Amidst US president Donald Trump&#39;s scathing attack on Pakistan saying that they &quot;have given us nothing but lies and deceit&quot; and have provided <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/weve-been-fooled-for-15-years-no-more-donald-trumps-tweet-to-pakistan-28253" target="_blank">&quot;safe haven to the terrorists</a>,&quot; BJP leader&nbsp;Subramanian Swamy on Tuesday said that India should consider having stronger relations with the US.

The BJP leader&nbsp;recommended shifting the Indian embassy from Tel Aviv to western Jerusalem as a goodwill measure.

&quot;Now, India should be very clear that if we want to deal with Pakistan, we have to have the support of the United States and Israel. As a measure of goodwill, we should shift our embassy from Tel Aviv to western Jerusalem,&quot; Swamy said.&nbsp;

Trump reversed the decades-old US&nbsp;policy and recognised &nbsp;<a href="https://www.aninews.in/search?query=Jerusalem">Jerusalem</a>&nbsp;as Israel&#39;s capital on December 6.&nbsp;<a href="https://www.aninews.in/search?query=Jerusalem">Jerusalem</a>&nbsp;is a disputed territory contested by both Israel and Palestine.

Trump in his first tweet of 2018 attacked Pakistan for providing &#39;&#39;safe heavens&#39;&#39; to the terrorists. The United States has been fooled by Pakistan for 15 years, but no more, Trump tweeted on Monday.&nbsp;

The United States has foolishly given Pakistan more than 33 billion dollars in aid over the last 15 years, and they have given us nothing but lies &amp; deceit, the tweet said. &nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
The United States has foolishly given Pakistan more than 33 billion dollars in aid over the last 15 years, and they have given us nothing but lies &amp; deceit, thinking of our leaders as fools. They give safe haven to the terrorists we hunt in Afghanistan, with little help. No more!
&mdash; Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/947802588174577664?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

Pakistan soon <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/we-have-rendered-unmatched-sacrifices-in-war-against-terrorism-pakistan-28264" target="_blank">hit back&nbsp;</a>and said the US should not blame Pakistan for its failure in Afghanistan. Pakistan has rendered &#39;&#39;unmatched sacrifices&#39;&#39; in the &#39;&#39;war against terrorism&#39;&#39; and there was no ambiguity about it.

The statement also accused the US of overlooking the cross-border safe havens of terrorists who murder Pakistanis.&nbsp;

Subramanian Swamy welcomed Trump&#39;s statement remarking that the US President presented facts in his accusation about receiving nothing in return from Pakistan for the aid provided to them.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Amidst US president Donald Trump's scathing attack on Pakistan, the BJP leader?said that India should consider having stronger relations with the United States

Amidst US president Donald Trump's scathing attack on Pakistan saying that they "have given us nothing but lies and deceit" and have provided "safe haven to the terrorists," BJP leader Subramanian Swamy on Tuesday said that India should consider having stronger relations with the US. The BJP leader recommended shifting the Indian embassy from Tel Aviv to western Jerusalem as a goodwill measure. "Now, India should be very clear that if we want to deal with Pakistan, we have to have the support of the United States and Israel. As a measure of goodwill, we should shift our embassy from Tel Aviv to western Jerusalem," Swamy said. Trump reversed the decades-old US policy and recognised Jerusalem as Israel's capital on December 6. Jerusalem is a disputed territory contested by both Israel and Palestine. Trump in his first tweet of 2018 attacked Pakistan for providing ''safe heavens'' to the terrorists. The United States has been fooled by Pakistan for 15 years, but no more, Trump tweeted on Monday. The United States has foolishly given Pakistan more than 33 billion dollars in aid over the last 15 years, and they have given us nothing but lies & deceit, the tweet said. The United States has foolishly given Pakistan more than 33 billion dollars in aid over the last 15 years, and they have given us nothing but lies & deceit, thinking of our leaders as fools. They give safe haven to the terrorists we hunt in Afghanistan, with little help. No more! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 1, 2018 × Pakistan soon hit back and said the US should not blame Pakistan for its failure in Afghanistan. Pakistan has rendered ''unmatched sacrifices'' in the ''war against terrorism'' and there was no ambiguity about it. The statement also accused the US of overlooking the cross-border safe havens of terrorists who murder Pakistanis. Subramanian Swamy welcomed Trump's statement remarking that the US President presented facts in his accusation about receiving nothing in return from Pakistan for the aid provided to them.

After Trump tweet, Swamy says shift Indian embassy to Jerusalem

&nbsp;Soon after the start of the cold war, the US was looking for someone who can help him in Central Asia and, especially, in the mountainous country of Afghanistan which had become a playground for the mighty Soviet forces. India being the trusted ally of USSR was ruled out and, hence, the natural selection of an adversary of India was imminent. Pakistan became an ally and launch pad for US actions towards the USSR.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Pakistan to create a properly trained group of Mujahidin in Afghanistan started Operation Cyclone in 1978. Running under the Reagan Doctrine, this program recruited almost 100,000 highly trained Afghan guerrillas to fight Soviet forces in Afghanistan between 1978 and 1992. As per unofficial inputs, Pakistan was paid aid, military equipment and cash worth almost 20 billion Dollars at that time.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Soon after the US started its intervention in Iraq, the Mujahidin aligned against it under the leadership of Osama bin Laden and declared war which resulted in 9/11. It was the money, training and military equipment, given by the US to these forces, which came to be used against America. Overnight, Osama Bin Laden and Jalaluddin Haqqani who were the trusted ally of CIA became enemies.

&nbsp;

Once again, America needed an ally for war against so-called terror in Afghanistan, and there was none except Pakistan. In subsequent years till 2017, almost 33 billion US Dollars were given to Pakistan in direct or indirect aid. Since Pakistan, because of its hatred for India, is totally aligned in creating a frontier against India, most of this assistance was used in procurement of weapons and military equipment for its Army. Pakistani leaders, especially, General Parvez Musharraf encashed the relationship with the US and siphoned off billions of Dollars in terms of reimbursements to services which were never provided.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Pakistan&#39;s ISI turned into a source for training and equipping Mujahidin, and a group of its officers became extremely close to the fighter leaders. In the name of so-called Islamic brotherhood, they started supporting them. With it the main problem started.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

While America&rsquo;s &#39;No One&#39; enemy Osama bin Laden was absconding and the US forces were searching for him across the globe, he was enjoying the hospitality of ISI officials in a safe cantonment in Pakistan. Reports say that the house in which Osama bin Laden stayed for so many years was built as a safe house by the ISI only and later given to the Al-Qaeda supremo for his stay.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Pakistani authorities thought they will be able to fool the United States the same way they had been doing for the last so many decades.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;Over 6 decades of corrupt politicians and with low GDP, the country was on the verge of bankruptcy and immediate funding was required to address some critical military concerns. So, while the aid continued to flow, the terrorists also kept enjoying the hospitality, training and funding of ISI discreetly. The creation of the Taliban, as well as the training and support to various Kashmiri terrorist groups, was no longer a secret. The United States cautioned Pakistan on several occasions but since the aid continued, Pakistan considered this as a mere verbal threat.

&nbsp;

America had no alternative to Pakistan and, hence, the funding continued but with a gradual reduction in aid over the last three years. War against the terror can be considered one of the main reason but the factors which led to a sudden change in US behaviour are different.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Pakistan&rsquo;s proximity to China played a vital role in straining its relationship with the US. It was under the influence of China that Pakistan started neglecting some of the key concerns of America. Not only this, the anti-US sentiments in Pakistan came out in open in the forms of rallies and protests which were supported by the government officials. Not only this, the senior leaders of the country, including Pak Army started criticising Drone attacks openly, and extremist leaders declared war against the US. Certainly, it has become a catch 22 situation for the US to handle an ally like Pakistan.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The stopping of support funds for Pakistan is not something unexpected. Pakistan knew it and had been preparing for it for long. It created a close relationship with China who in turn is trying to influence the West by its OBOR initiative, the CPEC and the String of Pearls.

&nbsp;

China&rsquo;s actions are exactly similar to the way USSR started building its influence in Central Asia and the Middle East in the early 80s. Whether it is Pakistan, North Korea, Sri Lanka, Djibouti, Latin America or the South China Sea, China is seemingly expanding everywhere. Chanakya once said that the right way to counter a potent enemy is to first cut down its weaker allies. The US is doing the same.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

President Donald Trump is getting a much more potential ally in India which can help him to counter both Pakistan and China. India itself had been the worst victims of terrorism and, hence, going to play a very vital role in South Asia in the coming decades.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Currently, Pakistan is going through political turmoil and there is no leadership left. The possibility of a military coup cannot be ruled out either. Hence, America must be extremely cautious in selecting Pakistan as its partner.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

India and the US have many things in common. Indians residing in America contributes significantly to the US economy and the key people in the team of Mr Trump are India supporters. Mr Trump being a businessman understands well about profits and losses of any relationship and, understandably, can foresee a clear profit in a long term relationship in the potent leadership of Prime Minister Modi.

&nbsp;

In a nutshell, it is evident that there are multiple reasons for this topsy-turvy relationship between the US and Pakistan. Terrorism is one of the smaller concerns only but the bigger reason lies in the further east of Pakistan- China and its expanding influence in Asia.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

<ul>
	<li>&nbsp;</li>
</ul>

Terrorism is one of the smaller concerns only but the bigger reason lies in the further east of Pakistan- China and its expanding influence in Asia.

Soon after the start of the cold war, the US was looking for someone who can help him in Central Asia and, especially, in the mountainous country of Afghanistan which had become a playground for the mighty Soviet forces. India being the trusted ally of USSR was ruled out and, hence, the natural selection of an adversary of India was imminent. Pakistan became an ally and launch pad for US actions towards the USSR. Pakistan to create a properly trained group of Mujahidin in Afghanistan started Operation Cyclone in 1978. Running under the Reagan Doctrine, this program recruited almost 100,000 highly trained Afghan guerrillas to fight Soviet forces in Afghanistan between 1978 and 1992. As per unofficial inputs, Pakistan was paid aid, military equipment and cash worth almost 20 billion Dollars at that time. Soon after the US started its intervention in Iraq, the Mujahidin aligned against it under the leadership of Osama bin Laden and declared war which resulted in 9/11. It was the money, training and military equipment, given by the US to these forces, which came to be used against America. Overnight, Osama Bin Laden and Jalaluddin Haqqani who were the trusted ally of CIA became enemies. Once again, America needed an ally for war against so-called terror in Afghanistan, and there was none except Pakistan. In subsequent years till 2017, almost 33 billion US Dollars were given to Pakistan in direct or indirect aid. Since Pakistan, because of its hatred for India, is totally aligned in creating a frontier against India, most of this assistance was used in procurement of weapons and military equipment for its Army. Pakistani leaders, especially, General Parvez Musharraf encashed the relationship with the US and siphoned off billions of Dollars in terms of reimbursements to services which were never provided. Pakistan's ISI turned into a source for training and equipping Mujahidin, and a group of its officers became extremely close to the fighter leaders. In the name of so-called Islamic brotherhood, they started supporting them. With it the main problem started. While America’s 'No One' enemy Osama bin Laden was absconding and the US forces were searching for him across the globe, he was enjoying the hospitality of ISI officials in a safe cantonment in Pakistan. Reports say that the house in which Osama bin Laden stayed for so many years was built as a safe house by the ISI only and later given to the Al-Qaeda supremo for his stay. Pakistani authorities thought they will be able to fool the United States the same way they had been doing for the last so many decades. Over 6 decades of corrupt politicians and with low GDP, the country was on the verge of bankruptcy and immediate funding was required to address some critical military concerns. So, while the aid continued to flow, the terrorists also kept enjoying the hospitality, training and funding of ISI discreetly. The creation of the Taliban, as well as the training and support to various Kashmiri terrorist groups, was no longer a secret. The United States cautioned Pakistan on several occasions but since the aid continued, Pakistan considered this as a mere verbal threat. America had no alternative to Pakistan and, hence, the funding continued but with a gradual reduction in aid over the last three years. War against the terror can be considered one of the main reason but the factors which led to a sudden change in US behaviour are different. Pakistan’s proximity to China played a vital role in straining its relationship with the US. It was under the influence of China that Pakistan started neglecting some of the key concerns of America. Not only this, the anti-US sentiments in Pakistan came out in open in the forms of rallies and protests which were supported by the government officials. Not only this, the senior leaders of the country, including Pak Army started criticising Drone attacks openly, and extremist leaders declared war against the US. Certainly, it has become a catch 22 situation for the US to handle an ally like Pakistan. The stopping of support funds for Pakistan is not something unexpected. Pakistan knew it and had been preparing for it for long. It created a close relationship with China who in turn is trying to influence the West by its OBOR initiative, the CPEC and the String of Pearls. China’s actions are exactly similar to the way USSR started building its influence in Central Asia and the Middle East in the early 80s. Whether it is Pakistan, North Korea, Sri Lanka, Djibouti, Latin America or the South China Sea, China is seemingly expanding everywhere. Chanakya once said that the right way to counter a potent enemy is to first cut down its weaker allies. The US is doing the same. President Donald Trump is getting a much more potential ally in India which can help him to counter both Pakistan and China. India itself had been the worst victims of terrorism and, hence, going to play a very vital role in South Asia in the coming decades. Currently, Pakistan is going through political turmoil and there is no leadership left. The possibility of a military coup cannot be ruled out either. Hence, America must be extremely cautious in selecting Pakistan as its partner. India and the US have many things in common. Indians residing in America contributes significantly to the US economy and the key people in the team of Mr Trump are India supporters. Mr Trump being a businessman understands well about profits and losses of any relationship and, understandably, can foresee a clear profit in a long term relationship in the potent leadership of Prime Minister Modi. In a nutshell, it is evident that there are multiple reasons for this topsy-turvy relationship between the US and Pakistan. Terrorism is one of the smaller concerns only but the bigger reason lies in the further east of Pakistan- China and its expanding influence in Asia. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: China, not terrorism, is why US stopped aiding Pakistan

India and Pakistan today exchanged, through diplomatic channels simultaneously at New Delhi and Islamabad, the list of nuclear installations and facilities under a three-decade-old bilateral pact.

According to an external affairs ministry release, the two sides exchanged the list under the Agreement on the Prohibition of Attack against Nuclear installations between India and Pakistan.

The agreement, which was signed on December 31, 1988, and entered into force on January 27, 1991, provides that the two countries inform each other of nuclear installations and facilities to be covered under the pact on the first of January of every calendar year.

This is the twenty-seventh consecutive exchange of such a list between the two countries, the first one having taken place on January 1, 1992.

According to an external affairs ministry release, the two sides exchanged the list under the Agreement on the Prohibition of Attack against Nuclear installations between India and Pakistan

India and Pakistan today exchanged, through diplomatic channels simultaneously at New Delhi and Islamabad, the list of nuclear installations and facilities under a three-decade-old bilateral pact. According to an external affairs ministry release, the two sides exchanged the list under the Agreement on the Prohibition of Attack against Nuclear installations between India and Pakistan. The agreement, which was signed on December 31, 1988, and entered into force on January 27, 1991, provides that the two countries inform each other of nuclear installations and facilities to be covered under the pact on the first of January of every calendar year. This is the twenty-seventh consecutive exchange of such a list between the two countries, the first one having taken place on January 1, 1992.

India, Pakistan exchange list of nuclear installations

The likelihood of holding cricket series between India-Pakistan, even at an impartial venue, seem slim considering the high number of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-violated-ceasefire-881-times-along-loc-ib-27216">cross-border firing violations </a>by Pakistan, Sushma Swaraj said on Sunday.&nbsp;

Foreign minister Sushma Swaraj along with Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar stated during a meeting of the consultative committee attached to the ministry that offered a review of relations with neighbours.&nbsp;

Upon matter related to starting suspended cricket matches between India-Pakistan, Swaraj said that more interest is being shown towards&nbsp;the release of women and elderly detainees and prisoners at present.&nbsp;

However, due to the extensive violation of cross-border firing, it does not provide a conducive atmosphere for engaging in a cricket series, she said.&nbsp;

Due to tension between the two countries, the India-Pakistan cricket fixture has been off for some time and the unfavourable line of neckwears have not allowed a change on this front as yet.&nbsp;

Although, the two nations continue to play in international competitions against each other. &nbsp;

Swaraj informed that there have been over 800 cross-border violations this year and even though violence in Jammu and Kashmir has reduced, the relations still remain problematic.&nbsp;

Moreover, the<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-a-blistering-attack-mea-says-pakistan-heckled-kulbhushan-jadhavs-family-27755"> recent controversies</a> surrounding Kulbhushan Jadhav&#39;s wife and mother have made things rather worse.&nbsp;

Foreign minister Sushma Swaraj along with Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar told the government during a meeting of the consultative committee attached to the ministry that offered a review of relations with neighbours

The likelihood of holding cricket series between India-Pakistan, even at an impartial venue, seem slim considering the high number of cross-border firing violations by Pakistan, Sushma Swaraj said on Sunday. Foreign minister Sushma Swaraj along with Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar stated during a meeting of the consultative committee attached to the ministry that offered a review of relations with neighbours. Upon matter related to starting suspended cricket matches between India-Pakistan, Swaraj said that more interest is being shown towards the release of women and elderly detainees and prisoners at present. However, due to the extensive violation of cross-border firing, it does not provide a conducive atmosphere for engaging in a cricket series, she said. Due to tension between the two countries, the India-Pakistan cricket fixture has been off for some time and the unfavourable line of neckwears have not allowed a change on this front as yet. Although, the two nations continue to play in international competitions against each other. Swaraj informed that there have been over 800 cross-border violations this year and even though violence in Jammu and Kashmir has reduced, the relations still remain problematic. Moreover, the recent controversies surrounding Kulbhushan Jadhav's wife and mother have made things rather worse.

