehreek-e-Azadi-e-Kashmir (TAJK) to the list of terrorist groups. TAJK is said to be a front of the Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT), which according to the Trump administration, continues to operate freely inside Pakistan. Also, LeT was responsible for the November 2008 terrorist attack in Mumbai that killed 166 people, including six Americans.

Javed Akhtar slams Shahid Afridi on 'Indian-occupied Kashmir' comment

Pakistan defeated West Indies by 82 runs in the second T20 match of a three-match series to claim a series win at National Stadium, Karachi on Monday.

Earlier, Pakistan won the toss and opted to bat and playing first, Pakistan scored 205 runs. Opener Babar Azam missed a maiden hundred by three runs but displayed a magnificent batting which includes 13 fours and a six in his 58-ball innings, reaching 97 not out to guide Pakistan to their highest-ever T20 total of 205-3 in 20 overs.

For his outstanding knock, Babar was given the​​​​&nbsp;'man of the match' award.

Mohammad Amir took 3-22 as the West Indies were dismissed for 123 in 19.2 overs, faring much better than their 60 all out in the first match which they lost by 143 runs -- the second-biggest margin of defeat in T20I.

The West Indies showed more resistance on Monday as Chadwick Walton hit two sixes and four boundaries during his 29-ball 40 and added 39 for the second wicket with the experienced Marlon Samuels who made 12.

But Shadab (2-23) dismissed both in the space of seven runs to check the West Indian chase before Talat mopped up the tail with 2-12.

"I didn't get the hundred because of my own fault," said Babar. "The team's plan for me was to bat out the 20 overs."

West Indian skipper Jason Mohammed was left to rue another poor show.&nbsp;

"It was another disappointing performance," said Mohammed. "We tried to set aggressive fields to try and get early wickets. It's difficult at times. Hopefully, we can go home with a victory."

This is Pakistan's seventh successive T20 series win, all under Sarfraz Ahmed's captaincy since September 2016.

Sarfraz Ahmed-led Pakistani team lead the series by 2-0 and the final match is scheduled to take place on Tuesday at National Stadium, Karachi.

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Pakistan defeated West Indies by 82 runs in the second T20 match of a three-match series

Pakistan defeated West Indies by 82 runs in the second T20 match of a three-match series to claim a series win at National Stadium, Karachi on Monday. Earlier, Pakistan won the toss and opted to bat and playing first, Pakistan scored 205 runs. Opener Babar Azam missed a maiden hundred by three runs but displayed a magnificent batting which includes 13 fours and a six in his 58-ball innings, reaching 97 not out to guide Pakistan to their highest-ever T20 total of 205-3 in 20 overs. For his outstanding knock, Babar was given the 'man of the match' award. Mohammad Amir took 3-22 as the West Indies were dismissed for 123 in 19.2 overs, faring much better than their 60 all out in the first match which they lost by 143 runs -- the second-biggest margin of defeat in T20I. The West Indies showed more resistance on Monday as Chadwick Walton hit two sixes and four boundaries during his 29-ball 40 and added 39 for the second wicket with the experienced Marlon Samuels who made 12. But Shadab (2-23) dismissed both in the space of seven runs to check the West Indian chase before Talat mopped up the tail with 2-12. "I didn't get the hundred because of my own fault," said Babar. "The team's plan for me was to bat out the 20 overs." West Indian skipper Jason Mohammed was left to rue another poor show. "It was another disappointing performance," said Mohammed. "We tried to set aggressive fields to try and get early wickets. It's difficult at times. Hopefully, we can go home with a victory." This is Pakistan's seventh successive T20 series win, all under Sarfraz Ahmed's captaincy since September 2016. Sarfraz Ahmed-led Pakistani team lead the series by 2-0 and the final match is scheduled to take place on Tuesday at National Stadium, Karachi. “I missed a few balls which played a role in missing the century” - Babar Azam. #PAKvWI 2nd T20I REACTION ⬇️https://t.co/YXBIEik2g2 pic.twitter.com/Se2VzWsrBN — ICC (@ICC) April 3, 2018 ×

Pakistan beat West Indies in 2nd T20 to claim series victory

Former Pakistan&nbsp;Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his daughter Maryam on Tuesday were granted an exemption from appearing before the court in the corruption hearing against them, as their flight could not take off from Lahore due to harsh weather.

