Pakistan and Iran have agreed to raise the volume of bilateral trade to five billion dollars, said Alaeddin Boroujerdi, chairman of the Committee for Foreign Policy and National Security of Iran.&nbsp;

Boroujerdi made the comment&nbsp;while addressing a press conference in Islamabad during a three-day visit to Pakistan.&nbsp;

On Friday, Boroujerdi met with Pakistan National Security Adviser Nasser Khan Janjua to discuss the security of the region.&nbsp;

Pakistan, Russia, China and Iran should cooperate with each other for regional peace and stability, Boroujerdi added. He said that Iran was a close ally of Pakistan and there was no need to further improve relations between the two countries.&nbsp;

Boroujerdi also declared that Pakistan&#39;s Gwadar port and Iran&#39;s Chahbaha are&nbsp;sister ports which will enhance bilateral trade. He indicated that Iran wished to join the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), and that Iran-Pakistan Gas Pipeline was the main priority.&nbsp;

Boroujerdi also hinted at joining Pakistan, China and Russia&#39;s talks on ending the long-running unrest in Afghanistan.&nbsp;

(WION with inputs from ANI)

Alaeddin Boroujerdi, head of Iran's Committee for Foreign Policy and National Security, announced the hike during a 3-day visit to Pakistan

Pakistan and Iran have agreed to raise the volume of bilateral trade to five billion dollars, said Alaeddin Boroujerdi, chairman of the Committee for Foreign Policy and National Security of Iran. Boroujerdi made the comment while addressing a press conference in Islamabad during a three-day visit to Pakistan. On Friday, Boroujerdi met with Pakistan National Security Adviser Nasser Khan Janjua to discuss the security of the region. Pakistan, Russia, China and Iran should cooperate with each other for regional peace and stability, Boroujerdi added. He said that Iran was a close ally of Pakistan and there was no need to further improve relations between the two countries. Boroujerdi also declared that Pakistan's Gwadar port and Iran's Chahbaha are sister ports which will enhance bilateral trade. He indicated that Iran wished to join the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), and that Iran-Pakistan Gas Pipeline was the main priority. Boroujerdi also hinted at joining Pakistan, China and Russia's talks on ending the long-running unrest in Afghanistan. (WION with inputs from ANI)

Pakistan, Iran agree to increase trade to $5 billion

A female Pakistani lawmaker threatened to self-immolate after she was harassed by male colleagues in parliament, telling AFP that the widely-publicised incident shows how laws to protect women are not being enforced.

Nusrat Sahar Abbasi, an MP in Sindh province, spoke of her fury after provincial minister Imdad Pitafi invited her to his private chambers on the floor of the assembly Friday in comments seen as sexual harassment in conservative Pakistan. She said she protested strongly but the deputy speaker of the assembly, also a woman, refused to take any action.

A frustrated Abbasi was then pictured Saturday holding a small bottle said to be of petrol and threatening to self-immolate if action was not taken.

Federal party chiefs were forced to intervene as the incident exploded on social media, with Pitafi finally caving to the pressure and apologising in the assembly while offering Abbasi a chador, or veil, as a mark of his respect. Abbasi told AFP Tuesday that the incident was now &quot;over&quot;, but that it poses a question on the implementation of laws protecting women from such sexual harassment.

&quot;Their implementation is still a dream,&quot; Abbasi said. &quot;Even us, the parliamentarians are not safe from gender biases and harassment.&quot;

Pakistani women have spent decades fighting for their rights in a deeply conservative country, where so-called honour killings and acid attacks are not uncommon.

Pakistan has passed several laws to increase protections&nbsp;available to women in recent years, some at the provincial level, but critics have warned that without proper enforcement, they will have little impact.&nbsp;

Last year a bill passed in Punjab province redefined &quot;violence&quot; to include &quot;any offence committed against women&quot;, prompting an Islamic religious body to protest that men should be allowed to &quot;lightly beat&quot; their wives.

(AFP)

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Nusrat Sahar Abbasi, a Pakistani female lawmaker, threatened to self-immolate after she was harassed by a male colleague. (WION)
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Abbasi said she protested strongly but the assembly's deputy speaker, also a woman, refused to take any action

A female Pakistani lawmaker threatened to self-immolate after she was harassed by male colleagues in parliament, telling AFP that the widely-publicised incident shows how laws to protect women are not being enforced. Nusrat Sahar Abbasi, an MP in Sindh province, spoke of her fury after provincial minister Imdad Pitafi invited her to his private chambers on the floor of the assembly Friday in comments seen as sexual harassment in conservative Pakistan. She said she protested strongly but the deputy speaker of the assembly, also a woman, refused to take any action. A frustrated Abbasi was then pictured Saturday holding a small bottle said to be of petrol and threatening to self-immolate if action was not taken. Federal party chiefs were forced to intervene as the incident exploded on social media, with Pitafi finally caving to the pressure and apologising in the assembly while offering Abbasi a chador, or veil, as a mark of his respect. Abbasi told AFP Tuesday that the incident was now "over", but that it poses a question on the implementation of laws protecting women from such sexual harassment. "Their implementation is still a dream," Abbasi said. "Even us, the parliamentarians are not safe from gender biases and harassment." Pakistani women have spent decades fighting for their rights in a deeply conservative country, where so-called honour killings and acid attacks are not uncommon. Pakistan has passed several laws to increase protections available to women in recent years, some at the provincial level, but critics have warned that without proper enforcement, they will have little impact. Last year a bill passed in Punjab province redefined "violence" to include "any offence committed against women", prompting an Islamic religious body to protest that men should be allowed to "lightly beat" their wives. (AFP) Nusrat Sahar Abbasi, a Pakistani female lawmaker, threatened to self-immolate after she was harassed by a male colleague. (WION) ×

Pakistan: Female lawmaker alleges harassment by male colleagues, threatens self-immolation

Pakistan today successfully conducted the first test flight of the &#39;Ababeel&#39; surface-to- surface ballistic missile (SSM) capable of carrying a nuclear warhead up to 2,200 kms.

Ababeel has a maximum range of 2,200 kilometres and is capable of delivering multiple warheads using Multiple Independent Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology, Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement.

&quot;The test flight was aimed at validating various design and technical parameters of the weapon system,&quot; the statement added.

Ababeel is capable of carrying nuclear warheads and has the capability to engage multiple targets with high precision, defeating hostile radars, the ISPR said.

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Ababeel has a maximum range of 2,200 km and is capable of delivering warheads using multiple independent re-entry vehicle technology (WION)
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&quot;The development of the Ababeel weapon system was aimed at ensuring survivability of Pakistan&#39;s ballistic missiles in the growing regional Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) environment,&quot; the release said, in an obvious reference to India.

The Ababeel test came on the heels of a successful test of submarine-launched cruise missile Babur-III on December 9.

&quot;The successful attainment of a second strike capability by Pakistan represents a major scientific milestone; it is a manifestation of the strategy of measured response to nuclear strategies and postures being adopted in Pakistan&#39;s neighbourhood,&quot; the military had said after the Babur-III test.

(PTI)

Ababeel has a maximum range of 2,200 km and is capable of delivering warheads using multiple independent re-entry vehicle technology

Pakistan today successfully conducted the first test flight of the 'Ababeel' surface-to- surface ballistic missile (SSM) capable of carrying a nuclear warhead up to 2,200 kms. Ababeel has a maximum range of 2,200 kilometres and is capable of delivering multiple warheads using Multiple Independent Re-entry Vehicle (MIRV) technology, Inter Services Public Relations (ISPR) said in a statement. "The test flight was aimed at validating various design and technical parameters of the weapon system," the statement added. Ababeel is capable of carrying nuclear warheads and has the capability to engage multiple targets with high precision, defeating hostile radars, the ISPR said. Ababeel has a maximum range of 2,200 km and is capable of delivering warheads using multiple independent re-entry vehicle technology (WION) × "The development of the Ababeel weapon system was aimed at ensuring survivability of Pakistan's ballistic missiles in the growing regional Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) environment," the release said, in an obvious reference to India. The Ababeel test came on the heels of a successful test of submarine-launched cruise missile Babur-III on December 9. "The successful attainment of a second strike capability by Pakistan represents a major scientific milestone; it is a manifestation of the strategy of measured response to nuclear strategies and postures being adopted in Pakistan's neighbourhood," the military had said after the Babur-III test. (PTI)

Pakistan conducts flight test of nuclear-capable Ababeel missile

India has hit back at China for its statement that Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) membership can&#39;t be a &quot;farewell gift&quot;, saying it was not seeking the membership to the 48-nation grouping as a&nbsp;gift but instead based on its non-proliferation record.

&quot;India is not seeking NSG membership as a gift. India is seeking it on its non-proliferation record,&quot; external affairs ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup said&nbsp;in Delhi.

&quot;I, of course, cannot speak for other applicants,&quot; he said in an obvious reference to Pakistan, with questionable non-proliferation record, also making efforts to get into the NSG.

