Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf&#39;s (PTI) leader Imran Khan on Saturday claimed that he is ready to take on &quot;Sharif Mafia&quot;.

While addressing his party&#39;s social media team here Khan said, &quot;I am impatiently waiting for the &#39;big match&#39;, the general election 2018&quot;, as told by the Dawn.

He asked his social media team to expand and bring a change by introducing new ideas to develop public opinion against &quot;Sharif Mafia&quot; while alleging that ousted Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had looted the national wealth and stashed it abroad.

He further said, &quot;The PTI volunteers and their passion must defeat the paid (social media) mafia of the Sharifs&#39; PML-N,&quot; he said adding the next general election would decide the fate of youth in Pakistan.

Khan claimed that people will be given the party tickets on the basis of merit and popularity in their respective constituencies. In case of multiple candidates from the same constituencies, a survey shall be conducted.

He also accused the ruling PML-N government of looting money on the name of projects.

On Saturday former Muttahida Qaumi Movement lawmaker Aamir Liaquat Hussain also decided to join the PTI.

Earlier on March 12, Imran Khan had promised to transform Pakistan into a nation, Pakistan leaders Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Muhammad Iqbal had envisaged.

He had also announced to contest the next general elections from the Karachi constituency.&nbsp;

Khan had also announced to contest the next general elections from the Karachi constituency

Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf's (PTI) leader Imran Khan on Saturday claimed that he is ready to take on "Sharif Mafia". While addressing his party's social media team here Khan said, "I am impatiently waiting for the 'big match', the general election 2018", as told by the Dawn. He asked his social media team to expand and bring a change by introducing new ideas to develop public opinion against "Sharif Mafia" while alleging that ousted Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif had looted the national wealth and stashed it abroad. He further said, "The PTI volunteers and their passion must defeat the paid (social media) mafia of the Sharifs' PML-N," he said adding the next general election would decide the fate of youth in Pakistan. Khan claimed that people will be given the party tickets on the basis of merit and popularity in their respective constituencies. In case of multiple candidates from the same constituencies, a survey shall be conducted. He also accused the ruling PML-N government of looting money on the name of projects. On Saturday former Muttahida Qaumi Movement lawmaker Aamir Liaquat Hussain also decided to join the PTI. Earlier on March 12, Imran Khan had promised to transform Pakistan into a nation, Pakistan leaders Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah and Muhammad Iqbal had envisaged. He had also announced to contest the next general elections from the Karachi constituency.

Ready to take on 'Sharif Mafia', says Imran Khan

Four officials of the Indian High Commission were &quot;aggressively followed&quot; while they were travelling to Aabpara market in Pakistan. The officers were travelling by an official vehicle and were followed by two unknown persons on motorbikes in an intimidating manner, reports said.&nbsp;

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On 18 March, Second Secretary at the Indian High Commission in Pakistan was aggressively followed by unidentified people in a car in close proximity in an intimidating manner while he was going to Chhaye Khana restaurant. Videos were made using mobile phone: Sources
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&quot;On 18 March, Second Secretary at the Indian High Commission in Pakistan was aggressively followed by unidentified people in a car in close proximity in an intimidating manner while he was going to Chhaye Khana restaurant. Videos were made using a mobile phone,&quot; ANI reported. &nbsp;

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Today, four High Commission of India officials in Pakistan travelling in an official vehicle were aggressively followed while going to Aabpara market by two unknown persons on motorbikes in an intimidating manner: Sources
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The official website of the Indian High Commission is reported to be intermittently blocked causing inconvenience and &quot;affecting the normal functioning of the Mission&quot;.&nbsp;

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Website of Indian HC continues to be intermittently blocked causing inconvenience &amp; affecting the normal functioning of the Mission. We&#39;ve asked Pakistan govt to investigate these incidents&amp;ensure such incidents don&#39;t recur &amp; share result of investigation with us: Sources
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India has asked Pakistan to look into the&nbsp;incidents and ensure that the same are not repeated in the future. India has also demanded the result of the investigation from Pakistan.&nbsp;

India has asked Pakistan to look into the incidents and ensure that the same are not repeated in the future

Four officials of the Indian High Commission were "aggressively followed" while they were travelling to Aabpara market in Pakistan. The officers were travelling by an official vehicle and were followed by two unknown persons on motorbikes in an intimidating manner, reports said. On 18 March, Second Secretary at the Indian High Commission in Pakistan was aggressively followed by unidentified people in a car in close proximity in an intimidating manner while he was going to Chhaye Khana restaurant. Videos were made using mobile phone: Sources — ANI (@ANI) March 18, 2018 × "On 18 March, Second Secretary at the Indian High Commission in Pakistan was aggressively followed by unidentified people in a car in close proximity in an intimidating manner while he was going to Chhaye Khana restaurant. Videos were made using a mobile phone," ANI reported. Today, four High Commission of India officials in Pakistan travelling in an official vehicle were aggressively followed while going to Aabpara market by two unknown persons on motorbikes in an intimidating manner: Sources — ANI (@ANI) March 18, 2018 × The official website of the Indian High Commission is reported to be intermittently blocked causing inconvenience and "affecting the normal functioning of the Mission". Website of Indian HC continues to be intermittently blocked causing inconvenience & affecting the normal functioning of the Mission. We've asked Pakistan govt to investigate these incidents&ensure such incidents don't recur & share result of investigation with us: Sources — ANI (@ANI) March 18, 2018 × India has asked Pakistan to look into the incidents and ensure that the same are not repeated in the future. India has also demanded the result of the investigation from Pakistan.

Indian High Commission officials 'aggressively followed' by bikers in Pakistan: Sources

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/russian-presidential-election-2018-voting-underway-as-vladimir-putin-set-to-win-fourth-term-36193" target="_blank">Russian presidential election 2018: Voting underway as Vladimir Putin set to win </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/russian-presidential-election-2018-voting-underway-as-vladimir-putin-set-to-win-fourth-term-36193" target="_blank">fourth</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/russian-presidential-election-2018-voting-underway-as-vladimir-putin-set-to-win-fourth-term-36193" target="_blank"> term</a>

Russians began voting Sunday in a presidential election widely expected to cement President Vladimir Putin&#39;s power for another six years.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-vice-president-mike-pence-urges-pakistan-to-do-more-against-taliban-36190" target="_blank">US Vice President Mike Pence urges Pakistan to &#39;do more&#39; against Taliban</a>

US Vice President Mike Pence told Pakistan&#39;s Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi that his country &quot;must do more&quot; against the Taliban and other militants, the White House said on Saturday.

<a href="http://India makes written complaint to Pakistan on harassment of its diplomatic staff" target="_blank">India makes written </a><a href="http://India makes written complaint to Pakistan on harassment of its diplomatic staff" target="_blank">complaint</a><a href="http://India makes written complaint to Pakistan on harassment of its diplomatic staff" target="_blank"> to Pakistan on harassment of its diplomatic staff</a>

Officials of the Indian high commission in Pakistan, who had gone for shopping in Islamabad&#39;s Blue Area, were on Saturday harassed with two persons aggressively following them and hurling abuses.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/drone-strike-kills-6-is-terrorists-in-afghanistan-36200" target="_blank">Drone strike kills 6 IS terrorists in Afghanistan</a>

At least six terrorists belonging to the Islamic State (IS) group have been killed in the latest drone strike in eastern Nangarhar province of Afghanistan.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/mauritius-president-resigns-over-credit-card-scandal-36173" target="_blank">Mauritius president resigns over credit card scandal</a>

Mauritius President Ameenah Gurib-Fakim resigned on Saturday after being embroiled in a scandal over her use of a credit card to buy luxury personal items, in an abrupt change of heart after vowing she would not stand down.

Russian presidential election 2018: Voting underway as Vladimir Putin set to win fourth term Russians began voting Sunday in a presidential election widely expected to cement President Vladimir Putin's power for another six years. US Vice President Mike Pence urges Pakistan to 'do more' against Taliban US Vice President Mike Pence told Pakistan's Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi that his country "must do more" against the Taliban and other militants, the White House said on Saturday. India makes written complaint to Pakistan on harassment of its diplomatic staff Officials of the Indian high commission in Pakistan, who had gone for shopping in Islamabad's Blue Area, were on Saturday harassed with two persons aggressively following them and hurling abuses. Drone strike kills 6 IS terrorists in Afghanistan At least six terrorists belonging to the Islamic State (IS) group have been killed in the latest drone strike in eastern Nangarhar province of Afghanistan. Mauritius president resigns over credit card scandal Mauritius President Ameenah Gurib-Fakim resigned on Saturday after being embroiled in a scandal over her use of a credit card to buy luxury personal items, in an abrupt change of heart after vowing she would not stand down.

WION Morning News brief, March 18, 2018

The Free Balochistan Movement on Saturday announced to organise a worldwide protest to highlight the illegal occupation of Balochistan by Pakistan on March 27, 1948.

In a statement to media, the Free Balochistan Movement (FBM) said that &quot;since the occupation of the sovereign state of Balochistan on March 27, 1948, the Baloch have been observing the March 27 as a Black day in their history. On this day in 1948, the state of Pakistan attacked and forcibly annexed the Baloch country to their newly forged colonial theocratic state of Pakistan.&quot;

&quot;The Baloch nation has never yielded to any form of illegal occupation of their country. From the very day that Pakistan occupied Balochistan, the Baloch resistance to regain their independence began under the leadership of Agha Abdul Kareem Khan,&quot; the statement added.

The FBM further said the Baloch liberation movement has spread to all parts of Balochistan, to the old and young, men and women and all social groups.

&quot;Ever since the Baloch liberation movement has been transformed from a potential movement into a nationwide actual movement. It has spread to all parts of Balochistan, to the old and young, men and women and all social groups. Today, the illegal occupiers of Balochistan are totally aware of this fact. The decisive break is imminent,&quot; the statement further read.

The FBM highlighted that the colonial theocratic states are not here to stay forever.

&quot;The fact that they have never had a day free of instability, violence, corruption, religious fundamentalism, militarism, misery and extreme poverty during their entire existence is a case in point. Their entire existence has been marred by one crisis after another,&quot; the FBM said.

They further said the Pakistani rule has created killing fields in Balochistan, which shows that they are going through the last stage of their colonial rule in the province.

&quot;More than 6000 abducted Baloch have been killed under-custody by Pakistan forces. The victims include university professors, students, lawyers, poets, singers and human rights, doctors, farmers, workers, social activists and other highly educated members of Baloch society,&quot; the FBM said in a statement.

Later, the FBM confirmed that it will hold protest demonstrations in London, Germany, Canada, USA, the Netherlands, Sweden and Afghanistan on March 27, 2018, to mark the illegal occupation day of Balochistan by the artificial state of Pakistan.

The Free Balochistan Movement has also invited all Baloch and other human rights activists to join our protests around the world and express your legitimate democratic right to be free from any form of colonialism and illegal occupation of Balochistan.&nbsp;

The Free Balochistan Movement (FBM) said that 'since the occupation of the sovereign state of Balochistan on March 27, 1948, the Baloch have been observing the March 27 as a Black day in their history'.