Cross-border violations do not provide conducive atmosphere for cricket with Pakistan: Sushma Swaraj

Hours after Donald Trump lambasted Pakistan&nbsp;for giving US nothing but &quot;lies and deceit&quot; in return for billions in aid, Pakistan Minister of State for Information &amp; Broadcasting said that the US should not blame Pakistan for its failure in Afghanistan. Pakistan has rendered &#39;&#39;unmatched sacrifices&#39;&#39; in the &#39;&#39;war against terrorism&#39;&#39; and there was no ambiguity about it.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting has said that the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/UnitedStates?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#UnitedStates</a> should not put blames for its failure in <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Afghanistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Afghanistan</a> on Pakistan. 
She further said that <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Pakistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Pakistan</a> has rendered unmatched sacrifices in the war against# terrorism and there is no ambiguity about it <a href="https://t.co/u76OBadmtJ">pic.twitter.com/u76OBadmtJ</a>
&mdash; Govt of Pakistan (@pid_gov) <a href="https://twitter.com/pid_gov/status/947858274724012034?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

In a strongly worded reaction to earlier US accusations, Pakistan Army spokesman, Major General Asif Ghafoor, asserted that aid Pakistan received from the US was &quot;reimbursement for support Islamabad gave to the coalition for its fight against Al Qaeda&quot;.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Hitting back at the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/US?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#US</a> the Foreign Office had also warned against the malicious campaign being used to trivialize Pakistan&#39;s achievements in the war against terrorism. The foreign office said allies do not put each other on notice. <a href="https://t.co/fbhLuClU6O">pic.twitter.com/fbhLuClU6O</a>
&mdash; Govt of Pakistan (@pid_gov) <a href="https://twitter.com/pid_gov/status/947857868589617152?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

Pakistan Foreign Office also issued a warning against what it called &#39;&#39;malicious campaign&#39;&#39; being used to trivialize Pakistan&#39;s achievements in the war against terrorism. The foreign office said that allies do not put each other on notice.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
In a strong worded reaction to earlier <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/US?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#US</a> accusations and allegations the Pakistan Army spokesman, Major General Asif Ghafoor asserted that the aid Pakistan received from the US was &quot;reimbursement for support Islamabad gave to the coalition for its fight against Al Qaeda.&quot; <a href="https://t.co/yzKmYbuOx0">pic.twitter.com/yzKmYbuOx0</a>
&mdash; Govt of Pakistan (@pid_gov) <a href="https://twitter.com/pid_gov/status/947857527613640704?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

&nbsp;

Pakistan also said that it received nothing but invective and mistrust from US for the cooperation it extended for &#39;&#39;war on terrorism&#39;&#39;.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Pakistan as anti-terror ally has given land, air communication, military bases, intel cooperation that decimated Al-Qaeda over last 16 years free of cost, but they have given us nothing in return but invective and mistrust, the statement said.

The statement also accused the US of overlooking the cross-border safe havens of terrorists who murder Pakistanis.&nbsp;

Aid Pakistan received from the US was "reimbursement for support Islamabad gave to the coalition for its fight against Al Qaeda".

Hours after Donald Trump lambasted Pakistan for giving US nothing but "lies and deceit" in return for billions in aid, Pakistan Minister of State for Information & Broadcasting said that the US should not blame Pakistan for its failure in Afghanistan. Pakistan has rendered ''unmatched sacrifices'' in the ''war against terrorism'' and there was no ambiguity about it. Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting has said that the #UnitedStates should not put blames for its failure in #Afghanistan on Pakistan. She further said that #Pakistan has rendered unmatched sacrifices in the war against# terrorism and there is no ambiguity about it pic.twitter.com/u76OBadmtJ — Govt of Pakistan (@pid_gov) January 1, 2018 × In a strongly worded reaction to earlier US accusations, Pakistan Army spokesman, Major General Asif Ghafoor, asserted that aid Pakistan received from the US was "reimbursement for support Islamabad gave to the coalition for its fight against Al Qaeda". Hitting back at the #US the Foreign Office had also warned against the malicious campaign being used to trivialize Pakistan's achievements in the war against terrorism. The foreign office said allies do not put each other on notice. pic.twitter.com/fbhLuClU6O — Govt of Pakistan (@pid_gov) January 1, 2018 × Pakistan Foreign Office also issued a warning against what it called ''malicious campaign'' being used to trivialize Pakistan's achievements in the war against terrorism. The foreign office said that allies do not put each other on notice. In a strong worded reaction to earlier #US accusations and allegations the Pakistan Army spokesman, Major General Asif Ghafoor asserted that the aid Pakistan received from the US was "reimbursement for support Islamabad gave to the coalition for its fight against Al Qaeda." pic.twitter.com/yzKmYbuOx0 — Govt of Pakistan (@pid_gov) January 1, 2018 × Pakistan also said that it received nothing but invective and mistrust from US for the cooperation it extended for ''war on terrorism''. Pakistan as anti-terror ally has given land, air communication, military bases, intel cooperation that decimated Al-Qaeda over last 16 years free of cost, but they have given us nothing in return but invective and mistrust, the statement said. The statement also accused the US of overlooking the cross-border safe havens of terrorists who murder Pakistanis.

Pak in denial; says rendered 'unmatched sacrifices' in war against terrorism

Minutes after United States President Donald Trump accused Pakistan of &nbsp;&#39;lies&#39; and &#39;deceit&#39; and threatened to cut&nbsp;$255 million in aid,&nbsp;Pakistan Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif tweeted &#39;&#39;will let the world know the truth&#39;&#39;.&nbsp;

&#39;&#39;We will respond to President Trump&#39;s tweet shortly inshallah...Will let the world know the truth.. the difference between facts and&nbsp;fiction,&#39;&#39;&nbsp;tweeted&nbsp;Pakistan Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif.

Trump in his first tweet of 2018 attacked Pakistan for providing &#39;&#39;safe heavens&#39;&#39; to the terrorists. The United States has been fooled by Pakistan for 15 years, but no more, Trump tweeted on Monday.&nbsp;

The United States has foolishly given Pakistan more than 33 billion dollars in aid over the last 15 years, and they have given us nothing but lies &amp; deceit, the tweet said. &nbsp;

Accusing Pakistan of providing safe havens to terrorists, Trump said that Pakistan extended no help in hunting down the terrorists in Afghanistan despite getting billions in aid from the United States. &nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
The United States has foolishly given Pakistan more than 33 billion dollars in aid over the last 15 years, and they have given us nothing but lies &amp; deceit, thinking of our leaders as fools. They give safe haven to the terrorists we hunt in Afghanistan, with little help. No more!
&mdash; Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/947802588174577664?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

&#39;&#39;The United States has foolishly given Pakistan more than 33 billion dollars in aid over the last 15 years, and they have given us nothing but lies &amp; deceit, thinking of our leaders as fools. They give safe haven to the terrorists we hunt in Afghanistan, with little help. No more!,&#39;&#39; the president tweeted.

&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
We will respond to President Trump&#39;s tweet shortly inshallah...Will let the world know the truth..difference between facts &amp; fiction..
&mdash; Khawaja M. Asif (@KhawajaMAsif) <a href="https://twitter.com/KhawajaMAsif/status/947816295738863616?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

It was not immediately clear what prompted Trump&rsquo;s criticism of Pakistan but he has long complained that Islamabad is not doing enough to tackle Islamist militants.

The New York Times reported on Dec. 29 that the Trump administration was &quot;strongly considering&quot; whether to withhold $255 million in aid to Pakistan.

It said U.S. officials had sought but been denied access to a member of the Taliban-linked Haqqani network captured in Pakistan who potentially could provide information about at least one American hostage.

The Trump administration said in August that it was delaying sending the $255 million in aid to Pakistan. Last month, Trump said in a speech the U.S. government makes &quot;massive payments every year to Pakistan. They have to help.&quot;

(With Reuters inputs)&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Accusing Pakistan of providing safe heavens to terrorists, Trump said that the United States has foolishly given Pakistan more than 33 billion dollars in aid over the last 15 years.

Minutes after United States President Donald Trump accused Pakistan of 'lies' and 'deceit' and threatened to cut $255 million in aid, Pakistan Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif tweeted ''will let the world know the truth''. ''We will respond to President Trump's tweet shortly inshallah...Will let the world know the truth.. the difference between facts and fiction,'' tweeted Pakistan Foreign Minister Khawaja Asif. Trump in his first tweet of 2018 attacked Pakistan for providing ''safe heavens'' to the terrorists. The United States has been fooled by Pakistan for 15 years, but no more, Trump tweeted on Monday. The United States has foolishly given Pakistan more than 33 billion dollars in aid over the last 15 years, and they have given us nothing but lies & deceit, the tweet said. Accusing Pakistan of providing safe havens to terrorists, Trump said that Pakistan extended no help in hunting down the terrorists in Afghanistan despite getting billions in aid from the United States. The United States has foolishly given Pakistan more than 33 billion dollars in aid over the last 15 years, and they have given us nothing but lies & deceit, thinking of our leaders as fools. They give safe haven to the terrorists we hunt in Afghanistan, with little help. No more! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 1, 2018 × ''The United States has foolishly given Pakistan more than 33 billion dollars in aid over the last 15 years, and they have given us nothing but lies & deceit, thinking of our leaders as fools. They give safe haven to the terrorists we hunt in Afghanistan, with little help. No more!,'' the president tweeted. We will respond to President Trump's tweet shortly inshallah...Will let the world know the truth..difference between facts & fiction.. — Khawaja M. Asif (@KhawajaMAsif) January 1, 2018 × It was not immediately clear what prompted Trump’s criticism of Pakistan but he has long complained that Islamabad is not doing enough to tackle Islamist militants. The New York Times reported on Dec. 29 that the Trump administration was "strongly considering" whether to withhold $255 million in aid to Pakistan. It said U.S. officials had sought but been denied access to a member of the Taliban-linked Haqqani network captured in Pakistan who potentially could provide information about at least one American hostage. The Trump administration said in August that it was delaying sending the $255 million in aid to Pakistan. Last month, Trump said in a speech the U.S. government makes "massive payments every year to Pakistan. They have to help." (With Reuters inputs)

After Trump's tweetstorm, Pakistan says 'will let the world know the truth'

Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit today hit out at the government questioning the implications of surgical strikes.&nbsp;

Calling it a drama, the Congress leader said that surgical strike had no impact.&nbsp;

&#39;&#39;One thing is very clear with this [Pulwama terror attack] that all the drama of surgical strike and their policies on Pakistan are clearly not working. We have to think in a different way and I don&#39;t think this government is able to keep our borders safe. On one hand, you are saying that there is no enemy like Pakistan and on the other hand, you are holding an NSC meeting,&quot; Dikshit told ANI

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Ek baat to saabit ho gayi ki sarkaar ki niti, khaaskar surgical strike ke jo natakiya inke pradarshan rahe hain, uska koi asar nahi ho paya. Hume dusre tarike se sochna padega aur mujhe nahi lagta ki sarkaar ke bas me hai ki senaon ko surakshit rakh sakein: S Dikshit, Congress <a href="https://t.co/jEQqpq0LXI">pic.twitter.com/jEQqpq0LXI</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/947732678219984896?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

The surgical strikes were conducted by the Indian army on September 29, 2016, across the Line of Control (LOC). The Indian army led by the PM Modi destroyed terrorist launch pads and killed many terrorists.&nbsp;

The Congress leader&#39;s remarks came after five soldiers were killed in the Pulwama attack carried out by&nbsp;Pakistan- based Jaish-e-Mohammed.

Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit today hit out at the government questioning the implications of surgical strikes

Congress leader Sandeep Dikshit today hit out at the government questioning the implications of surgical strikes. Calling it a drama, the Congress leader said that surgical strike had no impact. ''One thing is very clear with this [Pulwama terror attack] that all the drama of surgical strike and their policies on Pakistan are clearly not working. We have to think in a different way and I don't think this government is able to keep our borders safe. On one hand, you are saying that there is no enemy like Pakistan and on the other hand, you are holding an NSC meeting," Dikshit told ANI Ek baat to saabit ho gayi ki sarkaar ki niti, khaaskar surgical strike ke jo natakiya inke pradarshan rahe hain, uska koi asar nahi ho paya. Hume dusre tarike se sochna padega aur mujhe nahi lagta ki sarkaar ke bas me hai ki senaon ko surakshit rakh sakein: S Dikshit, Congress pic.twitter.com/jEQqpq0LXI — ANI (@ANI) January 1, 2018 × The surgical strikes were conducted by the Indian army on September 29, 2016, across the Line of Control (LOC). The Indian army led by the PM Modi destroyed terrorist launch pads and killed many terrorists. The Congress leader's remarks came after five soldiers were killed in the Pulwama attack carried out by Pakistan- based Jaish-e-Mohammed.

Congress leader hits out at government over surgical strikes, calls it 'drama'

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/weve-been-fooled-for-15-years-no-more-donald-trumps-tweet-to-pakistan-28253">We&#39;ve been fooled for 15 years, no more: Donald Trump&#39;s tweet to Pakistan</a>

United States President Donald Trump accusing Pakistan of &nbsp;&#39;lies&#39; and &#39;deceit&#39;, threatened to cut $255 million in aid.&nbsp;

The United States has been fooled by Pakistan for 15 years, but no more, Trump tweeted on Monday.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/rajinikanth-urges-fans-to-come-together-and-register-on-his-new-website-28255">Rajinikanth urges people to come under one umbrella to change TN political landscape</a>

After announcing his political innings in his inimitable style on December 31, South Indian superstar Rajinikanth on Monday urged his fans and those longing for a change in the Tamil Nadu political landscape to come under one umbrella in order to bring the change they have been craving for.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-plans-takeover-of-charities-run-by-islamist-figure-us-has-targeted-28237">Pakistan plans takeover of charities linked to Hafiz Saeed</a>

Pakistan&#39;s government plans to seize control of charities and financial assets linked to Islamist leader Hafiz Saeed, who Washington has designated a terrorist, according to officials and documents.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/ten-people-killed-in-iran-unrest-on-sunday-state-television-28251">Ten people killed in Iran unrest on Sunday: State television</a>

Ten people were killed during street protests in Iran on Sunday, state television said on Monday.

The nationwide protests have drawn in tens of thousands of people and represent the boldest challenge to Iran`s leadership since pro-reform unrest in 2009. Calls for more demonstrations on Monday raised the possibility of prolonged instability.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-pakistan-exchange-list-of-nuclear-installations-28249">India, Pakistan exchange list of nuclear installations</a>

India and Pakistan today exchanged, through diplomatic channels simultaneously at New Delhi and Islamabad, the list of nuclear installations and facilities under a three-decade-old bilateral pact.

We've been fooled for 15 years, no more: Donald Trump's tweet to Pakistan United States President Donald Trump accusing Pakistan of 'lies' and 'deceit', threatened to cut $255 million in aid. The United States has been fooled by Pakistan for 15 years, but no more, Trump tweeted on Monday. Rajinikanth urges people to come under one umbrella to change TN political landscape After announcing his political innings in his inimitable style on December 31, South Indian superstar Rajinikanth on Monday urged his fans and those longing for a change in the Tamil Nadu political landscape to come under one umbrella in order to bring the change they have been craving for. Pakistan plans takeover of charities linked to Hafiz Saeed Pakistan's government plans to seize control of charities and financial assets linked to Islamist leader Hafiz Saeed, who Washington has designated a terrorist, according to officials and documents. Ten people killed in Iran unrest on Sunday: State television Ten people were killed during street protests in Iran on Sunday, state television said on Monday. The nationwide protests have drawn in tens of thousands of people and represent the boldest challenge to Iran`s leadership since pro-reform unrest in 2009. Calls for more demonstrations on Monday raised the possibility of prolonged instability. India, Pakistan exchange list of nuclear installations India and Pakistan today exchanged, through diplomatic channels simultaneously at New Delhi and Islamabad, the list of nuclear installations and facilities under a three-decade-old bilateral pact.

WION Evening News Brief, January 1, 2018

The people of Gilgit Baltistan recently staged a protest against Pakistan government outside Lahore Press Club.&nbsp;

The residents of the region raised the slogans &quot;hum leke&nbsp;rahenge&nbsp;azaadi&quot; (We will take the liberty).&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Pakistan: Residents of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/GilgitBaltistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#GilgitBaltistan</a> staged a demonstration against Pakistan, outside Press Club in Lahore, raised &#39;hum leke rahenge azaadi&#39; slogans. <a href="https://t.co/mhtl8MNpia">pic.twitter.com/mhtl8MNpia</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/946988764554866688?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 30, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/gilgit-baltistan-mounts-voice-against-illegal-taxation-25730" target="_blank">Pakistan: Gilgit-Baltistan mounts voice against illegal taxation</a>

Also read: <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/opinion-why-pakistan-supports-kashmirs-aazadi-and-not-that-of-pok-26042" target="_blank">Opinion: Why Pakistan supports Kashmir&#39;s </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/opinion-why-pakistan-supports-kashmirs-aazadi-and-not-that-of-pok-26042" target="_blank">aazadi</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/opinion-why-pakistan-supports-kashmirs-aazadi-and-not-that-of-pok-26042" target="_blank"> and not that of PoK</a>

The protesters revolted saying &quot;We are humans do not treat us like animals&quot;.

The people from the restive region demanded basic rights at par with other citizens.

Calling the imposition of taxes by the Pakistan government as illegal the protesters said the government has no right to impose taxes on them until they are provided with basic rights.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/widespread-protests-in-pok-gilgit-baltistan-against-ill-treatment-of-locals-by-pakistan-27543" target="_blank">Widespread protests in PoK, Gilgit Baltistan against ill-treatment of locals by Pakistan</a>

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/members-of-baloch-and-sindhi-community-protest-against-pakistan-in-london-26418" target="_blank">Members of Baloch and Sindhi community protest against Pakistan in London</a>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
We are humans do not treat us like animals, we should be given all the basic rights at par with other citizens: Protester in Gilgit-Baltistan&#39;s Skardu at a demonstration against Pakistan <a href="https://t.co/VtWXOF7NjP">pic.twitter.com/VtWXOF7NjP</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/946980750808584192?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 30, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Until they give us our basic rights, they do not have any right to impose taxes on us. We are not ready to accept the taxes you (Pakistan) have imposed on us, it is illegal: Protester in Gilgit-Baltistan&#39;s Skardu at a demonstration against Pakistan <a href="https://t.co/Dn7Xrv4t9h">pic.twitter.com/Dn7Xrv4t9h</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/946983012599603200?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 30, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

The region has been witnessing frequent protests from the local people of the region.&nbsp;

The protesters revolted saying 'We are humans do not treat us like animals'

The people of Gilgit Baltistan recently staged a protest against Pakistan government outside Lahore Press Club. The residents of the region raised the slogans "hum leke rahenge azaadi" (We will take the liberty). Pakistan: Residents of #GilgitBaltistan staged a demonstration against Pakistan, outside Press Club in Lahore, raised 'hum leke rahenge azaadi' slogans. pic.twitter.com/mhtl8MNpia — ANI (@ANI) December 30, 2017 × Also read: Pakistan: Gilgit-Baltistan mounts voice against illegal taxation Also read: Opinion: Why Pakistan supports Kashmir's aazadi and not that of PoK The protesters revolted saying "We are humans do not treat us like animals". The people from the restive region demanded basic rights at par with other citizens. Calling the imposition of taxes by the Pakistan government as illegal the protesters said the government has no right to impose taxes on them until they are provided with basic rights. Also read: Widespread protests in PoK, Gilgit Baltistan against ill-treatment of locals by Pakistan Also read: Members of Baloch and Sindhi community protest against Pakistan in London We are humans do not treat us like animals, we should be given all the basic rights at par with other citizens: Protester in Gilgit-Baltistan's Skardu at a demonstration against Pakistan pic.twitter.com/VtWXOF7NjP — ANI (@ANI) December 30, 2017 × Until they give us our basic rights, they do not have any right to impose taxes on us. We are not ready to accept the taxes you (Pakistan) have imposed on us, it is illegal: Protester in Gilgit-Baltistan's Skardu at a demonstration against Pakistan pic.twitter.com/Dn7Xrv4t9h — ANI (@ANI) December 30, 2017 × The region has been witnessing frequent protests from the local people of the region.