Earlier this week, China had strongly reacted to outgoing Obama administration&#39;s assertion that Beijing was an &quot;outlier&quot; in the efforts to make India a member of the elite nuclear club. &quot;Regarding India&#39;s application to the NSG, regarding non-NPT countries&#39; admission to the NSG, we have made our position clear before so I will not repeat it,&quot; Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying had said.

&quot;I just want to point out that NSG membership shall not be some kind of a&nbsp;farewell gift for countries to give to each other,&quot; Hua had said, reacting to remarks by US assistant secretary of state for south and central Asia, Nisha Desai Biswal said that &quot;clearly there is one outlier that needs to be addressed and that is China&quot;.

China has been blocking India&#39;s NSG membership bid despite backing from majority members on the grounds that India is not a signatory to the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty (NPT). China is advocating a two-step approach for admission of countries which have not signed the NPT.

As per the new stand announced by Beijing, it first wants to find a solution that is applicable to the admission of all non-NPT countries followed by discussions on admitting specific nations. Besides India, China is also interacting with Pakistan on the issue as Islamabad too applied for NSG membership after India.

(PTI)

India's reaction came after China said NSG membership can't be a 'farewell gift' by the Obama administration to India

India has hit back at China for its statement that Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) membership can't be a "farewell gift", saying it was not seeking the membership to the 48-nation grouping as a gift but instead based on its non-proliferation record. "India is not seeking NSG membership as a gift. India is seeking it on its non-proliferation record," external affairs ministry spokesperson Vikas Swarup said in Delhi. "I, of course, cannot speak for other applicants," he said in an obvious reference to Pakistan, with questionable non-proliferation record, also making efforts to get into the NSG. Earlier this week, China had strongly reacted to outgoing Obama administration's assertion that Beijing was an "outlier" in the efforts to make India a member of the elite nuclear club. "Regarding India's application to the NSG, regarding non-NPT countries' admission to the NSG, we have made our position clear before so I will not repeat it," Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying had said. "I just want to point out that NSG membership shall not be some kind of a farewell gift for countries to give to each other," Hua had said, reacting to remarks by US assistant secretary of state for south and central Asia, Nisha Desai Biswal said that "clearly there is one outlier that needs to be addressed and that is China". China has been blocking India's NSG membership bid despite backing from majority members on the grounds that India is not a signatory to the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty (NPT). China is advocating a two-step approach for admission of countries which have not signed the NPT. As per the new stand announced by Beijing, it first wants to find a solution that is applicable to the admission of all non-NPT countries followed by discussions on admitting specific nations. Besides India, China is also interacting with Pakistan on the issue as Islamabad too applied for NSG membership after India. (PTI)

Not seeking NSG membership as 'farewell gift': India

Bihar Police are claiming that the two recent train accidents near Kanpur that left 151 people dead and injured close to 200 were caused by Pakistan&#39;s ISI. &nbsp;

A Times of India report on Wednesday said the ISI&#39;s alleged role in the accidents was unearthed after Bihar police arrested three men -- Umashankar Patel, Motilal Paswan, and Mukesh Yadav --&nbsp;from Motihari near the Indo-Nepal border. Bihar Police told the Times of India that the three men were arrested for their role in &quot;placing a cooker bomb on the railway tracks near Ghorasaran on October 1 last year&quot;.&nbsp;

Ghorasaran is in the state of Bihar -- the two train derailments near Kanpur occurred in the state of Uttar Pradesh.&nbsp;

The first, on November 20, left 151 people dead and more than 150 injured.&nbsp;

The second, on December 28 and again near Kanpur in the state of Uttar Pradesh, left more than 40 people injured. There were no deaths.&nbsp;

Bihar Police told the Times of India that the three men they had arrested were working on the orders of an ISI agent, a Nepalese citizen based in Dubai.

Bihar Police told the Times of India that the arrested trio had so far received Rs 3 lakh from Brij Kishore Giri, a Nepalese citizen, for &quot;engineering train accidents&quot;.

The report added that Girl, along with a Shambhu Giri and a&nbsp;Mujahir Ansari, was recently arrested by Nepalese police.&nbsp;

The pressure cooker bomb that had been placed on the tracks in Ghorsaran in Bihar on October 1 was found by villagers and defused by police.&nbsp;

The Times of India report said: &quot;Sources said Motilal told police he had planted explosives on the tracks near Kanpur for derailing the two trains.&quot;&nbsp;

And, &quot;quoting a police officer involved in the investigation&quot;, the report added&nbsp;that: &quot;Brij had promised flats, vehicles and finances to produce a Bhojpuri movie to the trio arrested from Motihari.&quot; &nbsp;&nbsp;

The Times of India report added that the National Investigation Agency is following the Bihar Police investigation.&nbsp;

(WION)

The two derailments left 151 people dead and close to 200 injured

Bihar Police are claiming that the two recent train accidents near Kanpur that left 151 people dead and injured close to 200 were caused by Pakistan's ISI. A Times of India report on Wednesday said the ISI's alleged role in the accidents was unearthed after Bihar police arrested three men -- Umashankar Patel, Motilal Paswan, and Mukesh Yadav -- from Motihari near the Indo-Nepal border. Bihar Police told the Times of India that the three men were arrested for their role in "placing a cooker bomb on the railway tracks near Ghorasaran on October 1 last year". Ghorasaran is in the state of Bihar -- the two train derailments near Kanpur occurred in the state of Uttar Pradesh. The first, on November 20, left 151 people dead and more than 150 injured. The second, on December 28 and again near Kanpur in the state of Uttar Pradesh, left more than 40 people injured. There were no deaths. Bihar Police told the Times of India that the three men they had arrested were working on the orders of an ISI agent, a Nepalese citizen based in Dubai. Bihar Police told the Times of India that the arrested trio had so far received Rs 3 lakh from Brij Kishore Giri, a Nepalese citizen, for "engineering train accidents". The report added that Girl, along with a Shambhu Giri and a Mujahir Ansari, was recently arrested by Nepalese police. The pressure cooker bomb that had been placed on the tracks in Ghorsaran in Bihar on October 1 was found by villagers and defused by police. The Times of India report said: "Sources said Motilal told police he had planted explosives on the tracks near Kanpur for derailing the two trains." And, "quoting a police officer involved in the investigation", the report added that: "Brij had promised flats, vehicles and finances to produce a Bhojpuri movie to the trio arrested from Motihari." The Times of India report added that the National Investigation Agency is following the Bihar Police investigation. (WION)

India: Bihar Police claim recent train accidents near Kanpur caused by Pak's ISI

Taking a tough stand against Pakistan ahead of his confirmation hearing, US defence secretary-designate James Mattis has said that he will tell Pakistan to &quot;expel or neutralise&quot; externally-focused militant groups operating with impunity within the country.

Mattis also said that US-Pakistan ties have had its highs and lows and that he will work towards rebuilding the trust that is needed for an effective partnership.

&quot;If confirmed, I will work with the State Department and the Congress to incentivise Pakistan&#39;s co-operation on issues critical to our national interests and the region&#39;s security, with focus on Pakistan&#39;s need to expel or neutralise externally-focused militant groups that operate within its borders,&quot; said Mattis.

Responding to a question if he supports conditioning US aid to Pakistan, the former Marine general said that &quot;conditioning our security assistance&quot; to Pakistan has a mixed history and that he will &quot;review all options&quot;.

Mattis told the lawmakers that Pakistan should collaborate more with its neighbour in combating terror.

&quot;I believe they should do more to collaborate with their neighbour. We should urge Pakistan to take further actions against the Taliban and the Haqqani network,&quot; Mattis said.

The Haqqani Network is a terrorist organisation which has targeted many Western and Indian interests including the bombing of Indian mission in Kabul in 2008.

Mattis also underlined&nbsp;that&nbsp;safe sanctuaries for Afghan Taliban and other terror groups inside Pakistan is a worry and that he will review efforts being done to deny such safe havens. 
&nbsp; 
&quot;Sanctuaries and freedom of movement for the Afghan Taliban and associated militant networks inside Pakistani territory is a key operational issue faced by the Afghan security forces. If confirmed, I will examine efforts to deny sanctuary to the extremist forces undermining the stability and security of Afghanistan,&quot; he said, responding to a query.

