Pakistan is still "smarting under" the 1971 defeat at the hands of India and the BSF is prepared both "defensively and offensively" to deal with infiltration and unprovoked firing incidents on the border, the force's chief said.

Border Security Force Director General (DG) K K Sharma said in an interview that despite the border guarding force wreaking "more than double" the quantum of losses across the India-Pakistan International Border (IB) in Jammu sector, such incidents, which claim lives of civilians, soldiers and destroy property, have not abated.

"I cannot say how and when the activity of unprovoked firings and ceasefire violations (from across the border) will start but we are prepared to face any eventuality.

"If it is a major offensive, we are more than prepared and we are prepared defensively and we are prepared offensively," the BSF chief said.

Sharma said, "I would like to make one thing clear that we 'never' initiate such violations and it is the other side which starts as a result of which we have to retaliate and react."

The BSF DG said the sole aim of these unprovoked firing incidents on the border is to "push" on terrorists into India.

While India wants to maintain peace and does not want to create any problems on the border, it is their (Pakistan's) state policy to "destabilise our country", the 1982-batch IPS officer of the Rajasthan cadre said.

"They (Pakistan) are still smarting under the defeat of 1971 which led to the creation of Bangladesh and the ISI (Pakistan intelligence agency) was created with the sole objective of dividing India.

"Their first attempt was in Khalistan and they failed. Now, they are trying it in Kashmir and they will fail," Sharma said.

The BSF had launched three special operations 'Rustam' (2016), 'Arjun' (2017) and 'Bheem' this year, as part of its 'much-tod jawab' (befitting reply) strategy on the border and to mount at least "three to four times" extra shelling on the Pakistani side and cause heavy damage to men and assets across the border.

According to data of the central security agencies, the BSF retaliation, during the operation 'Bheem' launched between January 3-24, claimed the lives of eight-ten Pakistan Rangers personnel, injured about 15-16 while about 24 civilians were killed and 65 others injured.

In comparison, three BSF personnel were killed, 17 were injured while eight civilians died and 55 were injured during the same time period due to unprovoked firing and shelling by the Pakistan side.

"But, when we react, we do that in a very befitting manner and we give them a very solid reply because since my taking over (in February 2016) three major engagements have taken place with Pakistan.

"In all the three, we have come on top as there has been more damage in terms of men, material (on the other side). So, consequently, the other side should abstain and restrain from any such activity in future but unfortunately it is their state policy to keep the issue of Jammu and Kashmir alive," Sharma said.

"Terrorists are coming from the Line of Control in the last years and there has not been any infiltration from the IB side. But, they keep on trying on the IB side also," he said.

The BSF DG said the sole aim of these unprovoked firing incidents on the border is to 'push' in terrorists into India.

Pakistan is still "smarting under" the 1971 defeat at the hands of India and the BSF is prepared both "defensively and offensively" to deal with infiltration and unprovoked firing incidents on the border, the force's chief said. Border Security Force Director General (DG) K K Sharma said in an interview that despite the border guarding force wreaking "more than double" the quantum of losses across the India-Pakistan International Border (IB) in Jammu sector, such incidents, which claim lives of civilians, soldiers and destroy property, have not abated. "I cannot say how and when the activity of unprovoked firings and ceasefire violations (from across the border) will start but we are prepared to face any eventuality. "If it is a major offensive, we are more than prepared and we are prepared defensively and we are prepared offensively," the BSF chief said. Sharma said, "I would like to make one thing clear that we 'never' initiate such violations and it is the other side which starts as a result of which we have to retaliate and react." The BSF DG said the sole aim of these unprovoked firing incidents on the border is to "push" on terrorists into India. While India wants to maintain peace and does not want to create any problems on the border, it is their (Pakistan's) state policy to "destabilise our country", the 1982-batch IPS officer of the Rajasthan cadre said. "They (Pakistan) are still smarting under the defeat of 1971 which led to the creation of Bangladesh and the ISI (Pakistan intelligence agency) was created with the sole objective of dividing India. "Their first attempt was in Khalistan and they failed. Now, they are trying it in Kashmir and they will fail," Sharma said. The BSF had launched three special operations 'Rustam' (2016), 'Arjun' (2017) and 'Bheem' this year, as part of its 'much-tod jawab' (befitting reply) strategy on the border and to mount at least "three to four times" extra shelling on the Pakistani side and cause heavy damage to men and assets across the border. According to data of the central security agencies, the BSF retaliation, during the operation 'Bheem' launched between January 3-24, claimed the lives of eight-ten Pakistan Rangers personnel, injured about 15-16 while about 24 civilians were killed and 65 others injured. In comparison, three BSF personnel were killed, 17 were injured while eight civilians died and 55 were injured during the same time period due to unprovoked firing and shelling by the Pakistan side. "But, when we react, we do that in a very befitting manner and we give them a very solid reply because since my taking over (in February 2016) three major engagements have taken place with Pakistan. "In all the three, we have come on top as there has been more damage in terms of men, material (on the other side). So, consequently, the other side should abstain and restrain from any such activity in future but unfortunately it is their state policy to keep the issue of Jammu and Kashmir alive," Sharma said. "Terrorists are coming from the Line of Control in the last years and there has not been any infiltration from the IB side. But, they keep on trying on the IB side also," he said.

Pakistan still feels the pain of 1971 defeat: BSF DG on trouble in Kashmir

Nine people, including four of a family from the minority Christian community in Pakistan, were killed after gunmen carried out two separate attacks in Quetta city in the south-western Balochistan province, police said.

Both the attacks took place yesterday, they said.

The ISIS claimed responsibility for the first attack in which unidentified gunmen on a motorcycle opened fire on a rickshaw in which a Christian family was travelling on Quetta's Shah Zaman road.

All four died on the spot while a woman was injured and rushed to a hospital, Provincial Police Chief Moazzam Jah Ansari said, adding that her father and three cousins were killed in the firing.

The attack on the Christians, he said, appeared to be a targeted attack.

"We are investigating whether it was a targeted attack due to personal enmity or sectarian reasons," he said.

The Christians on Sunday had celebrated Easter in Pakistan and the family had come to celebrate with their relatives from Lahore.

Shortly after the attack on the Christian family in the evening, two groups clashed with each other in Quetta's Qambrani road leaving five people dead and nine others injured.

The clash erupted allegedly after members of the minority Shia Muslim Hazara community held protests in Quetta to protest the targeted killing of a Hazara man on Sunday.

Hazara community members with their distinctive looks have come under several terror attacks in recent years in Baluchistan.

The Islamic State group claimed the attack on the Christians in a statement carried by its Aamaq news agency. It was unclear who was behind the other attack.

All four died on the spot while a woman was injured and rushed to a hospital

Nine people, including four of a family from the minority Christian community in Pakistan, were killed after gunmen carried out two separate attacks in Quetta city in the south-western Balochistan province, police said. Both the attacks took place yesterday, they said. The ISIS claimed responsibility for the first attack in which unidentified gunmen on a motorcycle opened fire on a rickshaw in which a Christian family was travelling on Quetta's Shah Zaman road. All four died on the spot while a woman was injured and rushed to a hospital, Provincial Police Chief Moazzam Jah Ansari said, adding that her father and three cousins were killed in the firing. The attack on the Christians, he said, appeared to be a targeted attack. "We are investigating whether it was a targeted attack due to personal enmity or sectarian reasons," he said. The Christians on Sunday had celebrated Easter in Pakistan and the family had come to celebrate with their relatives from Lahore. Shortly after the attack on the Christian family in the evening, two groups clashed with each other in Quetta's Qambrani road leaving five people dead and nine others injured. The clash erupted allegedly after members of the minority Shia Muslim Hazara community held protests in Quetta to protest the targeted killing of a Hazara man on Sunday. Hazara community members with their distinctive looks have come under several terror attacks in recent years in Baluchistan. The Islamic State group claimed the attack on the Christians in a statement carried by its Aamaq news agency. It was unclear who was behind the other attack.

Pakistan: Gunmen kill 9 in twin attacks

Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) founder Altaf Hussain has asked Pakistan to give Mohajirs their right of a separate province.

Hussain also warned Pakistan that dejecting Mohajirs'&nbspjust demand would lead to the creation of a separate homeland under duress. He was telephonically addressing MQM's 34th Foundation Day at Frankfurt, Germany from London.

"Discrimination against Mohajirs is widespread in every section of Pakistan. They are facing genocide and those who are alive are subject to humiliation and arbitrary arrests without any lawful charge or procedure. The ethnic majority and the establishment are mastermind of the discrimination and repression," Hussain said.

The MQM leader said that in order to order to keep Pakistan united Mohajirs should be given their right for a separate Mohajir province as their population has already exceeded 70 million."This is the last option to save the country and failing which, the things would become devastating and out of his control as 70 million Mohajirs won't then listen to me and take the course of actions in their own hands. It is a blessing that Mohajirs are till date committed to my command and listen to my appeals and advice," Hussain asserted.

In his preliminary address as usual, he urged upon the audiences to develop a habit of book reading to analyse things and acquire knowledge. Hussain asserted that he himself is an example as his critics flay his views and dare not to challenge him with logic and the fact is that none of his critic could yet held him wrong by logic or argument.

He said many lies are spread in Pakistan in order to conceal the truth. "Lies are presented as truth such as the country's elite claims that Allama Iqbal was the thinker of Pakistan, which is the biggest lie of history. There is no proof or record of Iqbal as a thinker of Pakistan. It is the irony that Pakistan commemorates Iqbal's day while he does not deserve it as he was not the thinker of Pakistan," Hussain said.

He argued: How could Iqbal be the thinker of Pakistan while the Lahore resolution was presented in Lahore in 1940 and Iqbal had died in 1938? The MQM founder said that the sister of the founder of Pakistan Mr. M. A. Jinnah, Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah, actually deserves the title.

"Fatima Jinnah struggled for Pakistan shoulder to shoulder with her brother, but was declared traitor by a Military establishment and military dictator General Ayub Khan in Pakistan," the MQM leader said.

He reminded that a few days ago on March 23rd, Pakistan day was commemorated in memory of Objective resolution while the fact is that there was no such resolution but a simple Lahore resolution, which has fraudulently been changed into the Pakistan Resolution. "The Lahore resolution is still engraved on the wall of a minaret of Pakistan in Lahore and there is no term for Pakistan Resolution in that inscription," Hussain said.

He said that on seeing repression and discrimination widespread against Mohajirs, he dared to erect the APMSO in Karachi University in 1978 but the hooligans of Jamat-e Islami tortured and expelled us from the varsity and then he dared to MQM on March 18, 1984, and held its first assembly at Nishtar Park on August 18, 1986.

"The military establishment had since then become a direct opponent of the MQM and Mohajirs as they fear that if the Mohajirs continue to be united then they would soon achieve their goals," Hussain said.

He warned the establishment and the ruling elite of Pakistan that the only way ahead to save Pakistan is to end the discrimination against Mohajirs and let them have their separate Mohajir Province or else the situation would be so dreadful and the Mohajirs would be constrained to look for their separate, independent and sovereign state.

He reminded the people of Pakistan that the Mohajirs are the creators of Pakistan and they laid millions of lives in sacrifice."They fought the battle of Pakistan in Uttar Pradesh, Central Provinces, and Bihar in India and made a country for the slaves of British Empire in North West of the sub-continent, which is now Pakistan. The corrupt military generals and feuds conspired against the Mohajirs and occupied the country on gun point. Mohajirs (Biharis) who again fought for Pakistan in 1971 have now been discarded and they are forced to spend their lives in camps of Red Cross in Bangladesh."

The MQM chief said that on seeing the atrocities, repression, and genocide of Mohajirs, he slammed the ruling feudal elite and military establishment and then the military generals and feuds of the country joined hands to punish the MQM.

"They held the MQM headquarters under siege and locked it down till date. Embargo was ordered and Pakistani media has been restricted on gun pint not to carry any of his picture or speech," Hussain said.

He said that the military establishment and feudal-based governments in Pakistan have so far executed 22000 innocent Mohajirs in an extra-judicial spree of chase and hunt. "Similar tactic is being applied in FATA where the local tribal population was forced to evacuate their homes and live as internally displaced persons (IDPs) on the mercy of the military establishment and the tyrant demonic feudal elites."

Hussain repeated his long-standing demand that the atrocities against the minority folks in Pakistan including Baloch, Pashtoon and Mohajirs should now end and the Biharis in Red Cross camps in Bangladesh should be brought back home with respect.

He reiterated his resolve to keep struggling for the Mohajir Nation.The organisers of 34th Foundation day in Frankfurt, Afzal Hussain and his all-party affiliates were appreciated for their untiring efforts. The programme was largely attended by men, women and children.&nbsp

Hussain also warned Pakistan that dejecting Mohajirs' just demand would lead to creation of a separate homeland under duress

Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) founder Altaf Hussain has asked Pakistan to give Mohajirs their right of a separate province. Hussain also warned Pakistan that dejecting Mohajirs'&nbspjust demand would lead to the creation of a separate homeland under duress. He was telephonically addressing MQM's 34th Foundation Day at Frankfurt, Germany from London. "Discrimination against Mohajirs is widespread in every section of Pakistan. They are facing genocide and those who are alive are subject to humiliation and arbitrary arrests without any lawful charge or procedure. The ethnic majority and the establishment are mastermind of the discrimination and repression," Hussain said. The MQM leader said that in order to order to keep Pakistan united Mohajirs should be given their right for a separate Mohajir province as their population has already exceeded 70 million."This is the last option to save the country and failing which, the things would become devastating and out of his control as 70 million Mohajirs won't then listen to me and take the course of actions in their own hands. It is a blessing that Mohajirs are till date committed to my command and listen to my appeals and advice," Hussain asserted. In his preliminary address as usual, he urged upon the audiences to develop a habit of book reading to analyse things and acquire knowledge. Hussain asserted that he himself is an example as his critics flay his views and dare not to challenge him with logic and the fact is that none of his critic could yet held him wrong by logic or argument. He said many lies are spread in Pakistan in order to conceal the truth. "Lies are presented as truth such as the country's elite claims that Allama Iqbal was the thinker of Pakistan, which is the biggest lie of history. There is no proof or record of Iqbal as a thinker of Pakistan. It is the irony that Pakistan commemorates Iqbal's day while he does not deserve it as he was not the thinker of Pakistan," Hussain said. He argued: How could Iqbal be the thinker of Pakistan while the Lahore resolution was presented in Lahore in 1940 and Iqbal had died in 1938? The MQM founder said that the sister of the founder of Pakistan Mr. M. A. Jinnah, Mohtarma Fatima Jinnah, actually deserves the title. "Fatima Jinnah struggled for Pakistan shoulder to shoulder with her brother, but was declared traitor by a Military establishment and military dictator General Ayub Khan in Pakistan," the MQM leader said. He reminded that a few days ago on March 23rd, Pakistan day was commemorated in memory of Objective resolution while the fact is that there was no such resolution but a simple Lahore resolution, which has fraudulently been changed into the Pakistan Resolution. "The Lahore resolution is still engraved on the wall of a minaret of Pakistan in Lahore and there is no term for Pakistan Resolution in that inscription," Hussain said. He said that on seeing repression and discrimination widespread against Mohajirs, he dared to erect the APMSO in Karachi University in 1978 but the hooligans of Jamat-e Islami tortured and expelled us from the varsity and then he dared to MQM on March 18, 1984, and held its first assembly at Nishtar Park on August 18, 1986. "The military establishment had since then become a direct opponent of the MQM and Mohajirs as they fear that if the Mohajirs continue to be united then they would soon achieve their goals," Hussain said. He warned the establishment and the ruling elite of Pakistan that the only way ahead to save Pakistan is to end the discrimination against Mohajirs and let them have their separate Mohajir Province or else the situation would be so dreadful and the Mohajirs would be constrained to look for their separate, independent and sovereign state. He reminded the people of Pakistan that the Mohajirs are the creators of Pakistan and they laid millions of lives in sacrifice."They fought the battle of Pakistan in Uttar Pradesh, Central Provinces, and Bihar in India and made a country for the slaves of British Empire in North West of the sub-continent, which is now Pakistan. The corrupt military generals and feuds conspired against the Mohajirs and occupied the country on gun point. Mohajirs (Biharis) who again fought for Pakistan in 1971 have now been discarded and they are forced to spend their lives in camps of Red Cross in Bangladesh." The MQM chief said that on seeing the atrocities, repression, and genocide of Mohajirs, he slammed the ruling feudal elite and military establishment and then the military generals and feuds of the country joined hands to punish the MQM. "They held the MQM headquarters under siege and locked it down till date. Embargo was ordered and Pakistani media has been restricted on gun pint not to carry any of his picture or speech," Hussain said. He said that the military establishment and feudal-based governments in Pakistan have so far executed 22000 innocent Mohajirs in an extra-judicial spree of chase and hunt. "Similar tactic is being applied in FATA where the local tribal population was forced to evacuate their homes and live as internally displaced persons (IDPs) on the mercy of the military establishment and the tyrant demonic feudal elites." Hussain repeated his long-standing demand that the atrocities against the minority folks in Pakistan including Baloch, Pashtoon and Mohajirs should now end and the Biharis in Red Cross camps in Bangladesh should be brought back home with respect. He reiterated his resolve to keep struggling for the Mohajir Nation.The organisers of 34th Foundation day in Frankfurt, Afzal Hussain and his all-party affiliates were appreciated for their untiring efforts. The programme was largely attended by men, women and children.