The Free Balochistan Movement on Saturday announced to organise a worldwide protest to highlight the illegal occupation of Balochistan by Pakistan on March 27, 1948. In a statement to media, the Free Balochistan Movement (FBM) said that "since the occupation of the sovereign state of Balochistan on March 27, 1948, the Baloch have been observing the March 27 as a Black day in their history. On this day in 1948, the state of Pakistan attacked and forcibly annexed the Baloch country to their newly forged colonial theocratic state of Pakistan." "The Baloch nation has never yielded to any form of illegal occupation of their country. From the very day that Pakistan occupied Balochistan, the Baloch resistance to regain their independence began under the leadership of Agha Abdul Kareem Khan," the statement added. The FBM further said the Baloch liberation movement has spread to all parts of Balochistan, to the old and young, men and women and all social groups. "Ever since the Baloch liberation movement has been transformed from a potential movement into a nationwide actual movement. It has spread to all parts of Balochistan, to the old and young, men and women and all social groups. Today, the illegal occupiers of Balochistan are totally aware of this fact. The decisive break is imminent," the statement further read. The FBM highlighted that the colonial theocratic states are not here to stay forever. "The fact that they have never had a day free of instability, violence, corruption, religious fundamentalism, militarism, misery and extreme poverty during their entire existence is a case in point. Their entire existence has been marred by one crisis after another," the FBM said. They further said the Pakistani rule has created killing fields in Balochistan, which shows that they are going through the last stage of their colonial rule in the province. "More than 6000 abducted Baloch have been killed under-custody by Pakistan forces. The victims include university professors, students, lawyers, poets, singers and human rights, doctors, farmers, workers, social activists and other highly educated members of Baloch society," the FBM said in a statement. Later, the FBM confirmed that it will hold protest demonstrations in London, Germany, Canada, USA, the Netherlands, Sweden and Afghanistan on March 27, 2018, to mark the illegal occupation day of Balochistan by the artificial state of Pakistan. The Free Balochistan Movement has also invited all Baloch and other human rights activists to join our protests around the world and express your legitimate democratic right to be free from any form of colonialism and illegal occupation of Balochistan.

Free Balochistan Movement announces worldwide protest on Balochistan Occupation Day

US Vice President Mike Pence told Pakistan&#39;s Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi that his country &quot;must do more&quot; against the Taliban and other militants, the White House said on Saturday.

&quot;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,&quot; the White House said in a statement on the Friday call.

&quot;Pakistan could and should work closely with the United States,&quot; Pence said.

According to Washington, there is little sign that Islamabad has made a decision to end its support for the Taliban, which the country&#39;s powerful security services see as safeguarding its interests and as a bulwark against Indian influence in Kabul.

Afghan President Ashraf Ghani last month proposed peace talks with the Taliban, which could eventually be recognized as a political party if it observes a ceasefire and officially recognizes the Afghan government and constitution.

The Taliban has stopped short of rejecting the proposal, but its response has been muted.

According to Washington, there is little sign that Islamabad has made a decision to end its support for the Taliban

US Vice President Mike Pence told Pakistan's Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi that his country "must do more" against the Taliban and other militants, the White House said on Saturday. "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 on the Friday call. "Pakistan could and should work closely with the United States," Pence said. According to Washington, there is little sign that Islamabad has made a decision to end its support for the Taliban, which the country's powerful security services see as safeguarding its interests and as a bulwark against Indian influence in Kabul. Afghan President Ashraf Ghani last month proposed peace talks with the Taliban, which could eventually be recognized as a political party if it observes a ceasefire and officially recognizes the Afghan government and constitution. The Taliban has stopped short of rejecting the proposal, but its response has been muted.

US Vice President Mike Pence urges Pakistan to 'do more' against Taliban

Union Home Minister on Saturday claimed that the Indian security forces can cross the Line of Control (LoC) in order to protect the country.&nbsp;

Singh accused Pakistan of giving &quot;political legitimacy&quot;&nbsp;to JuD chief and terror mastermind Hafiz Saeed. He reiterated the importance of peace restoration in Kashmir and stated that the Modi government is committed to the cause of retaining peace in the valley.&nbsp;

The Home Minister noted that India seeks &quot;friendly relations&quot; with Pakistan but the country instead gave &quot;political legitimacy&quot; to LeT founder and UN-designated terrorist Hafiz Saeed.

He also noted that Kashmir will never be separated from India.&nbsp;

Singh also noted that Kashmir will never be separated from India

Union Home Minister on Saturday claimed that the Indian security forces can cross the Line of Control (LoC) in order to protect the country. Singh accused Pakistan of giving "political legitimacy" to JuD chief and terror mastermind Hafiz Saeed. He reiterated the importance of peace restoration in Kashmir and stated that the Modi government is committed to the cause of retaining peace in the valley. The Home Minister noted that India seeks "friendly relations" with Pakistan but the country instead gave "political legitimacy" to LeT founder and UN-designated terrorist Hafiz Saeed. He also noted that Kashmir will never be separated from India.

We will cross border to ensure security: Rajnath Singh

Pakistan has decided to stay away from the World Trade Organisation meet in New Delhi next week in protest against alleged harassment of its diplomats in India.

India last month invited Pakistan Commerce Minister Pervez Malik to participate in the informal WTO ministerial meeting scheduled to be held in New Delhi on March 19-20 and Islamabad had initially accepted the invitation.

Sources in the foreign ministry here said the situation has changed after &quot;repeated harassment of families of diplomats&quot; and it was decided to skip the invitation.

&quot;We cannot send our commerce minister to India in the current situation and India has been informed about it,&quot; according to a source.

He said India should also stop the alleged violations of the ceasefire on the Line of Control that led to death of civilians and also stop &quot;atrocities&quot; in Kashmir.

Trade ministers of over 50 nations including the US, China and Pakistan were invited by India to discuss issues related to agriculture and services.

The decision to stay away from WTO meeting in India coincided with the recalling of Pakistan&#39;s High Commissioner to India Sohail Mehmood.

Mahmood arrived here last evening for consultations after Pakistan alleged repeated harassment of its diplomats in New Delhi.

Meanwhile, Pakistan is weighing options to deal with the situation in the wake of calling back of its High Commissioner Sohail Mahmood from New Delhi due to alleged harassment of diplomats in India.

Mahmood arrived here a day after the Foreign Office spokesman said that he was being summoned for consultation &quot;due to non-stop harassment of families of the diplomats&quot;.

Official sources in the foreign ministry said Mahmood will brief top officials about the situation.

&quot;A decision to how to address the situation will be made after the consultations,&quot; sources said.

They said that options were on the table including declaring New Delhi as a non-family station and not sending back Mahmood for an indefinite period.

Officials rejected allegations that Indian diplomatic staff were also facing hurdles and harassment in Pakistan.

&quot;Our high commissioner will not return to India anytime soon,&quot; the Express Tribune quoted a senior foreign office official as saying.

It reported that initially it was thought he would return to New Delhi after consultations with authorities.

However, the official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said that the high commissioner would stay back for an indefinite period or &quot;until Indian agencies stop intimidating the staff and families of their diplomatic mission&quot; in New Delhi.

&quot;In other words, Pakistan recalled its envoy to New Delhi as a protest till the situation improves,&quot; it reported.

The official justified the move, insisting that under current circumstances it was not possible for the high commissioner to operate out of New Delhi.

&quot;Children have never been harassed even when two countries have had the worst of relationship,&quot; he said.

When asked whether Pakistan was contemplating withdrawing the families of its diplomatic staff, the official said it might have to if the current slide in the relationship was not arrested.&nbsp;

India last month invited Pakistan Commerce Minister Pervez Malik to participate in the informal WTO ministerial meeting

Pakistan has decided to stay away from the World Trade Organisation meet in New Delhi next week in protest against alleged harassment of its diplomats in India. India last month invited Pakistan Commerce Minister Pervez Malik to participate in the informal WTO ministerial meeting scheduled to be held in New Delhi on March 19-20 and Islamabad had initially accepted the invitation. Sources in the foreign ministry here said the situation has changed after "repeated harassment of families of diplomats" and it was decided to skip the invitation. "We cannot send our commerce minister to India in the current situation and India has been informed about it," according to a source. He said India should also stop the alleged violations of the ceasefire on the Line of Control that led to death of civilians and also stop "atrocities" in Kashmir. Trade ministers of over 50 nations including the US, China and Pakistan were invited by India to discuss issues related to agriculture and services. The decision to stay away from WTO meeting in India coincided with the recalling of Pakistan's High Commissioner to India Sohail Mehmood. Mahmood arrived here last evening for consultations after Pakistan alleged repeated harassment of its diplomats in New Delhi. Meanwhile, Pakistan is weighing options to deal with the situation in the wake of calling back of its High Commissioner Sohail Mahmood from New Delhi due to alleged harassment of diplomats in India. Mahmood arrived here a day after the Foreign Office spokesman said that he was being summoned for consultation "due to non-stop harassment of families of the diplomats". Official sources in the foreign ministry said Mahmood will brief top officials about the situation. "A decision to how to address the situation will be made after the consultations," sources said. They said that options were on the table including declaring New Delhi as a non-family station and not sending back Mahmood for an indefinite period. Officials rejected allegations that Indian diplomatic staff were also facing hurdles and harassment in Pakistan. "Our high commissioner will not return to India anytime soon," the Express Tribune quoted a senior foreign office official as saying. It reported that initially it was thought he would return to New Delhi after consultations with authorities. However, the official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said that the high commissioner would stay back for an indefinite period or "until Indian agencies stop intimidating the staff and families of their diplomatic mission" in New Delhi. "In other words, Pakistan recalled its envoy to New Delhi as a protest till the situation improves," it reported. The official justified the move, insisting that under current circumstances it was not possible for the high commissioner to operate out of New Delhi. "Children have never been harassed even when two countries have had the worst of relationship," he said. When asked whether Pakistan was contemplating withdrawing the families of its diplomatic staff, the official said it might have to if the current slide in the relationship was not arrested.

Pakistan to skip WTO meet in New Delhi

Pakistan&#39;s High Commissioner to India Sohail Mahmood will not be returning to New Delhi anytime soon, an official from the Pakistan Foreign Office was quoted saying on Friday.&nbsp;

Officials from the Foreign Office said that Islamabad has decided not to send High Commissioner Mahmood back to New Delhi until the overall situation regarding treatment of diplomatic staff and their families is resolved.

&quot;Our high commissioner will not return to India anytime soon,&quot; the senior Foreign Office official was quoted by the Express Tribune, as saying just hours after Mahmood returned from New Delhi on Friday.

The official told the daily that the high commissioner would stay back for an indefinite period.&nbsp;

Initially, it was thought that he would return to New Delhi after consultations with relevant authorities on the continued harassment and bullying of Pakistani diplomatic staff and their families, including children by Indian secret agencies.

Pakistan called back its High Commissioner in Delhi for a meeting after alleging that its diplomats and their families were &quot;harassed and intimidated&quot; in the capital. Islamabad said in a statement that it had called envoy Sohail Mahmood for &quot;consultations&quot; after &quot;no positive action had been taken by India&quot;.

Pakistan had lodged a strong protest with both the Indian high commission in Islamabad as well as External Affairs Ministry in New Delhi.

The Indian government downplayed the move, calling it &quot;routine&quot;. &quot;He has been called back for consultation.&nbsp;

It may be recalled that in 2002, high commissioners of Pakistan and India were recalled to their respective countries following the December 13, 2001 terror attack on the Indian parliament.

Tensions between both countries are already running high because of frequent cease-fire violations along the Line of Control (LoC) and the Working International Boundary.

The official told the daily that the high commissioner would stay back for an indefinite period

Pakistan's High Commissioner to India Sohail Mahmood will not be returning to New Delhi anytime soon, an official from the Pakistan Foreign Office was quoted saying on Friday. Officials from the Foreign Office said that Islamabad has decided not to send High Commissioner Mahmood back to New Delhi until the overall situation regarding treatment of diplomatic staff and their families is resolved. "Our high commissioner will not return to India anytime soon," the senior Foreign Office official was quoted by the Express Tribune, as saying just hours after Mahmood returned from New Delhi on Friday. The official told the daily that the high commissioner would stay back for an indefinite period. Initially, it was thought that he would return to New Delhi after consultations with relevant authorities on the continued harassment and bullying of Pakistani diplomatic staff and their families, including children by Indian secret agencies. Pakistan called back its High Commissioner in Delhi for a meeting after alleging that its diplomats and their families were "harassed and intimidated" in the capital. Islamabad said in a statement that it had called envoy Sohail Mahmood for "consultations" after "no positive action had been taken by India". Pakistan had lodged a strong protest with both the Indian high commission in Islamabad as well as External Affairs Ministry in New Delhi. The Indian government downplayed the move, calling it "routine". "He has been called back for consultation. It may be recalled that in 2002, high commissioners of Pakistan and India were recalled to their respective countries following the December 13, 2001 terror attack on the Indian parliament. Tensions between both countries are already running high because of frequent cease-fire violations along the Line of Control (LoC) and the Working International Boundary.