(WION with inputs from PTI)

Mattis said that US-Pak ties have had its 'highs and lows' and that he will work towards rebuilding the trust needed for a partnership

Taking a tough stand against Pakistan ahead of his confirmation hearing, US defence secretary-designate James Mattis has said that he will tell Pakistan to "expel or neutralise" externally-focused militant groups operating with impunity within the country. Mattis also said that US-Pakistan ties have had its highs and lows and that he will work towards rebuilding the trust that is needed for an effective partnership. "If confirmed, I will work with the State Department and the Congress to incentivise Pakistan's co-operation on issues critical to our national interests and the region's security, with focus on Pakistan's need to expel or neutralise externally-focused militant groups that operate within its borders," said Mattis. Responding to a question if he supports conditioning US aid to Pakistan, the former Marine general said that "conditioning our security assistance" to Pakistan has a mixed history and that he will "review all options". Mattis told the lawmakers that Pakistan should collaborate more with its neighbour in combating terror. "I believe they should do more to collaborate with their neighbour. We should urge Pakistan to take further actions against the Taliban and the Haqqani network," Mattis said. The Haqqani Network is a terrorist organisation which has targeted many Western and Indian interests including the bombing of Indian mission in Kabul in 2008. Mattis also underlined that safe sanctuaries for Afghan Taliban and other terror groups inside Pakistan is a worry and that he will review efforts being done to deny such safe havens. "Sanctuaries and freedom of movement for the Afghan Taliban and associated militant networks inside Pakistani territory is a key operational issue faced by the Afghan security forces. If confirmed, I will examine efforts to deny sanctuary to the extremist forces undermining the stability and security of Afghanistan," he said, responding to a query. (WION with inputs from PTI)

Incoming US defence secretary to Pakistan: Rein in 'externally-focused' terror groups

A journalist was shot dead close to the Afghan and Iranian border in the restive province of Balochistan in Pakistan&nbsp;by unidentified attackers, police said Friday.&nbsp;

Muhammad Jan, 37, who worked for local Urdu language daily newspaper Qudrat, was shot late Thursday while on his way home on a motorcycle in Qalat district, some 160 kilometres south of Quetta, the provincial capital.

&quot;Two attackers on motorcycle opened fire on him, using a pistol and killing him on the spot,&quot; senior police officer Muhammad Ali told AFP.

The attackers fled the scene, he said.

Pakistan is ranked among the world&#39;s most dangerous countries for journalists.&nbsp;

Reporting critical of the military is considered a major red flag, with journalists at times detained, beaten and even killed; while restive Balochistan has been wracked for more than a decade by Islamist, sectarian and separatist insurgencies.

However the motive for Jan`s killing is not yet clear, Ali said. He had not complained of any threats from militant groups or mentioned any family or tribal dispute.&nbsp;

No group has yet claimed responsibility for the killing, and Ali said police were investigating.

Jan was also working as a press secretary for the Balochistan media council as well as a teacher in a government school.

(AFP)

Pakistan is ranked among the world's most dangerous countries for journalists

A journalist was shot dead close to the Afghan and Iranian border in the restive province of Balochistan in Pakistan by unidentified attackers, police said Friday. Muhammad Jan, 37, who worked for local Urdu language daily newspaper Qudrat, was shot late Thursday while on his way home on a motorcycle in Qalat district, some 160 kilometres south of Quetta, the provincial capital. "Two attackers on motorcycle opened fire on him, using a pistol and killing him on the spot," senior police officer Muhammad Ali told AFP. The attackers fled the scene, he said. Pakistan is ranked among the world's most dangerous countries for journalists. Reporting critical of the military is considered a major red flag, with journalists at times detained, beaten and even killed; while restive Balochistan has been wracked for more than a decade by Islamist, sectarian and separatist insurgencies. However the motive for Jan`s killing is not yet clear, Ali said. He had not complained of any threats from militant groups or mentioned any family or tribal dispute. No group has yet claimed responsibility for the killing, and Ali said police were investigating. Jan was also working as a press secretary for the Balochistan media council as well as a teacher in a government school. (AFP)

Journalist shot dead in Pakistan's restive province of Balochistan

&nbsp;

Emotional scenes were witnessed when a small packet containing the holy soil of ancient Sharada temple arrived from Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK). No sooner was the packet opened in a function at Jammu, the Kashmiri Pandits lined up to apply the sacred soil on their foreheads as a mark of respect and devotion to Goddess Mata Sharada.

It was after almost 70 years that the Kashmiri Pandits, who have been fighting for permission to visit the ancient temple, received a memorabilia from the holy temple. The ancient temple lies in ruins in PoK, and the faithful haven&rsquo;t had access to it given that almost all Hindus living across the LoC migrated to India after the partition.

What added an interesting dimension to the cross-border bonhomie was that a local Muslim forester in PoK, Rayees Ahmad, sent a packet of holy soil by registered post to Ravinder Pandita, Delhi chapter head of All Party Migrant Coordination Committee (APMCC), so that Kashmiri Pandits could have a feel of the holy temple.

&ldquo;Tilak was applied by all the participants from the soil brought from Sharada. It was a poignant and an emotional scene when the soil was received and obeisance paid for the first time after Partition,&rdquo; said Pandita.

Situated 207 kilometres north of Muzaffarabad, capital of PoK, in Athmuqam Neelam Valley, the Sharada temple is located near the confluence of Kishan Ganga river and Mudhumati stream. The exact date of establishing the temple is unknown, however, the present style and form of the shrine was established by King Lalitaditya in 724 AD.

Before independence, the annual yatra to Sharada temple was a tradition conducted from ancient times. During the Dogra rule in 1846, it became a regular feature. Historical facts reveal that a Buddhist University was established near the shrine during the period of Emperor Ashoka in 273 BC known as Sharada Peeth.

&ldquo;The last pilgrimage was undertaken by Swami Nand Lal Ji of Tikker Kupwara fame in 1947. He left for heavenly abode in 1968 but one of his disciples, Swami Mast Bab Ji of Hushru fame, is still alive. In fact, at the time of partition, Swami Nand Lal Ji carried idols from Sharda to Tikker on horses. A few of these stone idols are lying at Devibal in Baramulla besides Tikker in Kupwara,&rdquo; informed Pandita.

70 years on, the Kashmiri Pandits have been demanding revival of the pilgrimage and reopening of Sharada temple for Hindu devotees of the country and Jammu and Kashmir. In fact, APMCC chairperson Vinod Pandit led a fast unto death some years ago for reopening of the temple as well as some other issues.

&ldquo;A few years back, I applied for permission to visit the temple using the cross LoC peace bus, but I was told by the state government to approach the Pakistan high commission for visa. If a Muslim can go to PoK on a permit, why should I not be allowed to visit on permit system,&rdquo; questioned Vinod.

In fact, locals in PoK have set up Save Sharada Committee, and APMCC is in the process of opening and registering such a committee in India too. History was scripted in November last year when flowers were offered at the temple on behalf of Ravinder Pandita by the Civil Society of Neelum Valley for the first time since 1947.

(DNA)

A Muslim forester in PoK sent holy soil to Indian authorities so that Kashmiri Pandits could have a feel of the Sharada temple

Emotional scenes were witnessed when a small packet containing the holy soil of ancient Sharada temple arrived from Pakistan Occupied Kashmir (PoK). No sooner was the packet opened in a function at Jammu, the Kashmiri Pandits lined up to apply the sacred soil on their foreheads as a mark of respect and devotion to Goddess Mata Sharada. It was after almost 70 years that the Kashmiri Pandits, who have been fighting for permission to visit the ancient temple, received a memorabilia from the holy temple. The ancient temple lies in ruins in PoK, and the faithful haven’t had access to it given that almost all Hindus living across the LoC migrated to India after the partition. What added an interesting dimension to the cross-border bonhomie was that a local Muslim forester in PoK, Rayees Ahmad, sent a packet of holy soil by registered post to Ravinder Pandita, Delhi chapter head of All Party Migrant Coordination Committee (APMCC), so that Kashmiri Pandits could have a feel of the holy temple. “Tilak was applied by all the participants from the soil brought from Sharada. It was a poignant and an emotional scene when the soil was received and obeisance paid for the first time after Partition,” said Pandita. Situated 207 kilometres north of Muzaffarabad, capital of PoK, in Athmuqam Neelam Valley, the Sharada temple is located near the confluence of Kishan Ganga river and Mudhumati stream. The exact date of establishing the temple is unknown, however, the present style and form of the shrine was established by King Lalitaditya in 724 AD. Before independence, the annual yatra to Sharada temple was a tradition conducted from ancient times. During the Dogra rule in 1846, it became a regular feature. Historical facts reveal that a Buddhist University was established near the shrine during the period of Emperor Ashoka in 273 BC known as Sharada Peeth. “The last pilgrimage was undertaken by Swami Nand Lal Ji of Tikker Kupwara fame in 1947. He left for heavenly abode in 1968 but one of his disciples, Swami Mast Bab Ji of Hushru fame, is still alive. In fact, at the time of partition, Swami Nand Lal Ji carried idols from Sharda to Tikker on horses. A few of these stone idols are lying at Devibal in Baramulla besides Tikker in Kupwara,” informed Pandita. 70 years on, the Kashmiri Pandits have been demanding revival of the pilgrimage and reopening of Sharada temple for Hindu devotees of the country and Jammu and Kashmir. In fact, APMCC chairperson Vinod Pandit led a fast unto death some years ago for reopening of the temple as well as some other issues. “A few years back, I applied for permission to visit the temple using the cross LoC peace bus, but I was told by the state government to approach the Pakistan high commission for visa. If a Muslim can go to PoK on a permit, why should I not be allowed to visit on permit system,” questioned Vinod. In fact, locals in PoK have set up Save Sharada Committee, and APMCC is in the process of opening and registering such a committee in India too. History was scripted in November last year when flowers were offered at the temple on behalf of Ravinder Pandita by the Civil Society of Neelum Valley for the first time since 1947. (DNA)

PoK Muslim sends sacred soil to Kashmiri Pandits in India

The head of the Xinjiang government was quoted as saying by China&rsquo;s official Xinuha news agency on Tuesday that security along the China-Pakistan border would be further tightened &quot;to prevent terrorists from entering or leaving the region illegally in 2017&quot;, according to a report in The Times of India.