Give Mohajirs their right of province or repent: Altaf Hussain to Pakistan

Pakistan Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal on Tuesday said that Pakistan was committed to eliminating 'any signs' of terrorism from the country.&nbsp;

Addressing a three-day International Counter-Terrorism Forum, Iqbal said, "It is our national resolve to cleanse any sign of terrorism to achieve the objective of peace and development."

Iqbal underlined that the military forces had put in efforts and made sacrifices while flushing out terror outfits from Pakistan, adding that terrorists had targeted everyone in the country, Geo News reported.

"We carried out Zarb-e-Azb like operations from our own resources to flush out terror outfits. Terrorists have targeted all sections of Pakistan. Terrorists have attacked mosques, churches, temples and shrines," the interior minister asserted.&nbsp;

Iqbal added that around 60,000 lives were lost in the country during the war against terrorism, but it did not deter the nation's resolve of combating terrorism. He also called for peace and development of Pakistan.&nbsp;

Stressing on the decades-old conflict in Afghanistan, Iqbal said, "Afghanistan was left at the mercy of terrorist networks. Due to this, Pakistan is still suffering from the consequences of the Afghan war."

The interior minister further said that the war on terror was not over yet and collaborative efforts were being taken to eliminate terrorism from Pakistan.&nbsp;

Iqbal underscored that Pakistan was considered one of the most dangerous places in the world back several years ago, but according to world publications, the country was being declared as one of the most emerging economies in the world.

Pakistan Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal on Tuesday said that Pakistan was committed to eliminating 'any signs' of terrorism from the country

Pakistan Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal on Tuesday said that Pakistan was committed to eliminating 'any signs' of terrorism from the country. Addressing a three-day International Counter-Terrorism Forum, Iqbal said, "It is our national resolve to cleanse any sign of terrorism to achieve the objective of peace and development." Iqbal underlined that the military forces had put in efforts and made sacrifices while flushing out terror outfits from Pakistan, adding that terrorists had targeted everyone in the country, Geo News reported. "We carried out Zarb-e-Azb like operations from our own resources to flush out terror outfits. Terrorists have targeted all sections of Pakistan. Terrorists have attacked mosques, churches, temples and shrines," the interior minister asserted. Iqbal added that around 60,000 lives were lost in the country during the war against terrorism, but it did not deter the nation's resolve of combating terrorism. He also called for peace and development of Pakistan. Stressing on the decades-old conflict in Afghanistan, Iqbal said, "Afghanistan was left at the mercy of terrorist networks. Due to this, Pakistan is still suffering from the consequences of the Afghan war." The interior minister further said that the war on terror was not over yet and collaborative efforts were being taken to eliminate terrorism from Pakistan. Iqbal underscored that Pakistan was considered one of the most dangerous places in the world back several years ago, but according to world publications, the country was being declared as one of the most emerging economies in the world.

Pakistan committed to combating terrorism: Pakistan Interior Minister

Pakistan Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has accused India of launching a "brutal crackdown" in Kashmir after terror groups suffered a major setback following killing of 13 terrorists in counter-insurgency operations.

Abbasi's statement late last night came after Indian security forces on Sunday gunned down 13 militants in three counter-insurgency operations that also claimed the lives of three Army jawans and four civilians in Anantnag and Shopian districts of Jammu and Kashmir.

"The brutal crackdown, including the despicable use of pellet guns on civilians who were protesting against the killing, is deplorable," Abbasi said.

He also asked the international community to urge India to allow access to fact-finding missions of the UN to Kashmir.

Yesterday's operations by the Indian security forces have rendered a severe blow to terror groups such as the Hizbul Mujahideen and the Lashker-e-Taiba.

Abbasi's statement late last night came after Indian security forces on Sunday gunned down 13 militants in three counter-insurgency operations

Pakistan Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has accused India of launching a "brutal crackdown" in Kashmir after terror groups suffered a major setback following killing of 13 terrorists in counter-insurgency operations. Abbasi's statement late last night came after Indian security forces on Sunday gunned down 13 militants in three counter-insurgency operations that also claimed the lives of three Army jawans and four civilians in Anantnag and Shopian districts of Jammu and Kashmir. "The brutal crackdown, including the despicable use of pellet guns on civilians who were protesting against the killing, is deplorable," Abbasi said. He also asked the international community to urge India to allow access to fact-finding missions of the UN to Kashmir. Yesterday's operations by the Indian security forces have rendered a severe blow to terror groups such as the Hizbul Mujahideen and the Lashker-e-Taiba.

UN fact-finding mission should visit Kashmir: Abbasi

Pakistan defeated West Indies by massive 143 runs in the first T20 match of three-match series in Karachi on Sunday.

West Indies' new T20 skipper Jason Mohammad won the toss and opt to bowl, playing first, Pakistan scored massive 203 runs in 20 overs.

In the second innings, Windies lost all the wickets at a low scoring total of 60 and suffered the embarrassing defeat.

Marlon Samuels scored the maximum 18 runs along with him Rayad Emrit (11) and Keemo Paul (10) reached double figures for the team and five batsmen could not score a single run.

In the absence of their regular skipper Carlos Brathwaite and stars like Chris Gayle and Kieron Pollard, Windies could not face Pakistan's pace attack.

Pakistani bowlers bowling the West Indies out for their lowest-ever T20 total -- 60 runs -- in 13.4 overs.

Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Nawaz and Shoaib Malik got two wickets each.

"I think we were excellent today," said Ahmed. "We have an important match tomorrow and with another win we can seal the series win," said Pakistani skipper Sarfraz Ahmed.

Jason Mohammad blamed the defeat on poor batting. He said, "It was a tough day. We did well with the ball till the last two overs. It was a good wicket, but our shot execution wasn`t good."

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The second biggest win in T20I history! ?? Pakistan have bowled the West Indies out for 60 in Karachi. They win the first T20I by 143 runs!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PAKvWI?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PAKvWI</a> Scorecard ⬇️ <a href="https://t.co/7PjtsNpQVN">https://t.co/7PjtsNpQVN</a> <a href="https://t.co/QX8X1Ud6Aj">pic.twitter.com/QX8X1Ud6Aj</a>
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Pakistan defeated West Indies by massive 143 runs in the first T20 match of three-match series in Karachi on Sunday

Pakistan defeated West Indies by massive 143 runs in the first T20 match of three-match series in Karachi on Sunday. West Indies' new T20 skipper Jason Mohammad won the toss and opt to bowl, playing first, Pakistan scored massive 203 runs in 20 overs. In the second innings, Windies lost all the wickets at a low scoring total of 60 and suffered the embarrassing defeat. Marlon Samuels scored the maximum 18 runs along with him Rayad Emrit (11) and Keemo Paul (10) reached double figures for the team and five batsmen could not score a single run. In the absence of their regular skipper Carlos Brathwaite and stars like Chris Gayle and Kieron Pollard, Windies could not face Pakistan's pace attack. Pakistani bowlers bowling the West Indies out for their lowest-ever T20 total -- 60 runs -- in 13.4 overs. Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Nawaz and Shoaib Malik got two wickets each. "I think we were excellent today," said Ahmed. "We have an important match tomorrow and with another win we can seal the series win," said Pakistani skipper Sarfraz Ahmed. Jason Mohammad blamed the defeat on poor batting. He said, "It was a tough day. We did well with the ball till the last two overs. It was a good wicket, but our shot execution wasn`t good." The second biggest win in T20I history! ?? Pakistan have bowled the West Indies out for 60 in Karachi. They win the first T20I by 143 runs!#PAKvWI Scorecard ⬇️ https://t.co/7PjtsNpQVN pic.twitter.com/QX8X1Ud6Aj — ICC (@ICC) April 1, 2018 ×

Pakistan defeat West Indies by 143 runs in 1st T20

Pakistan Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has said that political decisions should be taken in polling booths, not courts, in an apparent reference to the ouster of his predecessor Nawaz Sharif by the Supreme Court.

Sharif, 68, was disqualified as the prime minister by the apex court in the Panama Papers case in July last year under Article 62 for failing to declare a receivable salary as an asset.

"Let the voters make political decisions," Abbasi said while addressing a crowd in Dera Ghazi Khan yesterday.

"Political decisions are taken in polling booths, not courts," he was quoted as saying by Dawn News.

Abbasi's remarks came days after his meeting with Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar.

The meeting, and Justice Nisar's subsequent referring of the prime minister as a supplicant, had irked Sharif, who later publicly asked Abbasi to explain his position on the meeting.

"It is a strange tradition that whosoever solves the country's problems is dragged into the courts, removed from posts and attempts are made to push (him) away from the people," Abbasi said.

This tradition is not Pakistan's tradition. This tradition will not give respect to politics in Pakistan," he warned.

The prime minister said the decisions of the people always prevail over court's verdicts ? some of which, he claimed, are controversial or not accepted by history.

"We continued to work despite severe opposition and gave respect to your vote," Abbasi told the gathering, outlining PML-N's achievements since it reclaimed power in 2013.

"You made a decision in 2008 and you got Asif Ali Zardari, and what he did to Pakistan, you all know. But in 2013 you sent him back home this was the people's decision," he said.

"The people then chose Nawaz Sharif, whose era saw unprecedented development.

"I have complete faith that the enlightened people of Pakistan will respond to the conspiracies and overthrow of governments at the polling stations (in upcoming general elections)," he added.

Sharif has held several rallies in different parts of Pakistan since his ouster. He has targeted the judiciary for removing him from the office of the prime minister and also come up with 'give respect to the ballot' slogan.

The political future of Sharif, who leads the country's most powerful political family, has been hanging in balance since his disqualification. If convicted, Sharif could be jailed.

Sharif's family alleges that the cases are politically motivated.&nbsp;

His statements came in an apparent reference to ouster of his predecessor Nawaz Sharif by the Supreme Court

Pakistan Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has said that political decisions should be taken in polling booths, not courts, in an apparent reference to the ouster of his predecessor Nawaz Sharif by the Supreme Court. Sharif, 68, was disqualified as the prime minister by the apex court in the Panama Papers case in July last year under Article 62 for failing to declare a receivable salary as an asset. "Let the voters make political decisions," Abbasi said while addressing a crowd in Dera Ghazi Khan yesterday. "Political decisions are taken in polling booths, not courts," he was quoted as saying by Dawn News. Abbasi's remarks came days after his meeting with Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar. The meeting, and Justice Nisar's subsequent referring of the prime minister as a supplicant, had irked Sharif, who later publicly asked Abbasi to explain his position on the meeting. "It is a strange tradition that whosoever solves the country's problems is dragged into the courts, removed from posts and attempts are made to push (him) away from the people," Abbasi said. This tradition is not Pakistan's tradition. This tradition will not give respect to politics in Pakistan," he warned. The prime minister said the decisions of the people always prevail over court's verdicts ? some of which, he claimed, are controversial or not accepted by history. "We continued to work despite severe opposition and gave respect to your vote," Abbasi told the gathering, outlining PML-N's achievements since it reclaimed power in 2013. "You made a decision in 2008 and you got Asif Ali Zardari, and what he did to Pakistan, you all know. But in 2013 you sent him back home this was the people's decision," he said. "The people then chose Nawaz Sharif, whose era saw unprecedented development. "I have complete faith that the enlightened people of Pakistan will respond to the conspiracies and overthrow of governments at the polling stations (in upcoming general elections)," he added. Sharif has held several rallies in different parts of Pakistan since his ouster. He has targeted the judiciary for removing him from the office of the prime minister and also come up with 'give respect to the ballot' slogan. The political future of Sharif, who leads the country's most powerful political family, has been hanging in balance since his disqualification. If convicted, Sharif could be jailed. Sharif's family alleges that the cases are politically motivated.

Political decisions should be taken in polling booths, not courts: Pakistan PM Abbasi

In a shocking incident, a Pakistani woman who was believed to have been murdered reappeared with a second husband and six children.

The 30-year-old woman, Asma Bibi, came to back to her village Phalayan in Jhelum district with a new name 'Neelam' after eight years of belief that she was murdered&nbsp;

A police case has been filed by her husband Ibrar Ahmed's family member. The police have also arrested her.

The police official said, that "we filed a case against Asma and her second husband under sections 494 and 420 of Pakistan Penal Code for contracting a second marriage without divorce from the first husband."

After a year of her marriage with Ibrar Ahmed in 2010, she went missing. Later a police complaint was filed by her mother saying that her husband Ibrar murdered her.

Ibrar was arrested by Police. But Asma's mother later withdrew her complaint after getting compensation money.

After police investigated the matter it was known that Asma has eloped with her current husband Nazeer Ahmed to Dubai with whom she was involved before marriage.

During the last eight years she gave birth to six children in Dubai, police said, adding the couple and their children have returned to Pakistan after Ahmed ended up jobless there.

Asma has alleged that her marriage was against her will as she forced to marry Ibrar by her family.

"I loved Ahmed. As Ahmed got a job in Dubai we planned to settle there," she said adding that she had no regrets eloping with her second husband.

Asma is now out on bail and she has been asked to submit two surety bonds worth 50,000 each.