As the hearing of the Avenfield properties reference went under way, Nawaz's counsel Khawaja Haris informed Judge Mohammad Bashir the former premier's flight was not allowed to take off from Lahore owing to the weather.&nbsp;

The judge approved the request but directed Nawaz's son-in-law MNA Capt (retd) Safdar to remain in court.&nbsp;

The case was filed by National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on the Supreme Court's ruling, was in refence to Sharif's family's London apartments.&nbsp;

Sharif, his sons Hasan and Hussain, daughter Maryam and son-in-law Capt (retd) Mohammad Safdar are facing multiple corruption references in the accountability court.

The corruption references, filed against the Sharif family, pertain to the Al-Azizia Steel Mills and Hill Metal Establishment, offshore companies including Flagship Investment Ltd, and Avenfield properties of London.

Nawaz's counsel resumed cross-examining the primary witness, Wajid Zia, today.&nbsp;

Zia headed the Panama case joint investigation team (JIT) which probed the Sharif family assets last year. He is being cross-examined since the last few hearings after having recorded his statement earlier over several weeks.

During Monday's hearing, pointing to Zia's 'u-turns' in his statements, Haris pleaded the court to record the proceedings of the case. The judge informally agreed to the notion.

The Pakistan Supreme Court had, on July 28, disqualified Sharif from holding the office of the prime minister and asked the National Accountability Bureau to file references against the Sharif family in connection with corruption cases against them.

On the orders of the country's Supreme Court, a JIT was formed last year to probe the allegations on the Sharif family.

As the hearing of the Avenfield properties reference went under way, Nawaz's counsel Khawaja Haris informed Judge Mohammad Bashir the former premier's flight was not allowed to take off from Lahore owing to the weather

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif and his daughter Maryam on Tuesday were granted an exemption from appearing before the court in the corruption hearing against them, as their flight could not take off from Lahore due to harsh weather. As the hearing of the Avenfield properties reference went under way, Nawaz's counsel Khawaja Haris informed Judge Mohammad Bashir the former premier's flight was not allowed to take off from Lahore owing to the weather. The judge approved the request but directed Nawaz's son-in-law MNA Capt (retd) Safdar to remain in court. The case was filed by National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on the Supreme Court's ruling, was in refence to Sharif's family's London apartments. Sharif, his sons Hasan and Hussain, daughter Maryam and son-in-law Capt (retd) Mohammad Safdar are facing multiple corruption references in the accountability court. The corruption references, filed against the Sharif family, pertain to the Al-Azizia Steel Mills and Hill Metal Establishment, offshore companies including Flagship Investment Ltd, and Avenfield properties of London. Nawaz's counsel resumed cross-examining the primary witness, Wajid Zia, today. Zia headed the Panama case joint investigation team (JIT) which probed the Sharif family assets last year. He is being cross-examined since the last few hearings after having recorded his statement earlier over several weeks. During Monday's hearing, pointing to Zia's 'u-turns' in his statements, Haris pleaded the court to record the proceedings of the case. The judge informally agreed to the notion. The Pakistan Supreme Court had, on July 28, disqualified Sharif from holding the office of the prime minister and asked the National Accountability Bureau to file references against the Sharif family in connection with corruption cases against them. On the orders of the country's Supreme Court, a JIT was formed last year to probe the allegations on the Sharif family.

Nawaz, daughter Maryam exempted from appearing in court in corruption case

A Pakistani woman and two others were acquitted by the Supreme Court today, 20 years after a triple murder case was registered against them.

In 1998, Asma Nawab was alleged to have orchestrated the murder of her parents and brother over a love marriage, Geo TV reported.

In 1999, the sessions court had ordered double death sentences for Asma, Farhan Khan and Javed Ahmed Siddiqui.

The Sindh High Court had rejected their appeal against the death sentence in 2015 and the appeal against that order was eventually taken up by the Supreme Court.

Hearing the case at apex court's Karachi Registry, the bench, headed by Justice Asif Saeed Khosa, accepted their appeals, nullified their sentences and ordered their immediate release, the channel said.