Xinjiang Communist Party leaders expressed fears of militants getting training in Pakistan and Afghanistan, and returning to the province to carry out terror attacks.

China is tightening border controls in its northwestern Xinjiang region amid rising terrorism threats, Xinjiang chairman Shohrat Zakir said. He was speaking at the regional People&#39;s Congress on Monday.&nbsp;

The statement&nbsp;comes after a raid on Sunday in Xinjiang&#39;s Hotan prefecture in which three terrorists were shot dead for killing five people on December 28.&nbsp;

Xinjiang has been hit by a series of violent attacks in recent years. The authorities have blamed the attacks on Islamist terrorists.&nbsp;

(WION)

Beijing wants 'to prevent terrorists from entering or leaving the region illegally in 2017'

The head of the Xinjiang government was quoted as saying by China’s official Xinuha news agency on Tuesday that security along the China-Pakistan border would be further tightened "to prevent terrorists from entering or leaving the region illegally in 2017", according to a report in The Times of India. Xinjiang Communist Party leaders expressed fears of militants getting training in Pakistan and Afghanistan, and returning to the province to carry out terror attacks. China is tightening border controls in its northwestern Xinjiang region amid rising terrorism threats, Xinjiang chairman Shohrat Zakir said. He was speaking at the regional People's Congress on Monday. The statement comes after a raid on Sunday in Xinjiang's Hotan prefecture in which three terrorists were shot dead for killing five people on December 28. Xinjiang has been hit by a series of violent attacks in recent years. The authorities have blamed the attacks on Islamist terrorists. (WION)

China to seal Pakistan border to tackle terrorism

Pakistan today successfully test-fired its first Submarine-Launched Cruise Missile capable of carrying a nuclear warhead up to 450 kms from an undisclosed location in the Indian Ocean, giving the country a &quot;credible&quot; second-strike capability, the military said.

The missile, Babur-3, was fired from an underwater, mobile platform and hit its target with precise accuracy, the Inter Services Public Relations, the media wing of the Pakistani military said in a statement.

Babur-3, which has a range of 450 km, is a sea-based variant of Ground Launched Cruise Missile (GLCM) Babur-2, which was successfully tested earlier in December, last year.

The Babur-3 SLCM incorporates state-of-the-art technologies including underwater controlled propulsion and advanced guidance and navigation features, duly augmented by Global Navigation, Terrain and Scene Matching Systems.

The missile features terrain hugging and sea skimming flight capabilities to evade hostile radars and air defenses, in addition to certain stealth technologies, in an emerging regional Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) environment, the release said.

Babur-3 SLCM in land-attack mode, is capable of delivering various types of payloads and will provide Pakistan with a &quot;credible second-strike capability, augmenting deterrence,&quot; the statement said.

While the pursuit and now the successful attainment of a second strike capability by Pakistan represents a major scientific milestone, it is manifestation of the strategy of measured response to nuclear strategies and postures being adopted in Pakistan&#39;s neighbourhood, it said, in an obvious reference to India.

Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif has congratulated the nation and the military on the first successful test-fire of the SLCM, his office said in a statement.

&quot;The successful test of Babur-3 is a manifestation of Pakistan&#39;s technological progress and self-reliance,&quot; according to the statement.

Sharif further said that Pakistan always maintains policy of peaceful co-existence but this test is a step towards reinforcing policy of credible minimum deterrence.

(PTI)

The missile, Babur-3, was fired from an underwater, mobile platform and hit its target with precise accuracy

Pakistan today successfully test-fired its first Submarine-Launched Cruise Missile capable of carrying a nuclear warhead up to 450 kms from an undisclosed location in the Indian Ocean, giving the country a "credible" second-strike capability, the military said. The missile, Babur-3, was fired from an underwater, mobile platform and hit its target with precise accuracy, the Inter Services Public Relations, the media wing of the Pakistani military said in a statement. Babur-3, which has a range of 450 km, is a sea-based variant of Ground Launched Cruise Missile (GLCM) Babur-2, which was successfully tested earlier in December, last year. The Babur-3 SLCM incorporates state-of-the-art technologies including underwater controlled propulsion and advanced guidance and navigation features, duly augmented by Global Navigation, Terrain and Scene Matching Systems. The missile features terrain hugging and sea skimming flight capabilities to evade hostile radars and air defenses, in addition to certain stealth technologies, in an emerging regional Ballistic Missile Defence (BMD) environment, the release said. Babur-3 SLCM in land-attack mode, is capable of delivering various types of payloads and will provide Pakistan with a "credible second-strike capability, augmenting deterrence," the statement said. While the pursuit and now the successful attainment of a second strike capability by Pakistan represents a major scientific milestone, it is manifestation of the strategy of measured response to nuclear strategies and postures being adopted in Pakistan's neighbourhood, it said, in an obvious reference to India. Prime Minister Muhammad Nawaz Sharif has congratulated the nation and the military on the first successful test-fire of the SLCM, his office said in a statement. "The successful test of Babur-3 is a manifestation of Pakistan's technological progress and self-reliance," according to the statement. Sharif further said that Pakistan always maintains policy of peaceful co-existence but this test is a step towards reinforcing policy of credible minimum deterrence. (PTI)

Pakistan test-fires nuclear-capable submarine cruise missile

The dusty desert city of Khuzdar in southwestern Pakistan has no hospital and no commercial flights into its tiny airport, but government officials who visited recently spoke in glowing terms of its future as a hub of commerce.

Pakistan&#39;s new army chief, General Qamar Javed Bajwa, was among a flock of dignitaries who descended upon Khuzdar, a city of 400,000, to tout the benefits of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) for the southwestern province of Baluchistan.

How much the $57 billion network of energy projects, roads and a deep-water port linking western China with Pakistan&#39;s southwestern coast will benefit ordinary Pakistanis has been debated in recent months, with critics saying Chinese banks and companies will gain most.

Pakistani officials, however, assured students, officials and citizens at a seminar in Khuzdar that CPEC would bring new prosperity to Pakistan&#39;s largest, least-populous and poverty-plagued province.

&quot;Baluchistan unfortunately had been neglected in the past, for a host of reasons, but not anymore,&quot; Bajwa told the gathering at Khuzdar&#39;s Baluchistan University of Engineering and Technology.

The head of the army is one of the most powerful positions in Pakistan, where the military not only controls security but also operates a vast business empire and often dictates key areas of foreign policy.

Students in the audience were sceptical about whether CPEC would benefit the province.

Baluchistan, which has rich reserves of natural gas, copper and gold, has long complained that the national government takes far more from the province than it gives back. Ire over this has contributed to a long-running ethnic separatist rebellion.

A study late last year by the Applied Economics Research Centre (AERC) estimated CPEC would create 700,000 jobs in Pakistan and a Chinese newspaper recently placed the number at more than 2 million. But in Khuzdar, questions about how many jobs would come to Baluchistan from CPEC went unanswered.

&quot;I want to know what share Baluchistan will get and what the other provinces will get and on what basis?&quot; a female student asked during a question and answer session.

Where&#39;s the gas?

Concerns over how much Baluchistan will benefit were even voiced by a national official, Minister for Ports and Shipping Hasil Khan Bizenjo.

&quot;We just want to make sure that under CPEC the same thing does not happen to us as 1952, when gas was found in Baluchistan and yet in 2017 there is no gas in Khuzdar,&quot; said Bizenjo, originally from Baluchistan and a speaker at the conference.

Other speakers, however, envisioned Khuzdar as a centre of trade and industry.

Baluchistan chief minister Sanaullah Zehri said that Khuzdar would be one of 29 Special Economic Zones under CPEC that would &quot;greatly benefit the people of the city&quot;.

Khuzdar does not connect the provincial capital, Quetta, to the port city of Gwadar, but state representatives at the conference highlighted its significance as the second-largest city in the province and a potential transit point between Quetta and Karachi, Pakistan&#39;s biggest city and economic hub.

&quot;We believe that Khuzdar has the ability to attract a great deal of local and foreign investment,&quot; said Anwar Ul-Haq Kakar, a spokesman for the Baluchistan government.

The Khuzdar university&#39;s vice chancellor, Mohammad Amin, said he hoped CPEC could bring investment and jobs, because the city&#39;s location four hours&#39; drive from Quetta had made it difficult to attract even faculty at the school.