(With inputs from ANI) 
&nbsp;

In a shocking incident in Pakistan, a woman who was so far was believed to be murdered reappeared with a second husband and six children

In a shocking incident, a Pakistani woman who was believed to have been murdered reappeared with a second husband and six children. The 30-year-old woman, Asma Bibi, came to back to her village Phalayan in Jhelum district with a new name 'Neelam' after eight years of belief that she was murdered A police case has been filed by her husband Ibrar Ahmed's family member. The police have also arrested her. The police official said, that "we filed a case against Asma and her second husband under sections 494 and 420 of Pakistan Penal Code for contracting a second marriage without divorce from the first husband." After a year of her marriage with Ibrar Ahmed in 2010, she went missing. Later a police complaint was filed by her mother saying that her husband Ibrar murdered her. Ibrar was arrested by Police. But Asma's mother later withdrew her complaint after getting compensation money. After police investigated the matter it was known that Asma has eloped with her current husband Nazeer Ahmed to Dubai with whom she was involved before marriage. During the last eight years she gave birth to six children in Dubai, police said, adding the couple and their children have returned to Pakistan after Ahmed ended up jobless there. Asma has alleged that her marriage was against her will as she forced to marry Ibrar by her family. "I loved Ahmed. As Ahmed got a job in Dubai we planned to settle there," she said adding that she had no regrets eloping with her second husband. Asma is now out on bail and she has been asked to submit two surety bonds worth 50,000 each. (With inputs from ANI)

Pakistan: 'Murdered' woman reappears with second husband, arrested

A large number of exiled Baloch activists recently took to the streets of Berlin, Canada and the United Kingdom to observe Black Day and protested against Pakistan's forceful occupation of Balochistan.

The protesters chanted anti-Pakistan slogans and carried flags to commemorate what they say was the annexation of Balochistan in 1948 by Pakistan's armed forces.

Aziz Baloch, a Free Balochistan movement activist in Canada, said that Pakistan army has been conducting an internal displacement throughout Balochistan for many years.

He further claimed that Islamabad has forcefully abducted 20,000 Baloch people till now.

"Even after seven decades of its forceful occupation, Pakistan has failed to provide even basic facilities such as primary education, healthcare and potable water to the people of the resource-rich province of Balochistan," he added.

Aziz further called the much-vouched China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as a 'satanic coalition'&nbsp;between the two countries."The China- Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which is constantly touted as the economic game changer by Islamabad administration has only added to the woes of the people of the region," said Aziz.

Further, President of the Canada-based World Baloch Women's Forum Professor Naela Quadri Baloch said, "Pakistan has sold Balochistan to China.

"The Chinese Navy and other forces are coming to Balochistan because Pakistan is no more able to keep us, slaves," Naela Quadri said.

The Baloch activists have been trying to voice their concerns at multiple international platforms, including the United Nations.

Recently, at the 37th session of the Human Rights Council, activists raised the issue of enforced disappearances, torture and killings of several Baloch activists and intellectuals.

A Pakistan journalist, named Taha Siddiqui, said that the Islamabad government has been neglecting the instances of abduction of the Baloch natives for many years.

"There is a camp for missing Baloch persons outside the Islamabad Press Club that is going on for many years now. And, it does not get any coverage in local media. There are women and children sitting with photos of their loved ones who have been missing for months, years and even at times for decades. And, there is no end to their misery," Siddiqui said.

Siddiqui, in a March 28 interview, had informed that March 27 is observed as 'Black Day'&nbsp;as on that day Pakistan attacked the province in 1948 and illegally occupied it with internationally recognised borders and a legal system of governance.

A large number of people in Balochistan are internally displaced whereas many have taken exile in other countries.

The situation is deteriorating as the Pakistan army and its intelligence agency are on a rampage to eliminate the identity of indigenous Baloch people.

A large number of exiled Baloch activists recently took to the streets of Berlin, Canada and the United Kingdom to observe Black Day and protested against Pakistan's forceful occupation of Balochistan

A large number of exiled Baloch activists recently took to the streets of Berlin, Canada and the United Kingdom to observe Black Day and protested against Pakistan's forceful occupation of Balochistan. The protesters chanted anti-Pakistan slogans and carried flags to commemorate what they say was the annexation of Balochistan in 1948 by Pakistan's armed forces. Aziz Baloch, a Free Balochistan movement activist in Canada, said that Pakistan army has been conducting an internal displacement throughout Balochistan for many years. He further claimed that Islamabad has forcefully abducted 20,000 Baloch people till now. "Even after seven decades of its forceful occupation, Pakistan has failed to provide even basic facilities such as primary education, healthcare and potable water to the people of the resource-rich province of Balochistan," he added. Aziz further called the much-vouched China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as a 'satanic coalition' between the two countries."The China- Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which is constantly touted as the economic game changer by Islamabad administration has only added to the woes of the people of the region," said Aziz. Further, President of the Canada-based World Baloch Women's Forum Professor Naela Quadri Baloch said, "Pakistan has sold Balochistan to China. "The Chinese Navy and other forces are coming to Balochistan because Pakistan is no more able to keep us, slaves," Naela Quadri said. The Baloch activists have been trying to voice their concerns at multiple international platforms, including the United Nations. Recently, at the 37th session of the Human Rights Council, activists raised the issue of enforced disappearances, torture and killings of several Baloch activists and intellectuals. A Pakistan journalist, named Taha Siddiqui, said that the Islamabad government has been neglecting the instances of abduction of the Baloch natives for many years. "There is a camp for missing Baloch persons outside the Islamabad Press Club that is going on for many years now. And, it does not get any coverage in local media. There are women and children sitting with photos of their loved ones who have been missing for months, years and even at times for decades. And, there is no end to their misery," Siddiqui said. Siddiqui, in a March 28 interview, had informed that March 27 is observed as 'Black Day' as on that day Pakistan attacked the province in 1948 and illegally occupied it with internationally recognised borders and a legal system of governance. A large number of people in Balochistan are internally displaced whereas many have taken exile in other countries. The situation is deteriorating as the Pakistan army and its intelligence agency are on a rampage to eliminate the identity of indigenous Baloch people.

Baloch activists observe Black Day against Pakistan atrocities

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<a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/world/russia-to-expel-4-french-diplomats-over-spy-row-127407">Russia to expel 4 French diplomats over spy row</a>

Russia will expel four French diplomats in the aftermath of poisoning of former spy Sergei Skripal at his home in Britain's Salisbury.

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Former Australia vice-captain David Warner apologised in tears Saturday for his role in a ball-tampering scandal and said he would weigh up an appeal against his 12-month ban.

<a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/india-news/andhra-pradesh-4-killed-30-injured-due-to-rain-hailstorm-127411">Andhra Pradesh: 4 killed, 30 injured due to rain, hailstorm</a>

As many as four people were killed and nearly 30 injured after a sudden downpour and hailstorm hit Vontimitta village&nbsp;in Kadapa district of Andhra Pradesh.

<a href="http://cmsuat.wionews.com/south-asia/pok-residents-protest-against-pak-brutalities-127418">PoK residents protest against Pak brutalities</a>

Residents of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) continue to protest against the Pakistan Army and the government, forcing the latter to stop cross-border firing.

Trump freezes over $200 million allocated for Syria's 'recovery fund' The White House has instructed the State Department to freeze over $200 million in funds earmarked for "recovery efforts" in Syria, The Wall Street Journal reported Friday. Russia to expel 4 French diplomats over spy row Russia will expel four French diplomats in the aftermath of poisoning of former spy Sergei Skripal at his home in Britain's Salisbury. Tearful Warner sorry for ball-tampering, weighing up appeal Former Australia vice-captain David Warner apologised in tears Saturday for his role in a ball-tampering scandal and said he would weigh up an appeal against his 12-month ban. Andhra Pradesh: 4 killed, 30 injured due to rain, hailstorm As many as four people were killed and nearly 30 injured after a sudden downpour and hailstorm hit Vontimitta village in Kadapa district of Andhra Pradesh. PoK residents protest against Pak brutalities Residents of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) continue to protest against the Pakistan Army and the government, forcing the latter to stop cross-border firing.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Saturday appealed to the Kashmiri Pandits to visit the Valley.

"Kashmiri Pandits should visit Kashmir, their younger generations should see where their roots really lie. We will make all arrangements. Whatever has happened in the past is unfortunate but now we will have to move forward," the Chief Minister said at an interactive session with the Kashmiri Pandits in Delhi.

Mufti also urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take a leaf out of former prime minister Atal Behari Vajpayee's book and initiate a dialogue with Pakistan.

"I urge Prime Minister Modi to talk to Pakistan just like Vajpayee ji did. Neither are we nor is Pakistan in a condition to fight a war, both countries know now that if there will be a war, nothing will be spared. Both the nations will just lose everything," Mufti added.

At the same event, a man from the crowd stood up and questioned Mufti on relief for the Kashmiri Pandits.

The Kashmiri Pandits began to leave the Valley in greater numbers in the 1990s during the eruption of militancy, following persecution and threats by radical Islamists and militants.

In 2010, the Government of Jammu and Kashmir noted that 808 Pandit families were still living in the Valley and that the financial and other incentives put in place to encourage others to return there had been unsuccessful.

According to a Jammu and Kashmir Government report, 219 members of the community had been killed in the region between 1989 and 2004 but none thereafter.

However, in July 2017, the Supreme Court refused to reopen 215 cases in which over 700 members of the Kashmiri Pandit community were killed in Jammu and Kashmir in 1989, citing the passage of time.&nbsp

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Saturday appealed to the Kashmiri Pandits to visit the Valley

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti on Saturday appealed to the Kashmiri Pandits to visit the Valley. "Kashmiri Pandits should visit Kashmir, their younger generations should see where their roots really lie. We will make all arrangements. Whatever has happened in the past is unfortunate but now we will have to move forward," the Chief Minister said at an interactive session with the Kashmiri Pandits in Delhi. Mufti also urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to take a leaf out of former prime minister Atal Behari Vajpayee's book and initiate a dialogue with Pakistan. "I urge Prime Minister Modi to talk to Pakistan just like Vajpayee ji did. Neither are we nor is Pakistan in a condition to fight a war, both countries know now that if there will be a war, nothing will be spared. Both the nations will just lose everything," Mufti added. At the same event, a man from the crowd stood up and questioned Mufti on relief for the Kashmiri Pandits. The Kashmiri Pandits began to leave the Valley in greater numbers in the 1990s during the eruption of militancy, following persecution and threats by radical Islamists and militants. In 2010, the Government of Jammu and Kashmir noted that 808 Pandit families were still living in the Valley and that the financial and other incentives put in place to encourage others to return there had been unsuccessful. According to a Jammu and Kashmir Government report, 219 members of the community had been killed in the region between 1989 and 2004 but none thereafter. However, in July 2017, the Supreme Court refused to reopen 215 cases in which over 700 members of the Kashmiri Pandit community were killed in Jammu and Kashmir in 1989, citing the passage of time.

Mehbooba Mufti appeals to Kashmiri Pandits to visit Valley

Residents of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) continue to protest against the Pakistan Army and the government, forcing the latter to stop cross-border firing.

The Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) and other political parties jointly held a protest rally from Tetri Mor to Mazarpur.

The police carried out a baton charge and opened fire on the protesters. In retaliation, the locals attacked army posts and set them on fire.

In Muzaffarabad, the inhabitants carried out a protest against police and army brutality.&nbsp &nbsp&nbsp

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/baloch-republican-party-holds-anti-pakistan-protest-in-geneva-35082">Baloch Republican Party holds </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/baloch-republican-party-holds-anti-pakistan-protest-in-geneva-35082">anti-Pakistan</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/baloch-republican-party-holds-anti-pakistan-protest-in-geneva-35082"> protest in Geneva</a>

"Pakistan's intelli gence agencies are forcing an action committee at the ceasefire line to not hold any protest against the exchange of mortar shells. They are putting pressure on them which resulted in a baton charge by the police on peaceful protesters. It is unfortunate that the locals are being used as human shields. They are using their homes to fire gunshots and mortar shells across the border. The return fire comes directly to these houses, resulting in heavy casualties," PoK activist Mir Afzal Suleria said.

"For the past 70 years, the army claims to be here for our protection, but why are they using us as shields to carry out attacks. It shows that the government is deliberately wanting people to die so that they get a chance to promote their propaganda. We condemn it and nationalists in PoK are united in launching a protest against the Pakistan and PoK governments," he added.

The protesters blamed the federal government and Prime Minister of PoK, Raja Farooq Haider for ceasefire violations and deliberately provoking India for cross firing.

They also blamed the Pakistan Army for using civilians as human shields.

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/islamabad-pashtuns-carry-out-anti-pakistan-protest-wont-move-till-demands-met-31716">Islamabad: Pashtuns carry out anti-Pakistan protest, won't move till demands met</a>

"I want to ask Raja Farooq Haider, has the Pakistan Army been able to take an inch of land from India? No, they have not taken. And, in future also, they will not be able to take an inch of land. Farooq Haider wishes India to do firing on civilians so that he can get a chance to do propaganda. We regret his line of thinking," Afzal said.

On March 16, similar protests were held in the Poonch area of PoK, in which two political activists were killed in police firing and many were seriously injured.

The protesters blamed the federal government and Prime Minister of PoK, Raja Farooq Haider for ceasefire violations and deliberately provoking India for cross firing

Residents of Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) continue to protest against the Pakistan Army and the government, forcing the latter to stop cross-border firing. The Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) and other political parties jointly held a protest rally from Tetri Mor to Mazarpur. The police carried out a baton charge and opened fire on the protesters. In retaliation, the locals attacked army posts and set them on fire. In Muzaffarabad, the inhabitants carried out a protest against police and army brutality. Also read: Baloch Republican Party holds anti-Pakistan protest in Geneva "Pakistan's intelli gence agencies are forcing an action committee at the ceasefire line to not hold any protest against the exchange of mortar shells. They are putting pressure on them which resulted in a baton charge by the police on peaceful protesters. It is unfortunate that the locals are being used as human shields. They are using their homes to fire gunshots and mortar shells across the border. The return fire comes directly to these houses, resulting in heavy casualties," PoK activist Mir Afzal Suleria said. "For the past 70 years, the army claims to be here for our protection, but why are they using us as shields to carry out attacks. It shows that the government is deliberately wanting people to die so that they get a chance to promote their propaganda. We condemn it and nationalists in PoK are united in launching a protest against the Pakistan and PoK governments," he added. The protesters blamed the federal government and Prime Minister of PoK, Raja Farooq Haider for ceasefire violations and deliberately provoking India for cross firing. They also blamed the Pakistan Army for using civilians as human shields. Also read: Islamabad: Pashtuns carry out anti-Pakistan protest, won't move till demands met "I want to ask Raja Farooq Haider, has the Pakistan Army been able to take an inch of land from India? No, they have not taken. And, in future also, they will not be able to take an inch of land. Farooq Haider wishes India to do firing on civilians so that he can get a chance to do propaganda. We regret his line of thinking," Afzal said. On March 16, similar protests were held in the Poonch area of PoK, in which two political activists were killed in police firing and many were seriously injured.

PoK residents protest against Pak brutalities

A blast in Dera Ismail Khan, northwest Pakistan has claimed three lives. The victims were all police personnel. Two people have been injured in the incident that took place on Friday evening.&nbsp

According to reports, a police vehicle was hit by an improvised explosive device (IED) in northwest Pakistan yesterday when the officials were on a routine patrolling duty.&nbsp

The injured were rushed to the nearest hospital. District Police Officer, Zahidullah remained unhurt in the blast.