The court ruled that there was no concrete evidence against the suspects, and the evidence presented before the court had several loopholes. The court also found that the weapons recovered had no connection to the case, it added.

Farhan's fingerprints were taken two days after his arrest, the court ruled, adding that the prosecution failed to prove its allegations.

During the court proceedings, Justice Khosa remarked that police arrests suspects but fails to present evidence against them before courts. The suspects are released for lack of evidence but it is said courts acquit suspects, he asserted.

Justice Khosa said that suspects have been facing jail time since last 20 years without any evidence.

Asma was the only woman facing the death sentence in Sindh province.

In 1998, Asma Nawab was alleged to have orchestrated the murder of her parents and brother over a love marriage

A Pakistani woman and two others were acquitted by the Supreme Court today, 20 years after a triple murder case was registered against them. In 1998, Asma Nawab was alleged to have orchestrated the murder of her parents and brother over a love marriage, Geo TV reported. In 1999, the sessions court had ordered double death sentences for Asma, Farhan Khan and Javed Ahmed Siddiqui. The Sindh High Court had rejected their appeal against the death sentence in 2015 and the appeal against that order was eventually taken up by the Supreme Court. Hearing the case at apex court's Karachi Registry, the bench, headed by Justice Asif Saeed Khosa, accepted their appeals, nullified their sentences and ordered their immediate release, the channel said. The court ruled that there was no concrete evidence against the suspects, and the evidence presented before the court had several loopholes. The court also found that the weapons recovered had no connection to the case, it added. Farhan's fingerprints were taken two days after his arrest, the court ruled, adding that the prosecution failed to prove its allegations. During the court proceedings, Justice Khosa remarked that police arrests suspects but fails to present evidence against them before courts. The suspects are released for lack of evidence but it is said courts acquit suspects, he asserted. Justice Khosa said that suspects have been facing jail time since last 20 years without any evidence. Asma was the only woman facing the death sentence in Sindh province.

Pakistan: SC acquits woman, 2 others in murder case after 20 years

The 20-year-old army jawan had told his parents that he will be coming home in two days. Tomorrow, they will receive the body of Sepoy Shubham Suryakant Mustapure at his village Konerwadi in Parbhani district of Maharashtra, for last rites.

Mustapure, who joined the Army two years ago, was killed as Pakistani troops fired mortar bombs at forward posts along the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir today.

A pall of gloom has descended on the village as people await the arrival of his body, for the last rites to be performed tomorrow.

Mustapure will be cremated with military honours at 4 pm tomorrow, an official said. The soldier’s body is expected to land at Aurangabad airport at 11 am and will be taken to Konerwadi by road, he added.

“Shubham recently called his parents and informed them he will be coming home in two days. Now, his body, wrapped in tricolour, will reach here,” a relative of the soldier said.

The jawan, who was a bachelor, is survived by parents and grandparents and two younger brothers. While one brother studies in Gangakhed in Parbhani district, another studies at Ahmedpur in Latur district, the kin said.

The soldier’s father owns one and a half acres of farm and also supplements his income through tailoring.

When Shubham was recruited in the Army two years ago, after completing his 12th class, he had treated the entire village to a grand feast, the relative said.

Sepoy Shubham Suryakant Mustapure, who joined the Army two years ago, was killed as Pakistani troops fired mortar bombs at forward posts along the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir today.

The 20-year-old army jawan had told his parents that he will be coming home in two days. Tomorrow, they will receive the body of Sepoy Shubham Suryakant Mustapure at his village Konerwadi in Parbhani district of Maharashtra, for last rites. Mustapure, who joined the Army two years ago, was killed as Pakistani troops fired mortar bombs at forward posts along the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir today. A pall of gloom has descended on the village as people await the arrival of his body, for the last rites to be performed tomorrow. Mustapure will be cremated with military honours at 4 pm tomorrow, an official said. The soldier’s body is expected to land at Aurangabad airport at 11 am and will be taken to Konerwadi by road, he added. “Shubham recently called his parents and informed them he will be coming home in two days. Now, his body, wrapped in tricolour, will reach here,” a relative of the soldier said. The jawan, who was a bachelor, is survived by parents and grandparents and two younger brothers. While one brother studies in Gangakhed in Parbhani district, another studies at Ahmedpur in Latur district, the kin said. The soldier’s father owns one and a half acres of farm and also supplements his income through tailoring. When Shubham was recruited in the Army two years ago, after completing his 12th class, he had treated the entire village to a grand feast, the relative said.