Pakistan refuses to send envoy back to India

More than 6000 abducted Baloch have been killed under-custody by Pakistan forces.

Experts and a Member of European Parliament (MEP) have shown concern over the growing extremism and terrorism in Pakistan, which are hurting not only the country but also the Western nations.

Speaking on the sidelines of the 37th Session of Human Rights Council in Geneva, Fulvio Martusciello, an Italian politician and member of European Parliament said, &quot;Europeans are not ready to fight against terrorists. And, we are soft with Pakistan&quot;.

He also raised concern over the oppression of Baloch, Pashtun and minority communities.

&quot;Pakistan is not really a democracy. So, Europe has to look at the money it gives to this country and understand what is happening in this country (Pakistan),&quot; Fulvio added.

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Europeans aren&#39;t ready to fight against terrorists. We are soft with Pakistan. Pakistan is not really a democracy. So, Europe have to look at the money it give to this country and understand about what is happening there: European MP Fulvio Martusciello at UNHRC session <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Geneva?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Geneva</a> <a href="https://t.co/V2qFxwZvrK">pic.twitter.com/V2qFxwZvrK</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/974793466499747841?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Recently, the Financial Action Taken Force (FATF) put Pakistan on its greylist.

Islamabad has entered into a phase, where it has to not only submit an action plan against controlling terror fund at the body&#39;s next plenary in Paris end-June but also give a political undertaking that it would implement the steps.

However, experts believe tough sanctions are required to break Islamic hardliners and military alliance in Pakistan.

Tarek Fatah, a Pakistan-born Canadian writer, said, &quot;There is hardly any pressure at all (on Pakistan). This is only on paper. Pakistanis know, they can lobby themselves out of any place. They have former American ambassadors, who are the lobbyist for Pakistan. So, this is not how it works. If the West or European Union want to put pressure on Pakistan, they should come out openly and support the independence of Balochistan and then only Pakistan will act&quot;.

He added, &quot;As far as Pakistan continues to exist, it will be a nightmare for the rest of the world. Pakistan&#39;s existence has to be worked out in such a way that it disintegrates and that should be a long-term strategic goal. It&#39;s not a country, its an acronym&quot;.

Tarek, who speaks often against Pakistan&#39;s oppressive rule and state-sponsored terrorism, said, &quot;Chief justices of Pakistan&#39;s Supreme Court are acting if they are the police constables. It&#39;s a wicked society, governed by very devious and corrupt people, which is called the Mullah-military alliance. If you have to break that alliance, break that country.&quot;

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There is hardly any pressure(on Pakistan). This is only on paper. They know they can lobby themselves out of any place. Former American ambassadors are lobbyist for Pak. Till Pak continues to exist, it will be nightmare for rest of world: Tarek Fatah,Pakistan-born Canadian writer <a href="https://t.co/LyGzlCofHZ">pic.twitter.com/LyGzlCofHZ</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/974793470308159488?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2018</a></blockquote>
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European experts have also shown concern over Pakistan&#39;s double standard in dealing with the issue of terrorism.

Henri Malosse, an Honorary member at Brussels based European Academy of the Regions, said, &quot;I think more and more experts are visiting Pakistan to check the situation, it&#39;s not improving despite all the speeches, maybe the laws are not implemented properly. So, there is a growing concern about the situation in Pakistan. Of course, we are cautious because of the geopolitical situation.&quot;

He added, &quot;Pakistan has been in the past one of the closest ally and friend of the U.S. So, it has always an image of the pro-Western country despite the entire situation we know. If you compare with a country like Iran, where you cannot find any Iranian terrorist for the last 40 years, but you can find a lot of Pakistanis, but look at different consideration as of how Western world look at Iran and how they look at Pakistan.&quot;

Malosse further said that the situation has changed a little bit but that is not enough.&nbsp;

Speaking on the sidelines of the 37th Session of Human Rights Council in Geneva, Fulvio Martusciello, an Italian politician and member of European Parliament said, 'Europeans are not ready to fight against terrorists. And, we are soft with Pakistan'

Experts and a Member of European Parliament (MEP) have shown concern over the growing extremism and terrorism in Pakistan, which are hurting not only the country but also the Western nations. Speaking on the sidelines of the 37th Session of Human Rights Council in Geneva, Fulvio Martusciello, an Italian politician and member of European Parliament said, "Europeans are not ready to fight against terrorists. And, we are soft with Pakistan". He also raised concern over the oppression of Baloch, Pashtun and minority communities. "Pakistan is not really a democracy. So, Europe has to look at the money it gives to this country and understand what is happening in this country (Pakistan)," Fulvio added. Europeans aren't ready to fight against terrorists. We are soft with Pakistan. Pakistan is not really a democracy. So, Europe have to look at the money it give to this country and understand about what is happening there: European MP Fulvio Martusciello at UNHRC session #Geneva pic.twitter.com/V2qFxwZvrK — ANI (@ANI) March 16, 2018 × Recently, the Financial Action Taken Force (FATF) put Pakistan on its greylist. Islamabad has entered into a phase, where it has to not only submit an action plan against controlling terror fund at the body's next plenary in Paris end-June but also give a political undertaking that it would implement the steps. However, experts believe tough sanctions are required to break Islamic hardliners and military alliance in Pakistan. Tarek Fatah, a Pakistan-born Canadian writer, said, "There is hardly any pressure at all (on Pakistan). This is only on paper. Pakistanis know, they can lobby themselves out of any place. They have former American ambassadors, who are the lobbyist for Pakistan. So, this is not how it works. If the West or European Union want to put pressure on Pakistan, they should come out openly and support the independence of Balochistan and then only Pakistan will act". He added, "As far as Pakistan continues to exist, it will be a nightmare for the rest of the world. Pakistan's existence has to be worked out in such a way that it disintegrates and that should be a long-term strategic goal. It's not a country, its an acronym". Tarek, who speaks often against Pakistan's oppressive rule and state-sponsored terrorism, said, "Chief justices of Pakistan's Supreme Court are acting if they are the police constables. It's a wicked society, governed by very devious and corrupt people, which is called the Mullah-military alliance. If you have to break that alliance, break that country." There is hardly any pressure(on Pakistan). This is only on paper. They know they can lobby themselves out of any place. Former American ambassadors are lobbyist for Pak. Till Pak continues to exist, it will be nightmare for rest of world: Tarek Fatah,Pakistan-born Canadian writer pic.twitter.com/LyGzlCofHZ — ANI (@ANI) March 16, 2018 × European experts have also shown concern over Pakistan's double standard in dealing with the issue of terrorism. Henri Malosse, an Honorary member at Brussels based European Academy of the Regions, said, "I think more and more experts are visiting Pakistan to check the situation, it's not improving despite all the speeches, maybe the laws are not implemented properly. So, there is a growing concern about the situation in Pakistan. Of course, we are cautious because of the geopolitical situation." He added, "Pakistan has been in the past one of the closest ally and friend of the U.S. So, it has always an image of the pro-Western country despite the entire situation we know. If you compare with a country like Iran, where you cannot find any Iranian terrorist for the last 40 years, but you can find a lot of Pakistanis, but look at different consideration as of how Western world look at Iran and how they look at Pakistan." Malosse further said that the situation has changed a little bit but that is not enough.

European parliamentarian, experts lambast Pakistan for sheltering terrorists

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-to-skip-wto-meet-in-new-delhi-36145">Pakistan to skip WTO meet in New Delhi</a>

India last month invited Pakistan Commerce Minister Pervez Malik to participate in the informal WTO ministerial meeting scheduled to be held in New Delhi on March 19-20 and Islamabad had initially accepted the invitation.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sonias-strong-attack-on-modi-government-36152">Sonia accuses Modi government of &#39;tinkering with constitutional propriety&#39;</a>

Sonia said that despite the onslaught, Congress is not going to back down. Sonia said that present dispensation tinkering with constitutional propriety and not following the Parliamentary traditions

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/ditch-evms-and-go-back-to-paper-ballots-congress-urges-ec-36159">Ditch EVMs and go back to paper ballots: Congress urges EC</a>

The Congress today urged the Election Commission (EC) to go back to the traditional practice of paper ballots for future elections. The party said that going back to paper ballots is necessary in the wake of &quot;misgivings on misuse&quot; of EVMs. The statement came earlier today during its 84th plenary session.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/russia-expels-23-british-diplomats-as-crisis-over-nerve-toxin-attack-deepens-36156    ">Russia expels 23 British diplomats as </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/russia-expels-23-british-diplomats-as-crisis-over-nerve-toxin-attack-deepens-36156    ">crisis</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/russia-expels-23-british-diplomats-as-crisis-over-nerve-toxin-attack-deepens-36156    "> over nerve toxin attack deepens&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;</a>

Russia expelled 23 British diplomats on Saturday in a carefully calibrated retaliatory move against London, which has accused the Kremlin of orchestrating a nerve toxin attack on a former Russian double agent and his daughter in southern England.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-story-could-end-with-mass-unemployment-nobel-winner-paul-krugman-36154">India story could end with mass unemployment: Nobel-winner Paul Krugman</a>

&ldquo;India&rsquo;s lack in the manufacturing sector could work against it, as it doesn&#39;t have the jobs essential to sustain the projected growth in demography. You have to find jobs for people,&rdquo; he said

Pakistan to skip WTO meet in New Delhi India last month invited Pakistan Commerce Minister Pervez Malik to participate in the informal WTO ministerial meeting scheduled to be held in New Delhi on March 19-20 and Islamabad had initially accepted the invitation. Sonia accuses Modi government of 'tinkering with constitutional propriety' Sonia said that despite the onslaught, Congress is not going to back down. Sonia said that present dispensation tinkering with constitutional propriety and not following the Parliamentary traditions Ditch EVMs and go back to paper ballots: Congress urges EC The Congress today urged the Election Commission (EC) to go back to the traditional practice of paper ballots for future elections. The party said that going back to paper ballots is necessary in the wake of "misgivings on misuse" of EVMs. The statement came earlier today during its 84th plenary session. Russia expels 23 British diplomats as crisis over nerve toxin attack deepens Russia expelled 23 British diplomats on Saturday in a carefully calibrated retaliatory move against London, which has accused the Kremlin of orchestrating a nerve toxin attack on a former Russian double agent and his daughter in southern England. India story could end with mass unemployment: Nobel-winner Paul Krugman “India’s lack in the manufacturing sector could work against it, as it doesn't have the jobs essential to sustain the projected growth in demography. You have to find jobs for people,” he said

WION Evening News Brief, March 17, 2018

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-security-forces-open-fire-on-terrorists-in-pulwama-after-weapon-snatching-incident-35978" target="_blank">J&amp;K: Security forces open fire on terrorists in Pulwama after weapon snatching incident, 2 killed</a>

At least two terrorists have been killed in an encounter with security forces in Jammu and Kashmir&#39;s&nbsp;Pulwama district.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/pedestrian-bridge-collapses-in-florida-4-dead-35967" target="_blank">Pedestrian bridge collapses in Florida, 4 dead</a>

Four people were killed and at least 10 injured after a bridge collapsed in Miami. The newly erected 950-ton bridge pedestrian bridge spanned several lanes of traffic&nbsp;at Florida International University.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/there-were-disappearingsindhisin-pakistan-35968" target="_blank">Pakistan creating fear among Sindhis due to CPEC: Pak activist to UNHRC</a>

In yet another revelation of suppression of minorities in Pakistan, Dr H Bhutto while addressing the United Nations Human Rights Commission said that Sindhis are &quot;disappearing&quot;&nbsp;in Pakistan.&nbsp;He added that attempts were being made to create&nbsp;fear among Sindhis.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/2-killed-7-injured-in-house-explosion-in-pakistans-balochistan-province-35982" target="_blank">2 killed, 7 injured in house explosion in Pakistan&#39;s Balochistan province</a>

At least two persons were killed and seven others injured in an explosion in a house in Kila Saifullah district of Pakistan&#39;s restive Balochistan province, police said Friday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/queen-gives-formal-consent-for-grandson-harry-to-marry-meghan-markle-35963" target="_blank">Queen gives formal consent for grandson Harry to marry Meghan Markle</a>

Britain&#39;s Queen Elizabeth has formally given her permission for her &quot;dearly beloved&quot; grandson Prince Harry to marry his US fiancee&nbsp;Meghan&nbsp;Markle.