The incident occurred on Kolachi road in Dera Ismael Khan district of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province, bordering South Waziristan Agency when the squad of District Police Officer (DPO) was on a routine evening duty.

(With inputs from PTI)&nbsp

According to reports, a police vehicle was hit by an improvised explosive device (IED) in northwest Pakistan yesterday

A blast in Dera Ismail Khan, northwest Pakistan has claimed three lives. The victims were all police personnel. Two people have been injured in the incident that took place on Friday evening. According to reports, a police vehicle was hit by an improvised explosive device (IED) in northwest Pakistan yesterday when the officials were on a routine patrolling duty. The injured were rushed to the nearest hospital. District Police Officer, Zahidullah remained unhurt in the blast. The incident occurred on Kolachi road in Dera Ismael Khan district of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province, bordering South Waziristan Agency when the squad of District Police Officer (DPO) was on a routine evening duty. (With inputs from PTI)

Pakistan: 3 policemen killed, 2 injured in IED blast

The US today said Pakistan is working hard to ensure that its strategic export controls are in line with international standards, days after it sanctioned seven Pakistani companies suspected of having links to nuclear trade.

Recently, the US added seven Pakistani firms to a list of foreign entities that pose a "significant risk" to its national security and interests by allegedly engaging in nuclear trade, denting Islamabad's bid to join the elite Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG).

The move would also have a negative impact on Pakistan's determined bid to join a Vienna-based 48-member group which controls the global nuclear trade.

"We recognise that Pakistan is engaged with the international community on nuclear safety and security issues, and is working hard to ensure its strategic export controls are in line with international standards," a State Department spokesperson told.

The spokesperson was responding to a question on the recent determination of US Department of Commerce to that seven entities from Pakistan are "acting contrary to the national security or foreign policy interests of the United States".

One company from Singapore and 15 others from South Sudan were also added to the list published in the Federal Register on March 22.

"We regularly add entities to the Entity List based on US national security and foreign policy interests. It is not country-specific," the State Department Spokesperson added.

&nbsp

The US said this, days after it sanctioned seven Pakistani companies suspected of having links to nuclear trade

The US today said Pakistan is working hard to ensure that its strategic export controls are in line with international standards, days after it sanctioned seven Pakistani companies suspected of having links to nuclear trade. Recently, the US added seven Pakistani firms to a list of foreign entities that pose a "significant risk" to its national security and interests by allegedly engaging in nuclear trade, denting Islamabad's bid to join the elite Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG). The move would also have a negative impact on Pakistan's determined bid to join a Vienna-based 48-member group which controls the global nuclear trade. "We recognise that Pakistan is engaged with the international community on nuclear safety and security issues, and is working hard to ensure its strategic export controls are in line with international standards," a State Department spokesperson told. The spokesperson was responding to a question on the recent determination of US Department of Commerce to that seven entities from Pakistan are "acting contrary to the national security or foreign policy interests of the United States". One company from Singapore and 15 others from South Sudan were also added to the list published in the Federal Register on March 22. "We regularly add entities to the Entity List based on US national security and foreign policy interests. It is not country-specific," the State Department Spokesperson added.

Pakistan working to ensure strategic export controls in line with global standards: US

Mahira Khan attended a friends Mehendi ceremony recently. The beautiful actress, dressed in a light green lehenga-choli, danced to a number of Bollywood hits at the ceremony much to the delight of friends and guests. The videos of her performance are all across the social media and naturally have gone viral.&nbsp; 
 
Mahira can be seen performing to hits like Sweety Tera Drama and Koi Dekh Raha.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bg3PdhdF25K/" style=" color:#000 font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px font-style:normal font-weight:normal line-height:17px text-decoration:none word-wrap:break-word" target="_blank">QUEEN ??? - #MahiraKhan</a>

<p style=" color:#c9c8cd font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px line-height:17px margin-bottom:0 margin-top:8px overflow:hidden padding:8px 0 7px text-align:center text-overflow:ellipsis white-space:nowrap">A post shared by <a href="https://www.instagram.com/mahirakhancrew/" style=" color:#c9c8cd font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px font-style:normal font-weight:normal line-height:17px" target="_blank"> Mahira Khan Fanpage.</a> (@mahirakhancrew) on <time datetime="2018-03-28T10:30:36+00:00" style=" font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px line-height:17px">Mar 28, 2018 at 3:30am PDT</time>
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The actress can also be seen dancing to Shilpa Shetty's hit number Main Aai Hoon Up Bihar Lootne.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bg0knDcll52/" style=" color:#000 font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px font-style:normal font-weight:normal line-height:17px text-decoration:none word-wrap:break-word" target="_blank">Mahira showing some moves at a recent wedding ?? - #MahiraKhan</a>

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Mahira has also shared a picture of herself from the same day, with a&nbsp;friend and wrote, "You have my heart and I will always, always have your back."

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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/p/Bg4PLGjnKGy/" style=" color:#000 font-family:Arial,sans-serif font-size:14px font-style:normal font-weight:normal line-height:17px text-decoration:none word-wrap:break-word" target="_blank">You have my heart and I will always always have your back.. ❤️</a>

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A few days back, the actress received flak after she was <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/mahira-khan-caught-smoking-again-internet-divided-in-reactions-127042">clicked smoking during an awards ceremony.&nbsp;</a>

Mahira, a well-known star in Pakistan, made her debut in Bollywood opposite Shah Rukh Khan in Raees in 2017.&nbsp;

Mahira Khan attended a friends Mehendi ceremony recently. The beautiful actress, dressed in a light green lehenga-choli, danced to a number of Bollywood hits at the ceremony much to the delight of friends and guests. The videos of her performance are all across the social media and naturally have gone viral. Mahira can be seen performing to hits like Sweety Tera Drama and Koi Dekh Raha. QUEEN ??? - #MahiraKhan A post shared by Mahira Khan Fanpage. (@mahirakhancrew) on Mar 28, 2018 at 3:30am PDT × The actress can also be seen dancing to Shilpa Shetty's hit number Main Aai Hoon Up Bihar Lootne. Mahira showing some moves at a recent wedding ?? - #MahiraKhan A post shared by Mahira Khan Fanpage. (@mahirakhancrew) on Mar 27, 2018 at 2:30am PDT × Mahira has also shared a picture of herself from the same day, with a friend and wrote, "You have my heart and I will always, always have your back." You have my heart and I will always always have your back.. ❤️ A post shared by Mahira Khan (@mahirahkhan) on Mar 28, 2018 at 12:30pm PDT × A few days back, the actress received flak after she was clicked smoking during an awards ceremony. Mahira, a well-known star in Pakistan, made her debut in Bollywood opposite Shah Rukh Khan in Raees in 2017.

Watch: Mahira Khan's gig on Bollywood hits

Pakistan successfully test-fired indigenously developed Babur submarine-launched Cruise Missile(SLCM), Pakistan's Inter-Services Major General Asif Ghafoor declared.

Babur is capable of "delivering all kinds of payloads", Ghafoor informed on Twitter.

SLCM Babur provides Pakistan "credible second strike capability", augmenting the existing deterrence regime, Ghafoor informed.

"Development of this capability also reflects Pakistan's response to provocative nuclear strategies and posture being pursued in the neighbourhood through induction of nuclear submarines and ship-borne nuclear missiles," the ISPR said.

The test launched was witnessed by director general Strategic Plans Division(SPD), Chairman National Engineered and Scientific Commission(NESCOM) and Commander Naval Strategic Force Command(NFSC)

The missile was successfully fired from an underwater dynamic platform engaging its "target precisely".

Babur is capable of "delivering all kinds of payloads", Ghafoor informed.

Pakistan successfully test-fired indigenously developed Babur submarine-launched Cruise Missile(SLCM), Pakistan's Inter-Services Major General Asif Ghafoor declared. Babur is capable of "delivering all kinds of payloads", Ghafoor informed on Twitter. SLCM Babur provides Pakistan "credible second strike capability", augmenting the existing deterrence regime, Ghafoor informed. "Development of this capability also reflects Pakistan's response to provocative nuclear strategies and posture being pursued in the neighbourhood through induction of nuclear submarines and ship-borne nuclear missiles," the ISPR said. The test launched was witnessed by director general Strategic Plans Division(SPD), Chairman National Engineered and Scientific Commission(NESCOM) and Commander Naval Strategic Force Command(NFSC) The missile was successfully fired from an underwater dynamic platform engaging its "target precisely".

Pakistan successfully test-fires submarine-based cruise missile Babur

Iranian filmmaker Majid Majidi's film Beyond The Clouds, featuring Ishaan Khatter and Malavika Mohanan will release in 34 territories including Pakistan and Majidi's own country Iran.&nbsp; 
 
Zee Studios International, the film's producer, is taking the film to the foreign shores.&nbsp; 
 
The film will see a 34 territory release including a wide release in Iran as well as over 70 screens in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) regions including Dubai, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, and Qatar, read a statement.&nbsp; 
 
Apart from the GCC region, the film will also open in the US, Canada, UK, Netherlands, Belgium, Maldives, Luxembourg, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, East West and South Africa, Malaysia, Indonesia and Pakistan.&nbsp; 
 
Beyond The Clouds&nbsp;narrates a heart-warming tale of a brother and sister, and how they find happiness in separation and turbulent times. The film celebrates the triumph and adoration of life against a Mumbai backdrop. 
 
Produced by Zee Studios and Namah Pictures, the film will open in UAE and GCC regions on April 19. In North America, UK and Singapore, the film will release on April 20.&nbsp;

Vibha Chopra, Head - Zee Studios International (Film Marketing, Distribution and Acquisition), said: "The popularity of Indian cinema, Hindi as well as other regional films, is rising at rapid pace. Majid Majidi`s films are those that are awaited by Indians as well as non-diaspora audience worldwide.&nbsp;

"And that is why the different approach to the film. The film has been marketed keeping in mind both these type of movie-goers. Content is what is key, around the globe. We have tapped 34 territories in the first phase of release for the film and are looking to go wider in phase two."

With music by A.R. Rahman, cinematography by Anil Mehta and Hindi dialogues by Vishal Bhardwaj, it will open in India on April 20.&nbsp;

Iranian filmmaker Majid Majidi's film Beyond The Clouds, featuring Ishaan Khatter and Malavika Mohanan will release in 34 territories including Pakistan and Majidi's own country Iran. Zee Studios International, the film's producer, is taking the film to the foreign shores. The film will see a 34 territory release including a wide release in Iran as well as over 70 screens in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) regions including Dubai, Kuwait, Oman, Bahrain, and Qatar, read a statement. Apart from the GCC region, the film will also open in the US, Canada, UK, Netherlands, Belgium, Maldives, Luxembourg, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand, Fiji, East West and South Africa, Malaysia, Indonesia and Pakistan. Beyond The Clouds narrates a heart-warming tale of a brother and sister, and how they find happiness in separation and turbulent times. The film celebrates the triumph and adoration of life against a Mumbai backdrop. Produced by Zee Studios and Namah Pictures, the film will open in UAE and GCC regions on April 19. In North America, UK and Singapore, the film will release on April 20. Vibha Chopra, Head - Zee Studios International (Film Marketing, Distribution and Acquisition), said: "The popularity of Indian cinema, Hindi as well as other regional films, is rising at rapid pace. Majid Majidi`s films are those that are awaited by Indians as well as non-diaspora audience worldwide. "And that is why the different approach to the film. The film has been marketed keeping in mind both these type of movie-goers. Content is what is key, around the globe. We have tapped 34 territories in the first phase of release for the film and are looking to go wider in phase two." With music by A.R. Rahman, cinematography by Anil Mehta and Hindi dialogues by Vishal Bhardwaj, it will open in India on April 20.

Majid Majidi's 'Beyond the Clouds' featuring Ishaan Khatter to release in Iran, Pakistan

Pakistan is widely regarded as one of the most dangerous countries in the world for activists and reporters.

The country's powerful and secretive security establishment, which includes the much feared Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and the military, has long used abductions to silence anyone who dares to question or expose their actions, claims Kiran Nazish, an independent journalist covering South Asia and the Middle East, adding that she is of the view that the army is now waging what she calls "a quiet war on journalists".

According to the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, nearly 10,000 people have gone missing in the country since 2001, with nearly 3,000 still unaccounted for. In 2016 alone, there were 728 disappearances.

The HRCP and human rights activists say these numbers are significantly under-reported.

This matters, of course, for ordinary Pakistanis, who can't speak freely about their government. It also affects Pakistani lawmakers, whose ability to craft legislation is hampered by the lack of information, Nazish says in an article that she has written for the website www.vox.com.

According to Nazish, these enforced disappearances have real consequences for the rest of the world as well and recalls US President Donald Trump's first tweet of 2018, when he directly exposed Pakistan's failure to assist Washington in its global war on terror.

"The United States has foolishly given Pakistan more than 33 billion dollars in aid over the last 15 years, and they have given us nothing but lies & deceit," he tweeted.

"They give safe haven to the terrorists we hunt in Afghanistan, with little help," he added.

According to Nazish, Trump's tweet speaks of a larger issue i.e. that Pakistan is battling its own war on terror.

"Many parts of the country, including Waziristan, on its porous border with Afghanistan, have turned into safe havens for militants and terror groups. The Pakistani military has been accused of working closely with and even aiding terrorists there. To many, Pakistan is a black hole of information due to the lack of reporting and independent voices on the ground. Not knowing what actually is taking place not only complicates global efforts to counter terrorism but also puts the region and the world at large at risk," she says.

She further asks how will Washington verify Pakistan's cracking down on terrorist groups like the Taliban and the Haqqani Network before agreeing to revoke the suspension of USD 900 million in security aid to Islamabad.

Nazish opines that Pakistan's intelligence agencies operate like an independent arm of the state

"It's important to note that Pakistan's government, although democratically elected, does not have the power to control or influence the far-reaching and powerful military establishment. Pakistan's intelligence agencies hold so much power that even the police can't touch them. And despite criticism and warnings from international groups and pledges by the government of Pakistan, disappearances seem to be getting worse," she adds.

Pakistan's Commission on Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances received nearly 300 cases of alleged enforced disappearances from August to October 2017, by far the largest number in a three month period in recent years.

And in early 2017, three Pakistani bloggers who were critical of the government disappeared for weeks, without a trace. When they were released, all three described torture and sexual abuse at the hands of Pakistani security personnel.

"Anyone who reports on Balochistan, or terrorism in Pakistan, knows that the military agencies will come after them," Khushal Khan, a research officer at the HRCP, told Nazish.

Waziristan, the restive region on the Western border with Afghanistan, is one of the most under-reported places in the country. There's almost no information that hasn't been vetted or censored by the military going in or out.

The Pakistani military has claimed several times that they have defeated terrorism in this area and forced out the terrorists - but the military refuses to let journalists or NGOs visit the area to verify their claims.

The fact is that anyone who attempts to report on what's happening in Pakistan now runs the risk of disappearing.

"When I was investigating abductions of civilians from Waziristan in 2015, my sources were threatened and told that they "should not speak to journalists," Nazish, a former senior fellow at New America, says.