People from Gilgit Baltistan protest against Pakistan

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has apprehended a Pakistan boat comprising of six crew on Friday.&nbsp;

The Pakistan&nbsp;nationals have been arrested for&nbsp;illegally fishing in Indian waters.&nbsp;

The ICG spotted the ship while it was patrolling close to International Maritime Boundary Line.&nbsp;

The Pakistani boat &#39;Sindh Singhar&#39;, six crew members and the 300 kg fish has been handed over to the local Marine Police for further investigation.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Pakistani boat apprehended for illegally fishing in Indian waters by the boarding party of ICGS C - 408, yesterday. Crew of the ship detected the boat while patrolling close to International Maritime Boundary Line <a href="https://t.co/6C3I0HxCpr">pic.twitter.com/6C3I0HxCpr</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/946766235890458624?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
The boat &#39;Sindh Singhar&#39; was operating with six crew onboard, all Pakistani nationals and carrying 300 kg fish; fishing boat along with six crew have been handed over to local Marine Police for further investigation. <a href="https://t.co/rfikBgxlXN">pic.twitter.com/rfikBgxlXN</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/946766553550221313?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

The arrest has come after<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-releases-144-indian-fishermen-via-attari-wagah-border-28082" target="_blank"> Pakistan released 144 Indian fishermen&nbsp;</a>via the Attari border on humanitarian grounds.

The fishermen had allegedly entered and fished in Islamabad&#39;s territorial waters.

The Pakistan?nationals have been arrested for?illegally fishing in Indian waters

The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) has apprehended a Pakistan boat comprising of six crew on Friday. The Pakistan nationals have been arrested for illegally fishing in Indian waters. The ICG spotted the ship while it was patrolling close to International Maritime Boundary Line. The Pakistani boat 'Sindh Singhar', six crew members and the 300 kg fish has been handed over to the local Marine Police for further investigation. Pakistani boat apprehended for illegally fishing in Indian waters by the boarding party of ICGS C - 408, yesterday. Crew of the ship detected the boat while patrolling close to International Maritime Boundary Line pic.twitter.com/6C3I0HxCpr — ANI (@ANI) December 29, 2017 × The boat 'Sindh Singhar' was operating with six crew onboard, all Pakistani nationals and carrying 300 kg fish; fishing boat along with six crew have been handed over to local Marine Police for further investigation. pic.twitter.com/rfikBgxlXN — ANI (@ANI) December 29, 2017 × The arrest has come after Pakistan released 144 Indian fishermen via the Attari border on humanitarian grounds. The fishermen had allegedly entered and fished in Islamabad's territorial waters.

Indian Coast Guards apprehend 6 Pakistan nationals from Indian waters

Afghanistan&#39;s ambassador to India recently reacted on the harassment faced by Kulbhushan Jadhav&#39;s kin in Islamabad.&nbsp;

&quot;Human beings should be treated like humans only &amp; should not be made victims of politics,&quot; Shaida Mohammad Abdali was quoted by ANI.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Human beings should be treated like humans only &amp; should not be made victims of politics: Shaida Mohammad Abdali, Afghanistan Ambassador to India on heckling &amp; harassing of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KulbhushanJadhav?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KulbhushanJadhav</a>&#39;s mother &amp; wife in Islamabad <a href="https://t.co/l983KHLEYA">pic.twitter.com/l983KHLEYA</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/947112728409206784?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 30, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

Former Indian naval officer, Kulbhushan Jadhav met his family on December 25 at Pakistan&#39;s Foreign Ministry office in Islamabad.&nbsp;

Jadhav&#39;s family returned to India that evening and met Union External Affairs Minister, Sushma Swaraj a day later.&nbsp;

The Ministry of External Affairs reported that Jadhav&#39;s family was <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/killer-son-played-holi-with-blood-of-pakistanis-jadhavs-wife-mother-heckled-by-media-in-islamabad-27829">heckled and harassed</a> during their meeting with Jadhav and that the manner in which the meeting was conducted violated the terms and agreements that the two countries had agreed upon.&nbsp;

MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said the &quot;cultural and religious sensibilities of family members were disregarded&quot;.&nbsp;

Kulbhushan Jadhav faces espionage charges and was sentenced to death by Pakistan on April 10, 2017.&nbsp;

Jadhav&#39;s execution was halted in May 2018 after the International Court of Justice (ICJ) intervened.&nbsp;

The case currently rests with the world court for further action.&nbsp;

Kulbhushan Jadhav faces espionage charges and was sentenced to death by Pakistan on April 10, 2017

Afghanistan's ambassador to India recently reacted on the harassment faced by Kulbhushan Jadhav's kin in Islamabad. "Human beings should be treated like humans only & should not be made victims of politics," Shaida Mohammad Abdali was quoted by ANI. Human beings should be treated like humans only & should not be made victims of politics: Shaida Mohammad Abdali, Afghanistan Ambassador to India on heckling & harassing of #KulbhushanJadhav's mother & wife in Islamabad pic.twitter.com/l983KHLEYA — ANI (@ANI) December 30, 2017 × Former Indian naval officer, Kulbhushan Jadhav met his family on December 25 at Pakistan's Foreign Ministry office in Islamabad. Jadhav's family returned to India that evening and met Union External Affairs Minister, Sushma Swaraj a day later. The Ministry of External Affairs reported that Jadhav's family was heckled and harassed during their meeting with Jadhav and that the manner in which the meeting was conducted violated the terms and agreements that the two countries had agreed upon. MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said the "cultural and religious sensibilities of family members were disregarded". Kulbhushan Jadhav faces espionage charges and was sentenced to death by Pakistan on April 10, 2017. Jadhav's execution was halted in May 2018 after the International Court of Justice (ICJ) intervened. The case currently rests with the world court for further action.

Afghanistan's Ambassador to India reacts on Jadhav's kin harassment

After the Indian cricketer took to Twitter, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/cricket/shikhar-dhawan-slams-airline-for-not-allowing-his-family-onboard-28076">slamming Emirates airline&nbsp;for causing inconvenience to his family</a>, the airlines issued an official statement.

Emirates stated that all passengers must adhere to the travelling regulations of the countries in which the airline operates.

The statement noted that passengers must carry relevant documents while travelling abroad.&nbsp;

&quot;Since 1 June 2015, according to South African regulations, anyone travelling to the country with a minor under 18 needs to prove parenthood or guardianship - while adults travelling alone with their children need to show that they have the consent of their non-travelling partner,&quot; Emirates noted in an official response.

&quot;Like all airlines, we must comply with the laws of every country in which we operate and this is a shared responsibility with passengers, who are required to hold valid travel documents for all countries on their itinerary,&quot; the statement further read.

The 32-year-old opening batsman tweeted and complained that his wife and child were not allowed aboard at the Dubai airport.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
We&#39;re sorry to hear this, Shikhar. We&#39;d like to find out more on a private message. Please include your booking reference or e-ticket numbers starting in 176. <a href="https://t.co/67ooSY3Pnf">https://t.co/67ooSY3Pnf</a>
&mdash; Emirates Support (@EmiratesSupport) <a href="https://twitter.com/EmiratesSupport/status/946665505276026880?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

&quot;Absolutely unprofessional from @emirates. Was on my way 2 SA with my fam &amp; was told that my wife and kids can&#39;t board the flight from Dubai to SA. Was asked to produce birth certificates &amp; other documents for my kids at the airport which we obviously didn&#39;t have at that moment,&quot; he tweeted.&nbsp;

Dhawan was travelling to South Africa along with his family for Team India&#39;s 56-day tour of South Africa.

India will play a series of three Tests, six ODIs and three T20s against South Africa.&nbsp;

The first Test match will be played on January 5 in Cape Town.

(With inputs from ANI)&nbsp;

After the Indian cricketer took to Twitter, slamming Emirates airline for causing inconvenience to his family, the airlines issued an official statement. Emirates stated that all passengers must adhere to the travelling regulations of the countries in which the airline operates. The statement noted that passengers must carry relevant documents while travelling abroad. "Since 1 June 2015, according to South African regulations, anyone travelling to the country with a minor under 18 needs to prove parenthood or guardianship - while adults travelling alone with their children need to show that they have the consent of their non-travelling partner," Emirates noted in an official response. "Like all airlines, we must comply with the laws of every country in which we operate and this is a shared responsibility with passengers, who are required to hold valid travel documents for all countries on their itinerary," the statement further read. The 32-year-old opening batsman tweeted and complained that his wife and child were not allowed aboard at the Dubai airport. We're sorry to hear this, Shikhar. We'd like to find out more on a private message. Please include your booking reference or e-ticket numbers starting in 176. https://t.co/67ooSY3Pnf — Emirates Support (@EmiratesSupport) December 29, 2017 × "Absolutely unprofessional from @emirates. Was on my way 2 SA with my fam & was told that my wife and kids can't board the flight from Dubai to SA. Was asked to produce birth certificates & other documents for my kids at the airport which we obviously didn't have at that moment," he tweeted. Dhawan was travelling to South Africa along with his family for Team India's 56-day tour of South Africa. India will play a series of three Tests, six ODIs and three T20s against South Africa. The first Test match will be played on January 5 in Cape Town. (With inputs from ANI)

WION Morning News brief, 30 December 2017

If one were to either listen to the drivel that passes for discussion on Prime Time TV on the question of the recent killing of an Indian Army officer, Major Prafulla, and three jawans of the SIKH Regiment, one could well be forgiven for thinking that we are in the middle of a war with Pakistan. Added to this provocation was the utterly callous, disgraceful and uncivilized manner in which the Pakistan Government treated the mother and wife of the alleged spy, former naval officer, Commander Kulbhushan Jadhav after permitting them to meet him on &ldquo;humanitarian&rdquo; grounds.&nbsp; These have been grounds enough for hawks here to swoop down and publicly demand that Pakistan be taught a &ldquo;lesson.&rdquo; Politicians too, especially from the ruling coalition, have not held back either, with Mr. Subramanium Swamy leading the charge.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Fortunately for us, most of these individuals are ensconced either in climate controlled studios or in Lutyens Delhi, well protected by their personal security of Black Cat Commandos. One can also rest assured that those baying for Pakistani blood are certainly not going to volunteer to lead the next cross-border raid or assault. As a matter of fact, leave them aside, even their own kith and kin are unlikely to be anywhere in the vicinity of our forces, those whom they are so willing to put in harms&rsquo; way.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;Undoubtedly, we have much to be angry with Pakistan about. It&rsquo;s unabated, but wholly unsuccessful, attempts to drag us into the swamp where it wallows is certainly reason enough. Though at the end of the day its schizophrenic and delusional obsession with Jammu and Kashmir has been more damaging to its polity than anything we could have ever done, barring Bangladesh, and that too would not have occurred if they had not been more sensitive and humane in their dealings with their Bengali comrades.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

It is true that Pakistan has provided moral and material support to the Kashmir insurgency. The jihadi elements based there continue to infiltrate terrorists to cause carnage in Jammu and Kashmir and even further afield. Their efforts have actually been just a drop in the ocean with an odd success here and there, resulting more from our own inept handling of our communal environment rather than because of their capability to cause us harm. &nbsp;

&nbsp;

Unfortunately, successes by these terrorist elements have been used by our political leadership to divert attention from their own failures to initiate political, social and economic measures in the state. Such a step would have met the aspirations of the local population and resolved most of the issues that have been troubling us for the past three decades. This, despite the fact that politicians, dyed in all hues, have had ample opportunity to the take the initiative, but have neither displayed the strength of character nor the willingness to take things forward. At the end of the day, the fruits that the business of insurgency provides them are too lucrative to surrender. &nbsp;

&nbsp; &nbsp;

That brings us to the ongoing situation at the LOC wherein as a tit- for- tat action, a Pakistan Army link patrol was ambushed by a Border Action Team in response to the attack on the Sikh Battalion.&nbsp; Pakistan suffered three killed and one wounded and on the Indian side, there was the death of one officer and three men. As a matter of fact, this was just a repeat of similar incidents, too innumerable to recount, that have dogged both our Armies ever since the First War of 1948. These actions have little strategic or tactical significance and are routinely carried out by both sides to gain moral and psychological ascendancy over the other side. There is little to cheer over these tragic events, no great leap forward or summit conquered.

&nbsp;

One is, therefore, at a loss to understand what the hoopla is about or the reason for the display of excessive testosterone over the past few days among those who haunt our media channels.&nbsp; If the media is at all serious about its job, it should be questioning our political leadership as to why this unending tragedy has been perpetuated on our forces and people over decades. What have any of our great leaders done, over the years, to resolve this unfortunate state of affairs?&nbsp; How is it that despite agreeing to return 90,000 prisoners in 1971, we were unable to convince Pakistan to amicably resolve a 700 km border?&nbsp;

&nbsp;

It is time to desist being fooled by the unholy exhortations of our leaders to mindless sacrifice, in which neither they nor their kin ever contribute. Instead, it is high time that we started to ask them uncomfortable and hard questions as to their motives for keeping hostilities on a perennial simmer.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

There is little to cheer over these tragic events, no great leap forward or summit conquered.

If one were to either listen to the drivel that passes for discussion on Prime Time TV on the question of the recent killing of an Indian Army officer, Major Prafulla, and three jawans of the SIKH Regiment, one could well be forgiven for thinking that we are in the middle of a war with Pakistan. Added to this provocation was the utterly callous, disgraceful and uncivilized manner in which the Pakistan Government treated the mother and wife of the alleged spy, former naval officer, Commander Kulbhushan Jadhav after permitting them to meet him on “humanitarian” grounds. These have been grounds enough for hawks here to swoop down and publicly demand that Pakistan be taught a “lesson.” Politicians too, especially from the ruling coalition, have not held back either, with Mr. Subramanium Swamy leading the charge. Fortunately for us, most of these individuals are ensconced either in climate controlled studios or in Lutyens Delhi, well protected by their personal security of Black Cat Commandos. One can also rest assured that those baying for Pakistani blood are certainly not going to volunteer to lead the next cross-border raid or assault. As a matter of fact, leave them aside, even their own kith and kin are unlikely to be anywhere in the vicinity of our forces, those whom they are so willing to put in harms’ way. Undoubtedly, we have much to be angry with Pakistan about. It’s unabated, but wholly unsuccessful, attempts to drag us into the swamp where it wallows is certainly reason enough. Though at the end of the day its schizophrenic and delusional obsession with Jammu and Kashmir has been more damaging to its polity than anything we could have ever done, barring Bangladesh, and that too would not have occurred if they had not been more sensitive and humane in their dealings with their Bengali comrades. It is true that Pakistan has provided moral and material support to the Kashmir insurgency. The jihadi elements based there continue to infiltrate terrorists to cause carnage in Jammu and Kashmir and even further afield. Their efforts have actually been just a drop in the ocean with an odd success here and there, resulting more from our own inept handling of our communal environment rather than because of their capability to cause us harm. Unfortunately, successes by these terrorist elements have been used by our political leadership to divert attention from their own failures to initiate political, social and economic measures in the state. Such a step would have met the aspirations of the local population and resolved most of the issues that have been troubling us for the past three decades. This, despite the fact that politicians, dyed in all hues, have had ample opportunity to the take the initiative, but have neither displayed the strength of character nor the willingness to take things forward. At the end of the day, the fruits that the business of insurgency provides them are too lucrative to surrender. That brings us to the ongoing situation at the LOC wherein as a tit- for- tat action, a Pakistan Army link patrol was ambushed by a Border Action Team in response to the attack on the Sikh Battalion. Pakistan suffered three killed and one wounded and on the Indian side, there was the death of one officer and three men. As a matter of fact, this was just a repeat of similar incidents, too innumerable to recount, that have dogged both our Armies ever since the First War of 1948. These actions have little strategic or tactical significance and are routinely carried out by both sides to gain moral and psychological ascendancy over the other side. There is little to cheer over these tragic events, no great leap forward or summit conquered. One is, therefore, at a loss to understand what the hoopla is about or the reason for the display of excessive testosterone over the past few days among those who haunt our media channels. If the media is at all serious about its job, it should be questioning our political leadership as to why this unending tragedy has been perpetuated on our forces and people over decades. What have any of our great leaders done, over the years, to resolve this unfortunate state of affairs? How is it that despite agreeing to return 90,000 prisoners in 1971, we were unable to convince Pakistan to amicably resolve a 700 km border? It is time to desist being fooled by the unholy exhortations of our leaders to mindless sacrifice, in which neither they nor their kin ever contribute. Instead, it is high time that we started to ask them uncomfortable and hard questions as to their motives for keeping hostilities on a perennial simmer. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

Opinion: Requiem to the fallen soldier. But why so many deaths?

After it emerged that the Palestinian envoy was present at&nbsp;Mumbai terror attacks mastermind and Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) co-founder Hafiz Saeed&#39;s rally in Pakistan, India slammed Palestine.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) official spokesperson Raveesh Kumar in a statement said that they were taking up the matter with the&nbsp;Palestinian authorities.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<iframe allow="encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" gesture="media" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/fl9LuWeAwjI" width="560"></iframe>

&quot;We have seen reports in this regard. We are taking up the matter strongly with the Palestinian Ambassador in New Delhi and with the Palestinian authorities&quot;.

Palestinian envoy&nbsp;Walid Abu Ali was spotted participating in a&nbsp;rally organised by the Difa-e-Pakistan Council in Liaquat Bagh in the Pakistani city of Rawalpindi on Friday morning.

Walid Abu Ali shared the stage with&nbsp;Hafiz Saeed during the rally.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Ambassador of Palestine to Pakistan Waleed Abu Ali attends a large rally organized by the Difah-e-Pakistan Council in Liaquat Bagh in Rawalpindi - seen with JUD chief Hafiz Saeed <a href="https://t.co/d8UXLFK8Mm">pic.twitter.com/d8UXLFK8Mm</a>
&mdash; omar r quraishi (@omar_quraishi) <a href="https://twitter.com/omar_quraishi/status/946711434565767168?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

The images of the two sharing the stage was widely shared on the social media and it soon went viral.

Formed in 2012, Difa-e-Pakistan (Defence of Pakistan) Council (DPC) is a congregation of Islamist groups in Pakistan, pressurising Pakistan government to snap ties with US&nbsp;and India.

Hafiz Saeed carries a bounty of USD 10 million for his alleged involvement in terror activities and has been declared a global terrorist by the United Nations.&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Drone footage of the crowd at Rawalpindi&#39;s Liaquat Bagh assembled to hear JUD chief Hafiz Saeed&#39;s Friday prayers sermon -- where he praised the formation of a 41-nation military alliance of Muslim nations &amp; said that it should take Trump&#39;s challenge <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SolidarityWithAlQudus?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SolidarityWithAlQudus</a> <a href="https://t.co/FIbnsoCr3M">pic.twitter.com/FIbnsoCr3M</a>
&mdash; Abdul Rehman (@AbdulRe88555668) <a href="https://twitter.com/AbdulRe88555668/status/946702417177038848?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 29, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

Since his release, Saeed has made several anti-India and US statements at various forums across Pakistan.&nbsp;

Interestingly, earlier this month, India joined 127 other countries to vote in the United Nations General Assembly in favour of a resolution opposing the recent decision of US President Donald Trump to recognise Jerusalem as Israel&#39;s capital.&nbsp;

This was in sync with Palestinian sentiments. 
&nbsp;

Hafiz Saeed carries a bounty of USD 10 million for his alleged involvement in terror activities and has been declared a global terrorist by the United Nations.