J&K: Security forces open fire on terrorists in Pulwama after weapon snatching incident, 2 killed At least two terrorists have been killed in an encounter with security forces in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district. Pedestrian bridge collapses in Florida, 4 dead Four people were killed and at least 10 injured after a bridge collapsed in Miami. The newly erected 950-ton bridge pedestrian bridge spanned several lanes of traffic at Florida International University. Pakistan creating fear among Sindhis due to CPEC: Pak activist to UNHRC In yet another revelation of suppression of minorities in Pakistan, Dr H Bhutto while addressing the United Nations Human Rights Commission said that Sindhis are "disappearing" in Pakistan. He added that attempts were being made to create fear among Sindhis. 2 killed, 7 injured in house explosion in Pakistan's Balochistan province At least two persons were killed and seven others injured in an explosion in a house in Kila Saifullah district of Pakistan's restive Balochistan province, police said Friday. Queen gives formal consent for grandson Harry to marry Meghan Markle Britain's Queen Elizabeth has formally given her permission for her "dearly beloved" grandson Prince Harry to marry his US fiancee Meghan Markle.

WION Morning News brief, March 16, 2018

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has condemned a suicide attack on a police check-post near the residence of Pakistan&#39;s ousted prime minister Nawaz Sharif in Lahore.

Guterres extended his condolences to the families of the victims of the March 14 attack, a statement from a UN spokesman said adding that the Secretary-General calls for the perpetrators of the attack to be brought to justice.

The statement said the UN supports the efforts of the government of Pakistan to fight terrorism with full respect for international human rights norms and obligations.

A teenaged suicide bomber blew himself up near the residence of Sharif, killing nine people, including five policemen, the police said.

The blast took place close to a check post, a few kilometres from the palatial residence of the Sharif family.&nbsp;

Around 25 people were also injured in the attack.&nbsp;

UN Secretary-General Antonio condemned a suicide attack on a police check-post near the residence of Pakistan's PM Nawaz Sharif in Lahore

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has condemned a suicide attack on a police check-post near the residence of Pakistan's ousted prime minister Nawaz Sharif in Lahore. Guterres extended his condolences to the families of the victims of the March 14 attack, a statement from a UN spokesman said adding that the Secretary-General calls for the perpetrators of the attack to be brought to justice. The statement said the UN supports the efforts of the government of Pakistan to fight terrorism with full respect for international human rights norms and obligations. A teenaged suicide bomber blew himself up near the residence of Sharif, killing nine people, including five policemen, the police said. The blast took place close to a check post, a few kilometres from the palatial residence of the Sharif family. Around 25 people were also injured in the attack.

UN chief condemns attack near Sharif's residence in Lahore

At least two persons were killed and seven others injured in an explosion in a house in Kila Saifullah district of Pakistan&#39;s restive Balochistan province, police said Friday.

Many others are trapped under the debris and efforts are on to rescue them, they said.

The incident took place last night in which the roof and walls of the house collapsed.

&quot;We don&#39;t know what caused the blast but it was powerful and damaged the house,&quot; Deputy Commissioner Killa Saifullah Shafqat Anwar Shahwani said.

The injured, including women and children, belonged to the same family and were shifted to hospital for treatment.

Baluchistan province has been hit hard by terror attacks in the last few years with militants and separatists frequently targeting security personnel and installations.&nbsp;

Baluchistan province has been hit hard by terror attacks in the last few years with militants and separatists frequently targeting security personnel and installations

At least two persons were killed and seven others injured in an explosion in a house in Kila Saifullah district of Pakistan's restive Balochistan province, police said Friday. Many others are trapped under the debris and efforts are on to rescue them, they said. The incident took place last night in which the roof and walls of the house collapsed. "We don't know what caused the blast but it was powerful and damaged the house," Deputy Commissioner Killa Saifullah Shafqat Anwar Shahwani said. The injured, including women and children, belonged to the same family and were shifted to hospital for treatment. Baluchistan province has been hit hard by terror attacks in the last few years with militants and separatists frequently targeting security personnel and installations.

2 killed, 7 injured in house explosion in Pakistan's Balochistan province

Despite the United States pressuring Pakistan, the Islamabad Government is still supporting the Taliban terrorist group in the border region with Afghanistan, revealed United State Army General Joseph L. Votel.

According to a media report, during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on Tuesday, when asked about the continued Pakistani support to Taliban, Gen. Votel noted, &quot;I cannot tell you that we have seen decisive changes in the areas in which we&#39;re working, but I remain very well-engaged with my partner to ensure that we are moving forward on this.&quot;

On recent increase in Taliban attacks in Afghanistan, Votel said, &quot;Having sanctuary in Pakistan or having support from other actors in the region certainly is an aspect of the Taliban&#39;s success here.&quot;

The report further quoted an intelligence source close to the Afghan border region as saying that the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) of Pakistan is continuing its covert support for the Taliban in the border region.

&quot;ISI is providing both protection and material support to the Taliban in areas between Quetta and the Afghan border,&quot; the source said.

The insider revealed that the ISI is working along with the Pakistani Army in Taliban in Pashtun ethnic areas of Balochistan province in the northwestern part of the country.

&quot;In Pashtun areas which are close to Quetta, religious groups are operating madrasas&quot; - Islamic schools, the source said. &quot;Among these groups, the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam is most active. Under Sami ul Haq&#39;s leadership, madrasas are creating new soldiers for Taliban in Balochistan&#39;s Pashtun belt.&quot; Maulana Sami ul Haq is a Pakistani cleric regarded as &quot;the father of the Taliban.&quot;

&quot;We believe top Taliban leadership are operating from Pashtunabad, Gulistan and surrounding areas,&quot; the source added.

The report highlighted that Taliban is working with the ISI in another small border district called Killa Abdullah, about 44 miles from Quetta, capital of Balochistan.

In that area, Taliban fighters have been spotted along &quot;with automatic weapons either in motorbikes, or [in] four-by-four vehicles along with two to five companions,&quot; the source said.

The source further revealed that the local police is not allowed to stop the Taliban fighters from traveling from Afghanistan to Pakistan.

&quot;These people freely travel in Quetta, Chaman and all surrounding areas,&quot; the source said. &quot;Civilian [police] forces cannot intervene because they work under ISI and military apparatus. The police are also powerless and are afraid for their own security.&quot;

A report quoted an intelligence source close to the Afghan border region as saying that the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) of Pakistan is continuing its covert support for the Taliban in the border region

Despite the United States pressuring Pakistan, the Islamabad Government is still supporting the Taliban terrorist group in the border region with Afghanistan, revealed United State Army General Joseph L. Votel. According to a media report, during a Senate Armed Services Committee hearing on Tuesday, when asked about the continued Pakistani support to Taliban, Gen. Votel noted, "I cannot tell you that we have seen decisive changes in the areas in which we're working, but I remain very well-engaged with my partner to ensure that we are moving forward on this." On recent increase in Taliban attacks in Afghanistan, Votel said, "Having sanctuary in Pakistan or having support from other actors in the region certainly is an aspect of the Taliban's success here." The report further quoted an intelligence source close to the Afghan border region as saying that the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) of Pakistan is continuing its covert support for the Taliban in the border region. "ISI is providing both protection and material support to the Taliban in areas between Quetta and the Afghan border," the source said. The insider revealed that the ISI is working along with the Pakistani Army in Taliban in Pashtun ethnic areas of Balochistan province in the northwestern part of the country. "In Pashtun areas which are close to Quetta, religious groups are operating madrasas" - Islamic schools, the source said. "Among these groups, the Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam is most active. Under Sami ul Haq's leadership, madrasas are creating new soldiers for Taliban in Balochistan's Pashtun belt." Maulana Sami ul Haq is a Pakistani cleric regarded as "the father of the Taliban." "We believe top Taliban leadership are operating from Pashtunabad, Gulistan and surrounding areas," the source added. The report highlighted that Taliban is working with the ISI in another small border district called Killa Abdullah, about 44 miles from Quetta, capital of Balochistan. In that area, Taliban fighters have been spotted along "with automatic weapons either in motorbikes, or [in] four-by-four vehicles along with two to five companions," the source said. The source further revealed that the local police is not allowed to stop the Taliban fighters from traveling from Afghanistan to Pakistan. "These people freely travel in Quetta, Chaman and all surrounding areas," the source said. "Civilian [police] forces cannot intervene because they work under ISI and military apparatus. The police are also powerless and are afraid for their own security."

Pakistan providing covert support to Taliban: US Army General

The Lahore High Court today gave a deadline of 15 days to the Pakistan government to explain why Mumbai attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed&#39;s outfit JuD and its charity wing had been banned and their accounts frozen.

The court order came during a petition filed by Jamaat-ud-Dawah (JuD) chief Saeed yesterday, challenging a notification of the interior ministry of Pakistan to ban his social welfare activities.

Saeed filed the petition through his counsel Advocate A K Dogar.

He submitted to the Lahore High Court (LHC) that the interior ministry on February 10 had issued the notification related to freezing bank accounts and taking over assets associated with the JuD and Falah-i-Insaaniyat Foundation (FIF) under the Anti-Terrorism (amendment) Ordinance 2018.

The LHC today ordered the federal government to submit its reply in court by March 29 on why the organisation and its charity wing had been banned and their accounts frozen, Dawn News reported.

The petitioner alleged that the government of Pakistan had acted under the pressure of foreign powers, including the US and India, the report said.

He contended that Pakistan is a sovereign independent state and makes its own laws to govern its citizens.

He added that if there was a conflict between the laws of the land and any provision of the United Nations Security Council Act, 1948, the law of the land shall prevail, it added.

The FIF owns 369 ambulances, helped 72,000 persons to charity hospitals and treated 600,000 patients only in 2017, Saeed said.

He pleaded the court to declare the impugned notification of the interior ministry null and void with regard to taking over the assets of the organisations.

Separately, Saeed, last week challenged the presidential ordinance under which his group has been banned for being on the watch-list of the United Nations in the Islamabad High Court.

President Mamnoon Hussain last month promulgated an ordinance amending the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997 with regards to the proscription of terrorist individuals and organisations to include entities listed by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) - in a move to declare Hafiz Saeed-linked JuD and FIF as proscribed groups.

Saeed, who in November last year was set free from a 300-day-long house arrest, has been repeatedly accused by the US and India of masterminding the 2008 Mumbai attacks that killed 166 people.

Saeed was declared a global terrorist by the US and UN over his alleged role in the Mumbai attacks.

JuD is considered by the US and India to be a front for LeT, the militant group blamed for the attacks.

Mumbai attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed's outfit JuD and its charity wing have been banned and their accounts frozen

The Lahore High Court today gave a deadline of 15 days to the Pakistan government to explain why Mumbai attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed's outfit JuD and its charity wing had been banned and their accounts frozen. The court order came during a petition filed by Jamaat-ud-Dawah (JuD) chief Saeed yesterday, challenging a notification of the interior ministry of Pakistan to ban his social welfare activities. Saeed filed the petition through his counsel Advocate A K Dogar. He submitted to the Lahore High Court (LHC) that the interior ministry on February 10 had issued the notification related to freezing bank accounts and taking over assets associated with the JuD and Falah-i-Insaaniyat Foundation (FIF) under the Anti-Terrorism (amendment) Ordinance 2018. The LHC today ordered the federal government to submit its reply in court by March 29 on why the organisation and its charity wing had been banned and their accounts frozen, Dawn News reported. The petitioner alleged that the government of Pakistan had acted under the pressure of foreign powers, including the US and India, the report said. He contended that Pakistan is a sovereign independent state and makes its own laws to govern its citizens. He added that if there was a conflict between the laws of the land and any provision of the United Nations Security Council Act, 1948, the law of the land shall prevail, it added. The FIF owns 369 ambulances, helped 72,000 persons to charity hospitals and treated 600,000 patients only in 2017, Saeed said. He pleaded the court to declare the impugned notification of the interior ministry null and void with regard to taking over the assets of the organisations. Separately, Saeed, last week challenged the presidential ordinance under which his group has been banned for being on the watch-list of the United Nations in the Islamabad High Court. President Mamnoon Hussain last month promulgated an ordinance amending the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997 with regards to the proscription of terrorist individuals and organisations to include entities listed by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) - in a move to declare Hafiz Saeed-linked JuD and FIF as proscribed groups. Saeed, who in November last year was set free from a 300-day-long house arrest, has been repeatedly accused by the US and India of masterminding the 2008 Mumbai attacks that killed 166 people. Saeed was declared a global terrorist by the US and UN over his alleged role in the Mumbai attacks. JuD is considered by the US and India to be a front for LeT, the militant group blamed for the attacks.