According to the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, nearly 10,000 people have gone missing in the country since 2001, with nearly 3,000 still unaccounted for.

Pakistan is widely regarded as one of the most dangerous countries in the world for activists and reporters. The country's powerful and secretive security establishment, which includes the much feared Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) and the military, has long used abductions to silence anyone who dares to question or expose their actions, claims Kiran Nazish, an independent journalist covering South Asia and the Middle East, adding that she is of the view that the army is now waging what she calls "a quiet war on journalists". According to the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan, nearly 10,000 people have gone missing in the country since 2001, with nearly 3,000 still unaccounted for. In 2016 alone, there were 728 disappearances. The HRCP and human rights activists say these numbers are significantly under-reported. This matters, of course, for ordinary Pakistanis, who can't speak freely about their government. It also affects Pakistani lawmakers, whose ability to craft legislation is hampered by the lack of information, Nazish says in an article that she has written for the website www.vox.com. According to Nazish, these enforced disappearances have real consequences for the rest of the world as well and recalls US President Donald Trump's first tweet of 2018, when he directly exposed Pakistan's failure to assist Washington in its global war on terror. "The United States has foolishly given Pakistan more than 33 billion dollars in aid over the last 15 years, and they have given us nothing but lies & deceit," he tweeted. "They give safe haven to the terrorists we hunt in Afghanistan, with little help," he added. According to Nazish, Trump's tweet speaks of a larger issue i.e. that Pakistan is battling its own war on terror. "Many parts of the country, including Waziristan, on its porous border with Afghanistan, have turned into safe havens for militants and terror groups. The Pakistani military has been accused of working closely with and even aiding terrorists there. To many, Pakistan is a black hole of information due to the lack of reporting and independent voices on the ground. Not knowing what actually is taking place not only complicates global efforts to counter terrorism but also puts the region and the world at large at risk," she says. She further asks how will Washington verify Pakistan's cracking down on terrorist groups like the Taliban and the Haqqani Network before agreeing to revoke the suspension of USD 900 million in security aid to Islamabad. Nazish opines that Pakistan's intelligence agencies operate like an independent arm of the state "It's important to note that Pakistan's government, although democratically elected, does not have the power to control or influence the far-reaching and powerful military establishment. Pakistan's intelligence agencies hold so much power that even the police can't touch them. And despite criticism and warnings from international groups and pledges by the government of Pakistan, disappearances seem to be getting worse," she adds. Pakistan's Commission on Inquiry on Enforced Disappearances received nearly 300 cases of alleged enforced disappearances from August to October 2017, by far the largest number in a three month period in recent years. And in early 2017, three Pakistani bloggers who were critical of the government disappeared for weeks, without a trace. When they were released, all three described torture and sexual abuse at the hands of Pakistani security personnel. "Anyone who reports on Balochistan, or terrorism in Pakistan, knows that the military agencies will come after them," Khushal Khan, a research officer at the HRCP, told Nazish. Waziristan, the restive region on the Western border with Afghanistan, is one of the most under-reported places in the country. There's almost no information that hasn't been vetted or censored by the military going in or out. The Pakistani military has claimed several times that they have defeated terrorism in this area and forced out the terrorists - but the military refuses to let journalists or NGOs visit the area to verify their claims. The fact is that anyone who attempts to report on what's happening in Pakistan now runs the risk of disappearing. "When I was investigating abductions of civilians from Waziristan in 2015, my sources were threatened and told that they "should not speak to journalists," Nazish, a former senior fellow at New America, says.

Pakistan's military, ISI waging 'quiet war' against journalists, activists: Expert 

Nobel peace laureate Malala Yousafzai returned to Pakistan on Thursday, officials said, in her first visit to her native country since she was shot in the head by a Taliban gunman for advocating education for girls in 2012.

Precise details of her itinerary have been "kept secret in view of the sensitivity surrounding the visit," a government official said of the trip, which is expected to last four days and include a meeting with Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi.

Accompanied by her parents, the 20-year-old student was escorted through Islamabad's Benazir Bhutto International Airport under tight security, according to still photographs broadcast on local television.

Malala has become a global symbol for human rights and a vocal campaigner for girls' education since a gunman boarded her school bus in the Swat valley on October 9, 2012, asked "Who is Malala?" and shot her.

She was treated for her injuries in the British city of Birmingham, where she completed her schooling.

Winner of the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014, she has continued her campaigning while pursuing her studies at Oxford University.

Many Pakistanis on Twitter were pleased that the campaigner had returned for the visit, despite ongoing security fears.

"I welcome #MalalaYousafzai the brave and resilient daughter of Pakistan back to her country," politician Syed Ali Raza Abidi wrote on Twitter.

But she remains controversial among some conservatives at home, who view her as a Western agent on a mission to shame her country.

One leading Pakistani journalist Hamid Mir issued a plea for opposition politicians and commentators not to use bad language when talking about the visit.

"International media is highly focused on her return and this (bad language) will damage Pakistan`s image," he said.

Malala began her campaigning career aged just 11, when she started writing a blog -- under a pseudonym -- for the BBC`s Urdu service in 2009 about life under the Taliban in Swat, where they were banning girls` education.

In 2007 the Islamist militants had taken over the area, which Malala affectionately called "My Swat", and imposed a brutal, bloody rule. 
Opponents were murdered, people were publicly flogged for supposed breaches of sharia law, women were banned from going to market, and girls were stopped from going to school.

But it was only after the shooting, and Malala`s subsequent near-miraculous recovery in a British hospital, that she became a truly global figure.

She opened a new Twitter account on her last day of school in July 2017 and now has more than a million followers.

"I know that millions of girls around the world are out of school and may never get the opportunity to complete their education," Malala wrote at the time.

Winner of the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014, she has continued her campaigning while pursuing her studies at Oxford University.

Nobel peace laureate Malala Yousafzai returned to Pakistan on Thursday, officials said, in her first visit to her native country since she was shot in the head by a Taliban gunman for advocating education for girls in 2012. Precise details of her itinerary have been "kept secret in view of the sensitivity surrounding the visit," a government official said of the trip, which is expected to last four days and include a meeting with Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi. Accompanied by her parents, the 20-year-old student was escorted through Islamabad's Benazir Bhutto International Airport under tight security, according to still photographs broadcast on local television. Malala has become a global symbol for human rights and a vocal campaigner for girls' education since a gunman boarded her school bus in the Swat valley on October 9, 2012, asked "Who is Malala?" and shot her. She was treated for her injuries in the British city of Birmingham, where she completed her schooling. Winner of the Nobel Peace Prize in 2014, she has continued her campaigning while pursuing her studies at Oxford University. Many Pakistanis on Twitter were pleased that the campaigner had returned for the visit, despite ongoing security fears. "I welcome #MalalaYousafzai the brave and resilient daughter of Pakistan back to her country," politician Syed Ali Raza Abidi wrote on Twitter. But she remains controversial among some conservatives at home, who view her as a Western agent on a mission to shame her country. One leading Pakistani journalist Hamid Mir issued a plea for opposition politicians and commentators not to use bad language when talking about the visit. "International media is highly focused on her return and this (bad language) will damage Pakistan`s image," he said. Malala began her campaigning career aged just 11, when she started writing a blog -- under a pseudonym -- for the BBC`s Urdu service in 2009 about life under the Taliban in Swat, where they were banning girls` education. In 2007 the Islamist militants had taken over the area, which Malala affectionately called "My Swat", and imposed a brutal, bloody rule. Opponents were murdered, people were publicly flogged for supposed breaches of sharia law, women were banned from going to market, and girls were stopped from going to school. But it was only after the shooting, and Malala`s subsequent near-miraculous recovery in a British hospital, that she became a truly global figure. She opened a new Twitter account on her last day of school in July 2017 and now has more than a million followers. "I know that millions of girls around the world are out of school and may never get the opportunity to complete their education," Malala wrote at the time.

Itinerary 'kept secret' but Malala returns to Pakistan six years after she was shot by Taliban

Two headlines this month beg the question US officials have been grappling with for more than a decade: Will the real Pakistan stand up, please?

Pakistan's The News reported that the government had designated Islamabad as a pilot project to regulate Friday prayer sermons in the city's 1,003 mosques, of which only 86 are state-controlled, in a bid to curb hate speech, extremism and demonisation of religions and communities.

The project is modelled on procedures in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt that are primarily intended to exert political control. The Islamabad project is in part designed to counter mounting criticism by the Trump administration, which has suspended funding to Pakistan, as well as growing unease in China over what Pakistani militancy could mean for its massive investment in the country.

It is also intended to support Pakistani efforts to evade blacklisting by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), a 37-member inter-governmental agency that polices adherence to anti-money laundering and funding of political violence measures.

The government has drawn up a list of 44 subjects on which prayer leaders should focus in their sermons. They include women rights, Muslim unity, Islamic principles of trade, cleanliness and health, concepts of an Islamic state, the importance of hard work, tolerance, and honesty, and the notion of the finality of the Prophet Mohammed.

The belief that Mohammed was the last prophet or Khatm-e-Nabuwwat is core to Muslim faith. Yet, it has allowed Sunni Muslim ultra-conservatives and others to whip up popular emotion in pursuit of political objectives, nowhere more so than in Pakistan where a draconian anti-blasphemy law has aided and abetted them.

The military late last year mediated an end to a weeks-long blockade of a main artery leading into Islamabad that disrupted traffic in multiple cities to protest a perceived softening of the government's adherence to Islam in a proposed piece of legislation. The protesters successfully called for the resignation of the justice minister for failing to refer to Prophet Mohammad in a constitutional bill.

The second headline reported that Islamabad High Court judge Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui demanded in a ruling that Parliament "take measures which can completely terminate those who scar (the belief in Khatm-e-Nabuwwat)."

Justice Siddiqui sits on the bench of a courthouse that last year had graffiti in a corridor demanding that blasphemers be beheaded. Siddiqui, who has defined blasphemers as terrorists, was ruling in a case brought before him by some of the protesters who had blockaded traffic that would effectively bar from public service Ahmadis, a sect considered heretic by orthodox Muslims because it views its 19th century founder, Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, as a prophet.

Pressured by Saudi Arabia, Pakistan in 1974 excommunicated Ahmadis in a constitutional amendment that enshrined the principle of Khatm-e-Nabuwwat as integral to the Islamic faith. Pakistani President Zia ul-Haq criminalised Ahmadi practices a decade later by barring Ahmadis from "posing as Muslims" or using Islamic titles, greetings, scriptures or calls to prayer.

Siddiqui's ruling appeared to contradict the government's effort to get a grip on expressions of Sunni Muslim supremacism that amount to hate speech and discrimination of the other in a country in which extremism has been fuelled by intolerant, anti-pluralistic views.

The ruling, despite paying lip service to constitutional guarantees of "complete religious freedom, including all the basic rights of the minorities (non-Muslims)" and the state's obligation to "protect their life, wealth, property, dignity and protect their assets as citizens of Pakistan," spotlights contradictions in the constitution.

On one hand, the constitution recognises the principle of Khatm-e-Nabuwwat. On the other, Article 20 enshrines the notion of freedom of religion while Article 27 bans discrimination in recruitment for public office.

Without explicitly identifying Ahmadis, Siddiqui said it was "alarming" that "one of the minorities" was "often mistaken for being Muslims" due to their names and general attire. He warned that this "can lead them to gain access to dignified and sensitive posts, along with benefits."

Human rights activists and lawyers have called for the ruling to be challenged in the Supreme Court. "This is clear hate speech. What is the judge asking them to be terminated from? Their jobs? Doesn’t that take away their basic right to life and dignity?" said lawyer and human rights activist Jibran Nasir.

The plaintiffs in Siddiqui's case were supporters of Tehreek Labbaik Pakistan (TPL), a political front for Tehreek Labbaik Ya Rasool Allah (TLR), which glorifies Mumtaz Qadri, who was executed in 2016 for killing Punjab governor Salman Taseer because of his opposition to Pakistan's blasphemy law.

Tens of thousands attended Qadri's funeral and his supporters have built a well-frequented shrine to honour him in his home town. Lawyers associated with TPL have instigated multiple blasphemy cases in Pakistani courts.

The Lahore-based Centre for Social Justice estimated that at least 1,472 people have been charged with blasphemy 1987 and 2016. Of the 730 Muslims charged, 501 were Ahmadis.

Activists and scholars argue that a rollback of the country's blasphemy law which applies the death sentence to those convicted is a requirement if Pakistan is serious about combating extremism. A study by political scientist Nilay Saiya of 51 Muslim majority countries concluded that those that enforced ant-blasphemy laws were more susceptible to political violence.

"Both the concept of blasphemy and the prescription of any sort of punishment for its occurrence stand contrary to the Qu'ran... The modern invocation of religious defamation laws stems from political leaders in Muslim-majority states... who have exploited such laws as a crafty way to use religion for political purposes including inflaming religious sensibilities, silencing criticism of the regime, generating patriotism, fostering national cohesion, co-opting Islamic supporters, and undercutting detractors," Saiya said.

Saiya argued that blasphemy laws encourage militants to attack with impunity individuals, homes, places of worship, and businesses of those believed to be blasphemers in the knowledge that the state will turn a blind eye to their actions.

"Violent non-state actors thus feel empowered to commit acts of terrorism with little or no fear of governmental reprisal because blasphemy laws, in effect, lend the authority of the state to religious figures and reinforce extreme views. Rather than control the forces of extremism, blasphemy laws appease and encourage them. The result, expectedly, is that states that attempt to curry favour with radicals embolden them to take matters into their own hands eventually such countries fall prey to violence carried out by those same radicals," Saiya said.

"The vagueness of the (Pakistani) language concerning blasphemy allowed radicals to interpret the code in very loose ways and open-endedly persecute those believed to be guilty of defiling, in any way, 'the sacred name of the Holy Prophet Muhammad'... Pakistan's blasphemy law thus opened the floodgate for extremism and terrorism which the government was unable to subsequently control," Saiya added.

Given Saiya's analysis, both headlines represent Pakistan. The problem, however, is that the Pakistan that wants to reign in supremacism, hate speech and extremism has little chance of succeeding with out far-reaching political and legal change that would uproot the vested interests of the Pakistan that sees religious and political militancy as a useful tool.

That may be a step too far for those interests even if they recognise a need to be seen to be advocating change with band-aid solutions like trying to control Friday prayer sermons.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the authors and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

The Pakistan that wants to reign in supremacism, hate speech and extremism has little chance of succeeding with out far-reaching political and legal change.