Soldier killed in Pakistan shelling had told parents he would return

In a major move ahead of the general elections in Pakistan, the US today designated Milli Muslim League (MML), the political front of Hafiz Saeed-led Jamaat-ud Dawa, as a foreign terrorist organization.

In a simultaneous move, seven members of MML central leadership body have been designated as foreign terrorist. The US also added Tehreek-e-Azadi-e-Kashmir (TAJK) to the list of terrorist groups. TAJK is said to be a front of the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), which according to the

Trump administration, continues to operate freely inside Pakistan.

The move comes a day after the Election Commission of Pakistan asked the MML to produce a clearance certificate by the interior ministry for its registration as a political party.

The election commission had earlier rejected the MML's application for registration as a political party after the interior ministry objected to its ties to banned militant outfits.

The State Department said the move was aimed at denying the LeT the resources it needs to plan and carry out further terrorist attacks.

"Both MML and TAJK are LeT fronts created to circumvent the sanctions against it (LeT)...Today's amendments take aim at LeT's efforts to circumvent sanctions and deceive the public about its true character," said Nathan A Sales, Coordinator for Counterterrorism at the Department of State.

"Make no mistake: whatever LeT chooses to call itself, it remains a violent terrorist group. The US supports all efforts to ensure that LeT does not have a political voice until it gives up violence as a tool of influence," Sales said.

Among other consequences of the designations, LeT's property and interests in property subject to US jurisdiction are blocked, and US persons are generally prohibited from engaging in any transactions with the group.

"LeT continues to operate freely within Pakistan, holding public rallies, raising funds, and plotting and training for terrorist attacks," the State Department said.

The LeT was designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) group on December 26, 2001. Its leader, Saeed, is also designated as an SDGT.

To avoid sanctions, LeT has repeatedly changed its name over the years, the State Department alleged.

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/p4HR4fiZsSE" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>

In January 2017, LeT began operating under the name TAJK. Under this name, the LeT has engaged in inciting terrorism, as well as recruiting and fundraising.

In August 2017, Saeed created the MML to serve as a political front for the group.

"LeT members make up MML's leadership and the so-called party openly displays Saeed's likeness in its election banners and literature," the State Department said.

Concurrently with today's State Department actions, the US Department of the Treasury designated seven members of the MML central leadership body for acting for on behalf of the LeT: Saifullah Khalid (president), Muzammil Iqbal Hashimi (vice president), Muhammad Harris Dar (Joint Secretary), Tabish Qayyuum (Information Secretary), Fayyaz Ahmad (General Secretary), Faisal Nadeem (Broadcast and Publications Secretary), and Muhammad Ehsan (Finance Secretary).

Today's actions notify the US public and the international community that TAJK and MML are aliases of the LeT. Terrorism designations expose and isolate organizations and individuals, and deny them access to the US financial system. Moreover, designations can assist the law enforcement activities of US agencies and other governments.

"Treasury is targeting the MML and a group of seven global terrorists who are complicit in LeT's attempts to undermine Pakistan's political process," said Treasury Under Secretary Sigal Mandelker, adding that the MML is not a recognized political party and it relies on the leadership of the LeT for guidance and direction.

"We will continue to target terrorist organizations like LeT, even when they attempt to cloak themselves as political parties or hide their extremism behind other facades," Mandelker said. He also cautioned people against working with the MML, including providing financial donations, saying they should "think twice" about doing so or risk exposure to US sanctions.

President of the MML, Khalid is also the head of LeT's Peshawar headquarters and served on Jamaat-ud Dawa (JuD)'s Coordination Committee for Central Punjab Province. The JuD was designated by the Department of State as an alias of LeT pursuant April 2016 and was added to the United Nations Sanctions list as an alias of the LeT in December 2008.