&quot;No one is coming because there is no infrastructure here as yet,&quot; Amin said of the university. &quot;We will offer any PhD who accepts a job here a brand new Toyota Corolla and a 100 per cent pay increase.&quot;

(Reuters)

General Qamar Javed Bajwa assured people at a seminar in Khuzdar that China-Pakistan Economic Corridor will bring prosperity to Baluchistan

The dusty desert city of Khuzdar in southwestern Pakistan has no hospital and no commercial flights into its tiny airport, but government officials who visited recently spoke in glowing terms of its future as a hub of commerce. Pakistan's new army chief, General Qamar Javed Bajwa, was among a flock of dignitaries who descended upon Khuzdar, a city of 400,000, to tout the benefits of the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) for the southwestern province of Baluchistan. How much the $57 billion network of energy projects, roads and a deep-water port linking western China with Pakistan's southwestern coast will benefit ordinary Pakistanis has been debated in recent months, with critics saying Chinese banks and companies will gain most. Pakistani officials, however, assured students, officials and citizens at a seminar in Khuzdar that CPEC would bring new prosperity to Pakistan's largest, least-populous and poverty-plagued province. "Baluchistan unfortunately had been neglected in the past, for a host of reasons, but not anymore," Bajwa told the gathering at Khuzdar's Baluchistan University of Engineering and Technology. The head of the army is one of the most powerful positions in Pakistan, where the military not only controls security but also operates a vast business empire and often dictates key areas of foreign policy. Students in the audience were sceptical about whether CPEC would benefit the province. Baluchistan, which has rich reserves of natural gas, copper and gold, has long complained that the national government takes far more from the province than it gives back. Ire over this has contributed to a long-running ethnic separatist rebellion. A study late last year by the Applied Economics Research Centre (AERC) estimated CPEC would create 700,000 jobs in Pakistan and a Chinese newspaper recently placed the number at more than 2 million. But in Khuzdar, questions about how many jobs would come to Baluchistan from CPEC went unanswered. "I want to know what share Baluchistan will get and what the other provinces will get and on what basis?" a female student asked during a question and answer session. Where's the gas? Concerns over how much Baluchistan will benefit were even voiced by a national official, Minister for Ports and Shipping Hasil Khan Bizenjo. "We just want to make sure that under CPEC the same thing does not happen to us as 1952, when gas was found in Baluchistan and yet in 2017 there is no gas in Khuzdar," said Bizenjo, originally from Baluchistan and a speaker at the conference. Other speakers, however, envisioned Khuzdar as a centre of trade and industry. Baluchistan chief minister Sanaullah Zehri said that Khuzdar would be one of 29 Special Economic Zones under CPEC that would "greatly benefit the people of the city". Khuzdar does not connect the provincial capital, Quetta, to the port city of Gwadar, but state representatives at the conference highlighted its significance as the second-largest city in the province and a potential transit point between Quetta and Karachi, Pakistan's biggest city and economic hub. "We believe that Khuzdar has the ability to attract a great deal of local and foreign investment," said Anwar Ul-Haq Kakar, a spokesman for the Baluchistan government. The Khuzdar university's vice chancellor, Mohammad Amin, said he hoped CPEC could bring investment and jobs, because the city's location four hours' drive from Quetta had made it difficult to attract even faculty at the school. "No one is coming because there is no infrastructure here as yet," Amin said of the university. "We will offer any PhD who accepts a job here a brand new Toyota Corolla and a 100 per cent pay increase." (Reuters)

Pakistan army chief promotes CPEC in Baluchistan

Pakistan has handed over a dossier on India&#39;s alleged &quot;interference&quot; in the country to new UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and asked the world body to play a role in &quot;restraining&quot; India from such activities.

Pakistan&#39;s permanent representative to the UN, Ambassador Maleeha Lodhi delivered the dossier on &quot;India&#39;s interference and terrorism in Pakistan&quot; in a meeting with the UN chief on Friday along with a letter from the Prime Minister&#39;s adviser on foreign affairs Sartaj Aziz.

Guterres&#39; spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said that the meeting was held at the request of the Pakistani envoy. When asked about what was discussed in the meeting, which took place at around noon, he said he did not have &quot;any indication&quot; of what was discussed in the meeting.

&quot;The dossier contains additional information and proof of Indian/RAW interference in Pakistan and involvement in terrorism particularly in Balochistan, FATA and Karachi. This is a follow up to the three dossiers, which were shared with the United Nations in October 2015,&quot; the Pakistan Foreign Office said in a statement in Islamabad.

In the covering letter sent with the dossier, Aziz claimed that the arrest of &quot;Indian RAW agent Kulbhushan Jadhav from Balochistan and his confessional statement admitting involvement in activities aimed at destabilising Pakistan, and support to terrorist elements vindicated Pakistan&#39;s long-standing position about India&#39;s involvement in such activities.&quot;

He also claimed that India was carrying out these activities in clear contravention of the UN Charter and the resolutions of the UN Security Council on counter-terrorism and international conventions on terrorism.

Jadhav has been accused by Pakistan of planning &quot;subversive activities&quot; in the country. India has acknowledged that Jadhav had served with the navy but denied that he has any connection with the government.

India&#39;s &quot;hostile intentions&quot; towards Pakistan were also borne out by recent statements of its political and military leadership, Aziz was quoted as saying in the letter.

He claimed Pakistan had made a major contribution to global counter terrorism efforts and secured significant gains in its domestic fight against terrorism.

Aziz urged the Secretary-General and relevant UN bodies to seriously consider the matter in the light of information shared by Pakistan and play a role in &quot;restraining India from these activities, which were in clear violation of international law and posed a threat to regional and international peace and security&quot;.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

(PTI)

Guterres' spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said that the meeting was held at the request of the Pakistani envoy

Pakistan has handed over a dossier on India's alleged "interference" in the country to new UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and asked the world body to play a role in "restraining" India from such activities. Pakistan's permanent representative to the UN, Ambassador Maleeha Lodhi delivered the dossier on "India's interference and terrorism in Pakistan" in a meeting with the UN chief on Friday along with a letter from the Prime Minister's adviser on foreign affairs Sartaj Aziz. Guterres' spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said that the meeting was held at the request of the Pakistani envoy. When asked about what was discussed in the meeting, which took place at around noon, he said he did not have "any indication" of what was discussed in the meeting. "The dossier contains additional information and proof of Indian/RAW interference in Pakistan and involvement in terrorism particularly in Balochistan, FATA and Karachi. This is a follow up to the three dossiers, which were shared with the United Nations in October 2015," the Pakistan Foreign Office said in a statement in Islamabad. In the covering letter sent with the dossier, Aziz claimed that the arrest of "Indian RAW agent Kulbhushan Jadhav from Balochistan and his confessional statement admitting involvement in activities aimed at destabilising Pakistan, and support to terrorist elements vindicated Pakistan's long-standing position about India's involvement in such activities." He also claimed that India was carrying out these activities in clear contravention of the UN Charter and the resolutions of the UN Security Council on counter-terrorism and international conventions on terrorism. Jadhav has been accused by Pakistan of planning "subversive activities" in the country. India has acknowledged that Jadhav had served with the navy but denied that he has any connection with the government. India's "hostile intentions" towards Pakistan were also borne out by recent statements of its political and military leadership, Aziz was quoted as saying in the letter. He claimed Pakistan had made a major contribution to global counter terrorism efforts and secured significant gains in its domestic fight against terrorism. Aziz urged the Secretary-General and relevant UN bodies to seriously consider the matter in the light of information shared by Pakistan and play a role in "restraining India from these activities, which were in clear violation of international law and posed a threat to regional and international peace and security". (PTI)

Pakistan hands over dossier on 'India's interference' to UN chief

&nbsp;

David Warner clubbed the second fastest half-century in Test history to help fire Australia to the verge of a 3-0 series sweep over Pakistan at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

The tourists were 55 for one at close of play on the rain-disrupted fourth day of the third Test, still&nbsp;410 runs short of their unlikely victory target of 465.

Warner needed just 23 balls to score his half-century - two more than the record set by Pakistan skipper Misbah-ul-Haq against Australia&nbsp;in Abu Dhabi in 2014 - to help the hosts knock off 241-2 before declaring after tea.

Steve Smith (59), Usman Khawaja (79 not out) and Peter Handscomb (40 not out) also poured on the runs after Warner was dismissed for a swashbuckling 55 off 27 deliveries.

&quot;The way the guys batted today, especially Warner&nbsp;of course, to get those runs as quickly as possible and do some pretty unselfish batting, and got us in the position we are in now,&quot; said paceman Josh Hazlewood, who took 4-55.

&quot;The wicket&#39;s still pretty good, but I think there&#39;s enough there to create nine more chances, if it&#39;s reverse swing or spin.&quot;&nbsp;

Earlier, after the opening session was washed out for the second day in a row, Younus Khan completed an imperious 175 not out before running out of partners as Pakistan were dismissed for 315, still 223 behind Australia&#39;s first innings 538-8.