Two headlines this month beg the question US officials have been grappling with for more than a decade: Will the real Pakistan stand up, please? Pakistan's The News reported that the government had designated Islamabad as a pilot project to regulate Friday prayer sermons in the city's 1,003 mosques, of which only 86 are state-controlled, in a bid to curb hate speech, extremism and demonisation of religions and communities. The project is modelled on procedures in Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Egypt that are primarily intended to exert political control. The Islamabad project is in part designed to counter mounting criticism by the Trump administration, which has suspended funding to Pakistan, as well as growing unease in China over what Pakistani militancy could mean for its massive investment in the country. It is also intended to support Pakistani efforts to evade blacklisting by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF), a 37-member inter-governmental agency that polices adherence to anti-money laundering and funding of political violence measures. The government has drawn up a list of 44 subjects on which prayer leaders should focus in their sermons. They include women rights, Muslim unity, Islamic principles of trade, cleanliness and health, concepts of an Islamic state, the importance of hard work, tolerance, and honesty, and the notion of the finality of the Prophet Mohammed. The belief that Mohammed was the last prophet or Khatm-e-Nabuwwat is core to Muslim faith. Yet, it has allowed Sunni Muslim ultra-conservatives and others to whip up popular emotion in pursuit of political objectives, nowhere more so than in Pakistan where a draconian anti-blasphemy law has aided and abetted them. The military late last year mediated an end to a weeks-long blockade of a main artery leading into Islamabad that disrupted traffic in multiple cities to protest a perceived softening of the government's adherence to Islam in a proposed piece of legislation. The protesters successfully called for the resignation of the justice minister for failing to refer to Prophet Mohammad in a constitutional bill. The second headline reported that Islamabad High Court judge Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui demanded in a ruling that Parliament "take measures which can completely terminate those who scar (the belief in Khatm-e-Nabuwwat)." Justice Siddiqui sits on the bench of a courthouse that last year had graffiti in a corridor demanding that blasphemers be beheaded. Siddiqui, who has defined blasphemers as terrorists, was ruling in a case brought before him by some of the protesters who had blockaded traffic that would effectively bar from public service Ahmadis, a sect considered heretic by orthodox Muslims because it views its 19th century founder, Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, as a prophet. Pressured by Saudi Arabia, Pakistan in 1974 excommunicated Ahmadis in a constitutional amendment that enshrined the principle of Khatm-e-Nabuwwat as integral to the Islamic faith. Pakistani President Zia ul-Haq criminalised Ahmadi practices a decade later by barring Ahmadis from "posing as Muslims" or using Islamic titles, greetings, scriptures or calls to prayer. Siddiqui's ruling appeared to contradict the government's effort to get a grip on expressions of Sunni Muslim supremacism that amount to hate speech and discrimination of the other in a country in which extremism has been fuelled by intolerant, anti-pluralistic views. The ruling, despite paying lip service to constitutional guarantees of "complete religious freedom, including all the basic rights of the minorities (non-Muslims)" and the state's obligation to "protect their life, wealth, property, dignity and protect their assets as citizens of Pakistan," spotlights contradictions in the constitution. On one hand, the constitution recognises the principle of Khatm-e-Nabuwwat. On the other, Article 20 enshrines the notion of freedom of religion while Article 27 bans discrimination in recruitment for public office. Without explicitly identifying Ahmadis, Siddiqui said it was "alarming" that "one of the minorities" was "often mistaken for being Muslims" due to their names and general attire. He warned that this "can lead them to gain access to dignified and sensitive posts, along with benefits." Human rights activists and lawyers have called for the ruling to be challenged in the Supreme Court. "This is clear hate speech. What is the judge asking them to be terminated from? Their jobs? Doesn’t that take away their basic right to life and dignity?" said lawyer and human rights activist Jibran Nasir. The plaintiffs in Siddiqui's case were supporters of Tehreek Labbaik Pakistan (TPL), a political front for Tehreek Labbaik Ya Rasool Allah (TLR), which glorifies Mumtaz Qadri, who was executed in 2016 for killing Punjab governor Salman Taseer because of his opposition to Pakistan's blasphemy law. Tens of thousands attended Qadri's funeral and his supporters have built a well-frequented shrine to honour him in his home town. Lawyers associated with TPL have instigated multiple blasphemy cases in Pakistani courts. The Lahore-based Centre for Social Justice estimated that at least 1,472 people have been charged with blasphemy 1987 and 2016. Of the 730 Muslims charged, 501 were Ahmadis. Activists and scholars argue that a rollback of the country's blasphemy law which applies the death sentence to those convicted is a requirement if Pakistan is serious about combating extremism. A study by political scientist Nilay Saiya of 51 Muslim majority countries concluded that those that enforced ant-blasphemy laws were more susceptible to political violence. "Both the concept of blasphemy and the prescription of any sort of punishment for its occurrence stand contrary to the Qu'ran... The modern invocation of religious defamation laws stems from political leaders in Muslim-majority states... who have exploited such laws as a crafty way to use religion for political purposes including inflaming religious sensibilities, silencing criticism of the regime, generating patriotism, fostering national cohesion, co-opting Islamic supporters, and undercutting detractors," Saiya said. Saiya argued that blasphemy laws encourage militants to attack with impunity individuals, homes, places of worship, and businesses of those believed to be blasphemers in the knowledge that the state will turn a blind eye to their actions. "Violent non-state actors thus feel empowered to commit acts of terrorism with little or no fear of governmental reprisal because blasphemy laws, in effect, lend the authority of the state to religious figures and reinforce extreme views. Rather than control the forces of extremism, blasphemy laws appease and encourage them. The result, expectedly, is that states that attempt to curry favour with radicals embolden them to take matters into their own hands eventually such countries fall prey to violence carried out by those same radicals," Saiya said. "The vagueness of the (Pakistani) language concerning blasphemy allowed radicals to interpret the code in very loose ways and open-endedly persecute those believed to be guilty of defiling, in any way, 'the sacred name of the Holy Prophet Muhammad'... Pakistan's blasphemy law thus opened the floodgate for extremism and terrorism which the government was unable to subsequently control," Saiya added. Given Saiya's analysis, both headlines represent Pakistan. The problem, however, is that the Pakistan that wants to reign in supremacism, hate speech and extremism has little chance of succeeding with out far-reaching political and legal change that would uproot the vested interests of the Pakistan that sees religious and political militancy as a useful tool. That may be a step too far for those interests even if they recognise a need to be seen to be advocating change with band-aid solutions like trying to control Friday prayer sermons. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the authors and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Will the real Pakistan stand up, please?

After Prime Minister (PM) Shahid Khaqan Abbasi was frisked at the United States airport during his recent visit to the country, a spokesperson from the US Embassy in New Delhi explained the reason behind the 'embarrassing' incident.

According to reports, the spokesperson said that any head of state traveling privately without a diplomatic passport would have to go through security checks, as they are traveling as a private citizen. However, an official visit would have a different case.&nbsp;

Pakistan Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi was abased down to any regular person at the John F. Kennedy airport in New York, as viral videos on Youtube show Abbasi being frisked during the security procedure.

Ditching official customs as a visiting dignitary, that too as a Prime Minister of a nuclear-armed nation, Abbasi, who reportedly was on a private visit to meet his ailing sister in the US, can be seen in the video adjusting his t-shirt after getting out of security checks with his jacket and a trolley bag.

Abbasi, however, has a history of making private trips to foreign nations, as according to Geo News, the PM was previously spotted travelling alone at a train station during his visit to Britain.

Abbasi was reportedly on a private visit to the US for the purpose of meeting his ailing sister, as well as, Vice President Mike Pence.

As per reports, the PM was traveling on his personal passport by official sources.

Abbasi was reportedly on a private visit to the US for the purpose of meeting his ailing sister, as well as, Vice President Mike Pence

After Prime Minister (PM) Shahid Khaqan Abbasi was frisked at the United States airport during his recent visit to the country, a spokesperson from the US Embassy in New Delhi explained the reason behind the 'embarrassing' incident. According to reports, the spokesperson said that any head of state traveling privately without a diplomatic passport would have to go through security checks, as they are traveling as a private citizen. However, an official visit would have a different case. Pakistan Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi was abased down to any regular person at the John F. Kennedy airport in New York, as viral videos on Youtube show Abbasi being frisked during the security procedure. Ditching official customs as a visiting dignitary, that too as a Prime Minister of a nuclear-armed nation, Abbasi, who reportedly was on a private visit to meet his ailing sister in the US, can be seen in the video adjusting his t-shirt after getting out of security checks with his jacket and a trolley bag. Abbasi, however, has a history of making private trips to foreign nations, as according to Geo News, the PM was previously spotted travelling alone at a train station during his visit to Britain. Abbasi was reportedly on a private visit to the US for the purpose of meeting his ailing sister, as well as, Vice President Mike Pence. As per reports, the PM was traveling on his personal passport by official sources.

Why Pakistan PM Abbasi was frisked at the US airport

Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai broke down in tears during an emotional return to her native Pakistan on Thursday, six years after she was shot in the head by Taliban gunmen for advocating greater education of girls.

&nbsp;

Yousafzai, travelling with her father and younger brother, met Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi in the capital, Islamabad, before giving a brief speech on national television.

It was Yousafzai's first visit to her homeland since she was shot in late 2012 and airlifted abroad for medical treatment.&nbsp;

"For last five years I have dreamed that I can set foot in my country," she said, wiping away tears

"It's the happiest day of my life. I still can't believe it's happening," added Yousafzai, clad in a traditional shalwar kameez outfit with her head covered with a red and blue dupatta scarf. 
She said that if it had been up to her, she would never have left Pakistan.

"I don`t normally cry ... I`m still 20 years old but I`ve seen so many things in life," she said.

At the age of 17, in 2014, Yousafzai became the youngest recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize for her education advocacy. She also became a global symbol of the resilience of women in the face of repression.

Yousafzai spoke of the importance of education and about the efforts of her charitable foundation to help girls, often switching between English and the Pashto and Urdu languages.

"Welcome home," Prime Minister Abbasi told Yousafzai.&nbsp;

"We are very happy that our daughter has come back. When she went away, she was a child of 12. She has returned as the most prominent citizen of Pakistan "

But she is unlikely to travel to her home region of Swat, in the mountains northwest of Islamabad, due to security threats against her, a relative and security sources told.

"It's been the long-held desire of Malala Yousafzai and her parents to visit Swat and see her relatives and friends. But she was not given permission due to security concerns," said one relative, who declined to be identified.

Earlier, Pakistan's Geo TV showed footage of Yousafzai after she arrived at Islamabad airport, walking to a car escorted by security officials.

In October 2012, masked gunmen stopped a bus taking Malala and other girls home from school and shot her. Two of her friends were also wounded.

Last week, on Twitter, Yousafzai, who lives in Britain and is studying at Oxford University, expressed a longing for her homeland.

"On this day, I cherish fond memories of home, of playing cricket on rooftops and singing the national anthem in school. Happy Pakistan Day!" she wrote on March 23.

After surviving the attack, Yousafzai was airlifted abroad and underwent surgery.&nbsp;

The Pakistani Taliban, who seized control of her home district in Pakistan's Swat Valley before being pushed out by the army in 2009, claimed the attack, saying it was in response to a blog she wrote for the BBC Urdu service advocating girls' education.

The hardline Islamist movement blew up girls' schools and imposed a strict interpretation of sharia Islamic law during their rule over Swat.

The Taliban also accused her of promoting Western values in Swat, which is a staunchly conservative part of the mainly-Muslim nation. 
Unable to return to Pakistan after her recovery, Yousafzai stayed in Britain, setting up the Malala Fund and supporting education advocacy groups with a focus on Pakistan, Nigeria, Jordan, Syria and Kenya.

This month, a new girls' school built with her Nobel prize money opened in Shangla, near her home district of Swat.

During her trip to Pakistan, which is expected to last several days, Yousafzai will likely stay in Islamabad and meet friends and family at a hotel, her relatives said.

While she is arguably the most recognisable Pakistani in the world, Yousafzai - known almost universally as Malala - is a polarising figure at home.

She is frequently attacked by religious conservatives as portraying her country in a bad light and seeking fame.

"A traitor has arrived to Pakistan," was one response on Twitter to news of her return, though many other tweets were positive.

A private school headmaster in Swat, Ahmad Shah, said the region's people were eager to greet her.

"Her visit had in fact removed all the rumours, as some people were saying she would never return to Pakistan again," the headmaster said.

"I have noted that the girls in Swat and elsewhere in Pakistan see Malala as their own and believe that whatever she is doing is meant for them," he said.

'For last five years I have dreamed that I can set foot in my country,' she said, wiping away tears

Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai broke down in tears during an emotional return to her native Pakistan on Thursday, six years after she was shot in the head by Taliban gunmen for advocating greater education of girls. Yousafzai, travelling with her father and younger brother, met Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi in the capital, Islamabad, before giving a brief speech on national television. It was Yousafzai's first visit to her homeland since she was shot in late 2012 and airlifted abroad for medical treatment. "For last five years I have dreamed that I can set foot in my country," she said, wiping away tears "It's the happiest day of my life. I still can't believe it's happening," added Yousafzai, clad in a traditional shalwar kameez outfit with her head covered with a red and blue dupatta scarf. She said that if it had been up to her, she would never have left Pakistan. "I don`t normally cry ... I`m still 20 years old but I`ve seen so many things in life," she said. At the age of 17, in 2014, Yousafzai became the youngest recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize for her education advocacy. She also became a global symbol of the resilience of women in the face of repression. Yousafzai spoke of the importance of education and about the efforts of her charitable foundation to help girls, often switching between English and the Pashto and Urdu languages. "Welcome home," Prime Minister Abbasi told Yousafzai. "We are very happy that our daughter has come back. When she went away, she was a child of 12. She has returned as the most prominent citizen of Pakistan " But she is unlikely to travel to her home region of Swat, in the mountains northwest of Islamabad, due to security threats against her, a relative and security sources told. "It's been the long-held desire of Malala Yousafzai and her parents to visit Swat and see her relatives and friends. But she was not given permission due to security concerns," said one relative, who declined to be identified. Earlier, Pakistan's Geo TV showed footage of Yousafzai after she arrived at Islamabad airport, walking to a car escorted by security officials. In October 2012, masked gunmen stopped a bus taking Malala and other girls home from school and shot her. Two of her friends were also wounded. Last week, on Twitter, Yousafzai, who lives in Britain and is studying at Oxford University, expressed a longing for her homeland. "On this day, I cherish fond memories of home, of playing cricket on rooftops and singing the national anthem in school. Happy Pakistan Day!" she wrote on March 23. After surviving the attack, Yousafzai was airlifted abroad and underwent surgery. The Pakistani Taliban, who seized control of her home district in Pakistan's Swat Valley before being pushed out by the army in 2009, claimed the attack, saying it was in response to a blog she wrote for the BBC Urdu service advocating girls' education. The hardline Islamist movement blew up girls' schools and imposed a strict interpretation of sharia Islamic law during their rule over Swat. The Taliban also accused her of promoting Western values in Swat, which is a staunchly conservative part of the mainly-Muslim nation. Unable to return to Pakistan after her recovery, Yousafzai stayed in Britain, setting up the Malala Fund and supporting education advocacy groups with a focus on Pakistan, Nigeria, Jordan, Syria and Kenya. This month, a new girls' school built with her Nobel prize money opened in Shangla, near her home district of Swat. During her trip to Pakistan, which is expected to last several days, Yousafzai will likely stay in Islamabad and meet friends and family at a hotel, her relatives said. While she is arguably the most recognisable Pakistani in the world, Yousafzai - known almost universally as Malala - is a polarising figure at home. She is frequently attacked by religious conservatives as portraying her country in a bad light and seeking fame. "A traitor has arrived to Pakistan," was one response on Twitter to news of her return, though many other tweets were positive. A private school headmaster in Swat, Ahmad Shah, said the region's people were eager to greet her. "Her visit had in fact removed all the rumours, as some people were saying she would never return to Pakistan again," the headmaster said. "I have noted that the girls in Swat and elsewhere in Pakistan see Malala as their own and believe that whatever she is doing is meant for them," he said.