Court orders Pakistan government to explain JuD, charity ban

In yet another revelation of suppression of minorities in Pakistan, Dr H Bhutto while addressing the United Nations Human Rights Commission said that Sindhis are &quot;disappearing&quot;&nbsp;in Pakistan.&nbsp;

He added that attempts were being made to create&nbsp;fear among Sindhis.&nbsp;

He also said that Hindus were being forcefully&nbsp;converted&nbsp;in Pakistan.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-army-carrying-out-ethnic-cleansing-of-minority-groups-nadeem-nusrat-35921" target="_blank">Pakistan Army carrying out ethnic cleansing of minority groups: Nadeem Nusrat</a>

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/persecution-of-minorities-in-pakistan-is-not-reported-pakistan-journalist-35567" target="_blank">&#39;Persecution of minorities in Pakistan not reported&#39;</a>

Bhutto said: &quot;Sindh is the lifeline of Pakistan and that&rsquo;s why they are creating a fear of atmosphere because they are trying to develop CPEC (China-Pakistan Economic Corridor) project. Because of that, a huge operation is going on against Sindhis.&quot;

&quot;Sindhis&nbsp;are disappearing, they are trying to act against Hindus as well, converting Hindu girls because they want them to leave Sindh. Day before yesterday they were trying to kidnap a Sindhi nationalist leader and he was not in the&nbsp;house, so they kidnapped his&nbsp;wife and son.&quot;

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They are disappearing Sindhis, trying to act against Hindus as well, converting Hindu girls because they want them to leave Sindh. Day before y&#39;day they were trying to kidnap a Sindhi nationalist leader and he was not in house, so they kidnapped their wife &amp; son: Dr H Bhutto <a href="https://t.co/6iQkt7IGDm">pic.twitter.com/6iQkt7IGDm</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/974405464288096259?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 15, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Earlier, spokesperson of &#39;Free Karachi&#39; campaign and former convener of Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) Nadeem Nusrat also agreed with India&#39;s statement at the United Nations Human Rights Session on <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/mohajirs-welcome-indias-statement-against-pak-in-un-human-rights-session-nadeem-nusrat-35323" target="_blank">atrocities committed by Pakistan</a>.

While addressing at United Nations Human Rights Commission, Dr Bhutto said that attempts were being made to create a fear of atmosphere on Sindhs

In yet another revelation of suppression of minorities in Pakistan, Dr H Bhutto while addressing the United Nations Human Rights Commission said that Sindhis are "disappearing" in Pakistan. He added that attempts were being made to create fear among Sindhis. He also said that Hindus were being forcefully converted in Pakistan. Also read: Pakistan Army carrying out ethnic cleansing of minority groups: Nadeem Nusrat Also read: 'Persecution of minorities in Pakistan not reported' Bhutto said: "Sindh is the lifeline of Pakistan and that’s why they are creating a fear of atmosphere because they are trying to develop CPEC (China-Pakistan Economic Corridor) project. Because of that, a huge operation is going on against Sindhis." "Sindhis are disappearing, they are trying to act against Hindus as well, converting Hindu girls because they want them to leave Sindh. Day before yesterday they were trying to kidnap a Sindhi nationalist leader and he was not in the house, so they kidnapped his wife and son." They are disappearing Sindhis, trying to act against Hindus as well, converting Hindu girls because they want them to leave Sindh. Day before y'day they were trying to kidnap a Sindhi nationalist leader and he was not in house, so they kidnapped their wife & son: Dr H Bhutto pic.twitter.com/6iQkt7IGDm — ANI (@ANI) March 15, 2018 × Earlier, spokesperson of 'Free Karachi' campaign and former convener of Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) Nadeem Nusrat also agreed with India's statement at the United Nations Human Rights Session on atrocities committed by Pakistan.

Pakistan creating fear among Sindhis due to CPEC: Pak activist to UNHRC

Two <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bsf-arrests-pak-infiltrator-in-bikaner-35900" target="_blank">suspects were arrested in separate actions </a>taken by police and the Border Security Force (BSF) in Rajasthan&#39;s Jaisalmer and Bikaner district, officials said.

A team of police intelligence arrested Shahid Hussain Jilani (54) Wednesday night from Pokaran of Jaisalmer district, Pokaran Deputy Superintendent of Police Nanak Singh said.

He said that Jilani was arrested after he could not give a satisfactory answer in preliminary interrogation. He will be interrogated by joint investigation agencies.

In another action, a Pakistani national was arrested by a team of BSF in Bikaner district on Thursday.

The BSF team has arrested Manjur Ahmed (50) from Bandli check post in Khajuwala town, Bikaner Superintendent of Police Swai Singh Godara said.

He said that the accused in preliminary interrogation revealed that he was a resident of Bahawalpur of Pakistan. He was later handed over to Khajuwala police.

The accused will now be interrogated by joint interrogation agencies, the police said.&nbsp;

Two suspects were arrested in separate actions taken by police and the Border Security Force (BSF) in Rajasthan's Jaisalmer and Bikaner district, officials said

Two suspects were arrested in separate actions taken by police and the Border Security Force (BSF) in Rajasthan's Jaisalmer and Bikaner district, officials said. A team of police intelligence arrested Shahid Hussain Jilani (54) Wednesday night from Pokaran of Jaisalmer district, Pokaran Deputy Superintendent of Police Nanak Singh said. He said that Jilani was arrested after he could not give a satisfactory answer in preliminary interrogation. He will be interrogated by joint investigation agencies. In another action, a Pakistani national was arrested by a team of BSF in Bikaner district on Thursday. The BSF team has arrested Manjur Ahmed (50) from Bandli check post in Khajuwala town, Bikaner Superintendent of Police Swai Singh Godara said. He said that the accused in preliminary interrogation revealed that he was a resident of Bahawalpur of Pakistan. He was later handed over to Khajuwala police. The accused will now be interrogated by joint interrogation agencies, the police said.

2 suspects arrested in Rajasthan

Pakistan on Monday summoned India&#39;s Deputy High Commissioner J P Singh to Islamabad to condemn the alleged "unprovoked firing" by Indian troops across the Line of Control which resulted in the death of two people.

Director General (South Asia and SAARC) Mohammad Faisal summoned Singh and "condemned the unprovoked ceasefire violations" by Indian forces, the Foreign Office said.

In a statement, it said that firing on February 4 in Nezapir, Nikial and Karela sectors killed two civilians, including 18-year-old Rafaqat Ali and 25-year-old Tasleem Begum, and injured seven others including two children.

Faisal claimed that the Indian forces along the LoC and the Working boundary are continuously targeting the civilian populated areas with heavy mortars and automatic weapons.

In 2018, the Indian forces have carried out more than 190 ceasefire violations along the Line of Control and the Working Boundary, resulting in the deaths of 13 civilians, it said.

"This unprecedented escalation in ceasefire violations by India is continuing from the year 2017 when the Indian forces committed 1970 ceasefire violations," he claimed.

Faisal said the deliberate targeting of civilian populated areas is indeed deplorable and against the human dignity, international human rights and humanitarian laws.

The repeated ceasefire violations by India "are a threat to regional peace and security and may lead to a strategic miscalculation," he asserted.

Faisal urged the Indian side to respect the 2003 ceasefire arrangement and investigate the repeated incidents of ceasefire violations, the statement said.

He also urged the Indian side to allow the UN Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) to play its mandated role as per the UN Security Council resolutions.

India maintains that UNMOGIP has outlived its utility and is irrelevant after the Simla Agreement and the consequent establishment of the Line of Control.

In January, the Foreign Office summoned India&#39;s deputy high commissioner on January 15, 18, 19, 20 and 21.

Director General (South Asia and SAARC) Mohammad Faisal summoned Singh and "condemned the unprovoked ceasefire violations" by Indian forces, the Foreign Office said

Pakistan on Monday summoned India's Deputy High Commissioner J P Singh to Islamabad to condemn the alleged "unprovoked firing" by Indian troops across the Line of Control which resulted in the death of two people. Director General (South Asia and SAARC) Mohammad Faisal summoned Singh and "condemned the unprovoked ceasefire violations" by Indian forces, the Foreign Office said. In a statement, it said that firing on February 4 in Nezapir, Nikial and Karela sectors killed two civilians, including 18-year-old Rafaqat Ali and 25-year-old Tasleem Begum, and injured seven others including two children. Faisal claimed that the Indian forces along the LoC and the Working boundary are continuously targeting the civilian populated areas with heavy mortars and automatic weapons. In 2018, the Indian forces have carried out more than 190 ceasefire violations along the Line of Control and the Working Boundary, resulting in the deaths of 13 civilians, it said. "This unprecedented escalation in ceasefire violations by India is continuing from the year 2017 when the Indian forces committed 1970 ceasefire violations," he claimed. Faisal said the deliberate targeting of civilian populated areas is indeed deplorable and against the human dignity, international human rights and humanitarian laws. The repeated ceasefire violations by India "are a threat to regional peace and security and may lead to a strategic miscalculation," he asserted. Faisal urged the Indian side to respect the 2003 ceasefire arrangement and investigate the repeated incidents of ceasefire violations, the statement said. He also urged the Indian side to allow the UN Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) to play its mandated role as per the UN Security Council resolutions. India maintains that UNMOGIP has outlived its utility and is irrelevant after the Simla Agreement and the consequent establishment of the Line of Control. In January, the Foreign Office summoned India's deputy high commissioner on January 15, 18, 19, 20 and 21.

Pakistan summons Indian diplomat over 'unprovoked firing'

While Indians are getting less and less happy with every passing year, their Pakistani counterparts have gained in the happiness index as per the latest United Nations ranking of the world&#39;s happiest countries.

India, which dropped four places in the 2017 <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/this-the-worlds-happiest-country-the-un-says-35842">World Happiness Report</a>, fell a further 11 places as per 2018 report. It now ranks a low 133 on the list of 156 countries monitored by the United Nations&#39; Sustainable Development Solutions Network for its annual &#39;joy&#39; report.

By comparison, terror-hit, politically unstable Pakistan, which was already &#39;happier&#39; than India in the 2017 rankings, is shown as being even happier in the 2018 rankings. It&#39;s on number 75, up five spots from last year.

Not just Pakistan, all of India&#39;s neighbours are more joyful than Indians, despite many of them not being nearly as well-off economically or even socially. Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, and Sri Lanka are all ahead of India in the Happiness rankings. Even state-controled China is happier than India.

Finland is the world&#39;s happiest country, according to an annual survey issued on Wednesday that put Burundi at the bottom of the happiness index and found Americans were getting less happy even as their country became richer.