Khawaja opened in his place but spent his first 40 minutes mostly a spectator as Warner, who on Tuesday become the first batsman to score a century in the opening session of a Test in Australia, again attacked the Pakistan bowlers.&nbsp;Warner slapped a four over midwicket from the first ball he faced and had added 10 more boundaries by the time Wahab Riaz removed him&nbsp;some 42 minutes later.&nbsp;In one stunning over, the left-hander smashed spinner Yasir for two sixes and two fours from the first four deliveries before adding a single off the fifth for good measure.&nbsp;

&quot;We want to finish this Test series on a good note, so I think it will be better for us if we show some fight,&quot; Younus said.

&quot;It will not be easy because it is the fifth day&nbsp;in Sydney and they have two spinners and good fast bowlers as well. It is our wish that we finish this Test match on a good note,&quot; the Pakistani batting legend added.

David Warner clubbed the second fastest half-century against Pakistan on the fourth day of the Sydney Test.

David Warner clubbed the second fastest half-century in Test history to help fire Australia to the verge of a 3-0 series sweep over Pakistan at the Sydney Cricket Ground. The tourists were 55 for one at close of play on the rain-disrupted fourth day of the third Test, still 410 runs short of their unlikely victory target of 465. Warner needed just 23 balls to score his half-century - two more than the record set by Pakistan skipper Misbah-ul-Haq against Australia in Abu Dhabi in 2014 - to help the hosts knock off 241-2 before declaring after tea. Steve Smith (59), Usman Khawaja (79 not out) and Peter Handscomb (40 not out) also poured on the runs after Warner was dismissed for a swashbuckling 55 off 27 deliveries. "The way the guys batted today, especially Warner of course, to get those runs as quickly as possible and do some pretty unselfish batting, and got us in the position we are in now," said paceman Josh Hazlewood, who took 4-55. "The wicket's still pretty good, but I think there's enough there to create nine more chances, if it's reverse swing or spin." Earlier, after the opening session was washed out for the second day in a row, Younus Khan completed an imperious 175 not out before running out of partners as Pakistan were dismissed for 315, still 223 behind Australia's first innings 538-8. Khawaja opened in his place but spent his first 40 minutes mostly a spectator as Warner, who on Tuesday become the first batsman to score a century in the opening session of a Test in Australia, again attacked the Pakistan bowlers. Warner slapped a four over midwicket from the first ball he faced and had added 10 more boundaries by the time Wahab Riaz removed him some 42 minutes later. In one stunning over, the left-hander smashed spinner Yasir for two sixes and two fours from the first four deliveries before adding a single off the fifth for good measure. "We want to finish this Test series on a good note, so I think it will be better for us if we show some fight," Younus said. "It will not be easy because it is the fifth day in Sydney and they have two spinners and good fast bowlers as well. It is our wish that we finish this Test match on a good note," the Pakistani batting legend added.

Cricket: David Warner puts Australia on top

India&#39;s National Investigation Agency (NIA) &nbsp;on Friday filed a charge sheet against Pakistani national Bahadur Ali for allegedly planning terrorist attacks in India on behalf of Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT). 
 
The NIA alleges that as part of LeT&#39;s plan, Ali, along with his two associates, Abu Saad and Abu Darda, all trained terrorists, infiltrated into Indian territory equipped with arms and ammunition, navigation equipment, combat material and other articles. They entered India with&nbsp;the aim of carrying out terrorist attacks in Jammu and Kashmir and at different places of the country including capital New Delhi, as per the given instructions to them by their LeT handlers in&nbsp;Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK).

Ali&#39;s accomplices were later killed in an encounter, the charge sheet states.&nbsp;

Ali, alias Saifullah Mansoor, was constantly in touch with Alfa-3 &mdash; the LeT control station based in Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir, the NIA alleges in the charge sheet.

The charge sheet states that a GPS device and a pocket diary recovered from Ali established his links with the LeT and contained the names of several towns in Kashmir as well as&nbsp;Delhi. &nbsp;He was also allegedly instructed by the LeT to mix with the stone-pelting agitators and throw grenades at the Indian security forces after the death of militant Burhan Wani in July.

&quot;The data retrieved from the GPS device The pocket diary recovered from Ali, among other contained coordinates of the Mandakuli &#39;launching pad&#39; of LeT. The pocket diary contains the name of several towns in Jammu and Kashmir (J&amp;K), like Rafiabad, Kunzar, Tangmarg, Budgam, Poonch, Jammu and Udhampur, besides Delhi. Given the fact that Ali is a trained cadre of LeT, the inclusion of the names of these towns or cities in the diary indicates that he was tasked to carry outterror attacks at several places, including in Delhi,&quot; the charge sheet states.

It added that Ali, a school dropout and a resident of a village near Pakista&#39;s Lahore, was provided with a map depicting parts of J&amp;K and Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK).&nbsp;

He was provided with grid references (GRs) that had been recovered from his possession. Ali plotted these GRs on the map sheet which was sent for examination to the Surveyor General of India at Dehradun which affirmed that the terrorist had plotted them correctly, the charge sheet alleges.

&quot;This clearly establishes that Ali is well conversant with the use of the map sheet and that he has received training in the subject.&quot;

The charge sheet was filed before a district judge, Amar Nath, in capital New Delhi. The NIA had registered a case against Ali, who was arrested on July 24 last year from Yahama village in North Kashmir&#39;s border with Pakistan.

It states that a thorough probe found that LeT has set up a well-organised machinery for the recruitment of vulnerable young men from different provinces of Pakistan as part of a conspiracy to wage war against India by committing terrorist acts in various parts of the country.

&quot;Once recruited, these impressionable young men are put through various training regimes with the twin objectives of radicalising their worldview and providing them with &#39;military&#39; skills. Subsequent to their training, these trained cadres of LeT are illegally pushed into Indian Territory where they commit terrorist acts with the help of a network of their supporters and facilitators,&quot; the charge sheet said.

The charge sheet also highlighted the gaps along the Line of Control (LoC). It states that Ali, along with two other terrorists, walked undetected for seven days before they reached their destination. The trio had entered India between the intervening night to June 12 and 13 last year and reached their destination only around June 20.&nbsp;

NIA has slapped charges under Indian Penal Code, Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, the Explosives Act, the Explosives Substances Act, Arms Act, the Foreigners Act and the Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act.&nbsp;

Ali has been in judicial custody since August. A special court had on December 19 extended the judicial custody of Ali till January 18. 
 
(WION with inputs from PTI)

The National Investigating Agency accuses Bahadur Ali for allegedly planning terrorist attacks in India on behalf of the LeT

India's National Investigation Agency (NIA) on Friday filed a charge sheet against Pakistani national Bahadur Ali for allegedly planning terrorist attacks in India on behalf of Pakistan-based terror outfit Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT). The NIA alleges that as part of LeT's plan, Ali, along with his two associates, Abu Saad and Abu Darda, all trained terrorists, infiltrated into Indian territory equipped with arms and ammunition, navigation equipment, combat material and other articles. They entered India with the aim of carrying out terrorist attacks in Jammu and Kashmir and at different places of the country including capital New Delhi, as per the given instructions to them by their LeT handlers in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK). Ali's accomplices were later killed in an encounter, the charge sheet states. Ali, alias Saifullah Mansoor, was constantly in touch with Alfa-3 — the LeT control station based in Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir, the NIA alleges in the charge sheet. The charge sheet states that a GPS device and a pocket diary recovered from Ali established his links with the LeT and contained the names of several towns in Kashmir as well as Delhi. He was also allegedly instructed by the LeT to mix with the stone-pelting agitators and throw grenades at the Indian security forces after the death of militant Burhan Wani in July. "The data retrieved from the GPS device The pocket diary recovered from Ali, among other contained coordinates of the Mandakuli 'launching pad' of LeT. The pocket diary contains the name of several towns in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), like Rafiabad, Kunzar, Tangmarg, Budgam, Poonch, Jammu and Udhampur, besides Delhi. Given the fact that Ali is a trained cadre of LeT, the inclusion of the names of these towns or cities in the diary indicates that he was tasked to carry outterror attacks at several places, including in Delhi," the charge sheet states. It added that Ali, a school dropout and a resident of a village near Pakista's Lahore, was provided with a map depicting parts of J&K and Pakistan-occupied-Kashmir (PoK). He was provided with grid references (GRs) that had been recovered from his possession. Ali plotted these GRs on the map sheet which was sent for examination to the Surveyor General of India at Dehradun which affirmed that the terrorist had plotted them correctly, the charge sheet alleges. "This clearly establishes that Ali is well conversant with the use of the map sheet and that he has received training in the subject." The charge sheet was filed before a district judge, Amar Nath, in capital New Delhi. The NIA had registered a case against Ali, who was arrested on July 24 last year from Yahama village in North Kashmir's border with Pakistan. It states that a thorough probe found that LeT has set up a well-organised machinery for the recruitment of vulnerable young men from different provinces of Pakistan as part of a conspiracy to wage war against India by committing terrorist acts in various parts of the country. "Once recruited, these impressionable young men are put through various training regimes with the twin objectives of radicalising their worldview and providing them with 'military' skills. Subsequent to their training, these trained cadres of LeT are illegally pushed into Indian Territory where they commit terrorist acts with the help of a network of their supporters and facilitators," the charge sheet said. The charge sheet also highlighted the gaps along the Line of Control (LoC). It states that Ali, along with two other terrorists, walked undetected for seven days before they reached their destination. The trio had entered India between the intervening night to June 12 and 13 last year and reached their destination only around June 20. NIA has slapped charges under Indian Penal Code, Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, the Explosives Act, the Explosives Substances Act, Arms Act, the Foreigners Act and the Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act. Ali has been in judicial custody since August. A special court had on December 19 extended the judicial custody of Ali till January 18. (WION with inputs from PTI)

India's investigating agency files charge sheet against Pakistani national for links to LeT

Over 100 clerics were among 150 people arrested on Wednesday in Pakistan&#39;s Punjab province for trying to hold a rally to &#39;celebrate&#39; the killing of liberal governor Salmaan Taseer in 2011 over the controversial blasphemy issue.