Watch: Nobel Prize winner Malala in tears on emotional return to Pakistan

Pakistan Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi was abased down to any regular person at the John F. Kennedy airport in New York, as viral videos on Youtube show Abbasi being frisked during the security procedure.

Ditching official customs as a visiting dignitary, that too as a Prime Minister of a nuclear-armed nation, Abbasi, who reportedly was on a private visit to meet his ailing sister in the US, can be seen in the video adjusting his t-shirt after getting out of security checks with his jacket and a trolley bag.

Abbasi, however, has a history of making private trips to foreign nations, as according to Geo News, the PM was previously spotted travelling alone at a train station during his visit to Britain.

This comes at a time when Pakistan-USA relations have been strained lately, especially since US President Donald Trump tweeted, "The United States has foolishly given Pakistan more than 33 billion dollars in aid over the last 15 years, and they have given us nothing but lies & deceit, thinking of our leaders as fools. They give safe haven to the terrorists we hunt in Afghanistan, with little help. No more!"

Earlier this month, Vice-President Mike Pence told Abbasi that Pakistan "must do more" against the Taliban and other militants.

"Vice President Pence reiterated President (Donald) Trump's request that the Government of Pakistan must do more to address the continued presence of the Taliban, Haqqani Network, and other terrorist groups operating in their country," the White House said in a statement.

"Pakistan could and should work closer with the United States," Pence said.&nbsp

Abbasi was reportedly was on a private visit to meet his ailing sister in the US

Pakistan Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi was abased down to any regular person at the John F. Kennedy airport in New York, as viral videos on Youtube show Abbasi being frisked during the security procedure. Ditching official customs as a visiting dignitary, that too as a Prime Minister of a nuclear-armed nation, Abbasi, who reportedly was on a private visit to meet his ailing sister in the US, can be seen in the video adjusting his t-shirt after getting out of security checks with his jacket and a trolley bag. Abbasi, however, has a history of making private trips to foreign nations, as according to Geo News, the PM was previously spotted travelling alone at a train station during his visit to Britain. This comes at a time when Pakistan-USA relations have been strained lately, especially since US President Donald Trump tweeted, "The United States has foolishly given Pakistan more than 33 billion dollars in aid over the last 15 years, and they have given us nothing but lies & deceit, thinking of our leaders as fools. They give safe haven to the terrorists we hunt in Afghanistan, with little help. No more!" Earlier this month, Vice-President Mike Pence told Abbasi that Pakistan "must do more" against the Taliban and other militants. "Vice President Pence reiterated President (Donald) Trump's request that the Government of Pakistan must do more to address the continued presence of the Taliban, Haqqani Network, and other terrorist groups operating in their country," the White House said in a statement. "Pakistan could and should work closer with the United States," Pence said.

Pakistan PM Abbasi 'frisked' at US airport, 'major embarrassment' says media

Pakistan's objections over the designs of some of India's hydropower projects along with other issues related to the Indus Waters Treaty are likely to be discussed during the two-day meeting of the Permanent Indus Commission here starting tomorrow, sources said.

India's Indus water commissioner P K Saxena, technical experts and a representative of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) will be part of the Indian delegation for the annual meeting.

Pakistan's six-member delegation, led by Syed Muhammad Mehar Ali Shah, has already arrived here for the Commission's 114th meeting, which will take place in the backdrop of the continuing tension between the two countries over a host of issues, including the alleged harassment of diplomats.

The PIC is an established mechanism under the IWT, which mandates it to establish and maintain cooperative arrangements for the implementation of the water distribution pact and to promote cooperation between the two sides in the development of the Indus water systems.

Pakistan has objections over designs of some of India's projects. Their objections have been there since 2012. These issues may come up for discussion. There will also be routine exchange of information between the two countries, an official source told.

According to the sources, Pakistan has been expressing concerns over India's Ratle (850 MW), Pakal Dul (1000 MW) and Lower Kalnai (48 MW) projects -- located in the Chenab basin&nbsp;contending that they violate the IWT, signed in 1960.

India continues to maintain its position that designs of the projects are very much in accordance with the treaty, the source said.

The sources said that the issues concerning the 340 MW Kishanganga hydroelectric project, located on river Jhelum's tributary in Bandipora district of Jammu and Kashmir, may not figure during the meeting since the project has already been commissioned.

The IWT covers the water distribution and sharing rights of six rivers -- Beas, Ravi, Sutlej, Indus, Chenab and Jhelum.

The treaty specifies that waters from the three western rivers -- Indus, Jhelum and Chenab -- are reserved for Pakistan, while waters from eastern rivers -- Ravi, Sutlej and Beas -- are for reserved for India.

The PIC had last met in March 2017 in Islamabad. The meeting of the PIC is held alternately in India and Pakistan at least once every year as mandated by the treaty.&nbsp;

India's Indus water commissioner P K Saxena, technical experts and a representative of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) will be part of the Indian delegation for the annual meeting.

Pakistan's objections over the designs of some of India's hydropower projects along with other issues related to the Indus Waters Treaty are likely to be discussed during the two-day meeting of the Permanent Indus Commission here starting tomorrow, sources said. India's Indus water commissioner P K Saxena, technical experts and a representative of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) will be part of the Indian delegation for the annual meeting. Pakistan's six-member delegation, led by Syed Muhammad Mehar Ali Shah, has already arrived here for the Commission's 114th meeting, which will take place in the backdrop of the continuing tension between the two countries over a host of issues, including the alleged harassment of diplomats. The PIC is an established mechanism under the IWT, which mandates it to establish and maintain cooperative arrangements for the implementation of the water distribution pact and to promote cooperation between the two sides in the development of the Indus water systems. Pakistan has objections over designs of some of India's projects. Their objections have been there since 2012. These issues may come up for discussion. There will also be routine exchange of information between the two countries, an official source told. According to the sources, Pakistan has been expressing concerns over India's Ratle (850 MW), Pakal Dul (1000 MW) and Lower Kalnai (48 MW) projects -- located in the Chenab basin contending that they violate the IWT, signed in 1960. India continues to maintain its position that designs of the projects are very much in accordance with the treaty, the source said. The sources said that the issues concerning the 340 MW Kishanganga hydroelectric project, located on river Jhelum's tributary in Bandipora district of Jammu and Kashmir, may not figure during the meeting since the project has already been commissioned. The IWT covers the water distribution and sharing rights of six rivers -- Beas, Ravi, Sutlej, Indus, Chenab and Jhelum. The treaty specifies that waters from the three western rivers -- Indus, Jhelum and Chenab -- are reserved for Pakistan, while waters from eastern rivers -- Ravi, Sutlej and Beas -- are for reserved for India. The PIC had last met in March 2017 in Islamabad. The meeting of the PIC is held alternately in India and Pakistan at least once every year as mandated by the treaty.

Pak's objections to Indian projects may be discussed at Permanent Indus Commission meet

In yet another incident of ceasefire violation, Pakistani troops on Wednesday resorted to unprovoked mortar shelling along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district.

A Defence Ministry official said the Pakistan army started shelling and firing at Indian positions in Khari Karmara area of the LoC in Poonch district.

"Pakistan firing started at 8.30 pm yesterday (Tuesday) and continued for nearly half an hour. Our troops retaliated effectively and strongly", the official said.

There have been more than 300 incidents of ceasefire violations along the border between India and Pakistan during in last one year so far, resulting in the death of many people, including soldiers and injuries to many others.

A Defence Ministry official said the Pakistan army started shelling and firing at Indian positions in Khari Karmara area of the LoC in Poonch district.

In yet another incident of ceasefire violation, Pakistani troops on Wednesday resorted to unprovoked mortar shelling along the Line of Control in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district. A Defence Ministry official said the Pakistan army started shelling and firing at Indian positions in Khari Karmara area of the LoC in Poonch district. "Pakistan firing started at 8.30 pm yesterday (Tuesday) and continued for nearly half an hour. Our troops retaliated effectively and strongly", the official said. There have been more than 300 incidents of ceasefire violations along the border between India and Pakistan during in last one year so far, resulting in the death of many people, including soldiers and injuries to many others.

Pakistan violates ceasefire along LoC in Poonch district of J&K

A legal battle between online marketplace OLX and Pakistan`s largest automobile sales website over intellectual property theft and copyright infringement could help boost the confidence of big tech names to invest in the country.

OLX contends PakWheels has been stealing vehicle classifieds and user data from its website, and spamming OLX users. OLX`s Middle East, North Africa and Pakistan regional head Bilal Bajwa hopes for a court ruling prohibiting such practices.

But even if the court does not rule directly in favour of OLX or PakWheels, industry executives hope it will provide some interpretations of Pakistan`s relatively new laws on copyright, intellectual property and consumer protection to show how they should be applied in the future.

That will bring more clarity to the law, letting companies and consumers know what protections they can expect in the future, they said. 
"It`s not going to open the floodgates of investment overnight, but it`s going to become a benchmark other companies can use," Shehryar Hydri, the secretary general of Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA), an IT trade body, told.

"It will definitely make other companies more comfortable."

Information technology is Pakistan`s second-largest export behind textiles, worth $2.8 billion in the last fiscal year, according to the country`s finance ministry and P@SHA. Industry experts forecast this will double over the next four years.

There are some 4,000 local tech startups employing more than 150,000 people in Pakistan, including billion dollar successes such as Careem, an online ride-hailing service, Afiniti, which uses artificial intelligence to pair callers with call centres, and emerging clean-energy solutions firm Skyelectric.

But big foreign firms have been slow to enter the market, in part because cyber laws are vague.

"This case is about OLX fighting to protect the privacy of our users as well as our significant investment in marketing," Bajwa told.

PakWheels contends it did not steal any content from OLX. Its users can post an advertisement for free and they routinely copy-and-paste the same advertisements from one website to another, it says.

"Their primary argument is that PakWheels is using the OLX logo to further our brand, which is ridiculous because two competitors will never use each other`s logo," PakWheels Chief Executive Raza Saeed said, adding that PakWheels is an established local brand.

"We find the case to be quite absurd and as a desperate measure of OLX to distract their competition and use their monetary position to hurt the local startups," he said.

In court documents, OLX`s legal team says the appearance of OLX`s watermark on pictures found on the PakWheels website is evidence of copyright infringement and trademark violation.

OLX also claims PakWheels is "accessing the servers of the plaintiff`s website through the use of automated means, without the plaintiff`s authorisation and permission, for the purpose of extracting, copying and reproducing data".

"If the principle that stealing listings off websites comes out of this case, it would be the first time a judicial forum would be driving home that principal," lawyer Furkan Ali, who is not involved in the case, said.

Syed Ahmed, chief executive of IT services company DPL, believes the case is a product of increasing competition in a growing market and could have a positive effect and so move Pakistan closer to secure foreign IT investment.

Facebook, Twitter, Google, and Apple all declined to comment, although Facebook said it had made some investments in skills development and digital literacy in Pakistan.

Naeem Zamindar, chairman of Pakistan`s Board of Investment, which is tasked with bringing foreign investors to Pakistan, said the South Asian nation takes intellectual property, data and copyright issues seriously as it wants its tech sector to grow.

"This is an area we are committed to improving," Zamindar told, adding that global tech giants remain concerned by a "negative image problem" of Pakistan, which he said is outdated.

"This case is about OLX fighting to protect the privacy of our users as well as our significant investment in marketing," said Bilal Bajwa

A legal battle between online marketplace OLX and Pakistan`s largest automobile sales website over intellectual property theft and copyright infringement could help boost the confidence of big tech names to invest in the country. OLX contends PakWheels has been stealing vehicle classifieds and user data from its website, and spamming OLX users. OLX`s Middle East, North Africa and Pakistan regional head Bilal Bajwa hopes for a court ruling prohibiting such practices. But even if the court does not rule directly in favour of OLX or PakWheels, industry executives hope it will provide some interpretations of Pakistan`s relatively new laws on copyright, intellectual property and consumer protection to show how they should be applied in the future. That will bring more clarity to the law, letting companies and consumers know what protections they can expect in the future, they said. "It`s not going to open the floodgates of investment overnight, but it`s going to become a benchmark other companies can use," Shehryar Hydri, the secretary general of Pakistan Software Houses Association (P@SHA), an IT trade body, told. "It will definitely make other companies more comfortable." Information technology is Pakistan`s second-largest export behind textiles, worth $2.8 billion in the last fiscal year, according to the country`s finance ministry and P@SHA. Industry experts forecast this will double over the next four years. There are some 4,000 local tech startups employing more than 150,000 people in Pakistan, including billion dollar successes such as Careem, an online ride-hailing service, Afiniti, which uses artificial intelligence to pair callers with call centres, and emerging clean-energy solutions firm Skyelectric. But big foreign firms have been slow to enter the market, in part because cyber laws are vague. "This case is about OLX fighting to protect the privacy of our users as well as our significant investment in marketing," Bajwa told. PakWheels contends it did not steal any content from OLX. Its users can post an advertisement for free and they routinely copy-and-paste the same advertisements from one website to another, it says. "Their primary argument is that PakWheels is using the OLX logo to further our brand, which is ridiculous because two competitors will never use each other`s logo," PakWheels Chief Executive Raza Saeed said, adding that PakWheels is an established local brand. "We find the case to be quite absurd and as a desperate measure of OLX to distract their competition and use their monetary position to hurt the local startups," he said. In court documents, OLX`s legal team says the appearance of OLX`s watermark on pictures found on the PakWheels website is evidence of copyright infringement and trademark violation. OLX also claims PakWheels is "accessing the servers of the plaintiff`s website through the use of automated means, without the plaintiff`s authorisation and permission, for the purpose of extracting, copying and reproducing data". "If the principle that stealing listings off websites comes out of this case, it would be the first time a judicial forum would be driving home that principal," lawyer Furkan Ali, who is not involved in the case, said. Syed Ahmed, chief executive of IT services company DPL, believes the case is a product of increasing competition in a growing market and could have a positive effect and so move Pakistan closer to secure foreign IT investment. Facebook, Twitter, Google, and Apple all declined to comment, although Facebook said it had made some investments in skills development and digital literacy in Pakistan. Naeem Zamindar, chairman of Pakistan`s Board of Investment, which is tasked with bringing foreign investors to Pakistan, said the South Asian nation takes intellectual property, data and copyright issues seriously as it wants its tech sector to grow. "This is an area we are committed to improving," Zamindar told, adding that global tech giants remain concerned by a "negative image problem" of Pakistan, which he said is outdated.

OLX, PakWheels in legal row over copyright infringement

Twelve people have been arrested in Multan district of Pakistan in connection with a case of Wani (revenge rape), a Pakistani daily, The Nation, reported on Tuesday.

In spite of being banned by the law, the practice of Wani is prevalent especially among Pakistan's 'jirgah' community where the local panchayat orders the brother of a rape victim to further rape any female relative of the accused to settle the scores, as reported by The Nation.

A few days ago, accused Wasim Saeed, a resident of Pir Mahal city, raped a minor girl in his village. Following the incident, the victim's family demanded to rape Saeed's sister, a decision which was ratified by the local panchayat.

In a mutual consent, Saeed's sister was raped publically amidst several villagers.

The age of both the rape victims has not been disclosed.