The U.N. Sustainable Development Solutions Network&#39;s (SDSN) 2018 World Happiness Report ranked 156 countries according to their scores for things such as GDP per capita, social support, healthy life expectancy, social freedom, generosity and absence of corruption. 
&nbsp;

Terror-hit, politically unstable Pakistan, which was already 'happier' than India in the UN's 2017 rankings, is shown as being even happier in the 2018 rankings

While Indians are getting less and less happy with every passing year, their Pakistani counterparts have gained in the happiness index as per the latest United Nations ranking of the world's happiest countries. India, which dropped four places in the 2017 World Happiness Report, fell a further 11 places as per 2018 report. It now ranks a low 133 on the list of 156 countries monitored by the United Nations' Sustainable Development Solutions Network for its annual 'joy' report. By comparison, terror-hit, politically unstable Pakistan, which was already 'happier' than India in the 2017 rankings, is shown as being even happier in the 2018 rankings. It's on number 75, up five spots from last year. Not just Pakistan, all of India's neighbours are more joyful than Indians, despite many of them not being nearly as well-off economically or even socially. Bangladesh, Bhutan, Nepal, and Sri Lanka are all ahead of India in the Happiness rankings. Even state-controled China is happier than India. Finland is the world's happiest country, according to an annual survey issued on Wednesday that put Burundi at the bottom of the happiness index and found Americans were getting less happy even as their country became richer. The U.N. Sustainable Development Solutions Network's (SDSN) 2018 World Happiness Report ranked 156 countries according to their scores for things such as GDP per capita, social support, healthy life expectancy, social freedom, generosity and absence of corruption.

Pakistanis are more joyful than Indians: UN

Nadeem Nusrat, the spokesperson for the &#39;Free Karachi&#39; campaign has said that the Pakistan Army was carrying out &quot;ethnic cleansing&quot; on the minority groups in Pakistan, adding that they were in grave danger.

He extended full support on behalf of the Mohajirs to the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement and has urged all ethnic and religious minorities in Pakistan to form a greater alliance against Pakistan&#39;s inhuman policies in Sindh, Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Federally-Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) and Gilgit Baltistan.

Nusrat strongly condemned the false cases registered against Manzoor Pashteen and the Pashtun leadership on raising voice against discriminatory policies of Pakistan Army and termed this act as a violation of fundamental rights.

He added that the policies of the current US administration have given a new zeal to freedom loving religious and ethnic communities in Pakistan and stated that the Mohajirs were committed to seeing a stable South Asia and that they will continue to play their important role in achieving the goal.

Nusrat reiterated, &quot;The Free Karachi campaign stands firmly with their Pashtun, Baloch, Gilgiti and Hazara brothers and sisters. Along with the Mohajirs, they have faced 70 years of oppression at the hands of Pakistan Army and the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). The Punjabi-dominated elite of Pakistan Army has carried out systematic ethnic cleansing of every minority group in Pakistan and the intensity of this savagery continues to grow with every passing day.&quot;

&quot;Just like Naqeebullah Mehsud, thousands of young Pashtuns, Balochs, Mohajirs, Gilgiti and Hazaras have been extrajudicially killed. Thousands have disappeared after being picked up by the Pakistani security forces and their families are living in a state of an unending fear and helplessness with no knowledge of the whereabouts of their kins,&quot; he said.

&quot;The Pakistani military establishment in connivance with the racist Pakistan People&#39;s Party (PPP) leadership has also manipulated the census figures in urban Sindh for decades to show the population of Karachi and other urban areas of Sindh less than half of the actual numbers,&quot; he added.

Continuing his tirade against the Pakistan Army, Nusrat stated that the &quot;racist military establishment&quot; and the &quot;Punjabi ruling elite&quot; had purposely diverted Karachi&#39;s resources to areas of their choice in order to create huge economic, social, educational and constitutional disparity in the minority communities.

He also alleged that religious minorities were also being systematically targeted in Pakistan, which led to the drastic reduction of Hindu and Christian populations in Pakistan.

The Mohajir Americans have led the &#39;Free Karachi&#39; campaign in Washington DC and are tirelessly working to highlight the gross human rights abuses against minorities in Pakistan by its army and intelligence agencies.

Nadeem Nusrat has urged all ethnic and religious minorities in Pakistan to form a greater alliance against Pakistan's inhuman policies

Nadeem Nusrat, the spokesperson for the 'Free Karachi' campaign has said that the Pakistan Army was carrying out "ethnic cleansing" on the minority groups in Pakistan, adding that they were in grave danger. He extended full support on behalf of the Mohajirs to the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement and has urged all ethnic and religious minorities in Pakistan to form a greater alliance against Pakistan's inhuman policies in Sindh, Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Federally-Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) and Gilgit Baltistan. Nusrat strongly condemned the false cases registered against Manzoor Pashteen and the Pashtun leadership on raising voice against discriminatory policies of Pakistan Army and termed this act as a violation of fundamental rights. He added that the policies of the current US administration have given a new zeal to freedom loving religious and ethnic communities in Pakistan and stated that the Mohajirs were committed to seeing a stable South Asia and that they will continue to play their important role in achieving the goal. Nusrat reiterated, "The Free Karachi campaign stands firmly with their Pashtun, Baloch, Gilgiti and Hazara brothers and sisters. Along with the Mohajirs, they have faced 70 years of oppression at the hands of Pakistan Army and the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). The Punjabi-dominated elite of Pakistan Army has carried out systematic ethnic cleansing of every minority group in Pakistan and the intensity of this savagery continues to grow with every passing day." "Just like Naqeebullah Mehsud, thousands of young Pashtuns, Balochs, Mohajirs, Gilgiti and Hazaras have been extrajudicially killed. Thousands have disappeared after being picked up by the Pakistani security forces and their families are living in a state of an unending fear and helplessness with no knowledge of the whereabouts of their kins," he said. "The Pakistani military establishment in connivance with the racist Pakistan People's Party (PPP) leadership has also manipulated the census figures in urban Sindh for decades to show the population of Karachi and other urban areas of Sindh less than half of the actual numbers," he added. Continuing his tirade against the Pakistan Army, Nusrat stated that the "racist military establishment" and the "Punjabi ruling elite" had purposely diverted Karachi's resources to areas of their choice in order to create huge economic, social, educational and constitutional disparity in the minority communities. He also alleged that religious minorities were also being systematically targeted in Pakistan, which led to the drastic reduction of Hindu and Christian populations in Pakistan. The Mohajir Americans have led the 'Free Karachi' campaign in Washington DC and are tirelessly working to highlight the gross human rights abuses against minorities in Pakistan by its army and intelligence agencies.

Pakistan Army carrying out ethnic cleansing of minority groups: Nadeem Nusrat

An alleged Pakistani infiltrator was arrested by the Border Security Force (BSF) on Thursday from the International Border (IB) in Rajasthan&#39;s Bikaner.&nbsp;

The man was arrested from Bandli post and was later handed over to the Khajuwala Police.&nbsp;

The arrested accused revealed his name as Manjoor Khan and claimed to be a resident of Pakistan&#39;s Bahawalpur city.&nbsp;

He is further being interrogated by the Police and Intelligence agencies.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Rajasthan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Rajasthan</a>: A Pakistani national and suspected spy has been arrested in Pokhran <a href="https://t.co/JanLc9sm2N">pic.twitter.com/JanLc9sm2N</a>
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The accused, Manjoor Khan claimed to be a resident of Pakistan`s Bahawalpur city

An alleged Pakistani infiltrator was arrested by the Border Security Force (BSF) on Thursday from the International Border (IB) in Rajasthan's Bikaner. The man was arrested from Bandli post and was later handed over to the Khajuwala Police. The arrested accused revealed his name as Manjoor Khan and claimed to be a resident of Pakistan's Bahawalpur city. He is further being interrogated by the Police and Intelligence agencies. #Rajasthan: A Pakistani national and suspected spy has been arrested in Pokhran pic.twitter.com/JanLc9sm2N — ANI (@ANI) March 15, 2018 ×

BSF arrests Pak 'infiltrator' in Rajasthan's Bikaner

A group of policymakers on Tuesday recommended Pakistan to establish a specific China-Pakistan Economic Corridor&quot; China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) unit within the framework of Council of Common Interests (CCI), in order to achieve &quot;transparency and efficiency&quot; in the project.

On the launch of 10th Annual Report titled &#39;The State of the Economy: CPEC Review and Analysis&#39;, Shahid Javed Burki of the Institute of Public Policy opined that the Chinese-funded project had not yet been fully &quot;defined and developed&quot;.

&quot;To realise its full potential, the CPEC program must have the support of all the citizens,&quot; he said.

The CCI is a constitutional body in Pakistan, which resolves the disputes of power-sharing between the country and its provinces. The body is chaired by the Prime Minister of Pakistan.

According to the report, it stated that proper planning of the four proposed functional zones was essentially imperative for harnessing the comparative and competitive advantage of each zone based on agro and other value chains, The Express Tribune reported.

Burki claimed that the CPEC project was expected to add 2 percent growth to Pakistan&#39;s gross domestic product (GDP) and greater integration of the country&#39;s backward areas with the developed areas.

Stressing on the benefit of the economic corridor, Burki added, &quot;CPEC will also link Pakistan with the global economic system from which it has remained relatively detached.&quot;

Former State Bank of Pakistan governor Ishrat Husain who also attended the event, touted the CPEC project to help in boosting technology and human development in Pakistan.

The building of the USD 62 billion economic corridor gives China access to waterways which is about 40 percent of the world&#39;s oil passes. When built, it will link Gwadar to Xinjiang region in China.

In response to it, a certain section of people, especially the Baloch people have harboured fears of Pakistan being colonised by the Chinese.

India against the CPEC project since it passes through the disputed Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) region.&nbsp;

Shahid Javed Burki of the Institute of Public Policy opined that the Chinese-funded project had not yet been fully 'defined and developed'

A group of policymakers on Tuesday recommended Pakistan to establish a specific China-Pakistan Economic Corridor" China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) unit within the framework of Council of Common Interests (CCI), in order to achieve "transparency and efficiency" in the project. On the launch of 10th Annual Report titled 'The State of the Economy: CPEC Review and Analysis', Shahid Javed Burki of the Institute of Public Policy opined that the Chinese-funded project had not yet been fully "defined and developed". "To realise its full potential, the CPEC program must have the support of all the citizens," he said. The CCI is a constitutional body in Pakistan, which resolves the disputes of power-sharing between the country and its provinces. The body is chaired by the Prime Minister of Pakistan. According to the report, it stated that proper planning of the four proposed functional zones was essentially imperative for harnessing the comparative and competitive advantage of each zone based on agro and other value chains, The Express Tribune reported. Burki claimed that the CPEC project was expected to add 2 percent growth to Pakistan's gross domestic product (GDP) and greater integration of the country's backward areas with the developed areas. Stressing on the benefit of the economic corridor, Burki added, "CPEC will also link Pakistan with the global economic system from which it has remained relatively detached." Former State Bank of Pakistan governor Ishrat Husain who also attended the event, touted the CPEC project to help in boosting technology and human development in Pakistan. The building of the USD 62 billion economic corridor gives China access to waterways which is about 40 percent of the world's oil passes. When built, it will link Gwadar to Xinjiang region in China. In response to it, a certain section of people, especially the Baloch people have harboured fears of Pakistan being colonised by the Chinese. India against the CPEC project since it passes through the disputed Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) region.

Pakistan policymakers recommend better management of CPEC

A powerful blast tonight near the residence of Pakistan&#39;s ousted prime minister Nawaz Sharif here killed at least seven persons, including three policemen.

The blast took place close to a police check post, a few kilometres from the palatial residence of the Sharif family and close to the congregation of the Tableeghi Jamaat.

&quot;Seven persons have been killed in the blast. Some seven policemen among the 20 or so suffered injuries. The condition of four policemen is stated to be critical,&quot; Rescue 1122 spokesman Jam Sajjad said.

He said the Rescue ambulances are shifting the injured to the Sharif medical complex and other nearby hospitals.

Deputy Inspector General Police Lahore Dr Haider Ashraf told reporters that three policemen were among the dead.

&quot;The condition of some policemen is critical,&quot; he said.

&quot;It is not confirmed yet whether it was a suicide blast or planted device,&quot; he said, adding &quot;police personnel&quot; were the target of the blast.

It was such a powerful blast that its sound was heard several kilometres from the site. A fireball was seen after the blast at the Nisar Police Check Post.

No militant group has claimed the responsibility of the blast so far.

Pakistan Rangers quick response force has reached the spot and cordoned off the area.