Defying prohibitory orders, clerics gathered here to hold a rally on Main Boulevard in Gulberg area to &#39;celebrate&#39; Taseer&#39;s sixth death anniversary, local media reported.

Protesters belonging to religious parties like Sunni Tehreek, Tehreek-i-Khatme Nabuwat and Tehreek-i-Labbaik Ya Rasool (SAW) were among those who had planned to march from Kalma Chowk to Liberty Chowk in Lahore to eulogise Taseer&#39;s killer and express support for blasphemy laws.

Taseer was killed on January 4, 2011 in Islamabad by his bodyguard Mumtaz Qadri for allegedly criticising the blasphemy laws in the country - a hugely sensitive issue in the country.

A police official said that the clerics had planned two separate rallies in Gulberg and the Mall Road areas of the city. The government banned the Gulberg protest while allowing the clerics to hold a rally on the Mall Road.

Defying government decision, hundreds of supporters of the three religious groups gathered in Gulberg for a rally but police went into action, disrupting the protest and arresting around 150 of them, over 100 of whom were clerics, local media reported.

Protesters also put up dozens of banners in Lahore and other cities declaring Qadri as a hero.

Senior police officials said no one had permission to hold a rally in Lahore. They added that the Punjab government had not allowed the demonstrators to hold any rally in Lahore and police would block routes and make arrests if necessary.

Main area and arterial roads were blocked and police personnel were heavily deployed across the city. Due to the diversions, capital of Pakistan&#39;s most populous province also witnessed severe traffic jams along certain routes.

Qadri was apparently infuriated when the governor visited a Christian woman called Aasia Bibi, who was given death sentence for alleged blasphemy, and on the occasion he termed blasphemy regulations as &#39;black law&#39;.

Qadri, who was arrested and convicted of murder, was hanged in Rawalpindi&#39;s Adiala jail in 2016 and buried in Bhara Kau area of Islamabad where his supporters are constructing a shrine to honour him.

Blasphemy laws were enacted by former military ruler Ziaul Haq in 1980s and clerics have refused to allow any reforms in the laws despite concerns about their misuse.

(PTI)

Taseer was killed in 2011 by his bodyguard Mumtaz Qadri for allegedly criticising his country's blasphemy laws

Over 100 clerics were among 150 people arrested on Wednesday in Pakistan's Punjab province for trying to hold a rally to 'celebrate' the killing of liberal governor Salmaan Taseer in 2011 over the controversial blasphemy issue. Defying prohibitory orders, clerics gathered here to hold a rally on Main Boulevard in Gulberg area to 'celebrate' Taseer's sixth death anniversary, local media reported. Protesters belonging to religious parties like Sunni Tehreek, Tehreek-i-Khatme Nabuwat and Tehreek-i-Labbaik Ya Rasool (SAW) were among those who had planned to march from Kalma Chowk to Liberty Chowk in Lahore to eulogise Taseer's killer and express support for blasphemy laws. Taseer was killed on January 4, 2011 in Islamabad by his bodyguard Mumtaz Qadri for allegedly criticising the blasphemy laws in the country - a hugely sensitive issue in the country. A police official said that the clerics had planned two separate rallies in Gulberg and the Mall Road areas of the city. The government banned the Gulberg protest while allowing the clerics to hold a rally on the Mall Road. Defying government decision, hundreds of supporters of the three religious groups gathered in Gulberg for a rally but police went into action, disrupting the protest and arresting around 150 of them, over 100 of whom were clerics, local media reported. Protesters also put up dozens of banners in Lahore and other cities declaring Qadri as a hero. Senior police officials said no one had permission to hold a rally in Lahore. They added that the Punjab government had not allowed the demonstrators to hold any rally in Lahore and police would block routes and make arrests if necessary. Main area and arterial roads were blocked and police personnel were heavily deployed across the city. Due to the diversions, capital of Pakistan's most populous province also witnessed severe traffic jams along certain routes. Qadri was apparently infuriated when the governor visited a Christian woman called Aasia Bibi, who was given death sentence for alleged blasphemy, and on the occasion he termed blasphemy regulations as 'black law'. Qadri, who was arrested and convicted of murder, was hanged in Rawalpindi's Adiala jail in 2016 and buried in Bhara Kau area of Islamabad where his supporters are constructing a shrine to honour him. Blasphemy laws were enacted by former military ruler Ziaul Haq in 1980s and clerics have refused to allow any reforms in the laws despite concerns about their misuse. (PTI)

Pakistan: Over 100 clerics among 150 arrested for 'celebrating'  Salman Taseer's killing

Goods transportation is a male-dominated industry. In fact, even in the West, there are only a handful of women who can be seen driving trucks. Given that, one would scarcely expect a woman&nbsp;behind the wheel of a truck, ferrying goods in a conservative nation like Pakistan.

But that&rsquo;s exactly what Shamim Akhtar has been doing. She is Pakistan&#39;s first woman truck driver and she loves her job. The 53-year-old began working as a driver to support her five children after her husband&rsquo;s death. What started as a simple job for her, has now become an act that is breaking gender stereotypes and challenging the traditional perceptions of women in South Asia.
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
&quot;Nothing is too difficult.&quot; - Shamim Akhtar, Pakistan&#39;s 1st female truck driver.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/InternationalWomensDay?src=hash">#InternationalWomensDay</a> <a href="https://t.co/wIuK8a0GjE">pic.twitter.com/wIuK8a0GjE</a>
&mdash; US Consulate Karachi (@usconsulatekhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/usconsulatekhi/status/707130492244471808">March 8, 2016</a></blockquote>

<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

After her husband&rsquo;s death, Shamim started&nbsp;taking lessons to drive heavy vehicles. An inspiration for many, she was issued a public service vehicle license, a first for a Pakistani woman, allowing her to pull trailers, drive trucks and tractors.

<iframe allowfullscreen="true" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="315" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/video.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FNowThisNews%2Fvideos%2F1185621838194605%2F&amp;show_text=0&amp;width=560" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" width="560"></iframe>

Akhtar not only drives in cities, but also ventures out on lengthy journeys, covering distances as far as 200 kilometres to transport goods. She says that she is proud to be challenging traditional mind-sets wherever she goes. Never the one to accept defeat, she carries with herself an enterprising attitude. While she drives, the truck and the road, all belong to her.&nbsp;

She hopes her story inspires many like her and that they follow their heart.&nbsp;

(Contributed by: Zeba Khan)

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Breaking gender stereotypes, Shamim Akhtar took to the wheel to support her family

Goods transportation is a male-dominated industry. In fact, even in the West, there are only a handful of women who can be seen driving trucks. Given that, one would scarcely expect a woman behind the wheel of a truck, ferrying goods in a conservative nation like Pakistan. But that’s exactly what Shamim Akhtar has been doing. She is Pakistan's first woman truck driver and she loves her job. The 53-year-old began working as a driver to support her five children after her husband’s death. What started as a simple job for her, has now become an act that is breaking gender stereotypes and challenging the traditional perceptions of women in South Asia. "Nothing is too difficult." - Shamim Akhtar, Pakistan's 1st female truck driver.#InternationalWomensDay pic.twitter.com/wIuK8a0GjE — US Consulate Karachi (@usconsulatekhi) March 8, 2016 After her husband’s death, Shamim started taking lessons to drive heavy vehicles. An inspiration for many, she was issued a public service vehicle license, a first for a Pakistani woman, allowing her to pull trailers, drive trucks and tractors. Akhtar not only drives in cities, but also ventures out on lengthy journeys, covering distances as far as 200 kilometres to transport goods. She says that she is proud to be challenging traditional mind-sets wherever she goes. Never the one to accept defeat, she carries with herself an enterprising attitude. While she drives, the truck and the road, all belong to her. She hopes her story inspires many like her and that they follow their heart. (Contributed by: Zeba Khan)

#BeTheChange: The woman who drives a truck in Pakistan, like a boss

India&#39;s minister of state for external affairs MJ Akbar on Wednesday said that India expects China to &#39;hear the voice of the world on terrorism&#39;.

Akbar said he hoped China will realise the &#39;depth and evil&#39; of terrorism as they deal with terror in their own country.