The JuD is believed to be the front organisation for the LeT which is responsible for carrying out the Mumbai attack that killed 166 people, including six Americans. It was declared as an FTO by the US in June 2014.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

President of the MML, Khalid is also the head of LeT's Peshawar headquarters and served on Jamaat-ud Dawa (JuD)'s Coordination Committee for Central Punjab Province

In a major move ahead of the general elections in Pakistan, the US today designated Milli Muslim League (MML), the political front of Hafiz Saeed-led Jamaat-ud Dawa, as a foreign terrorist organization. In a simultaneous move, seven members of MML central leadership body have been designated as foreign terrorist. The US also added Tehreek-e-Azadi-e-Kashmir (TAJK) to the list of terrorist groups. TAJK is said to be a front of the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), which according to the Trump administration, continues to operate freely inside Pakistan. The move comes a day after the Election Commission of Pakistan asked the MML to produce a clearance certificate by the interior ministry for its registration as a political party. The election commission had earlier rejected the MML's application for registration as a political party after the interior ministry objected to its ties to banned militant outfits. The State Department said the move was aimed at denying the LeT the resources it needs to plan and carry out further terrorist attacks. "Both MML and TAJK are LeT fronts created to circumvent the sanctions against it (LeT)...Today's amendments take aim at LeT's efforts to circumvent sanctions and deceive the public about its true character," said Nathan A Sales, Coordinator for Counterterrorism at the Department of State. "Make no mistake: whatever LeT chooses to call itself, it remains a violent terrorist group. The US supports all efforts to ensure that LeT does not have a political voice until it gives up violence as a tool of influence," Sales said. Among other consequences of the designations, LeT's property and interests in property subject to US jurisdiction are blocked, and US persons are generally prohibited from engaging in any transactions with the group. "LeT continues to operate freely within Pakistan, holding public rallies, raising funds, and plotting and training for terrorist attacks," the State Department said. The LeT was designated as a Foreign Terrorist Organization (FTO) and Specially Designated Global Terrorist (SDGT) group on December 26, 2001. Its leader, Saeed, is also designated as an SDGT. To avoid sanctions, LeT has repeatedly changed its name over the years, the State Department alleged. In January 2017, LeT began operating under the name TAJK. Under this name, the LeT has engaged in inciting terrorism, as well as recruiting and fundraising. In August 2017, Saeed created the MML to serve as a political front for the group. "LeT members make up MML's leadership and the so-called party openly displays Saeed's likeness in its election banners and literature," the State Department said. Concurrently with today's State Department actions, the US Department of the Treasury designated seven members of the MML central leadership body for acting for on behalf of the LeT: Saifullah Khalid (president), Muzammil Iqbal Hashimi (vice president), Muhammad Harris Dar (Joint Secretary), Tabish Qayyuum (Information Secretary), Fayyaz Ahmad (General Secretary), Faisal Nadeem (Broadcast and Publications Secretary), and Muhammad Ehsan (Finance Secretary). Today's actions notify the US public and the international community that TAJK and MML are aliases of the LeT. Terrorism designations expose and isolate organizations and individuals, and deny them access to the US financial system. Moreover, designations can assist the law enforcement activities of US agencies and other governments. "Treasury is targeting the MML and a group of seven global terrorists who are complicit in LeT's attempts to undermine Pakistan's political process," said Treasury Under Secretary Sigal Mandelker, adding that the MML is not a recognized political party and it relies on the leadership of the LeT for guidance and direction. "We will continue to target terrorist organizations like LeT, even when they attempt to cloak themselves as political parties or hide their extremism behind other facades," Mandelker said. He also cautioned people against working with the MML, including providing financial donations, saying they should "think twice" about doing so or risk exposure to US sanctions. President of the MML, Khalid is also the head of LeT's Peshawar headquarters and served on Jamaat-ud Dawa (JuD)'s Coordination Committee for Central Punjab Province. The JuD was designated by the Department of State as an alias of LeT pursuant April 2016 and was added to the United Nations Sanctions list as an alias of the LeT in December 2008. The JuD is believed to be the front organisation for the LeT which is responsible for carrying out the Mumbai attack that killed 166 people, including six Americans. It was declared as an FTO by the US in June 2014.

US designates Hafiz Saeed's Milli Muslim League as terrorist outfit

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