The blast took place close to a police check post, a few kilometres from the palatial residence of the Sharif family and close to the congregation of the Tableeghi Jamaat

A powerful blast tonight near the residence of Pakistan's ousted prime minister Nawaz Sharif here killed at least seven persons, including three policemen. The blast took place close to a police check post, a few kilometres from the palatial residence of the Sharif family and close to the congregation of the Tableeghi Jamaat. "Seven persons have been killed in the blast. Some seven policemen among the 20 or so suffered injuries. The condition of four policemen is stated to be critical," Rescue 1122 spokesman Jam Sajjad said. He said the Rescue ambulances are shifting the injured to the Sharif medical complex and other nearby hospitals. Deputy Inspector General Police Lahore Dr Haider Ashraf told reporters that three policemen were among the dead. "The condition of some policemen is critical," he said. "It is not confirmed yet whether it was a suicide blast or planted device," he said, adding "police personnel" were the target of the blast. It was such a powerful blast that its sound was heard several kilometres from the site. A fireball was seen after the blast at the Nisar Police Check Post. No militant group has claimed the responsibility of the blast so far. Pakistan Rangers quick response force has reached the spot and cordoned off the area.

7 killed in blast near Nawaz Sharif's residence in Pakistan

Punjab Province Chief Minister and former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif`s brother Shehbaz Sharif has been elected as the new chairperson of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) by the party`s general council.

Shehbaz had contested for the party seat unopposed. The general council meeting was scheduled to be held last week. However, it had to be postponed after he was unwell, The Express Tribune reported.

After this, the decision of Shehbaz`s election would be sent to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) for listing him as the new PML-N president.&nbsp;

The PML-N on February 27 appointed Shehbaz as its acting president while Nawaz Sharif was named the party`s &quot;Quaid (leader) for life.&quot;&nbsp;

According to Geo News, Shehbaz, who is said to be a consensus choice for the top party position, will become the permanent president after intra-party elections are held within 45 days.&nbsp;

The development comes after Pakistan`s Supreme Court disqualified Nawaz Sharif from the post of PML-N party chief last month, saying all decisions made by him &quot;now stand null and void.&quot;&nbsp;

Shehbaz had contested for the party seat unopposed

Punjab Province Chief Minister and former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif`s brother Shehbaz Sharif has been elected as the new chairperson of the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) by the party`s general council. Shehbaz had contested for the party seat unopposed. The general council meeting was scheduled to be held last week. However, it had to be postponed after he was unwell, The Express Tribune reported. After this, the decision of Shehbaz`s election would be sent to the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) for listing him as the new PML-N president. The PML-N on February 27 appointed Shehbaz as its acting president while Nawaz Sharif was named the party`s "Quaid (leader) for life." According to Geo News, Shehbaz, who is said to be a consensus choice for the top party position, will become the permanent president after intra-party elections are held within 45 days. The development comes after Pakistan`s Supreme Court disqualified Nawaz Sharif from the post of PML-N party chief last month, saying all decisions made by him "now stand null and void."

Shehbaz Sharif elected new PML-N chairperson

In yet another protest against Pakistan, activists from Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) staged a protest against the human rights violation in Pakistan.

The protest was staged outside United Nations office in Geneva, Switzerland.

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Activists from PoK hold protest outside United Nations office in Geneva, Switzerland against human rights violations by Pakistan. <a href="https://t.co/CDIZD4D0yK">pic.twitter.com/CDIZD4D0yK</a>
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The locals of Pok have been staging such protests against Pakistan for a long time.

Strongly opposing the construction of dams and hydroelectricity&nbsp;projects in the region they have been holding protests against the Pakistan government&#39;s &quot;plundering of resources&quot; from their region.

They claim that the resources of the region are being plundered and they do not benefit from CPEC&nbsp;project.

A similar protest was held outside&nbsp;various offices of the United States in Geneva,&nbsp;Switzerland against human rights violation in&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/baloch-parties-hold-anti-pak-protest-in-london-23593" target="_blank">Pakistan&#39;s Balochistan province</a>&nbsp;on March 11.

Wearing shirts with &quot;Free Balochistan&quot; written over it the protesters&nbsp;demanded sovereign Baloch state.

&nbsp;Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/taxis-with-free-balochistan-slogans-now-in-new-york-27425" target="_blank">Now, taxis with &#39;Free Balochistan&#39; slogan in New York</a>

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/free-balochistan-movement-protest-in-london-against-cpec-human-rights-violations-by-pakistan-31035" target="_blank">Free Balochistan Movement protest in London against CPEC, human rights violations by Pakistan</a>

A day before Pakistan Journalist, after attending the UN Human Rights Council Session, had said in Geneva that some of the minorities were facing killings and abductions in Pakistan and these were not reported in Pak media.

He said &quot;Some of the minorities are facing persecution, killings and abductions in Balochistan, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtoonkhawah and PoK. Human rights violations are not reported in mainstream media and this is very alarming&quot;.

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National security itself (in Pakistan) is defined by military. Self-censorship is worst form of censorship. Some narratives are missing from mainstream media, especially how to protect minorities:Arif Tauqeer, Pak journalist after attending UN Human Rights Council Session <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Geneva?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Geneva</a> <a href="https://t.co/UJ5uDgHVOP">pic.twitter.com/UJ5uDgHVOP</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/973254445218914307?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Some of the minorities are facing persecution, killings &amp; abductions in Balochistan, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtoonkhawah and PoK. Human rights violations are not reported in mainstream media and this is very alarming: Arif Tauqeer, Pakistani journalist <a href="https://t.co/s7ek9l13LS">pic.twitter.com/s7ek9l13LS</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/973254448758886400?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 12, 2018</a></blockquote>
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&nbsp;

Pakistan journalist said 'Some of the minorities are facing persecution, killings, and abductions in Balochistan, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtoonkhawah, and PoK. Human rights violations are not reported in mainstream media'

In yet another protest against Pakistan, activists from Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) staged a protest against the human rights violation in Pakistan. The protest was staged outside United Nations office in Geneva, Switzerland. Activists from PoK hold protest outside United Nations office in Geneva, Switzerland against human rights violations by Pakistan. pic.twitter.com/CDIZD4D0yK — ANI (@ANI) March 13, 2018 × The locals of Pok have been staging such protests against Pakistan for a long time. Strongly opposing the construction of dams and hydroelectricity projects in the region they have been holding protests against the Pakistan government's "plundering of resources" from their region. They claim that the resources of the region are being plundered and they do not benefit from CPEC project. A similar protest was held outside various offices of the United States in Geneva, Switzerland against human rights violation in Pakistan's Balochistan province on March 11. Wearing shirts with "Free Balochistan" written over it the protesters demanded sovereign Baloch state. Also read: Now, taxis with 'Free Balochistan' slogan in New York Also read: Free Balochistan Movement protest in London against CPEC, human rights violations by Pakistan A day before Pakistan Journalist, after attending the UN Human Rights Council Session, had said in Geneva that some of the minorities were facing killings and abductions in Pakistan and these were not reported in Pak media. He said "Some of the minorities are facing persecution, killings and abductions in Balochistan, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtoonkhawah and PoK. Human rights violations are not reported in mainstream media and this is very alarming". National security itself (in Pakistan) is defined by military. Self-censorship is worst form of censorship. Some narratives are missing from mainstream media, especially how to protect minorities:Arif Tauqeer, Pak journalist after attending UN Human Rights Council Session #Geneva pic.twitter.com/UJ5uDgHVOP — ANI (@ANI) March 12, 2018 × Some of the minorities are facing persecution, killings & abductions in Balochistan, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtoonkhawah and PoK. Human rights violations are not reported in mainstream media and this is very alarming: Arif Tauqeer, Pakistani journalist pic.twitter.com/s7ek9l13LS — ANI (@ANI) March 12, 2018 ×

'Persecution of minorities in Pakistan not reported'

Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif on Monday announced to increase his country&#39;s trade with Pakistan to US$5 billion by 2021.&nbsp;

The current trade volume is around US$1.16 billion between the two neighbours. He made the announcement during his meeting with Pakistani Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi in Pakistan.&nbsp;

Other issues related to economic progress, peace, security in the region and bilateral relations were also discussed during the meeting.&nbsp;

The Iranian foreign minister, leading a 30-member delegation, arrived in Pakistan late Sunday on a three-day official visit for talks on regional issues and literal matters.

Zarif also expressed his appreciation towards Pakistan&#39;s continuous and unperturbed efforts to minimise illegal cross-border activities by strengthening border management across the border shared with Iran as well as lauded the growing relationship between the two countries.&nbsp;

Abbasi talked about Pakistan&#39;s aim to enhance mutually beneficial economic cooperation with Iran including bilateral trade, investments and commercial interaction, according to the statement.

He also focused on the need to deepen connectivity to harness benefits from regional economic integration.&nbsp;

The Prime Minister also expressed his commitment to work to resolve the issues in the implementation of Iran-Pakistan Gas Pipeline Project, including the financing of pipeline infrastructure and the scope of snap back clause.

He made the announcement during his meeting with Pakistani Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi in Pakistan

Iranian Foreign Minister Javad Zarif on Monday announced to increase his country's trade with Pakistan to US$5 billion by 2021. The current trade volume is around US$1.16 billion between the two neighbours. He made the announcement during his meeting with Pakistani Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi in Pakistan. Other issues related to economic progress, peace, security in the region and bilateral relations were also discussed during the meeting. The Iranian foreign minister, leading a 30-member delegation, arrived in Pakistan late Sunday on a three-day official visit for talks on regional issues and literal matters. Zarif also expressed his appreciation towards Pakistan's continuous and unperturbed efforts to minimise illegal cross-border activities by strengthening border management across the border shared with Iran as well as lauded the growing relationship between the two countries. Abbasi talked about Pakistan's aim to enhance mutually beneficial economic cooperation with Iran including bilateral trade, investments and commercial interaction, according to the statement. He also focused on the need to deepen connectivity to harness benefits from regional economic integration. The Prime Minister also expressed his commitment to work to resolve the issues in the implementation of Iran-Pakistan Gas Pipeline Project, including the financing of pipeline infrastructure and the scope of snap back clause.

Iran to increase trade with Pakistan to US$5 billion

Chinese observer <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/obor-project-should-not-be-seen-as-geo-strategic-tool-china-34691">Hu Zhiyong speaking to state-run</a> newspaper Global Times said that India wants to maintain relations with its partners in South Asia, &quot;but those countries may not listen to India.&quot;

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/maldives-president-abdulla-yameen-backs-chinas-obor-signs-mou-26163">right-leaning Chinese daily quoting</a> several Indian reports said PM Modi will be engaging with its South Asian neighbours this year in a major foreign policy initiative amid China&#39;s relentless push to make inroads into Himalayan states and &quot;attempts to implement projects in Bangladesh under China&#39;s Belt and Road(OBOR) initiative.

&quot;India will focus on diplomacy with its neighbours this year, including Bhutan, Bangladesh and Nepal,&quot; the newspaper said, asserting that the strategy is likely to fail.

The newspaper quoted the Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang saying that the Communist state is ready to develop Sino-Indian relations to boost mutual trust.

Hu Zhiyong, research fellow at the Institute of International Relations of the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences told Global Times despite India&#39;s renewed push to further ties with its neighbours &quot;will not work&quot;, adding,&quot;Nepal&#39;s election with pro-China KP Sharma Oli taking office as prime minister for the second time this February was a heavy blow to India.&quot;

&quot;South Asian countries including Sri Lanka and the Maldives have been actively participating in China&#39;s Belt and Road initiative,&quot; Hu said.

Hu told the daily that India can reverse its &quot;passive situation&quot; in the region by &quot;sincerely joining the OBOR project&quot;.

&quot;India&#39;s partners in South Asia will diminish if it continues its pro-West policy,&quot; Hu warned.

 
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The newspaper quoted the Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang saying that the Communist state is ready to develop Sino-Indian relations to boost mutual trust.