After it emerged that the Palestinian envoy was present at Mumbai terror attacks mastermind and Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT) co-founder Hafiz Saeed's rally in Pakistan, India slammed Palestine. Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) official spokesperson Raveesh Kumar in a statement said that they were taking up the matter with the Palestinian authorities. "We have seen reports in this regard. We are taking up the matter strongly with the Palestinian Ambassador in New Delhi and with the Palestinian authorities". Palestinian envoy Walid Abu Ali was spotted participating in a rally organised by the Difa-e-Pakistan Council in Liaquat Bagh in the Pakistani city of Rawalpindi on Friday morning. Walid Abu Ali shared the stage with Hafiz Saeed during the rally. Ambassador of Palestine to Pakistan Waleed Abu Ali attends a large rally organized by the Difah-e-Pakistan Council in Liaquat Bagh in Rawalpindi - seen with JUD chief Hafiz Saeed pic.twitter.com/d8UXLFK8Mm — omar r quraishi (@omar_quraishi) December 29, 2017 × The images of the two sharing the stage was widely shared on the social media and it soon went viral. Formed in 2012, Difa-e-Pakistan (Defence of Pakistan) Council (DPC) is a congregation of Islamist groups in Pakistan, pressurising Pakistan government to snap ties with US and India. Hafiz Saeed carries a bounty of USD 10 million for his alleged involvement in terror activities and has been declared a global terrorist by the United Nations. Drone footage of the crowd at Rawalpindi's Liaquat Bagh assembled to hear JUD chief Hafiz Saeed's Friday prayers sermon -- where he praised the formation of a 41-nation military alliance of Muslim nations & said that it should take Trump's challenge #SolidarityWithAlQudus pic.twitter.com/FIbnsoCr3M — Abdul Rehman (@AbdulRe88555668) December 29, 2017 × Since his release, Saeed has made several anti-India and US statements at various forums across Pakistan. Interestingly, earlier this month, India joined 127 other countries to vote in the United Nations General Assembly in favour of a resolution opposing the recent decision of US President Donald Trump to recognise Jerusalem as Israel's capital. This was in sync with Palestinian sentiments.

India slams the presence of Palestinian envoy at Hafiz Saeed's rally in Pakistan

Pakistan&#39;s military has warned the United States against taking any &#39;unilateral action&#39; against it, adding that the country&#39;s respect and sovereignty come first.

&quot;The armed forces are working with friends and want to continue doing so, but there can be no compromise on our national honour. We do not want a conflict with our friends, but will ensure the security of Pakistan,&quot; The Dawn quoted the Pakistan military spokesperson Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor as saying in a media briefing.

On December 4, Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Director Mike Pompeo issued a stern warning to Pakistan that if it did not act against the alleged terrorist safe havens inside the country, then the United States would be forced to destroy them on its own.

The CIA director gave this warning at the Reagan National Defence Forum in California on Saturday, when he was queried about what Trump administration was doing to make Pakistan participate in its new Afghan strategy.

Pakistan has consistently denied claims of Afghanistan and United States with respect to the presence of the terror havens on its soil.

Pakistan&#39;s Foreign Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif claimed that the majority of the attacks carried out in his country were coordinated from Afghanistan.

US Defense Secretary James Mattis has urged Pakistan to double its efforts to confront terrorists operating within the country.

He emphasised the vital role that Pakistan could play in working with the United States and others to facilitate a peace process in Afghanistan and bring back stability and security to the region, during his maiden visit to Pakistan since taking charge of the Pentagon.

Pakistan and Afghanistan share the strained bilateral relationship.

Both Kabul and Islamabad steadily purport that the attacks in the two countries were being plotted and carried out by the safe havens located in the two countries.&nbsp;

Pakistan has consistently denied claims of Afghanistan and United States with respect to the presence of the terror havens on its soil

Pakistan's military has warned the United States against taking any 'unilateral action' against it, adding that the country's respect and sovereignty come first. "The armed forces are working with friends and want to continue doing so, but there can be no compromise on our national honour. We do not want a conflict with our friends, but will ensure the security of Pakistan," The Dawn quoted the Pakistan military spokesperson Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor as saying in a media briefing. On December 4, Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) Director Mike Pompeo issued a stern warning to Pakistan that if it did not act against the alleged terrorist safe havens inside the country, then the United States would be forced to destroy them on its own. The CIA director gave this warning at the Reagan National Defence Forum in California on Saturday, when he was queried about what Trump administration was doing to make Pakistan participate in its new Afghan strategy. Pakistan has consistently denied claims of Afghanistan and United States with respect to the presence of the terror havens on its soil. Pakistan's Foreign Minister Khawaja Muhammad Asif claimed that the majority of the attacks carried out in his country were coordinated from Afghanistan. US Defense Secretary James Mattis has urged Pakistan to double its efforts to confront terrorists operating within the country. He emphasised the vital role that Pakistan could play in working with the United States and others to facilitate a peace process in Afghanistan and bring back stability and security to the region, during his maiden visit to Pakistan since taking charge of the Pentagon. Pakistan and Afghanistan share the strained bilateral relationship. Both Kabul and Islamabad steadily purport that the attacks in the two countries were being plotted and carried out by the safe havens located in the two countries.

Pakistan military warns US against 'unilateral action'

A total of 145 Indian fishermen today crossed the Attari border into the country after Pakistani authorities released them from jail.

All the fishermen crossed over to India this evening through the land transit route of Wagah/Attari border on the basis of &#39;Emergency Travel Certificate&#39; issued by the Indian High Commission based in Islamabad.

The Indian fishermen were arrested in March this year when their boats strayed into Pakistani waters in the Arabian sea.

Immediately after the repatriation, medical examination of all fishermen was conducted by a team of Indian doctors.

Some of the released fishermen said it was very difficult to identify the territorial boundary during fishing in the Arabian sea.&nbsp;

The Indian fishermen were arrested in March this year when their boats strayed into Pakistani waters in the Arabian sea

A total of 145 Indian fishermen today crossed the Attari border into the country after Pakistani authorities released them from jail. All the fishermen crossed over to India this evening through the land transit route of Wagah/Attari border on the basis of 'Emergency Travel Certificate' issued by the Indian High Commission based in Islamabad. The Indian fishermen were arrested in March this year when their boats strayed into Pakistani waters in the Arabian sea. Immediately after the repatriation, medical examination of all fishermen was conducted by a team of Indian doctors. Some of the released fishermen said it was very difficult to identify the territorial boundary during fishing in the Arabian sea.

Pakistan releases 144 Indian fishermen via Attari-Wagah border

&quot;Your son massacred thousands of Pakistanis&quot;, the blunt question flew on to the face of the mother of Kulbhushan Jadhav.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Spy or no spy, no mother wants to hear that her son has been a mass murderer.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

If espionage is punishable by law then the punishment should be meted out to the person concerned and not spill over to include family members.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

For the record, Kulbhushan Jadhav&#39;s &#39;guilt&#39; or complicity in espionage activities have not been proven yet.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The mistreatment of family members is what India&#39;s External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj pointed out today in the Parliament. She refered to the absurdity of Pakistan&#39;s actions.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

But while we understand, though find it unacceptable, the reasons behind the bullying tactics of the Pakistani government. What surprises us more is why would the Press act the way it did. &nbsp;

&nbsp;

Then why did the Pakistan Press turned so brutal to the mother and the wife?&nbsp;

&nbsp;

In the turbulent, murky water of bilateral relation between India and Pakistan, even the Press, which should ideally disassociate itself from the hyper-nationalistic moods of the day turns into a tool of terror.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

It is unfortunate, but not an aberration, to see the Press acting in this way. While nationalism can justifiably turn one into a patriotic citizen, too much of nationalism can turn a patriot into a jingoistic individual. In an insecure democracy, such as Pakistan, the urge to prove patriotism can often go overboard.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

In front of the glare of the international media, the temptation to conduct a media trial of two closest kins of the accused, even if they are innocent, is too big to be ignored.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The Press, as per the classic definition, is the fourth estate. In a democracy, it is responsible for informing and educating the people. But more often than not, it abdicates that role and prefers to pander to the official position.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Let us be under no illusion that the Press of the world&#39;s largest democracy is any more independent or conscious than its counterpart in Pakistan. But such comparisons between two bad examples defeat the larger goal of having a fiercely independent and committed press.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The state establishments of Pakistan have done its share in humiliating, harassing and hurting the two ladies. Whose only crime, as I could make out from far, is being related to the alleged &#39;culprit&#39; by blood and through marriage. I suppose they have suffered enough for that. Punishments are not always meted out by courts, the sufferings that we undergo on a daily basis from a range of diffused sources can be traumatic too.

&nbsp;

As journalists, we are laden with the difficult task of maintaining a relationship with government and state machineries but at the same time, we are not expected to allow these relationships to soften our stance when we speak back to power.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

This ability and the responsibility to speak back to power, no matter how big and threatening its presence is, is a rare privilege. To lose it would mean an easy and cushy life but a redundant profession.

&nbsp;

In the Communist countries, the state has its own newspaper. The existence of media beyond the control of the state is rarely encouraged. This idea of a state-controlled media stemmed from the ideological position that the Communist Party, as the vanguard of the proletariat, will be in a position to portray the most genuine concerns of the people. Over time, however, the fallacy of such a position became too glaring to ignore. The apathy towards bourgeois-run media turned into a ploy to gag free press.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

In a robust democracy, such as India or in a fragile representative government, such as Pakistan, the ambiguity of state control over the Press makes it even more hideous. The danger of an obsequious media always is present but well masquerade under the nationalist garb.

&nbsp;

Kulbhushan Jadhav&#39;s case provided just enough instigation for the Pakistani Press to unveil its true character. The violence, the impatience, and the vitriolic that it directed towards Jadhav&#39;s mother and wife is what it is expected to carry in its bosom towards anyone identified by the state as its enemy.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

They just need to be tad careful though. The moment state&#39;s agenda becomes the media&#39;s agenda, the dangers are that journalists become apologists of the state.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

There is a big difference between state and the nation; people and the politician. It is for us to choose our focus of primary allegiance.

&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The moment state's agenda becomes the media's agenda, the dangers are that journalists become apologists of the state.?

"Your son massacred thousands of Pakistanis", the blunt question flew on to the face of the mother of Kulbhushan Jadhav. Spy or no spy, no mother wants to hear that her son has been a mass murderer. If espionage is punishable by law then the punishment should be meted out to the person concerned and not spill over to include family members. For the record, Kulbhushan Jadhav's 'guilt' or complicity in espionage activities have not been proven yet. The mistreatment of family members is what India's External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj pointed out today in the Parliament. She refered to the absurdity of Pakistan's actions. But while we understand, though find it unacceptable, the reasons behind the bullying tactics of the Pakistani government. What surprises us more is why would the Press act the way it did. Then why did the Pakistan Press turned so brutal to the mother and the wife? In the turbulent, murky water of bilateral relation between India and Pakistan, even the Press, which should ideally disassociate itself from the hyper-nationalistic moods of the day turns into a tool of terror. It is unfortunate, but not an aberration, to see the Press acting in this way. While nationalism can justifiably turn one into a patriotic citizen, too much of nationalism can turn a patriot into a jingoistic individual. In an insecure democracy, such as Pakistan, the urge to prove patriotism can often go overboard. In front of the glare of the international media, the temptation to conduct a media trial of two closest kins of the accused, even if they are innocent, is too big to be ignored. The Press, as per the classic definition, is the fourth estate. In a democracy, it is responsible for informing and educating the people. But more often than not, it abdicates that role and prefers to pander to the official position. Let us be under no illusion that the Press of the world's largest democracy is any more independent or conscious than its counterpart in Pakistan. But such comparisons between two bad examples defeat the larger goal of having a fiercely independent and committed press. The state establishments of Pakistan have done its share in humiliating, harassing and hurting the two ladies. Whose only crime, as I could make out from far, is being related to the alleged 'culprit' by blood and through marriage. I suppose they have suffered enough for that. Punishments are not always meted out by courts, the sufferings that we undergo on a daily basis from a range of diffused sources can be traumatic too. As journalists, we are laden with the difficult task of maintaining a relationship with government and state machineries but at the same time, we are not expected to allow these relationships to soften our stance when we speak back to power. This ability and the responsibility to speak back to power, no matter how big and threatening its presence is, is a rare privilege. To lose it would mean an easy and cushy life but a redundant profession. In the Communist countries, the state has its own newspaper. The existence of media beyond the control of the state is rarely encouraged. This idea of a state-controlled media stemmed from the ideological position that the Communist Party, as the vanguard of the proletariat, will be in a position to portray the most genuine concerns of the people. Over time, however, the fallacy of such a position became too glaring to ignore. The apathy towards bourgeois-run media turned into a ploy to gag free press. In a robust democracy, such as India or in a fragile representative government, such as Pakistan, the ambiguity of state control over the Press makes it even more hideous. The danger of an obsequious media always is present but well masquerade under the nationalist garb. Kulbhushan Jadhav's case provided just enough instigation for the Pakistani Press to unveil its true character. The violence, the impatience, and the vitriolic that it directed towards Jadhav's mother and wife is what it is expected to carry in its bosom towards anyone identified by the state as its enemy. They just need to be tad careful though. The moment state's agenda becomes the media's agenda, the dangers are that journalists become apologists of the state. There is a big difference between state and the nation; people and the politician. It is for us to choose our focus of primary allegiance. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

Opinion: Why Pakistani press was so brutal to Kulbhushan's family

When the Pakistani government announced that they would allow the family of Kulbushan Jadhav to visit Islamabad and meet with the imprisoned Indian in Pakistan, it seemed like relations between the two neighbors were going to move in a positive direction, and that too after a long time.

&nbsp;

But this hope for progress was short-lived, and if anything, the relations have actually worsened, ever since 25th of December when the wife and mother of Mr. Jadhav met him at the Ministry of Foreign Office&rsquo;s compound in the Pakistani capital. Shortly after the meeting, the Ministry of External Affairs in Delhi lambasted the treatment Jadhav&rsquo;s family received during their one-day-long stay in Pakistan. Their counterparts in Islamabad refuted the accusations of ill-treatment, citing security protocol for the treatment the two women were subjected to. Insiders say that the meet-up was not in the hands of the civilian authorities, and the military was in charge of all affairs and therefore concerns for security overshadowed considerations for hospitality.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Adding fuel to this fire is the Line of Control (LoC), which has also heated up, and may very well be linked to the fall-out from the Jadhav meet-up.

&nbsp;

But as is always the case with the LoC &ndash; both sides have a different version of what has happened there and it is almost impossible to independently verify the information disseminated by the militaries on both sides.

&nbsp;

In this latest cross-border incident, Pakistan claims to have lost three of its soldiers while thwarting an Indian-backed non-state actors&rsquo; infiltration bid. The government further claimed that the non-state actors were attempting to plant mines on the Pakistani side of the border.

&nbsp;

On the other hand, India says its soldiers went inside Pakistani territory and killed three enemy soldiers in retaliation to Indian uniformed men killed a day earlier.

&nbsp;

What really happened? We may never get to know. And while on both sides the military guns have gone silent for now, the diplomatic spat continues with the latest controversy surfaced on Wednesday over the missing shoes of the wife of Jadhav, which the Pakistani officials confiscated, claiming that the shoes had some metallic object hidden in them. The shoe has been sent for testing at a lab.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Somedays we do a story tht disgusts us. Today was one such day. But it wasnt cuz of what I covered. Rather it was cuz of how my fellow journos behaved with mother &amp; wife of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KulbushanJadhav?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KulbushanJadhav</a> whn they left FO building. They shouted taunts. It was very shameful
&mdash; Taha Siddiqui (@TahaSSiddiqui) <a href="https://twitter.com/TahaSSiddiqui/status/945320373117210624?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 25, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

&nbsp;

As a Pakistani journalist working for an Indian news outlet, I have been covering all of the happenings closely, and most of it is repetitive of what I have seen before, thus making it quite predictable. But there is one aspect this time that was and continues to surprise or rather shock me: the behavior of my fellow journalists who waited alongside me at the Pakistan Foreign Office complex for the arrival and exit of Jadhav&rsquo;s relatives accompanied by an Indian diplomat.

&nbsp;

Many of these journalists are familiar faces at Foreign Office briefings and have a number of years of experience before being allotted such an important news beat to cover. And yet on Monday, when they were covering the meet-up, they seemed to have lost all sense of ethics when it comes to reporting.

&nbsp;

In my profession, it is understandable to ask questions even if the subject is unwilling to answer them, and since the advent of television news, such interactions are often aired to show the audience the reluctance of the subjects being covered and make a point.

&nbsp;

But that day, the reporters did not ask questions, especially when the family was leaving the venue.

&nbsp;

They shouted accusations, allegations and slogans at the two women who may have met their loved one for the last time, given that Jadhav is on death row and can be executed any day.

&nbsp;

Whatever his alleged crimes are, the two women did not deserve such harassment, and that too from supposedly trained professionals.

&nbsp;

One reporter screamed how Jadhav&rsquo;s mother felt &ldquo;being a parent to a terrorist?&rdquo; Another one asked the wife if she supported her husband who was &ldquo;a killer of hundreds of Pakistanis?&rdquo; Another one asked if the women &ldquo;felt ashamed of his activities?&rdquo;

&nbsp;

The Pakistani Foreign Office had ensured that the reporters stayed at a distance so there was no up close interaction, and we did stand at a distance from the trio when they were exiting. But I had heard one of the government officials promising some of the journalists &ldquo;an interaction&rdquo; with the family once they came out. And not so surprisingly, when they exited the building, the Pakistani government&rsquo;s vehicle they were to be transported back was nowhere to be seen, giving enough time for the journalists to hurl taunts at the Indian visitors. As the four-wheeler arrived and the guests sat inside it, another journalist went even one step further and started to chant &ldquo;Pakistan Zindabad&rdquo; (Long-live Pakistan). This riled up others around too, and soon a large number of them joined in the chorus. Only once the vehicle was out of sight did they stop their self-perceived patriotic demeanor.

&nbsp;

While all this may have taken then less than ten minutes to transpire, it left me in a shock. Also, I felt like I was the only one who thought this was wrong, as I saw most of my brethren pack-up and move away from the location. Some of them even laughed about how they did a great job.

&nbsp;

I thought of talking to the foreign office officials about it, since they could perhaps put some sense into the reporters who misbehaved this way. But I stopped myself short of doing so, when I received a message, sent out to journalists on the Pakistani Foreign Office WhatsApp list, thanking everyone for &ldquo;being responsible media.&rdquo;

&nbsp;

I did not know what else to do but to report it for my channel. But I also decided to tweet about it &ndash; not only vent out the disgust I felt but also tell my neighbors that among the journalists present to cover the meeting between Jadhav and his family, reporters like me were also present who have publicly condemned such conduct by my fellow colleagues. Thankfully, the tweet has gone viral since then. And while the Indians may think that all Pakistani media personnel is unprofessional, I hope to give them a reason to think otherwise.

&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

I received a message, sent out to journalists on the Pakistani Foreign Office WhatsApp list, thanking everyone for ?being responsible media.?