The 12 people who were arrested include members of the village council and family members of both the families.&nbsp

In a mutual consent, Saeed's sister was raped publically amidst several villagers

Twelve people have been arrested in Multan district of Pakistan in connection with a case of Wani (revenge rape), a Pakistani daily, The Nation, reported on Tuesday. In spite of being banned by the law, the practice of Wani is prevalent especially among Pakistan's 'jirgah' community where the local panchayat orders the brother of a rape victim to further rape any female relative of the accused to settle the scores, as reported by The Nation. A few days ago, accused Wasim Saeed, a resident of Pir Mahal city, raped a minor girl in his village. Following the incident, the victim's family demanded to rape Saeed's sister, a decision which was ratified by the local panchayat. In a mutual consent, Saeed's sister was raped publically amidst several villagers. The age of both the rape victims has not been disclosed. The 12 people who were arrested include members of the village council and family members of both the families.

Pakistan: 12 people arrested in revenge rape case

Pakistan's ousted prime minister Nawaz Sharif said today that the state institutions should operate within their limits, in an apparent reference to the judiciary and the powerful military establishment.

"Had we respected the sanctity of vote for 70 years, Pakistan would have been in the top 10 countries of the world," Sharif was quoted as saying by the Geo TV.

The powerful army, which enjoys considerable influence over policy decisions in Pakistan, has ruled the country for much of its life since it gained independence 70 years ago.

The former prime minister also called for an end to all laws made under martial law regimes.

Sharif was speaking at the Punjab House where he held a meeting with party leaders and allies, including Pakhtuhkhwa Milli Awami Party chief Mahmood Khan Achakzai.

He said he may not have been an ideological person before but now he is 100 per cent ideological.

Earlier, Sharif said he is looking at things like the recent interview of Pakistan's chief justice Mian Saqib Nisar and a newspaper article detailing the army chief's 'doctrine'.

Talking to reporters inside the accountability court hearing a corruption case against him and his family, Sharif said former army chief Gen (retd) Pervez Musharraf lies about his return to Pakistan.

"He would show his fists and say 'Nawaz and Benazir would never come back to Pakistan'," he said about the former army chief who recently postponed his return to the country to face trial on security grounds.

"I'm here with my daughter facing the courts," he said, adding that people should understand the difference between people like Musharraf and politicians.

Sharif claimed that everyone knows he is not the one to take ?signals', adding that he has paid a price for democracy and is paying it now too.

"The public's thumbs and not the umpire's finger will deliver votes," the three-time prime minister said, referring to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chief Imran Khan's umpire reference during the anti-government protest in 2014.

Sharif said the reason for the attacks against him is his standing with the Constitution.

He also regretted becoming part of the 2012 Memogate case against the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) government and the then Pakistan envoy to the US Husain Haqqani.&nbsp

The powerful army, which enjoys considerable influence over policy decisions in Pakistan, has ruled the country for much of its life since it gained independence 70 years ago

Pakistan's ousted prime minister Nawaz Sharif said today that the state institutions should operate within their limits, in an apparent reference to the judiciary and the powerful military establishment. "Had we respected the sanctity of vote for 70 years, Pakistan would have been in the top 10 countries of the world," Sharif was quoted as saying by the Geo TV. The powerful army, which enjoys considerable influence over policy decisions in Pakistan, has ruled the country for much of its life since it gained independence 70 years ago. The former prime minister also called for an end to all laws made under martial law regimes. Sharif was speaking at the Punjab House where he held a meeting with party leaders and allies, including Pakhtuhkhwa Milli Awami Party chief Mahmood Khan Achakzai. He said he may not have been an ideological person before but now he is 100 per cent ideological. Earlier, Sharif said he is looking at things like the recent interview of Pakistan's chief justice Mian Saqib Nisar and a newspaper article detailing the army chief's 'doctrine'. Talking to reporters inside the accountability court hearing a corruption case against him and his family, Sharif said former army chief Gen (retd) Pervez Musharraf lies about his return to Pakistan. "He would show his fists and say 'Nawaz and Benazir would never come back to Pakistan'," he said about the former army chief who recently postponed his return to the country to face trial on security grounds. "I'm here with my daughter facing the courts," he said, adding that people should understand the difference between people like Musharraf and politicians. Sharif claimed that everyone knows he is not the one to take ?signals', adding that he has paid a price for democracy and is paying it now too. "The public's thumbs and not the umpire's finger will deliver votes," the three-time prime minister said, referring to Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf chief Imran Khan's umpire reference during the anti-government protest in 2014. Sharif said the reason for the attacks against him is his standing with the Constitution. He also regretted becoming part of the 2012 Memogate case against the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP) government and the then Pakistan envoy to the US Husain Haqqani.

State institutions should operate within their limits: Sharif

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said that the people of Bangladesh must respond to those who have been lost in their love for Pakistan and should be punished.

Speaking at a Genocide Day event on Sunday, Hasina said that the citizens had to help the Bangladesh government ensure that the "lovers" should forget Pakistan for good.

"If we cannot do it, we will cease to exist," she said at an event organised by the ruling Awami League at the Bangabandhu International Conference Centre in Dhaka to remember the victims of the genocide carried out by Pakistan on March 25, 1971.

Recalling the assassination of her father Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in 1975, Hasina named certain political leaders as lovers of Pakistan- such as former Bangladesh president and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) founder Ziaur Rahman and his wife and Hasina's arch-rival Begum Khaleda Zia, who is now the current chief of the party, bdnews24 reported.

"The entire history changed after 1975. Even the words 'Pakistani occupation forces' could not be uttered. People had to call them only 'occupation forces' in an effort to make them forget that the forces were Pakistani, such was the love for Pakistan," Hasina asserted.

She claimed that those who came to power after 1975 never wanted "people's fate to change" and did not want Bangladesh to progress, adding that the "agenda of Pakistani occupation forces" were being implemented.

Coming down on former Bangladesh president H.M. Ershad, who came to power in 1983 after Ziaur was assassinated, Hasina scoffed that "all of them had the same agenda."

Ershad, the chief of a key ally of the Awami League, now serves as a special envoy of Hasina.

Getting no respite from suppression by Pakistani forces after the Partition in 1947, then East Pakistan (now Bangladesh), led by Mujibur, launched a movement against injustice.

When the people of East Pakistan were advocating for independence from West Pakistan (now Pakistan), Pakistani forces swooped down on unarmed Bengalis on March 25, 1971.

Bangladesh observes March 25 as Genocide Day for the past two years now after the country's parliament passed a motion recognising the day.

It has been demanding the United Nations (UN) to declare the day as the World Genocide Day as a sign of protest against genocides carried out around the globe.

However, in September 2015, the UN, recognised December 9 as International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and the Prevention of this Crime, on lines of the adoption of the 1948 Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide or the 'Genocide Convention'.

Bangladesh observed its 47th Independence Day on March 26.

Bangladesh observed its 47th Independence Day on March 26

Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina has said that the people of Bangladesh must respond to those who have been lost in their love for Pakistan and should be punished. Speaking at a Genocide Day event on Sunday, Hasina said that the citizens had to help the Bangladesh government ensure that the "lovers" should forget Pakistan for good. "If we cannot do it, we will cease to exist," she said at an event organised by the ruling Awami League at the Bangabandhu International Conference Centre in Dhaka to remember the victims of the genocide carried out by Pakistan on March 25, 1971. Recalling the assassination of her father Sheikh Mujibur Rahman in 1975, Hasina named certain political leaders as lovers of Pakistan- such as former Bangladesh president and Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) founder Ziaur Rahman and his wife and Hasina's arch-rival Begum Khaleda Zia, who is now the current chief of the party, bdnews24 reported. "The entire history changed after 1975. Even the words 'Pakistani occupation forces' could not be uttered. People had to call them only 'occupation forces' in an effort to make them forget that the forces were Pakistani, such was the love for Pakistan," Hasina asserted. She claimed that those who came to power after 1975 never wanted "people's fate to change" and did not want Bangladesh to progress, adding that the "agenda of Pakistani occupation forces" were being implemented. Coming down on former Bangladesh president H.M. Ershad, who came to power in 1983 after Ziaur was assassinated, Hasina scoffed that "all of them had the same agenda." Ershad, the chief of a key ally of the Awami League, now serves as a special envoy of Hasina. Getting no respite from suppression by Pakistani forces after the Partition in 1947, then East Pakistan (now Bangladesh), led by Mujibur, launched a movement against injustice. When the people of East Pakistan were advocating for independence from West Pakistan (now Pakistan), Pakistani forces swooped down on unarmed Bengalis on March 25, 1971. Bangladesh observes March 25 as Genocide Day for the past two years now after the country's parliament passed a motion recognising the day. It has been demanding the United Nations (UN) to declare the day as the World Genocide Day as a sign of protest against genocides carried out around the globe. However, in September 2015, the UN, recognised December 9 as International Day of Commemoration and Dignity of the Victims of the Crime of Genocide and the Prevention of this Crime, on lines of the adoption of the 1948 Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide or the 'Genocide Convention'. Bangladesh observed its 47th Independence Day on March 26.

Bangladesh must punish 'lovers of Pakistan': Sheikh Hasina

Wasim Akram, a former Pakistani cricketer, recently hailed a Pakistani kid as 'serious talent' with remarkable bowling talent.

The boy with left-handed bowling action was seen in the video&nbspbowling with accurate&nbspline and length that even Pakistani bowling legend Wasim Akram couldn't resist talking about him.

Akram took to Twitter to applaud the young talent, "Where is this boy??? We have serious talent flowing through the veins of our nation and no platform for these kids to be discovered. It’s time we do something about it #TheFutureOfCricketIsWithOurYouth."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Where is this boy??? We have serious talent flowing through the veins of our nation and no platform for these kids to be discovered. It’s time we do something about it <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/TheFutureOfCricketIsWithOurYouth?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#TheFutureOfCricketIsWithOurYouth</a> <a href="https://t.co/ybzd5ASeTx">https://t.co/ybzd5ASeTx</a>
— Wasim Akram (@wasimakramlive) <a href="https://twitter.com/wasimakramlive/status/968733106176970754?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 28, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The video went virals on social networking sites and after watching&nbspthe video, Akram was blown away by the pace and diligence young champ of Hasan Akhtar.

Watch the video here:

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
I just recieved this video and don’t know about this brilliant kid, want to know your thoughts abt this terrific bowling. <a href="https://twitter.com/wasimakramlive?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wasimakramlive</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/shoaib100mph?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@shoaib100mph</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/iramizraja?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@iramizraja</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/SAfridiOfficial?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SAfridiOfficial</a> <a href="https://t.co/8JPRQNHlfj">pic.twitter.com/8JPRQNHlfj</a>
— Faizan Ramzan (@faizanramzank) <a href="https://twitter.com/faizanramzank/status/968577555593822208?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">February 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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Hasan had expressed his desire to be trained by Wasim Akram as Akram is acknowledged as one of the greatest bowlers of all time.

The six-and-half-year-old Hasan Akhtar was recently seen practicing with the pacing legend Wasim Akram wearing the jersey of Pakistan.

The future of&nbspthis young lad is now secured as his cricketing idol, Wasim Akram is training him personally and enlightening him with precious bowling tips.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Explaining the importance of front arm. He was all ears ? he already knows how to grip the ball for out swing and in swing. Unreal. <a href="https://t.co/SUZ4KVcEiA">pic.twitter.com/SUZ4KVcEiA</a>
— Wasim Akram (@wasimakramlive) <a href="https://twitter.com/wasimakramlive/status/978180833575079937?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 26, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
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&nbsp

The boy with left-handed bowling action was seen in the video bowling with accurate line and length that even Pakistani bowling legend Wasim Akram couldn't resist talking about him

Wasim Akram, a former Pakistani cricketer, recently hailed a Pakistani kid as 'serious talent' with remarkable bowling talent. The boy with left-handed bowling action was seen in the video&nbspbowling with accurate&nbspline and length that even Pakistani bowling legend Wasim Akram couldn't resist talking about him. Akram took to Twitter to applaud the young talent, "Where is this boy??? We have serious talent flowing through the veins of our nation and no platform for these kids to be discovered. It’s time we do something about it #TheFutureOfCricketIsWithOurYouth." Where is this boy??? We have serious talent flowing through the veins of our nation and no platform for these kids to be discovered. It’s time we do something about it #TheFutureOfCricketIsWithOurYouth https://t.co/ybzd5ASeTx — Wasim Akram (@wasimakramlive) February 28, 2018 × The video went virals on social networking sites and after watching&nbspthe video, Akram was blown away by the pace and diligence young champ of Hasan Akhtar. Watch the video here: I just recieved this video and don’t know about this brilliant kid, want to know your thoughts abt this terrific bowling. @wasimakramlive @shoaib100mph @iramizraja @SAfridiOfficial pic.twitter.com/8JPRQNHlfj — Faizan Ramzan (@faizanramzank) February 27, 2018 × Hasan had expressed his desire to be trained by Wasim Akram as Akram is acknowledged as one of the greatest bowlers of all time. The six-and-half-year-old Hasan Akhtar was recently seen practicing with the pacing legend Wasim Akram wearing the jersey of Pakistan. The future of&nbspthis young lad is now secured as his cricketing idol, Wasim Akram is training him personally and enlightening him with precious bowling tips. Explaining the importance of front arm. He was all ears ? he already knows how to grip the ball for out swing and in swing. Unreal. pic.twitter.com/SUZ4KVcEiA — Wasim Akram (@wasimakramlive) March 26, 2018 ×

Wasim Akram trains Pak's internet bowling sensation Hasan Akhtar

A team of 20 Indian doctors is expected to visit Pakistan to examine mentally unsound, women, children and elderly people who are locked up in Pakistan prisons. The prisoners have been waiting for repatriation since early March 2018. The countries are in talks over the issue of visas. However, sources say that Pakistan may deny giving Visas to such a large number of doctors. Before arriving at any decision, Indian has laid out four crucial conditions including an immediate end to harassment of Indian diplomats, unhindered movement of Indian High Commissioner Ajay Bisaria outside the Pakistan capital, construction of Indian residents in Islamabad and to allow Indian diplomats membership of Islamabad Club. The move came after the External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj met with the Pakistan High Commissioner Sohail Mahmood in October 2017. Swaraj in the meeting had initiated of undertaking humanitarian measures related to elderly, women, children and mentally unsound prisoners.

A team of 20 Indian doctors is expected to visit Pakistan to examine mentally unsound, women, children and elderly people who are locked up in Pakistan prisons

A team of 20 Indian doctors is expected to visit Pakistan to examine mentally unsound, women, children and elderly people who are locked up in Pakistan prisons. The prisoners have been waiting for repatriation since early March 2018. The countries are in talks over the issue of visas. However, sources say that Pakistan may deny giving Visas to such a large number of doctors. Before arriving at any decision, Indian has laid out four crucial conditions including an immediate end to harassment of Indian diplomats, unhindered movement of Indian High Commissioner Ajay Bisaria outside the Pakistan capital, construction of Indian residents in Islamabad and to allow Indian diplomats membership of Islamabad Club. The move came after the External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj met with the Pakistan High Commissioner Sohail Mahmood in October 2017. Swaraj in the meeting had initiated of undertaking humanitarian measures related to elderly, women, children and mentally unsound prisoners.

20 Indian doctors may visit Pakistan to examine Indian prisoners

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