Chinese observer Hu Zhiyong speaking to state-run newspaper Global Times said that India wants to maintain relations with its partners in South Asia, "but those countries may not listen to India." The right-leaning Chinese daily quoting several Indian reports said PM Modi will be engaging with its South Asian neighbours this year in a major foreign policy initiative amid China's relentless push to make inroads into Himalayan states and "attempts to implement projects in Bangladesh under China's Belt and Road(OBOR) initiative. "India will focus on diplomacy with its neighbours this year, including Bhutan, Bangladesh and Nepal," the newspaper said, asserting that the strategy is likely to fail. The newspaper quoted the Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Lu Kang saying that the Communist state is ready to develop Sino-Indian relations to boost mutual trust. Hu Zhiyong, research fellow at the Institute of International Relations of the Shanghai Academy of Social Sciences told Global Times despite India's renewed push to further ties with its neighbours "will not work", adding,"Nepal's election with pro-China KP Sharma Oli taking office as prime minister for the second time this February was a heavy blow to India." "South Asian countries including Sri Lanka and the Maldives have been actively participating in China's Belt and Road initiative," Hu said. Hu told the daily that India can reverse its "passive situation" in the region by "sincerely joining the OBOR project". "India's partners in South Asia will diminish if it continues its pro-West policy," Hu warned.

South Asian neighbours may not listen to India: Chinese analyst to Global Times

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif&#39;s daughter Maryam Nawaz on Monday said that the recent shoe hurling incident on her father would make him even &quot;more popular&quot;.

In a veiled jibe to the attackers in the incident, Maryam called them &quot;cowards&quot; and asked those responsible for it to come to the public.

&quot;Don&#39;t attack under the veil. Nawaz Sharif will not get afraid of such a cowardly act. Lions do not fear jackals. Those who get defeats use such tactics. People will avenge those who are behind this act by voting in favour of Nawaz Sharif in the general election,&quot; she asserted.

While addressing a rally in Rawalpindi, Sharif&#39;s daughter removed the bullet-proof screen from the stage and challenged the crowd to &quot;attack her if they have courage&quot;.

She then lambasted at Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan, alleging that he had been promoting a culture of intolerance in the society and use of foul language in politics, The Dawn reported.

&quot;Do you think, just one message of condemnation (of the shoe-hurling incident) is enough? You (Imran Khan) promoted the culture of abusive language over the last five years in sit-ins and public meetings. Haven&#39;t you talked about dragging opponents by their neck from Prime Minister House?&quot; she asked.

Maryam also criticised the Joint Investigation Team (JIT) on the handling of the Panama Papers case and said that it found &quot;nothing despite spending millions of Pakistani rupees&quot;.

&quot;The JIT head gave millions of rupees to his (Imran&#39;s) relatives in the name of investigations,&quot; she alleged.

A miscreant hurled a shoe at Sharif when he was about to address a gathering at the Jamia Naeemia mosque in Lahore on Sunday.

Sharif went to the mosque marking the death anniversary of a cleric Mufti Mohammad Hussain Naeemi.

This incident has added to the series of such attacks targeting various leaders across Pakistan in the recent days.

However, Sharif went ahead with his address, although reportedly shortening his speech, only to thank the organisers and saying words of prayer for the deceased cleric. The accused was caught and later thrashed by the audience before handing him to the security agencies present at the venue.

Earlier on Saturday, a miscreant smeared ink on the face of Pakistan Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif at a Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) convention.

Prior to that on February 24, Interior and Minister for Planning, Development, and Reforms, Ahsan Iqbal was also attacked by a shoe while delivering a public address.&nbsp;

While addressing a rally in Rawalpindi, Sharif's daughter removed the bullet-proof screen from the stage and challenged the crowd to "attack her if they have courage"

Former Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif's daughter Maryam Nawaz on Monday said that the recent shoe hurling incident on her father would make him even "more popular". In a veiled jibe to the attackers in the incident, Maryam called them "cowards" and asked those responsible for it to come to the public. "Don't attack under the veil. Nawaz Sharif will not get afraid of such a cowardly act. Lions do not fear jackals. Those who get defeats use such tactics. People will avenge those who are behind this act by voting in favour of Nawaz Sharif in the general election," she asserted. While addressing a rally in Rawalpindi, Sharif's daughter removed the bullet-proof screen from the stage and challenged the crowd to "attack her if they have courage". She then lambasted at Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) chairman Imran Khan, alleging that he had been promoting a culture of intolerance in the society and use of foul language in politics, The Dawn reported. "Do you think, just one message of condemnation (of the shoe-hurling incident) is enough? You (Imran Khan) promoted the culture of abusive language over the last five years in sit-ins and public meetings. Haven't you talked about dragging opponents by their neck from Prime Minister House?" she asked. Maryam also criticised the Joint Investigation Team (JIT) on the handling of the Panama Papers case and said that it found "nothing despite spending millions of Pakistani rupees". "The JIT head gave millions of rupees to his (Imran's) relatives in the name of investigations," she alleged. A miscreant hurled a shoe at Sharif when he was about to address a gathering at the Jamia Naeemia mosque in Lahore on Sunday. Sharif went to the mosque marking the death anniversary of a cleric Mufti Mohammad Hussain Naeemi. This incident has added to the series of such attacks targeting various leaders across Pakistan in the recent days. However, Sharif went ahead with his address, although reportedly shortening his speech, only to thank the organisers and saying words of prayer for the deceased cleric. The accused was caught and later thrashed by the audience before handing him to the security agencies present at the venue. Earlier on Saturday, a miscreant smeared ink on the face of Pakistan Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif at a Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) convention. Prior to that on February 24, Interior and Minister for Planning, Development, and Reforms, Ahsan Iqbal was also attacked by a shoe while delivering a public address.

Shoe-incident will make my father more popular, says Maryam Nawaz

Nearly 74 per cent of blasphemy-related cases have been reported in the Punjab Province in Pakistan, according to a report by the country&#39;s Center for Social Justice (CSJ) on Monday.

The report revealed that there has been an &quot;extraordinary increase&quot; in the number of blasphemy cases in the Punjab Province for the last three decades, especially in Lahore district.

It also stated that over 11 per cent of all blasphemy cases in Pakistan originated from Lahore district. Around 173 cases have been verified in the district, The Express Tribune reported.

Out of the 75 people killed in relation to alleged blasphemy until January this year, 14 murders took place in Lahore, including the murder of retired Pakistani judge Arif Iqbal Bhatti. In relation to blasphemy cases, at least four murders took place during police custody or in prison, the report added.

&quot;The stories of men and women of different faiths present shocking accounts of brutality and enormous suffering of helpless victims. Hundreds of people have been tortured, jailed, and imprisoned. Property worth billions of rupees were destroyed by an angry mob on the Lahore Mall Road in 2006 and at Joseph Colony in 2013. But the economic loss is only the tip of the iceberg compared to the social, political and cultural consequences in Lahore&quot;, the CSJ said in a statement.

&quot;Recent studies by Amnesty International have documented that the blasphemy law is widely abused to perpetrate hate crimes based on religion, regulate personal vendettas and perpetuate economic injustice,&quot; it added.

The report also highlighted that Lahore district was home to many groups promoting religious intolerance and it was due to this that the district has become an &quot;epicentre&quot; of the abuse of blasphemy laws.

The report also stated that over 11 per cent of all blasphemy cases in Pakistan originated from Lahore district

Nearly 74 per cent of blasphemy-related cases have been reported in the Punjab Province in Pakistan, according to a report by the country's Center for Social Justice (CSJ) on Monday. The report revealed that there has been an "extraordinary increase" in the number of blasphemy cases in the Punjab Province for the last three decades, especially in Lahore district. It also stated that over 11 per cent of all blasphemy cases in Pakistan originated from Lahore district. Around 173 cases have been verified in the district, The Express Tribune reported. Out of the 75 people killed in relation to alleged blasphemy until January this year, 14 murders took place in Lahore, including the murder of retired Pakistani judge Arif Iqbal Bhatti. In relation to blasphemy cases, at least four murders took place during police custody or in prison, the report added. "The stories of men and women of different faiths present shocking accounts of brutality and enormous suffering of helpless victims. Hundreds of people have been tortured, jailed, and imprisoned. Property worth billions of rupees were destroyed by an angry mob on the Lahore Mall Road in 2006 and at Joseph Colony in 2013. But the economic loss is only the tip of the iceberg compared to the social, political and cultural consequences in Lahore", the CSJ said in a statement. "Recent studies by Amnesty International have documented that the blasphemy law is widely abused to perpetrate hate crimes based on religion, regulate personal vendettas and perpetuate economic injustice," it added. The report also highlighted that Lahore district was home to many groups promoting religious intolerance and it was due to this that the district has become an "epicentre" of the abuse of blasphemy laws.

74 per cent blasphemy cases reported from Punjab Province in Pak: report

Two flight steward of cash-strapped Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) have been detained by the French authorities after one of them was allegedly caught with drugs in Paris, according to a media report.

Four packets of drugs were recovered from hidden pockets of Tanveer Gulzar&#39;s coat during his body search, French officials were quoted as saying by the Dawn News.

However, they have not disclosed whether it was heroin, cocaine or hashish.

The rest of the crew members of the Islamabad-Paris flight PK-749 returned to Pakistan yesterday.

&quot;Though drugs have been recovered from the possession of the cabin crew member, the PIA management has not been informed about the kind and quantity of drugs,&quot; PIA spokesman Mashood Tajwar said.

&quot;Tanveer Gulzar, the PIA steward who was caught with drugs by the French customs while going to a hotel for rest, has been suspended by the management and will be terminated from service in the light of the outcome of the investigation conducted by the French authorities,&quot; he said.

It is uncertain whether the flight steward will be punished in France or will be deported, he added.

Tajwar said another steward of the same flight, Amir Moeen, had been detained by the French authorities though he had not been charged so far. He has been detained for interrogation in the light of Tanveer&#39;s statement, the report said.

&quot;Amir Moeen will also be suspended and will be sacked if his involvement in drug smuggling is proven by the French authorities,&quot; the spokesman said.

Such an incident is not a novelty for PIA, which is already plagued by financial woes.

PIA has been suffering huge losses and administration is trying to improve the situation but the airline is frequently facing embarrassment.

In May 2017, a PIA plane flying to Heathrow Airport was thoroughly searched and its 14 member crew detained by British authorities after landing in London over information that there were narcotics on board the flight.

The 14 crew members were kept in detention for five hours and, according to UK Border Agency (UKBA) sources.

According to the information, there was a suspicion that the crew might be involved and the narcotics were hidden in different panels and areas of the plane, the report said.

It is uncertain whether the flight steward will be punished in France or will be deported, he added

Two flight steward of cash-strapped Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) have been detained by the French authorities after one of them was allegedly caught with drugs in Paris, according to a media report. Four packets of drugs were recovered from hidden pockets of Tanveer Gulzar's coat during his body search, French officials were quoted as saying by the Dawn News. However, they have not disclosed whether it was heroin, cocaine or hashish. The rest of the crew members of the Islamabad-Paris flight PK-749 returned to Pakistan yesterday. "Though drugs have been recovered from the possession of the cabin crew member, the PIA management has not been informed about the kind and quantity of drugs," PIA spokesman Mashood Tajwar said. "Tanveer Gulzar, the PIA steward who was caught with drugs by the French customs while going to a hotel for rest, has been suspended by the management and will be terminated from service in the light of the outcome of the investigation conducted by the French authorities," he said. It is uncertain whether the flight steward will be punished in France or will be deported, he added. Tajwar said another steward of the same flight, Amir Moeen, had been detained by the French authorities though he had not been charged so far. He has been detained for interrogation in the light of Tanveer's statement, the report said. "Amir Moeen will also be suspended and will be sacked if his involvement in drug smuggling is proven by the French authorities," the spokesman said. Such an incident is not a novelty for PIA, which is already plagued by financial woes. PIA has been suffering huge losses and administration is trying to improve the situation but the airline is frequently facing embarrassment. In May 2017, a PIA plane flying to Heathrow Airport was thoroughly searched and its 14 member crew detained by British authorities after landing in London over information that there were narcotics on board the flight. The 14 crew members were kept in detention for five hours and, according to UK Border Agency (UKBA) sources. According to the information, there was a suspicion that the crew might be involved and the narcotics were hidden in different panels and areas of the plane, the report said.

Pak stewards detained in Paris airport over drug possession

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