When the Pakistani government announced that they would allow the family of Kulbushan Jadhav to visit Islamabad and meet with the imprisoned Indian in Pakistan, it seemed like relations between the two neighbors were going to move in a positive direction, and that too after a long time. But this hope for progress was short-lived, and if anything, the relations have actually worsened, ever since 25th of December when the wife and mother of Mr. Jadhav met him at the Ministry of Foreign Office’s compound in the Pakistani capital. Shortly after the meeting, the Ministry of External Affairs in Delhi lambasted the treatment Jadhav’s family received during their one-day-long stay in Pakistan. Their counterparts in Islamabad refuted the accusations of ill-treatment, citing security protocol for the treatment the two women were subjected to. Insiders say that the meet-up was not in the hands of the civilian authorities, and the military was in charge of all affairs and therefore concerns for security overshadowed considerations for hospitality. Adding fuel to this fire is the Line of Control (LoC), which has also heated up, and may very well be linked to the fall-out from the Jadhav meet-up. But as is always the case with the LoC – both sides have a different version of what has happened there and it is almost impossible to independently verify the information disseminated by the militaries on both sides. In this latest cross-border incident, Pakistan claims to have lost three of its soldiers while thwarting an Indian-backed non-state actors’ infiltration bid. The government further claimed that the non-state actors were attempting to plant mines on the Pakistani side of the border. On the other hand, India says its soldiers went inside Pakistani territory and killed three enemy soldiers in retaliation to Indian uniformed men killed a day earlier. What really happened? We may never get to know. And while on both sides the military guns have gone silent for now, the diplomatic spat continues with the latest controversy surfaced on Wednesday over the missing shoes of the wife of Jadhav, which the Pakistani officials confiscated, claiming that the shoes had some metallic object hidden in them. The shoe has been sent for testing at a lab. Somedays we do a story tht disgusts us. Today was one such day. But it wasnt cuz of what I covered. Rather it was cuz of how my fellow journos behaved with mother & wife of #KulbushanJadhav whn they left FO building. They shouted taunts. It was very shameful — Taha Siddiqui (@TahaSSiddiqui) December 25, 2017 × As a Pakistani journalist working for an Indian news outlet, I have been covering all of the happenings closely, and most of it is repetitive of what I have seen before, thus making it quite predictable. But there is one aspect this time that was and continues to surprise or rather shock me: the behavior of my fellow journalists who waited alongside me at the Pakistan Foreign Office complex for the arrival and exit of Jadhav’s relatives accompanied by an Indian diplomat. Many of these journalists are familiar faces at Foreign Office briefings and have a number of years of experience before being allotted such an important news beat to cover. And yet on Monday, when they were covering the meet-up, they seemed to have lost all sense of ethics when it comes to reporting. In my profession, it is understandable to ask questions even if the subject is unwilling to answer them, and since the advent of television news, such interactions are often aired to show the audience the reluctance of the subjects being covered and make a point. But that day, the reporters did not ask questions, especially when the family was leaving the venue. They shouted accusations, allegations and slogans at the two women who may have met their loved one for the last time, given that Jadhav is on death row and can be executed any day. Whatever his alleged crimes are, the two women did not deserve such harassment, and that too from supposedly trained professionals. One reporter screamed how Jadhav’s mother felt “being a parent to a terrorist?” Another one asked the wife if she supported her husband who was “a killer of hundreds of Pakistanis?” Another one asked if the women “felt ashamed of his activities?” The Pakistani Foreign Office had ensured that the reporters stayed at a distance so there was no up close interaction, and we did stand at a distance from the trio when they were exiting. But I had heard one of the government officials promising some of the journalists “an interaction” with the family once they came out. And not so surprisingly, when they exited the building, the Pakistani government’s vehicle they were to be transported back was nowhere to be seen, giving enough time for the journalists to hurl taunts at the Indian visitors. As the four-wheeler arrived and the guests sat inside it, another journalist went even one step further and started to chant “Pakistan Zindabad” (Long-live Pakistan). This riled up others around too, and soon a large number of them joined in the chorus. Only once the vehicle was out of sight did they stop their self-perceived patriotic demeanor. While all this may have taken then less than ten minutes to transpire, it left me in a shock. Also, I felt like I was the only one who thought this was wrong, as I saw most of my brethren pack-up and move away from the location. Some of them even laughed about how they did a great job. I thought of talking to the foreign office officials about it, since they could perhaps put some sense into the reporters who misbehaved this way. But I stopped myself short of doing so, when I received a message, sent out to journalists on the Pakistani Foreign Office WhatsApp list, thanking everyone for “being responsible media.” I did not know what else to do but to report it for my channel. But I also decided to tweet about it – not only vent out the disgust I felt but also tell my neighbors that among the journalists present to cover the meeting between Jadhav and his family, reporters like me were also present who have publicly condemned such conduct by my fellow colleagues. Thankfully, the tweet has gone viral since then. And while the Indians may think that all Pakistani media personnel is unprofessional, I hope to give them a reason to think otherwise. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

Opinion: Why I am disgusted at the unethical way Pakistan treated Jadhav's family

Jailed Indian National Kulbhushan <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-hidden-camera-or-recording-chip-found-in-chetnas-shoe-27916" target="_blank">Jadhav was programmed to stick to a script </a>and repeat whatever Pakistan has wrongly charged him with, during his meeting with mother and wife in Islamabad on December 25, as per media reports.

Despite meeting his family after 22 long months of captivity, Jadhav bizarrely greeted the two when brought face to face. &nbsp;

During his 40 minutes long meeting, Jadhav parroted the script handed over by Pakistan that he was indeed an Indian spy.&nbsp;

However, Jadhav&#39;s mother Avanti, who was initially stunned, soon understood what was happening and interrupted him asking to reveal the truth and not to parrot the script handed to him by his captors.&nbsp;

&quot;But why are you saying all this? You were doing business in Iran from where you were abducted. You must tell the truth,&quot; Avanti said.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sushma-swaraj-speaks-on-jadhav-row-says-pakistani-claims-of-hidden-camera-absurd-27932" target="_blank">Sushma Swaraj speaks on Jadhav row, says Pakistani claims of hidden camera absurd</a>

The three were not allowed to speak in Marathi, and when Jadhav&#39;s mother tried to communicate in their regional language, he did not reciprocate.

From removing bangles, bindi and mangal sutra of Jadhav&#39;s wife to preventing his mother to speak in her mother tongue, Pakistani officials harassed the two before their 40 minutes meeting with him.

Chetankul Jadhav&#39;s shoes were also not returned as Pakistan claimed there was something metallic in them and they are being examined by forensic experts.

The Indian Parliament witnessed protests after Opposition condemned the way Pakistan humiliated the family of&nbsp;Jadhav in Islamabad.&nbsp;

Union External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Wednesday announced to address both the houses on the treatment of Jadhav&#39;s family in Pakistan. 
&nbsp;

Jadhav bizarrely greeted the two when brought face to face

Jailed Indian National Kulbhushan Jadhav was programmed to stick to a script and repeat whatever Pakistan has wrongly charged him with, during his meeting with mother and wife in Islamabad on December 25, as per media reports. Despite meeting his family after 22 long months of captivity, Jadhav bizarrely greeted the two when brought face to face. During his 40 minutes long meeting, Jadhav parroted the script handed over by Pakistan that he was indeed an Indian spy. However, Jadhav's mother Avanti, who was initially stunned, soon understood what was happening and interrupted him asking to reveal the truth and not to parrot the script handed to him by his captors. "But why are you saying all this? You were doing business in Iran from where you were abducted. You must tell the truth," Avanti said. Also read: Sushma Swaraj speaks on Jadhav row, says Pakistani claims of hidden camera absurd The three were not allowed to speak in Marathi, and when Jadhav's mother tried to communicate in their regional language, he did not reciprocate. From removing bangles, bindi and mangal sutra of Jadhav's wife to preventing his mother to speak in her mother tongue, Pakistani officials harassed the two before their 40 minutes meeting with him. Chetankul Jadhav's shoes were also not returned as Pakistan claimed there was something metallic in them and they are being examined by forensic experts. The Indian Parliament witnessed protests after Opposition condemned the way Pakistan humiliated the family of Jadhav in Islamabad. Union External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Wednesday announced to address both the houses on the treatment of Jadhav's family in Pakistan.

Kulbhushan Jadhav parroted script given by Pakistan during meeting with family, mother foils attempt: Reports

The government and the opposition used the Kulbhusan Jadhav issue to work out their row, which had stalled Parliament for the last two weeks, but news reports said Thursday that another one was brewing over Karnataka BJP MP Ananth Kumar Hegde&#39;s <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/those-who-call-themselves-secular-dont-know-about-their-parentage-mp-ananth-kumar-hegde-27714" target="_blank">statements</a> on secular people not knowing their parentage and changing the constitution.&nbsp;

The impasse had begun over Prime Minister Narendra Modi&#39;s <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/modi-claims-pakistan-trying-to-influence-gujarat-elections-26391" target="_blank">statement</a> while campaigning for the Gujarat election that Congress leaders were conspiring with Pakistan to affect the outcome of the Gujarat election.&nbsp;

The impasse had hit the winter session of Parliament, with the Congress demanding an apology from the prime minister on the floor of the house.&nbsp;

The Congress had later -- after the BJP had said there was no apology coming -- watered down its demand for an apology to asking for a clarification.&nbsp;

In the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday, Leader of the House Arun Jaitley said Modi in his statements and speeches, &quot;did not question nor did he mean to question the commitment to this nation either by Dr Manmohan Singh, the former Prime Minister, or Hamid Ansari, the former vice president.&quot;

&quot;Any such perception is completely erroneous. We hold these leaders in high esteem, as also their commitment to this nation,&quot; Jaitley said.

Responding to his statement, Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad said: &quot;I want to thank the Leader of the House that he issued a clarification on the issue which was causing the deadlock.&quot;

&quot;If during the elections, any member of our party gave such a statement that was against the stature of the prime minister, then our party dissociates itself from any such statement and we would not want any word to be said against the stature of the prime minister,&quot; Azad said.

News reports said Thursday that it was a formal meeting between Jaitley and and Azad earlier and other informal meetings that helped break the deadlock.&nbsp;

Azad later said the Congress wanted to discuss the treatment meted out by Pakistan to Kulbhushan Jadhav&#39;s wife and mother.&nbsp;

Azad was reported as saying that &quot;for us it is India first and opposition second&quot;.&nbsp;

He added that &quot;we want to raise our voice for a fellow citizen&quot;.&nbsp;

But the reports added that while the government and opposition had shut down one front, they had opened another.&nbsp;

On Wednesday, the opposition forced the shutdown of the Lok Sabha a number of times.&nbsp;

Apart from taking offence to his comments on secularism, the opposition also accused Hegde -- he is a union minister -- of disrespecting the architect of the constitution BR Ambedkar by saying &quot;we are here to change it&quot;.&nbsp;

The government has since distanced itself from Hegde&#39;s comments but the opposition says he should either apologise or quit.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)

Ghulam Nabi Azad said the Congress had wanted to talk about Kulbhushan Jadhav which was proving impossible in a checkmated winter session of Parliament

The government and the opposition used the Kulbhusan Jadhav issue to work out their row, which had stalled Parliament for the last two weeks, but news reports said Thursday that another one was brewing over Karnataka BJP MP Ananth Kumar Hegde's statements on secular people not knowing their parentage and changing the constitution. The impasse had begun over Prime Minister Narendra Modi's statement while campaigning for the Gujarat election that Congress leaders were conspiring with Pakistan to affect the outcome of the Gujarat election. The impasse had hit the winter session of Parliament, with the Congress demanding an apology from the prime minister on the floor of the house. The Congress had later -- after the BJP had said there was no apology coming -- watered down its demand for an apology to asking for a clarification. In the Rajya Sabha on Wednesday, Leader of the House Arun Jaitley said Modi in his statements and speeches, "did not question nor did he mean to question the commitment to this nation either by Dr Manmohan Singh, the former Prime Minister, or Hamid Ansari, the former vice president." "Any such perception is completely erroneous. We hold these leaders in high esteem, as also their commitment to this nation," Jaitley said. Responding to his statement, Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad said: "I want to thank the Leader of the House that he issued a clarification on the issue which was causing the deadlock." "If during the elections, any member of our party gave such a statement that was against the stature of the prime minister, then our party dissociates itself from any such statement and we would not want any word to be said against the stature of the prime minister," Azad said. News reports said Thursday that it was a formal meeting between Jaitley and and Azad earlier and other informal meetings that helped break the deadlock. Azad later said the Congress wanted to discuss the treatment meted out by Pakistan to Kulbhushan Jadhav's wife and mother. Azad was reported as saying that "for us it is India first and opposition second". He added that "we want to raise our voice for a fellow citizen". But the reports added that while the government and opposition had shut down one front, they had opened another. On Wednesday, the opposition forced the shutdown of the Lok Sabha a number of times. Apart from taking offence to his comments on secularism, the opposition also accused Hegde -- he is a union minister -- of disrespecting the architect of the constitution BR Ambedkar by saying "we are here to change it". The government has since distanced itself from Hegde's comments but the opposition says he should either apologise or quit. (With inputs from PTI)

Government, opposition use Jadhav issue to end deadlock, but another brews

The Pakistan Army today rejected claims that the Indian commandos selectively targeted a post across the Line of Control killing three Pakistani soldiers in a tit-for-tat action.

Army spokesman Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor also said the armed forces are fully prepared to meet any eventuality.

&quot;India recently claimed that 10 of their soldiers came in Pakistan&#39;s territory and killed Pakistani soldiers,&quot; he said, adding this is all &quot;false propaganda&quot; for their domestic audience to take the focus off Kashmir.

Addressing the media in Rawalpindi, Maj Gen Ghafoor also termed last year&#39;s &quot;surgical strike&quot; by India across LoC as &quot;false propaganda&quot;. &quot;You cannot lure us into such unprofessional undertakings.&quot;

The Indian Army sources in New Delhi earlier this week said a &quot;small group&quot; of &#39;Ghatak&#39; commandos carried out a tactical level selective targeting of the Pakistani post around 200-300 metres across the

LoC in which three Pakistani soldiers were killed and one was injured.

The operation is seen as avenging the killing of four Indian Army personnel by a Border Action Team of the Pakistan Army in Keri sector Rajouri district last week.

Maj Gen Ghafoor also rejected Indian concerns over treatment of Kulbushan Jadhav&#39;s family and said the Foreign Office had already given a detailed response to it.

&quot;India always looks to reduce the relevance of any gestures that Pakistan makes. However, every effort that anti-Pakistan elements make, we will counter,&quot; he said.

&quot;Even if we do something as a good gesture, the Indian media will colour it in a negative light. We allowed Jadhav to meet his family as a responsible state,&quot; he added.

He also accused India of a record number of ceasefire violation in 2017, which he claimed was being done to divert attention of Pakistan from fighting terrorism on its western border.

The spokesman also reiterated Pakistan&#39;s &quot;moral, political, and diplomatic support&quot; to Kashmiris.

He rejected the US demand to do more and Washington&#39;s allegations about the presence of &quot;safe havens&quot; of terrorists.

Ghafoor said Pakistan had fought against militants without any discrimination and destroyed their infrastructure.

&quot;No organised infrastructure of any banned organisation is present in Pakistan. There are no facilitators [of terrorist groups] in Pakistan and we have gone a long way towards supporting peace in the region,&quot; he said.

The spokesman also rejected US Vice President Mike Pence&#39;s remarks in Afghanistan wherein he had said that US had put Pakistan on notice. &quot;What kind of friends are we that we are being given notices,&quot; Ghafoor said.

When asked about former military ruler Pervez Musharraf&#39;s recent statements regarding &quot;rogue elements&quot; being responsible for Benazir Bhutto&#39;s death, he said: &quot;I am the spokesperson for the sitting army chief and the media should ask Musharraf to defend his own statements. As of now, I can say that there are no rogue elements within the Pakistan Army.&quot;

He also responded to a question that Maryam Nawaz and Nawaz Sharif were allegedly targeting armed forces.

&quot;We will maintain our silence on the matter as Pakistan&#39;s armed forces are well aware of the threats and challenges we are facing and our achievements against them; thus we will not be distracted,&quot; he said.

He said it was for the people to decide if there was a conspiracy against someone.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The spokesman also rejected US Vice President Mike Pence's remarks in Afghanistan wherein he had said that US had put Pakistan on notice

The Pakistan Army today rejected claims that the Indian commandos selectively targeted a post across the Line of Control killing three Pakistani soldiers in a tit-for-tat action. Army spokesman Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor also said the armed forces are fully prepared to meet any eventuality. "India recently claimed that 10 of their soldiers came in Pakistan's territory and killed Pakistani soldiers," he said, adding this is all "false propaganda" for their domestic audience to take the focus off Kashmir. Addressing the media in Rawalpindi, Maj Gen Ghafoor also termed last year's "surgical strike" by India across LoC as "false propaganda". "You cannot lure us into such unprofessional undertakings." The Indian Army sources in New Delhi earlier this week said a "small group" of 'Ghatak' commandos carried out a tactical level selective targeting of the Pakistani post around 200-300 metres across the LoC in which three Pakistani soldiers were killed and one was injured. The operation is seen as avenging the killing of four Indian Army personnel by a Border Action Team of the Pakistan Army in Keri sector Rajouri district last week. Maj Gen Ghafoor also rejected Indian concerns over treatment of Kulbushan Jadhav's family and said the Foreign Office had already given a detailed response to it. "India always looks to reduce the relevance of any gestures that Pakistan makes. However, every effort that anti-Pakistan elements make, we will counter," he said. "Even if we do something as a good gesture, the Indian media will colour it in a negative light. We allowed Jadhav to meet his family as a responsible state," he added. He also accused India of a record number of ceasefire violation in 2017, which he claimed was being done to divert attention of Pakistan from fighting terrorism on its western border. The spokesman also reiterated Pakistan's "moral, political, and diplomatic support" to Kashmiris. He rejected the US demand to do more and Washington's allegations about the presence of "safe havens" of terrorists. Ghafoor said Pakistan had fought against militants without any discrimination and destroyed their infrastructure. "No organised infrastructure of any banned organisation is present in Pakistan. There are no facilitators [of terrorist groups] in Pakistan and we have gone a long way towards supporting peace in the region," he said. The spokesman also rejected US Vice President Mike Pence's remarks in Afghanistan wherein he had said that US had put Pakistan on notice. "What kind of friends are we that we are being given notices," Ghafoor said. When asked about former military ruler Pervez Musharraf's recent statements regarding "rogue elements" being responsible for Benazir Bhutto's death, he said: "I am the spokesperson for the sitting army chief and the media should ask Musharraf to defend his own statements. As of now, I can say that there are no rogue elements within the Pakistan Army." He also responded to a question that Maryam Nawaz and Nawaz Sharif were allegedly targeting armed forces. "We will maintain our silence on the matter as Pakistan's armed forces are well aware of the threats and challenges we are facing and our achievements against them; thus we will not be distracted," he said. He said it was for the people to decide if there was a conspiracy against someone.

Pak Army denies claim that Indian commandos carried out cross-border raids

Jailed Indian national Kulbhushan Jadhav was shocked to see his mother without her &#39;mangal sutra&#39; and &#39;vermillion,&#39; compelling him to ask about his father first, during the 40 minutes meeting with his family in Islamabad on December 25.&nbsp;

Thinking of something unfortunate might have happened while he was not around, Jadhav asked &#39;baba kaise hai&#39; (How is father), as informed by Sushma Swaraj in Parliament today. &nbsp;&nbsp;

The External Affairs Minister described the meeting as a propaganda by Pakistan, adding that an environment of fear was created for Jadhav&#39;s kin and both were made to look like widows.

&quot;Jadhav Ji&#39;s mother, who only wears a saree, was forced to wear salwar-kurta. Bindi, bangles and mangalsutras of both women were removed. Both the married women were made to like widows,&quot; Sushma said.

&quot;Kulbhushan Jadhav&#39;s mother was not allowed to speak in Marathi. Two Pakistani officials present in the meeting kept stopping her repeatedly, and when she continued, the intercom was switched off,&quot; she added.

Meanwhile, leader of the Opposition of Rajya Sabha, Ghulam Nabi Azad condemned Pakistan&#39;s misbehavior as one targeted towards Indians on the whole, and not just Jadhav and his family.

Jadhav thought something unfortunate might have happened while he was not around

Jailed Indian national Kulbhushan Jadhav was shocked to see his mother without her 'mangal sutra' and 'vermillion,' compelling him to ask about his father first, during the 40 minutes meeting with his family in Islamabad on December 25. Thinking of something unfortunate might have happened while he was not around, Jadhav asked 'baba kaise hai' (How is father), as informed by Sushma Swaraj in Parliament today. The External Affairs Minister described the meeting as a propaganda by Pakistan, adding that an environment of fear was created for Jadhav's kin and both were made to look like widows. "Jadhav Ji's mother, who only wears a saree, was forced to wear salwar-kurta. Bindi, bangles and mangalsutras of both women were removed. Both the married women were made to like widows," Sushma said. "Kulbhushan Jadhav's mother was not allowed to speak in Marathi. Two Pakistani officials present in the meeting kept stopping her repeatedly, and when she continued, the intercom was switched off," she added. Meanwhile, leader of the Opposition of Rajya Sabha, Ghulam Nabi Azad condemned Pakistan's misbehavior as one targeted towards Indians on the whole, and not just Jadhav and his family.

'Baba kaise hai', asked Kulbhushan Jadhav on seeing his mother without 'mangal sutra' in Islamabad

Enter Bohri Bazar through the middle street across the Nimco shop in Saddar and you will see a multitude of people trying to strike deals with shopkeepers for a reasonably priced and sized Christmas tree. In these shops, you will also find everything needed for decorating trees and homes ahead of Christmas day.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Over the years, Saddar became home to many Goan Catholic community members. In Saddar is situated the St. Patrick&rsquo;s Cathedral, other community affiliations, including the Karachi Goan Association, Goan Union Hall and the now lesser well-known Portuguese Club. The locality had some of the city&rsquo;s oldest and well-known Goan bakeries.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

These days between December 10th -20th, many Christian families avail the free baking service offered by United Bakery. The freshly mixed batter is taken to the bakery and customers are informed about pick-up times. United Bakery and J.C. Misquita Bakery also sell a range of traditional Christmas sweets from almond and walnut toffees to marzipan and Goan traditional sweets, such as neuris (semonlina and coconut filled pastries) and kulkuls (curled and fried snacks). &nbsp;

&nbsp;

There is no doubt that these can ever be compared to those made in a Goan Catholic home where each participating family member are assigned roles. They cut bits of dried fruits for the rum-infused cake, kneading cheese straw dough or constantly stir toffee on the stove top to maintain its right consistency and never leaving the deep frying heated wok empty without the next round of rose de coque. Crispo and J.C. Misquita bakeries have crowds queuing to take home dozens of hot cross buns during the Holy Week. Likewise, the demand for Christmas cakes and sweets is placed ahead of time before orders close.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

For many Christian families in Karachi, Christmas begins with the season of the Advent, and preparation for the birth of Christ is encouraged spiritually. The season also kicks in with Christmas plays at local charities and churches along with parties for children and Carol nights for all.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Midnight mass services across the city these days have heightened security. In the past, very many Catholics would be spotted with their non-Christian friends at a bi-lingual midnight mass. &ldquo;We don&rsquo;t keep out anyone, all we do is request ahead of time that everybody carry their CNICs. It just helps with identification and we already get people to pass through security checks,&rdquo; says one of the security personnel at a church located in Cantt. The uncertain security situation gives rise to different policies applied by different churches.

&nbsp;

A few others on Christmas Day can be seen at the Gora Qabaristan (Christian cemetery) to visit deceased loved-ones. However, traditional family lunches and dinners continue in homes, and many restaurants, upscale hotels and eateries offer Christmas specials. Agha&rsquo;s, a high-end store located in the Clifton area, annually sells uncooked turkey. While most families opt for cozy home-cooked meals, the Goan community members are often seen picking the best cuts from their butchers.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

A must-have at most Goan homes is sorpotel. This dish consisting usually of finely chopped beef along with liver and a selection of organ meats is cooked in a spicy gravy with vinegar. If you are lucky to have a Goan friend still around in Karachi then grab a bite of the divine vindalo. Cooked with cumin, ginger, garlic, and chillies as essential ingredients make for the scrumptious red masala (spiced curry) with pieces of any choice of meat and significant amounts of vinegar. In Konkani dialect spoken by the Goan community, &lsquo;vin&rsquo; means vinegar and &lsquo;alo&rsquo; means garlic.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

But the real treat it to witness a Konkani theater play at the Karachi Goan Association or hear some of its actors sing hymns in Konkani.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

In post-independent Karachi, a host of multiple apartments was purchased by Christian families where traditions of Christmas parties, dances, winter bonfires, and food fairs continued within their navigable compounds. To this date, some of these apartments including the cooperative housing societies in Saddar and Doli Khatta are beautifully decorated with Christmas festive lights, a huge star or two, and the nativity scene. The popularity of these buildings for their decorations through the 1980s until the mid-1990s was an open invite for just about anybody with a camera or a child when building security rules were loosened.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

For adolescent carol singers in the 1990s, these buildings felt like 777 winnings and a bonus feature for a cutely dressed Santa as they went knocking door to door. Even marginalised members of Karachi&rsquo;s transgender community were then spotted inside these buildings eager to celebrate Christmas cheer. They developed a taste for what they referred to as papri but were Goan Christmas treats of voras (deep fried savory flour crispies) and neuris (deep fried sweet coconut dumplings).

&nbsp;

Karachi is experiencing a dramatic transformation in the number of Goan Catholic families. Konkani is now rarely heard in the markets of Saddar among folks buying the catch of the day. This large loss of cultural diversity for Karachi is no hidden shame. It is well-known by the country&rsquo;s consistent shrinking space for minorities and, especially, that felt by the Christians after Governor Salmaan Taseer&rsquo;s murder. It now may seem strange that this vibrant community, driven by self-interest, opted to move to Karachi which was the greener pastures of the 1800s.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

I tried giving this deep thought by recalling why hope reigned even in the 1940s and 1950s for Goan Catholics migrating to the port city. But I failed, as Christian values and self-interest appear at odds. For I know that Goan Catholics will always cherish service and societal contributions even if their fellow countrymen have reaped gains in education, hospitals, music, and other avenues with only too few acknowledging it. However, it does leaves me wondering whether the present bits of existence will be able to revive the richness of Goan culture as I recall the voice of legendary musician and a dear friend of my parents, (late) Allan Goveas&rsquo; song, &ldquo;Pakistan Forever&rdquo;.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

At the same time, I hope this reveals an opportunity for the government to work together in preserving the value and contributions of this once vibrant community. I wish a peaceful Christmas in Pakistan and that more of my non-Christian friends&rsquo; palates knew of Lawerence bakery&rsquo;s prawn patties, P.F. Pereira&rsquo;s hang out for bunking Sunday service, and dances on the floors of Paradise Hotel.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

&nbsp;

Karachi is experiencing a dramatic transformation in the number of Goan Catholic families, but still the city dress-up and celebrates amidst tight security.

Enter Bohri Bazar through the middle street across the Nimco shop in Saddar and you will see a multitude of people trying to strike deals with shopkeepers for a reasonably priced and sized Christmas tree. In these shops, you will also find everything needed for decorating trees and homes ahead of Christmas day. Over the years, Saddar became home to many Goan Catholic community members. In Saddar is situated the St. Patrick’s Cathedral, other community affiliations, including the Karachi Goan Association, Goan Union Hall and the now lesser well-known Portuguese Club. The locality had some of the city’s oldest and well-known Goan bakeries. These days between December 10th -20th, many Christian families avail the free baking service offered by United Bakery. The freshly mixed batter is taken to the bakery and customers are informed about pick-up times. United Bakery and J.C. Misquita Bakery also sell a range of traditional Christmas sweets from almond and walnut toffees to marzipan and Goan traditional sweets, such as neuris (semonlina and coconut filled pastries) and kulkuls (curled and fried snacks). There is no doubt that these can ever be compared to those made in a Goan Catholic home where each participating family member are assigned roles. They cut bits of dried fruits for the rum-infused cake, kneading cheese straw dough or constantly stir toffee on the stove top to maintain its right consistency and never leaving the deep frying heated wok empty without the next round of rose de coque. Crispo and J.C. Misquita bakeries have crowds queuing to take home dozens of hot cross buns during the Holy Week. Likewise, the demand for Christmas cakes and sweets is placed ahead of time before orders close. For many Christian families in Karachi, Christmas begins with the season of the Advent, and preparation for the birth of Christ is encouraged spiritually. The season also kicks in with Christmas plays at local charities and churches along with parties for children and Carol nights for all. Midnight mass services across the city these days have heightened security. In the past, very many Catholics would be spotted with their non-Christian friends at a bi-lingual midnight mass. “We don’t keep out anyone, all we do is request ahead of time that everybody carry their CNICs. It just helps with identification and we already get people to pass through security checks,” says one of the security personnel at a church located in Cantt. The uncertain security situation gives rise to different policies applied by different churches. A few others on Christmas Day can be seen at the Gora Qabaristan (Christian cemetery) to visit deceased loved-ones. However, traditional family lunches and dinners continue in homes, and many restaurants, upscale hotels and eateries offer Christmas specials. Agha’s, a high-end store located in the Clifton area, annually sells uncooked turkey. While most families opt for cozy home-cooked meals, the Goan community members are often seen picking the best cuts from their butchers. A must-have at most Goan homes is sorpotel. This dish consisting usually of finely chopped beef along with liver and a selection of organ meats is cooked in a spicy gravy with vinegar. If you are lucky to have a Goan friend still around in Karachi then grab a bite of the divine vindalo. Cooked with cumin, ginger, garlic, and chillies as essential ingredients make for the scrumptious red masala (spiced curry) with pieces of any choice of meat and significant amounts of vinegar. In Konkani dialect spoken by the Goan community, ‘vin’ means vinegar and ‘alo’ means garlic. But the real treat it to witness a Konkani theater play at the Karachi Goan Association or hear some of its actors sing hymns in Konkani. In post-independent Karachi, a host of multiple apartments was purchased by Christian families where traditions of Christmas parties, dances, winter bonfires, and food fairs continued within their navigable compounds. To this date, some of these apartments including the cooperative housing societies in Saddar and Doli Khatta are beautifully decorated with Christmas festive lights, a huge star or two, and the nativity scene. The popularity of these buildings for their decorations through the 1980s until the mid-1990s was an open invite for just about anybody with a camera or a child when building security rules were loosened. For adolescent carol singers in the 1990s, these buildings felt like 777 winnings and a bonus feature for a cutely dressed Santa as they went knocking door to door. Even marginalised members of Karachi’s transgender community were then spotted inside these buildings eager to celebrate Christmas cheer. They developed a taste for what they referred to as papri but were Goan Christmas treats of voras (deep fried savory flour crispies) and neuris (deep fried sweet coconut dumplings). Karachi is experiencing a dramatic transformation in the number of Goan Catholic families. Konkani is now rarely heard in the markets of Saddar among folks buying the catch of the day. This large loss of cultural diversity for Karachi is no hidden shame. It is well-known by the country’s consistent shrinking space for minorities and, especially, that felt by the Christians after Governor Salmaan Taseer’s murder. It now may seem strange that this vibrant community, driven by self-interest, opted to move to Karachi which was the greener pastures of the 1800s. I tried giving this deep thought by recalling why hope reigned even in the 1940s and 1950s for Goan Catholics migrating to the port city. But I failed, as Christian values and self-interest appear at odds. For I know that Goan Catholics will always cherish service and societal contributions even if their fellow countrymen have reaped gains in education, hospitals, music, and other avenues with only too few acknowledging it. However, it does leaves me wondering whether the present bits of existence will be able to revive the richness of Goan culture as I recall the voice of legendary musician and a dear friend of my parents, (late) Allan Goveas’ song, “Pakistan Forever”. At the same time, I hope this reveals an opportunity for the government to work together in preserving the value and contributions of this once vibrant community. I wish a peaceful Christmas in Pakistan and that more of my non-Christian friends’ palates knew of Lawerence bakery’s prawn patties, P.F. Pereira’s hang out for bunking Sunday service, and dances on the floors of Paradise Hotel. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

Opinion: Christmas, Santa Claus and Goan Christians in Pakistan

&nbsp;

<a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/Pakistan" pg="AS1_InlineMedia#AS1_https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/there-was-something-in-her-shoes-says-pakistan-about-confiscating-footwear-of-jadhavs-wife/articleshow/62262587.cms~Pakistan-https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/Pakistan">Pakistan</a>&nbsp;today rejected as &quot;baseless&quot; India&#39;s contention&nbsp;that&nbsp;Kulbhushan Jadhav&#39;s family was harassed&nbsp;and claimed that his wife&#39;s shoes were confiscated on security grounds as there was &quot;something&quot; in it.

The&nbsp;<a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/Foreign-Office" pg="AS1_InlineMedia#AS1_https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/there-was-something-in-her-shoes-says-pakistan-about-confiscating-footwear-of-jadhavs-wife/articleshow/62262587.cms~Foreign Office-https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/Foreign-Office">Foreign Office</a>&nbsp;in a statement said that Pakistan does not wish to indulge in a &quot;meaningless battle of words&quot; and categorically rejects India&#39;s baseless &quot;allegations and twists&quot; about attitude of authorities during Jadhav&#39;s meeting with his wife and mother.

&quot;The Indian baseless allegations and twists, that come 24 hrs later, about the visit of the wife and mother of Commander Jadhav, a convicted terrorist and spy, who has confessed to his crimes, are categorically rejected,&quot; the statement said. 
 
&quot;If Indian concerns were serious, the guests or the Indian DHC should have raised them during the visit, with the media, which was readily available, but at a safe distance, as requested by India,&quot; it said. 
 
&quot;We do not wish to indulge in a meaningless battle of words. Our openness and transparency belie these allegations,&quot; it said. 
 
Responding to India&#39;s contentions that Jadhav&#39;s wife&#39;s shoes were not returned to her after the meeting, Foreign Office spokesman&nbsp;<a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/Muhammad-Faisal" pg="AS1_InlineMedia#AS1_https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/there-was-something-in-her-shoes-says-pakistan-about-confiscating-footwear-of-jadhavs-wife/articleshow/62262587.cms~Muhammad Faisal-https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/Muhammad-Faisal">Muhammad Faisal</a>&nbsp;told DawnNews that the shoes were confiscated on &quot;security grounds&quot;. 
 
&quot;There was something in the shoe (of Jadhav&#39;s wife),&quot; Faisal told the daily, adding that the shoe is being investigated. 
 
He said Jadhav&#39;s wife had been provided replacement shoes and all her jewellery was returned to her. 
 
The spokesman said that the fact is that Jadhav&#39;s mother &quot;publicly thanked Pakistan for the humanitarian gesture, which was also recorded by the media.&quot; 
 
&quot;Nothing more needs to be said on the issue,&quot; he said. 
 
India today accused Pakistan of violating mutual understandings on Jadhav&#39;s meeting with his family and said the Indian national appeared coerced and under considerable stress during the tightly-controlled interaction. 
 
India also accused Pakistan of disregarding cultural and religious sensibilities of family members under the pretext of security. 
 
&quot;This included removal of mangal sutra, bangles and bindi, as well as a change in attire that was not warranted by security,&quot; it said.

During yesterday&#39;s meeting, whose pictures were released by Pakistan, Jadhav was seen sitting behind a glass screen while his mother and wife sat on the other side. They spoke through intercom and the entire 40-minute proceedings appeared to have been recorded on video.

India said that &quot;for some inexplicable reason, despite her repeated requests&quot;, Jadhav&#39;s wife&#39;s shoes were not returned to her after the meeting.

Jadhav, who was captured in March last year, was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court for alleged spying, an accusation that India has dismissed as concocted. 
 
New Delhi says Jadhav was kidnapped in&nbsp;<a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/Iran" pg="AS1_InlineMedia#AS1_https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/there-was-something-in-her-shoes-says-pakistan-about-confiscating-footwear-of-jadhavs-wife/articleshow/62262587.cms~Iran-https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/Iran">Iran</a>where he had legitimate business interests, and brought to Pakistan. To save Jadhav, India moved the&nbsp;<a href="https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/International-Court-of-Justice" pg="AS1_InlineMedia#AS1_https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/there-was-something-in-her-shoes-says-pakistan-about-confiscating-footwear-of-jadhavs-wife/articleshow/62262587.cms~International Court of Justice-https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/topic/International-Court-of-Justice">International Court of Justice</a> ,&nbsp;which ordered Pakistan in May to stay his execution.

Pakistan claimed that his wife's shoes were confiscated on security grounds as there was something in it

Pakistan today rejected as "baseless" India's contention that Kulbhushan Jadhav's family was harassed and claimed that his wife's shoes were confiscated on security grounds as there was "something" in it. The Foreign Office in a statement said that Pakistan does not wish to indulge in a "meaningless battle of words" and categorically rejects India's baseless "allegations and twists" about attitude of authorities during Jadhav's meeting with his wife and mother. "The Indian baseless allegations and twists, that come 24 hrs later, about the visit of the wife and mother of Commander Jadhav, a convicted terrorist and spy, who has confessed to his crimes, are categorically rejected," the statement said. "If Indian concerns were serious, the guests or the Indian DHC should have raised them during the visit, with the media, which was readily available, but at a safe distance, as requested by India," it said. "We do not wish to indulge in a meaningless battle of words. Our openness and transparency belie these allegations," it said. Responding to India's contentions that Jadhav's wife's shoes were not returned to her after the meeting, Foreign Office spokesman Muhammad Faisal told DawnNews that the shoes were confiscated on "security grounds". "There was something in the shoe (of Jadhav's wife)," Faisal told the daily, adding that the shoe is being investigated. He said Jadhav's wife had been provided replacement shoes and all her jewellery was returned to her. The spokesman said that the fact is that Jadhav's mother "publicly thanked Pakistan for the humanitarian gesture, which was also recorded by the media." "Nothing more needs to be said on the issue," he said. India today accused Pakistan of violating mutual understandings on Jadhav's meeting with his family and said the Indian national appeared coerced and under considerable stress during the tightly-controlled interaction. India also accused Pakistan of disregarding cultural and religious sensibilities of family members under the pretext of security. "This included removal of mangal sutra, bangles and bindi, as well as a change in attire that was not warranted by security," it said. During yesterday's meeting, whose pictures were released by Pakistan, Jadhav was seen sitting behind a glass screen while his mother and wife sat on the other side. They spoke through intercom and the entire 40-minute proceedings appeared to have been recorded on video. India said that "for some inexplicable reason, despite her repeated requests", Jadhav's wife's shoes were not returned to her after the meeting. Jadhav, who was captured in March last year, was sentenced to death by a Pakistani military court for alleged spying, an accusation that India has dismissed as concocted. New Delhi says Jadhav was kidnapped in Iranwhere he had legitimate business interests, and brought to Pakistan. To save Jadhav, India moved the International Court of Justice , which ordered Pakistan in May to stay his execution.

Pakistan rejects India's contention that Kulbhushan Jadhav's family was harassed

Pakistani troops today targeted forward posts along the Line of Control (LoC) in Noushera sector in Jammu and Kashmir for nearly an hour, police said.

The small arms firing from across the border targeting forward posts in Noushera sector started around 9 am.

Indian troops retaliated and the exchange of fire between the two sides continued till 10 am, a police official said.

There was no report of any casualty in the incident, the official said.

The latest ceasefire violation by Pakistan comes five days after Pakistani troops opened fire from across the border, leaving four Army personnel dead and another soldier injured in Keri sector of Rajouri on December 23.

Indian troops also killed three Pakistani troops and injured another in retaliatory action at Rukh Chakri sector in Rawlakot on December 25.

On December 24, Pakistani troops had targeted forward posts and villages in Shahpur sector of Poonch district.

Jammu and Kashmir witnessed a total of 881 ceasefire violations this year, highest in the past seven years, along the LoC and the International Border, resulting in the death of 34 people.

According to officials, Pakistan violated the ceasefire along the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir 771 times till December 10, and 110 times along the IB till November-end.

In these incidents of firing from across the border, 30 people -- 14 Army personnel, 12 civilians and four BSF personnel -- were killed.

The truce between India and Pakistan along the International Border, the Line of Control and the Actual Ground Position Line in Jammu and Kashmir came into force in November 2003.

India shares a 3,323-km-long border with Pakistan of which 221 km of the IB and 740 km of the LoC fall in Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;

There was no report of any casualty in the incident

Pakistani troops today targeted forward posts along the Line of Control (LoC) in Noushera sector in Jammu and Kashmir for nearly an hour, police said. The small arms firing from across the border targeting forward posts in Noushera sector started around 9 am. Indian troops retaliated and the exchange of fire between the two sides continued till 10 am, a police official said. There was no report of any casualty in the incident, the official said. The latest ceasefire violation by Pakistan comes five days after Pakistani troops opened fire from across the border, leaving four Army personnel dead and another soldier injured in Keri sector of Rajouri on December 23. Indian troops also killed three Pakistani troops and injured another in retaliatory action at Rukh Chakri sector in Rawlakot on December 25. On December 24, Pakistani troops had targeted forward posts and villages in Shahpur sector of Poonch district. Jammu and Kashmir witnessed a total of 881 ceasefire violations this year, highest in the past seven years, along the LoC and the International Border, resulting in the death of 34 people. According to officials, Pakistan violated the ceasefire along the LoC in Jammu and Kashmir 771 times till December 10, and 110 times along the IB till November-end. In these incidents of firing from across the border, 30 people -- 14 Army personnel, 12 civilians and four BSF personnel -- were killed. The truce between India and Pakistan along the International Border, the Line of Control and the Actual Ground Position Line in Jammu and Kashmir came into force in November 2003. India shares a 3,323-km-long border with Pakistan of which 221 km of the IB and 740 km of the LoC fall in Jammu and Kashmir.

J&K: Pakistan targets forward posts in Noushera

Former Pakistani prime minister and the president of the Pakistani Muslim League (PML-N), Nawaz Sharif chose his brother who is the current Chief Minister of the Punjab province (Pakistan), Shahbaz Sharif as the (PML)-N&rsquo;s prime ministerial candidate for the 2018 elections. The decision was made during the course of a meeting with senior leaders of the PML-N at Nawaz&rsquo;s Jatti Umra residence on December 20, 2017.

&nbsp;

There will be those who argue that this was very much expected, given the nature of dynastic politics, in general, and the family-centered politics of the PML-N in particular. There is some truth in this, yet it would be important to bear a few facts in mind.

&nbsp;

First, Nawaz Sharif&rsquo;s choice sends a clear message, that the reported strain between both brothers was caused, largely, by the ambitions of their respective children, Maryam Nawaz (daughter of Nawaz Sharif) and Hamza Shahbaz (son of Shahbaz Sharif). But much of the sources, Sharif claims, have been addressed at least for the time being. It would be pertinent to mention, that after the disqualification of Nawaz Sharif, Shahbaz Sharif was expected to be the natural choice as his successor &ndash; both as prime minister and president.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

After his disqualification to hold Public Office by the Pakistan Supreme Court, Nawaz did name Shahbaz Sharif as his successor. Straining relations between both sides, however, resulted in Nawaz choosing current incumbent Abbasi as the interim prime minister. While the reason cited for not appointing Shahbaz as the prime minister in July 2017 was that the party wanted him to remain in Punjab and take care of the implementation of some key projects. A number of analysts believed, that if Shahbaz took over as the prime minister, Hamza Shahbaz would have become the Chief Minister of Punjab.&nbsp; Another point cited to reiterate the strains between Nawaz and Shahbaz families was the point that Hamza was not made in charge of the bye-election of Kulsoom Nawaz which was vacated as a result of Nawaz Sharif&rsquo;s resignation from Parliament

&nbsp;

During the meeting on December 20, Nawaz Sharif did allude to Shahbaz Sharif&rsquo;s differences with the party over certain issues. While of course, praising him for his commitment to the party.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

He said: &lsquo;Shahbaz has always worked to further the party policies for public welfare and this unflagging attitude earned him the opportunity to be trusted for a higher office. We are a democratic political party where everyone is free to voice their mind. Shahbaz has had difference of opinion over some issues yet his commitment to the party overrules all else, which is why he has never violated the party discipline,&rdquo;

&nbsp;

By choosing Shahbaz, Nawaz has arrested any further deterioration in ties between both brothers, but also any sort of rebellion, since a number of senior leaders in the PNL-N,&nbsp; have been uncomfortable with the rise of Nawaz&rsquo; daughter, Maryam Nawaz. Apart from the fact, that she is inexperienced, Maryam is also one of the accused in the Panama Papers case.

&nbsp;

If one were to look beyond the politics of the Sharif family, and the dynamics of the PML-N, Shahbaz&rsquo; is important at a time when ties between the civilian government and military are at a low point. Shahbaz is more acceptable to the army, and has a better relationship than Nawaz.

&nbsp;

In the past, Nawaz Sharif would have gone the whole hog against the army, but a mellowed and mature Nawaz Sharif realises that any sort of clash will not help the country either politically or economically, and the military too would seek to cash in on the corruption cases against Nawaz.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The establishment (Army and ISI) has played a role, not just in the disqualification of Nawaz Sharif, but it has also propped up the Milli Muslim League (a front of Lashkar-e-Taiba, LeT), yet publically it has been making the right noises. One of the important steps taken by the Army Chief, Qamar Javed Bajwa, was his briefing to a parliamentary committee on December 19, 2017. The briefing included a discussion of important national security issues, ties with India, the outcome of Army Chief&rsquo;s foreign visits and the Saudi-led military alliance of Muslim countries. The army chief also stated that the Army would back the government&rsquo;s initiatives to improve ties with India.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The Pakistani army has always been good at PR exercises, and it realiSes that while there is disillusion with democratic forces, any sort of official take over, may not be taken to well by the Pakistani citizens. The recent moves by the army chief also seem to be in a similar direction.

&nbsp;

Third, Shahbaz is known for his stellar governance record in Punjab, and is a trusted face with the voters in a PML-N vs. PPP. Nawaz Sharif made mention of this during the meeting with senior PPP leaders. Shahbaz Sharif has been able to not just bring in some big infrastructural projects but has also been successful in implementing welfare schemes as well as citizen-friendly initiatives.

&nbsp;

Fourth, Shahbaz has close ties with a number of key countries. This includes China, GCC countries and Turkey. China has repeatedly praised Shahbaz Sharif for his administrative skills. With some dexterity, he may also be able to do some damage control in the context of ties with the US, which have witnessed a downward spiral.&nbsp; In the past, Shahbaz, as chief minister of Punjab, has tried to play a positive role in Indo-Pak peace efforts.

&nbsp;

&nbsp;In conclusion, PML-N Nawaz Sharif needs to be commended for making the correct decision. At this point, Shahbaz Sharif is the best bet for the PML-N as well as of Pakistan. Yet, PML-N would do well to become more consultative, and also address some of the genuine misgivings of the party. Shahbaz Sharif too will have to be more democratic in his functioning. While even his rivals confess that Sharif is a sound administrator, his style of functioning has been dubbed as abrasive at times.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

Former Pakistani prime minister and the president of the Pakistani Muslim League (PML-N), Nawaz Sharif chose his brother who is the current Chief Minister of the Punjab province (Pakistan), Shahbaz Sharif as the (PML)-N?s prime ministerial candidate for the 2018 elections.

Former Pakistani prime minister and the president of the Pakistani Muslim League (PML-N), Nawaz Sharif chose his brother who is the current Chief Minister of the Punjab province (Pakistan), Shahbaz Sharif as the (PML)-N’s prime ministerial candidate for the 2018 elections. The decision was made during the course of a meeting with senior leaders of the PML-N at Nawaz’s Jatti Umra residence on December 20, 2017. There will be those who argue that this was very much expected, given the nature of dynastic politics, in general, and the family-centered politics of the PML-N in particular. There is some truth in this, yet it would be important to bear a few facts in mind. First, Nawaz Sharif’s choice sends a clear message, that the reported strain between both brothers was caused, largely, by the ambitions of their respective children, Maryam Nawaz (daughter of Nawaz Sharif) and Hamza Shahbaz (son of Shahbaz Sharif). But much of the sources, Sharif claims, have been addressed at least for the time being. It would be pertinent to mention, that after the disqualification of Nawaz Sharif, Shahbaz Sharif was expected to be the natural choice as his successor – both as prime minister and president. After his disqualification to hold Public Office by the Pakistan Supreme Court, Nawaz did name Shahbaz Sharif as his successor. Straining relations between both sides, however, resulted in Nawaz choosing current incumbent Abbasi as the interim prime minister. While the reason cited for not appointing Shahbaz as the prime minister in July 2017 was that the party wanted him to remain in Punjab and take care of the implementation of some key projects. A number of analysts believed, that if Shahbaz took over as the prime minister, Hamza Shahbaz would have become the Chief Minister of Punjab. Another point cited to reiterate the strains between Nawaz and Shahbaz families was the point that Hamza was not made in charge of the bye-election of Kulsoom Nawaz which was vacated as a result of Nawaz Sharif’s resignation from Parliament During the meeting on December 20, Nawaz Sharif did allude to Shahbaz Sharif’s differences with the party over certain issues. While of course, praising him for his commitment to the party. He said: ‘Shahbaz has always worked to further the party policies for public welfare and this unflagging attitude earned him the opportunity to be trusted for a higher office. We are a democratic political party where everyone is free to voice their mind. Shahbaz has had difference of opinion over some issues yet his commitment to the party overrules all else, which is why he has never violated the party discipline,” By choosing Shahbaz, Nawaz has arrested any further deterioration in ties between both brothers, but also any sort of rebellion, since a number of senior leaders in the PNL-N, have been uncomfortable with the rise of Nawaz’ daughter, Maryam Nawaz. Apart from the fact, that she is inexperienced, Maryam is also one of the accused in the Panama Papers case. If one were to look beyond the politics of the Sharif family, and the dynamics of the PML-N, Shahbaz’ is important at a time when ties between the civilian government and military are at a low point. Shahbaz is more acceptable to the army, and has a better relationship than Nawaz. In the past, Nawaz Sharif would have gone the whole hog against the army, but a mellowed and mature Nawaz Sharif realises that any sort of clash will not help the country either politically or economically, and the military too would seek to cash in on the corruption cases against Nawaz. The establishment (Army and ISI) has played a role, not just in the disqualification of Nawaz Sharif, but it has also propped up the Milli Muslim League (a front of Lashkar-e-Taiba, LeT), yet publically it has been making the right noises. One of the important steps taken by the Army Chief, Qamar Javed Bajwa, was his briefing to a parliamentary committee on December 19, 2017. The briefing included a discussion of important national security issues, ties with India, the outcome of Army Chief’s foreign visits and the Saudi-led military alliance of Muslim countries. The army chief also stated that the Army would back the government’s initiatives to improve ties with India. The Pakistani army has always been good at PR exercises, and it realiSes that while there is disillusion with democratic forces, any sort of official take over, may not be taken to well by the Pakistani citizens. The recent moves by the army chief also seem to be in a similar direction. Third, Shahbaz is known for his stellar governance record in Punjab, and is a trusted face with the voters in a PML-N vs. PPP. Nawaz Sharif made mention of this during the meeting with senior PPP leaders. Shahbaz Sharif has been able to not just bring in some big infrastructural projects but has also been successful in implementing welfare schemes as well as citizen-friendly initiatives. Fourth, Shahbaz has close ties with a number of key countries. This includes China, GCC countries and Turkey. China has repeatedly praised Shahbaz Sharif for his administrative skills. With some dexterity, he may also be able to do some damage control in the context of ties with the US, which have witnessed a downward spiral. In the past, Shahbaz, as chief minister of Punjab, has tried to play a positive role in Indo-Pak peace efforts. In conclusion, PML-N Nawaz Sharif needs to be commended for making the correct decision. At this point, Shahbaz Sharif is the best bet for the PML-N as well as of Pakistan. Yet, PML-N would do well to become more consultative, and also address some of the genuine misgivings of the party. Shahbaz Sharif too will have to be more democratic in his functioning. While even his rivals confess that Sharif is a sound administrator, his style of functioning has been dubbed as abrasive at times. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL).

Opinion: What can India, Pakistan and US expect from Shahbaz Sharif?

Kulbhushan Jadhav&#39;s wife and mother were heckled by the Pakisktani media on Monday when they went to Islamabad to meet him.&nbsp;

As they saw Jadhav&#39;s wife Chetankul, Pakistani journalists shouted what would you say about your husband killing thousands of innocent Pakistanis? (`aapke patidev ne hazaron begunah Pakistaniyo ke khoon se Holi kheli ispar kya kahengi?)&nbsp;

They asked his mother what are your feelings after meeting your killer son? (aapke kya jazbaat hain apne kaatil bete se milne ke baad?).&nbsp;

In video footage of the incident, India&#39;s deputy high commissioner is seen throwing up his hands in exasperation at the line of questioning.&nbsp;

Watch video below:&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Islamabad: Pakistani journalists heckle &amp; harass <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KulbhushanJadhav?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KulbhushanJadhav</a>&#39;s mother &amp; wife after their meeting with him, shout, &#39;aapke patidev ne hazaron begunah Pakistaniyo ke khoon se Holi kheli ispar kya kahengi?&#39; &amp; &#39;aapke kya jazbaat hain apne kaatil bete se milne ke baad?&#39; <a href="https://t.co/MUYjPmHY6F">pic.twitter.com/MUYjPmHY6F</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/945701606623817728?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

Jadhav&#39;s wife and mother met him at Pakistan&#39;s Ministry of Foreign Affairs under strong guard.&nbsp;

The area was declared out of bounds for everybody apart from media and security personnel, and sharpshooters were placed on the roofs surrounding the ministry.&nbsp;

Jadhav was finally allowed to meet his wife and mother but was separated from them by a glass panel.&nbsp;

He was able to speak to them only via an intercom.&nbsp;

India has taken strong note of the meeting, saying Jadhav&#39;s wife and mother were asked to take off their shoes and change their clothes.&nbsp;

MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said the &quot;cultural and religious sensibilities of family&nbsp;members were disregarded&quot;.&nbsp;

&quot;Under the pretext of security precautions, the cultural and religious sensibilities of family members were disregarded. This included the removal of mangal sutra, bangles and bindi, as well as a change in attire that was not warranted by security,&quot; Kumar said.&nbsp;

&quot;For some inexplicable reason, despite her repeated requests, the shoes of the wife of Jadhav were not returned to her after the meeting. We would caution against any mischievous intent in this regard,&quot; he added.&nbsp;

Kumar said the Pakistani press, despite prior agreement that the media would not be allowed close access, was allowed on multiple occasions to approach the family members closely, harass and hector them and hurl false and motivated accusations about Jadhav.&nbsp;

The Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) clarified that the screen was placed due to security reasons and that Jadhav already knew this would be the setting.&nbsp;

It buttressed its stance by adding that Islamabad considered Jadhav as &quot;the face of Indian terrorism, especially in Pakistan.&quot;&nbsp;

In addition to this, the MoFA released another &quot;confessional&quot; video of Jadhav`s, in which the convicted alleged spy was seen confessing that he did cross from Iran to Pakistan two years back.&nbsp;

Jadhav is a former Indian naval officer.&nbsp;

Pakistan says he is a spy. He was arrested two years ago&nbsp;from Pakistan&#39;s restive Balochistan province.&nbsp;

On April 10, 2017, Jadhav was sentenced to death by a Field General Court Martial in Pakistan.&nbsp;

On May 18, 2017, the International Court of Justice stayed the hanging, after India approached it against the death sentence.&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI)

What would you say about your husband killing thousands of innocent Pakistanis, the Pakistani media asked Jadhav's wife Chetankul

Kulbhushan Jadhav's wife and mother were heckled by the Pakisktani media on Monday when they went to Islamabad to meet him. As they saw Jadhav's wife Chetankul, Pakistani journalists shouted what would you say about your husband killing thousands of innocent Pakistanis? (`aapke patidev ne hazaron begunah Pakistaniyo ke khoon se Holi kheli ispar kya kahengi?) They asked his mother what are your feelings after meeting your killer son? (aapke kya jazbaat hain apne kaatil bete se milne ke baad?). In video footage of the incident, India's deputy high commissioner is seen throwing up his hands in exasperation at the line of questioning. Watch video below: #WATCH Islamabad: Pakistani journalists heckle & harass #KulbhushanJadhav's mother & wife after their meeting with him, shout, 'aapke patidev ne hazaron begunah Pakistaniyo ke khoon se Holi kheli ispar kya kahengi?' & 'aapke kya jazbaat hain apne kaatil bete se milne ke baad?' pic.twitter.com/MUYjPmHY6F — ANI (@ANI) December 26, 2017 × Jadhav's wife and mother met him at Pakistan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs under strong guard. The area was declared out of bounds for everybody apart from media and security personnel, and sharpshooters were placed on the roofs surrounding the ministry. Jadhav was finally allowed to meet his wife and mother but was separated from them by a glass panel. He was able to speak to them only via an intercom. India has taken strong note of the meeting, saying Jadhav's wife and mother were asked to take off their shoes and change their clothes. MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said the "cultural and religious sensibilities of family members were disregarded". "Under the pretext of security precautions, the cultural and religious sensibilities of family members were disregarded. This included the removal of mangal sutra, bangles and bindi, as well as a change in attire that was not warranted by security," Kumar said. "For some inexplicable reason, despite her repeated requests, the shoes of the wife of Jadhav were not returned to her after the meeting. We would caution against any mischievous intent in this regard," he added. Kumar said the Pakistani press, despite prior agreement that the media would not be allowed close access, was allowed on multiple occasions to approach the family members closely, harass and hector them and hurl false and motivated accusations about Jadhav. The Pakistan Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) clarified that the screen was placed due to security reasons and that Jadhav already knew this would be the setting. It buttressed its stance by adding that Islamabad considered Jadhav as "the face of Indian terrorism, especially in Pakistan." In addition to this, the MoFA released another "confessional" video of Jadhav`s, in which the convicted alleged spy was seen confessing that he did cross from Iran to Pakistan two years back. Jadhav is a former Indian naval officer. Pakistan says he is a spy. He was arrested two years ago from Pakistan's restive Balochistan province. On April 10, 2017, Jadhav was sentenced to death by a Field General Court Martial in Pakistan. On May 18, 2017, the International Court of Justice stayed the hanging, after India approached it against the death sentence. (With inputs from ANI)

Killer son... played Holi with blood: Jadhav's wife, mother heckled by Pakistan media

Former Indian naval officer, Kulbhushan Jadhav, who faces espionage charges and has been sentenced to death by Pakistan, met his family at Pakistan&#39;s foreign office in Islamabad yesterday.

The meeting took place after multiple requests made by India for family access.

A day after the meeting, Jadhav&#39;s family met Union Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj.&nbsp;

According to a statement issued today by the Ministry of External Affairs, &quot;the two Governments were in touch through diplomatic channels to work out its modalities and format. There were clear understandings between the two sides and the Indian side scrupulously abided by all its commitments.&quot;&nbsp;

The MEA statement stated Pakistan&nbsp;to have violated the conditions mentioned in the letter by conducting the meeting in a manner dissimilar to what was agreed upon.&nbsp;

The official press release gave a detailed account of incidents that violated the terms mutually agreed upon by both the countries.&nbsp;

The statement noted that Pakistani press&#39; multiple interactions with Jadhav&#39;s family members caused them harassment.

Member of the local press &quot;hurled false and motivated accusations about Shri Jadhav&quot;. &quot;This was despite a clear agreement that the media would not be allowed close access,&quot; the MEA statement said.

&quot;The manner in which the meeting was conducted and its aftermath was clearly an attempt to bolster a false and unsubstantiated narrative of Shri Jadhav&rsquo;s alleged activities,&quot; MEA stated.&nbsp;

&quot;The cultural and religious sensibilities of family members were disregarded. &nbsp;

According to the release, Jadhav&#39;s kin was asked to remove mangal sutra, bangles and bindi and were also asked to change their attire.

&quot;For some inexplicable reason, despite her repeated requests, Shri Jadhav&#39;s wife was not given her shoes back after she was returning from the meeting.

The MEA release also revealed that Jadhav&#39;s&nbsp;mother was prevented from talking in their mother tongue, &quot;although this was clearly the natural medium of communication.&nbsp;She was repeatedly interrupted while doing so and eventually prevented from proceeding further in this regard.&quot;&nbsp;&nbsp;

The Deputy High Commissioner (DHC) was initially separated from family members who were taken to the meeting without informing him.

The meeting was started without the Deputy High Commissioner who could join only after pressing the matter with concerned officials. &quot;Even then, he (DHC) was kept behind an additional partition that did not allow him access to the meeting as agreed,&quot; said the statement.&nbsp;

&quot;We would caution against any mischievous intent in this regard,&quot; claimed MEA.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&quot;It appeared that Shri Jadhav was under considerable stress and speaking in an atmosphere of coercion. Most of his remarks were clearly tutored and designed to perpetuate the false narrative of his alleged activities in Pakistan. His appearance also raises questions on his health and well being,&quot; MEA noted.&nbsp;

&quot;We also regret that contrary to assurances, the overall atmosphere of the meeting was intimidating insofar as family members were concerned.&nbsp;Family members, however, handled the situation with great courage and fortitude,&quot; stated MEA.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The statement gave a detailed account of incidents that violated the terms mutually agreed upon by both the countries with respect to Jadhav's meeting with his family

Former Indian naval officer, Kulbhushan Jadhav, who faces espionage charges and has been sentenced to death by Pakistan, met his family at Pakistan's foreign office in Islamabad yesterday. The meeting took place after multiple requests made by India for family access. A day after the meeting, Jadhav's family met Union Minister of External Affairs Sushma Swaraj. According to a statement issued today by the Ministry of External Affairs, "the two Governments were in touch through diplomatic channels to work out its modalities and format. There were clear understandings between the two sides and the Indian side scrupulously abided by all its commitments." The MEA statement stated Pakistan to have violated the conditions mentioned in the letter by conducting the meeting in a manner dissimilar to what was agreed upon. The official press release gave a detailed account of incidents that violated the terms mutually agreed upon by both the countries. The statement noted that Pakistani press' multiple interactions with Jadhav's family members caused them harassment. Member of the local press "hurled false and motivated accusations about Shri Jadhav". "This was despite a clear agreement that the media would not be allowed close access," the MEA statement said. "The manner in which the meeting was conducted and its aftermath was clearly an attempt to bolster a false and unsubstantiated narrative of Shri Jadhav’s alleged activities," MEA stated. "The cultural and religious sensibilities of family members were disregarded. According to the release, Jadhav's kin was asked to remove mangal sutra, bangles and bindi and were also asked to change their attire. "For some inexplicable reason, despite her repeated requests, Shri Jadhav's wife was not given her shoes back after she was returning from the meeting. The MEA release also revealed that Jadhav's mother was prevented from talking in their mother tongue, "although this was clearly the natural medium of communication. She was repeatedly interrupted while doing so and eventually prevented from proceeding further in this regard." The Deputy High Commissioner (DHC) was initially separated from family members who were taken to the meeting without informing him. The meeting was started without the Deputy High Commissioner who could join only after pressing the matter with concerned officials. "Even then, he (DHC) was kept behind an additional partition that did not allow him access to the meeting as agreed," said the statement. "We would caution against any mischievous intent in this regard," claimed MEA. "It appeared that Shri Jadhav was under considerable stress and speaking in an atmosphere of coercion. Most of his remarks were clearly tutored and designed to perpetuate the false narrative of his alleged activities in Pakistan. His appearance also raises questions on his health and well being," MEA noted. "We also regret that contrary to assurances, the overall atmosphere of the meeting was intimidating insofar as family members were concerned. Family members, however, handled the situation with great courage and fortitude," stated MEA.

In a blistering attack, MEA says Pakistan heckled Kulbhushan Jadhav's family

The single-member Peshawar High Court bench has directed that DNA tests will now be mandatory on the suspect as well as the alleged victim in sexual assault cases.&nbsp;

Justice Roohul Amin Khan Chamkani ruled that under that Section 164-B of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), which was inserted in the law by Criminal Law Act 2016, DNA samples of the rapist and the victim will be collected and sent for examination as soon as possible.&nbsp;

The bench further observed, &quot;It further provides that the DNA samples collected shall be sent at earliest for the purpose of the investigation to a Forensic Laboratory, where the same shall be properly examined and preserved.&quot;

The decision was passed in a comprehensive judgement of bail petition filed by Umar Taj, who was earlier charged with sexually abusing and raping a woman, local media reports said.&nbsp;

In the judgement, Justice Roohul Amin Khan talked about laws on Protection of Women (Criminal law Amendment) Act, 2006, and the Criminal Law (Amendment) (Offences Related to Rape) Act, 2016 - aimed at protecting women from sexual abuse, adultery and fornication.&nbsp;

As per reports, it was ruled that Section 164-B CrPC linked with carrying out DNA tests would be applicable under Section 376 (Punishment for Rape) of the Pakistan Penal Code.&nbsp;

The PPC Section 376 awards punishment of death or imprisonment for a term of 10 to 20 years and fine for an accused proved guilty of rape.&nbsp;

The judgement passed by the bench also observed that the offence of sexual intercourse between people not married to each other is non-cognisable and that a complaint has to be lodged in the concerned court in connection with the offence. 
&nbsp;

The bench further observed, 'It further provides that the DNA samples collected shall be sent at earliest for the purpose of the investigation to a Forensic Laboratory, where the same shall be properly examined and preserved'

The single-member Peshawar High Court bench has directed that DNA tests will now be mandatory on the suspect as well as the alleged victim in sexual assault cases. Justice Roohul Amin Khan Chamkani ruled that under that Section 164-B of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), which was inserted in the law by Criminal Law Act 2016, DNA samples of the rapist and the victim will be collected and sent for examination as soon as possible. The bench further observed, "It further provides that the DNA samples collected shall be sent at earliest for the purpose of the investigation to a Forensic Laboratory, where the same shall be properly examined and preserved." The decision was passed in a comprehensive judgement of bail petition filed by Umar Taj, who was earlier charged with sexually abusing and raping a woman, local media reports said. In the judgement, Justice Roohul Amin Khan talked about laws on Protection of Women (Criminal law Amendment) Act, 2006, and the Criminal Law (Amendment) (Offences Related to Rape) Act, 2016 - aimed at protecting women from sexual abuse, adultery and fornication. As per reports, it was ruled that Section 164-B CrPC linked with carrying out DNA tests would be applicable under Section 376 (Punishment for Rape) of the Pakistan Penal Code. The PPC Section 376 awards punishment of death or imprisonment for a term of 10 to 20 years and fine for an accused proved guilty of rape. The judgement passed by the bench also observed that the offence of sexual intercourse between people not married to each other is non-cognisable and that a complaint has to be lodged in the concerned court in connection with the offence.

Pakistan high court: DNA test mandatory in sexual assault cases

The mother and wife of Kulbhushan Jadhav on Tuesday met External Affairs Minister (EAM) Sushma Swaraj at her residence in New Delhi.&nbsp;

The meeting took place a day after the two officially went to Pakistan to meet their son and husband respectively. &nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Mother and wife of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KulbhushanJadhav?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KulbhushanJadhav</a> leave from residence of EAM Sushma Swaraj in Delhi <a href="https://t.co/FFWIb4HcvJ">pic.twitter.com/FFWIb4HcvJ</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/945545635175866369?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar and MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar were also present at the meeting.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar and MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar at the residence of External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj in Delhi <a href="https://t.co/C5MCnuUz6Z">pic.twitter.com/C5MCnuUz6Z</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/945544453837660160?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

Jadhav, the Indian national sentenced to death in Pakistan, was allowed to meet his family, from behind a glass barrier at the Pakistan foreign ministry in Islamabad.

It was Jadhav&#39;s first meeting with his family, more than a year after he was arrested by the Pakistani Army over alleged espionage and spying activities in March last year.

Mother Avanti and wife Chetankul Jadhav were accompanied to the ministry by Indian deputy high Commissioner JP Singh and three Indian foreign ministry officials.&nbsp;

Only Jadhav&rsquo;s family was allowed into the room where he was sitting, while Singh and other officials monitored the meeting from outside the room.

The meeting lasted for 40 minutes.

The meeting took place a day after the two officially went to Pakistan to meet Jadhav?

The mother and wife of Kulbhushan Jadhav on Tuesday met External Affairs Minister (EAM) Sushma Swaraj at her residence in New Delhi. The meeting took place a day after the two officially went to Pakistan to meet their son and husband respectively. Mother and wife of #KulbhushanJadhav leave from residence of EAM Sushma Swaraj in Delhi pic.twitter.com/FFWIb4HcvJ — ANI (@ANI) December 26, 2017 × Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar and MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar were also present at the meeting. Foreign Secretary S Jaishankar and MEA spokesperson Raveesh Kumar at the residence of External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj in Delhi pic.twitter.com/C5MCnuUz6Z — ANI (@ANI) December 26, 2017 × Jadhav, the Indian national sentenced to death in Pakistan, was allowed to meet his family, from behind a glass barrier at the Pakistan foreign ministry in Islamabad. It was Jadhav's first meeting with his family, more than a year after he was arrested by the Pakistani Army over alleged espionage and spying activities in March last year. Mother Avanti and wife Chetankul Jadhav were accompanied to the ministry by Indian deputy high Commissioner JP Singh and three Indian foreign ministry officials. Only Jadhav’s family was allowed into the room where he was sitting, while Singh and other officials monitored the meeting from outside the room. The meeting lasted for 40 minutes.

Kulbhushan Jadhav's wife, mother meet Sushma Swaraj

The Pakistani media reported Monday that India had killed three Pakistani soldiers along the Line of Control.

It added that one Pakistani soldier was wounded.&nbsp;&nbsp;

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
India has killed three Pakistan Army soldiers along LOC at Rakhchikri, Rawlakot sector. One Pak soldier is injured: Pakistan media <a href="https://t.co/mgy2WkaGWy">pic.twitter.com/mgy2WkaGWy</a>
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/945339431434600449?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 25, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Indian Army troops crossed over the Line of Control (PoK) &amp; killed three Pakistani army soldiers, one Pak soldier injured. This was in retaliation to the four Indian Army personnel killed on Saturday? in ceasefire violation by Pakistan: Intelligence Sources
&mdash; ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/945475527619391488?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 26, 2017</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">&times;</a></div>

ANI reported Tuesday, quoting intelligence sources, that Indian Army troops had crossed over the Line of Control and killed the three soldiers.&nbsp;

ANI added that the killings were in retaliation to the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/jk-3-soldiers-killed-in-pakistan-ceasefire-violation-in-keri-27540" target="_blank">four Indian Army personnel killed</a> on Saturday in the ceasefire violation by Pakistan.&nbsp;

The Inter-Services Public Relations, the media wing of the Pakistan Armed Forces, said the killings had been caused by a ceasefire violation.&nbsp;

&ldquo;India initiated unprovoked ceasefire violation along LoC at Rakhchikri, Rawlakot sector. Three soldiers embraced shahadat (died). One injured,&rdquo; it said on its website.&nbsp;

The ISPR added that Pakistani troops had given a &quot;strong response&quot; to the attack.&nbsp;

Some media outlets&nbsp;however quoted the Indian Army as denying the reports, blaming Pakistan for the ceasefire violation, and saying the Pakistani&nbsp;soldiers may have died in return fire.&nbsp;

The three Pakistani soldiers killed, sources said, belonged to the 59 Baloch Regiment, 12 infantry division.&nbsp;

They were identified as Sepoy Sajjad, M Usma, and Abdul Rehman.&nbsp;

The injured Pakistani soldier was identified as Athzaz Hussain.&nbsp;

The sources added that the &quot;action&quot;&nbsp;took place in the Rakhchakri area of Rawalkot on the afternoon of December 25.&nbsp;

The ceasefire along the LoC and International Border in Jammu and Kashmir has been <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-violated-ceasefire-881-times-along-loc-ib-27216" target="_blank">violated </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-violated-ceasefire-881-times-along-loc-ib-27216">881 times this year.</a>&nbsp;

The four Indian soldiers killed on Saturday included a major, two lance naiks, and a sepoy.&nbsp;

Four Indian Army soldiers had been killed in the ceasefire violation in Keri on Saturday

The Pakistani media reported Monday that India had killed three Pakistani soldiers along the Line of Control. It added that one Pakistani soldier was wounded. India has killed three Pakistan Army soldiers along LOC at Rakhchikri, Rawlakot sector. One Pak soldier is injured: Pakistan media pic.twitter.com/mgy2WkaGWy — ANI (@ANI) December 25, 2017 × Indian Army troops crossed over the Line of Control (PoK) & killed three Pakistani army soldiers, one Pak soldier injured. This was in retaliation to the four Indian Army personnel killed on Saturday? in ceasefire violation by Pakistan: Intelligence Sources — ANI (@ANI) December 26, 2017 × ANI reported Tuesday, quoting intelligence sources, that Indian Army troops had crossed over the Line of Control and killed the three soldiers. ANI added that the killings were in retaliation to the four Indian Army personnel killed on Saturday in the ceasefire violation by Pakistan. The Inter-Services Public Relations, the media wing of the Pakistan Armed Forces, said the killings had been caused by a ceasefire violation. “India initiated unprovoked ceasefire violation along LoC at Rakhchikri, Rawlakot sector. Three soldiers embraced shahadat (died). One injured,” it said on its website. The ISPR added that Pakistani troops had given a "strong response" to the attack. Some media outlets however quoted the Indian Army as denying the reports, blaming Pakistan for the ceasefire violation, and saying the Pakistani soldiers may have died in return fire. The three Pakistani soldiers killed, sources said, belonged to the 59 Baloch Regiment, 12 infantry division. They were identified as Sepoy Sajjad, M Usma, and Abdul Rehman. The injured Pakistani soldier was identified as Athzaz Hussain. The sources added that the "action" took place in the Rakhchakri area of Rawalkot on the afternoon of December 25. The ceasefire along the LoC and International Border in Jammu and Kashmir has been violated 881 times this year. The four Indian soldiers killed on Saturday included a major, two lance naiks, and a sepoy.

Indian Army crosses LoC, kills 3 Pakistani soldiers in retaliation for Keri attack: Report

pakistan-0

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

pakistan 0

After Trump tweet, Swamy says shift Indian embassy to Jerusalem

Opinion: China, not terrorism, is why US stopped aiding Pakistan

India, Pakistan exchange list of nuclear installations

Cross-border violations do not provide conducive atmosphere for cricket with Pakistan: Sushma Swaraj

Pak in denial; says rendered 'unmatched sacrifices' in war against terrorism

After Trump's tweetstorm, Pakistan says 'will let the world know the truth'

Congress leader hits out at government over surgical strikes, calls it 'drama'

WION Evening News Brief, January 1, 2018

People from Gilgit Baltistan protest against Pakistan

Indian Coast Guards apprehend 6 Pakistan nationals from Indian waters

Afghanistan's Ambassador to India reacts on Jadhav's kin harassment

WION Morning News brief, 30 December 2017

Opinion: Requiem to the fallen soldier. But why so many deaths?

Opinion: Requiem to the fallen soldier. But why so many deaths?

India slams the presence of Palestinian envoy at Hafiz Saeed's rally in Pakistan

Pakistan military warns US against 'unilateral action'

Pakistan releases 144 Indian fishermen via Attari-Wagah border

Opinion: Why Pakistani press was so brutal to Kulbhushan's family

Opinion: Why I am disgusted at the unethical way Pakistan treated Jadhav's family

Kulbhushan Jadhav parroted script given by Pakistan during meeting with family, mother foils attempt: Reports

Government, opposition use Jadhav issue to end deadlock, but another brews

Pak Army denies claim that Indian commandos carried out cross-border raids

'Baba kaise hai', asked Kulbhushan Jadhav on seeing his mother without 'mangal sutra' in Islamabad

Opinion: Christmas, Santa Claus and Goan Christians in Pakistan