&quot;We do expect China to hear the voice of the world on terrorism, not just the voice of India,&quot; he said at a joint press conference with his ministerial colleague Gen (retd) VK Singh.

&quot;We hope China, as a matured and responsible nation will understand that double standards are simple self-defeating, even suicidal. China has its own terrorist problems. China recognises them, addresses them in bilateral agreements. We hope and we are sure that China can be persuaded to see the depth and evil of this menace. 14 out of 15 members perhaps agree on this.&quot;

On China&#39;s opposition to India&#39;s membership of the Nuclear Suppliers&nbsp;Group, Gen (retd) VK Singh said the&nbsp;government was engaging with all concerned to make them understand its &quot;concerns&quot; and &quot;credentials&quot;, hoping that Beijing will end its resistance.

On Tuesday, interior minister Rajnath Singh said that India was pursuing China to declare Azhar an international terrorist, PTI reported.

&quot;We are pursuing China to declare JeM chief Masood Azhar an international terrorist,&quot; Singh said.

Commenting on China&nbsp;blocking India&#39;s move to list Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Maulana Masood Azhar as a United Nations designated terrorist, Akbar said he hoped &#39;Pakistan will see the path of reason&#39;.

&quot;The engagement with Pakistan needs to continue as has been said and was first stated by Vajpayee ji. We have to deal with them. We deal with them eyes open, but we don&#39;t deal with them with minds closed. In that respect, the talk of inflammation doesn&#39;t necessarily help. We hope that Pakistan will see the path of reason. We hope Pakistan&#39;s friends will persuade it to see the path of reason,&quot; he said.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI and DNA)

Akbar said he hoped China 'will understand that double standards are self-defeating' as they deal with terror in their own country

India's minister of state for external affairs MJ Akbar on Wednesday said that India expects China to 'hear the voice of the world on terrorism'. Akbar said he hoped China will realise the 'depth and evil' of terrorism as they deal with terror in their own country. "We do expect China to hear the voice of the world on terrorism, not just the voice of India," he said at a joint press conference with his ministerial colleague Gen (retd) VK Singh. "We hope China, as a matured and responsible nation will understand that double standards are simple self-defeating, even suicidal. China has its own terrorist problems. China recognises them, addresses them in bilateral agreements. We hope and we are sure that China can be persuaded to see the depth and evil of this menace. 14 out of 15 members perhaps agree on this." On China's opposition to India's membership of the Nuclear Suppliers Group, Gen (retd) VK Singh said the government was engaging with all concerned to make them understand its "concerns" and "credentials", hoping that Beijing will end its resistance. On Tuesday, interior minister Rajnath Singh said that India was pursuing China to declare Azhar an international terrorist, PTI reported. "We are pursuing China to declare JeM chief Masood Azhar an international terrorist," Singh said. Commenting on China blocking India's move to list Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Maulana Masood Azhar as a United Nations designated terrorist, Akbar said he hoped 'Pakistan will see the path of reason'. "The engagement with Pakistan needs to continue as has been said and was first stated by Vajpayee ji. We have to deal with them. We deal with them eyes open, but we don't deal with them with minds closed. In that respect, the talk of inflammation doesn't necessarily help. We hope that Pakistan will see the path of reason. We hope Pakistan's friends will persuade it to see the path of reason," he said. (With inputs from PTI and DNA)

China must realise 'depth and evil' of terrorism: India's junior foreign minister

Amid a chill in India-Pakistan ties, Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif today called a high-level meeting and reviewed the current status of the country&#39;s ties with its neighbours and strategic partners, according to an official statement.

Sharif said Pakistan believes in peaceful co-existence with all countries of the region and looks forward to establish with them strong and mutually beneficial relations.

&quot;Peaceful coexistence, mutual respect and economically integrated region must be our shared objective and we must strive for realising this objective. This could be possible only when we demonstrate a commitment to our aspirations of peace, progress and prosperity,&quot; Sharif said during the meeting.

His remarks come amid severe low&nbsp;in Indo-Pak ties after Pakistan-based terrorists attacked an Indian army base in Uri in September. 
Sharif added that China-Pakistan Economic Corridor&nbsp;was a &quot;cornerstone of our own quest for regional connectivity and shared prosperity&quot;.

The meeting evaluated various policy options in response to different challenges in regard to foreign relations. It focused on issues pertaining to regional, external and internal security situation.

It also reviewed bilateral and multi-lateral relations with neighbouring countries, future roadmap for regional stability and maintenance of mutually beneficial relations with all countries in the region and beyond.

Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, Interior Minister Nisar Ali Khan, army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa, ISI chief Lt. Gen&nbsp;Naveed Mukhtar, Advisor on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz, Special Assistant to PM Tariq Fatemi, National Security Advisor Lt&nbsp;Gen&nbsp;(R) Nasser Khan Janjua and other senior officials attended the meeting.

(PTI)

'Peaceful coexistence, mutual respect and economically integrated region must be our shared objective...' said the Pakistani prime minister

Amid a chill in India-Pakistan ties, Pakistan Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif today called a high-level meeting and reviewed the current status of the country's ties with its neighbours and strategic partners, according to an official statement. Sharif said Pakistan believes in peaceful co-existence with all countries of the region and looks forward to establish with them strong and mutually beneficial relations. "Peaceful coexistence, mutual respect and economically integrated region must be our shared objective and we must strive for realising this objective. This could be possible only when we demonstrate a commitment to our aspirations of peace, progress and prosperity," Sharif said during the meeting. His remarks come amid severe low in Indo-Pak ties after Pakistan-based terrorists attacked an Indian army base in Uri in September. Sharif added that China-Pakistan Economic Corridor was a "cornerstone of our own quest for regional connectivity and shared prosperity". The meeting evaluated various policy options in response to different challenges in regard to foreign relations. It focused on issues pertaining to regional, external and internal security situation. It also reviewed bilateral and multi-lateral relations with neighbouring countries, future roadmap for regional stability and maintenance of mutually beneficial relations with all countries in the region and beyond. Finance Minister Ishaq Dar, Interior Minister Nisar Ali Khan, army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa, ISI chief Lt. Gen Naveed Mukhtar, Advisor on Foreign Affairs Sartaj Aziz, Special Assistant to PM Tariq Fatemi, National Security Advisor Lt Gen (R) Nasser Khan Janjua and other senior officials attended the meeting. (PTI)

Pakistan seeks peaceful ties with neighbours: Sharif

India&#39;s elite counter-terror and counter-hijack force National Security Guards&#39; (NSG) website was hacked and defaced with anti-India content by suspected Pakistan-affiliated operatives, PTI reported.

The hackers also posted a derogatory message against the India Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the website.

The website was blocked by the officials after noticing that it has been hacked, reported PTI.

Official sources pointed that it could be the work of Pakistan-affiliated hackers. The hackers identified themselves as &quot;Alone Injector&quot;.

The National Informatics Centre (NIC) has been informed about the hacking event and &quot;remedial action&quot; is in process, a report in the PTI stated.

(WION with inputs from PTI)

The commando force was raised in 1984 to undertake counter-terror and counter-hijack operations

India's elite counter-terror and counter-hijack force National Security Guards' (NSG) website was hacked and defaced with anti-India content by suspected Pakistan-affiliated operatives, PTI reported. The hackers also posted a derogatory message against the India Prime Minister Narendra Modi on the website. The website was blocked by the officials after noticing that it has been hacked, reported PTI. Official sources pointed that it could be the work of Pakistan-affiliated hackers. The hackers identified themselves as "Alone Injector". The National Informatics Centre (NIC) has been informed about the hacking event and "remedial action" is in process, a report in the PTI stated. (WION with inputs from PTI)

Hackers deface National Security Guard website with anti-India content

Pakistan has sought support of the US on the implementation of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) with India, as Secretary of State John Kerry called for an amicable settlement of the issue by New Delhi and Islamabad, media reported today.

The development came after Pakistan was irked by the World Bank pause in mediation to resolve differences over construction of two water projects by India.

The Express Tribune reported that Kerry made a phone call to Finance Minister Ishaq Dar on Thursday night and discussed the row over the IWT implementation and the role of the World Bank (WB), which had brokered the treaty in 1960.

After Kerry&#39;s call, US Ambassador to Pakistan David Hale also met Dar in Islamabad at the Finance Ministry. 
The back-to-back contacts highlight the importance of the water issue, which can potentially endanger regional stability if the situation slips out of control, according to sources at Finance Ministry.

&quot;The US would like to see an amicable solution to this (water) issue,&quot; a Finance Ministry statement quoted Kerry as saying.

Kerry told Dar that the WB president had informed him about Pakistan&#39;s complaint against India on the IWT. 
The water dispute has catapulted the US back into Pakistan&#39;s economic picture.

The American civilian and military assistance to Pakistan has drastically come down in recent months and its implications on Pakistan&#39;s fiscal situation have started emerging in the shape of a larger-than-anticipated budget deficit.

Independent analysts argue that Washington may not play an effective role in resolving the water dispute, as the Obama administration is preparing to hand over the White House to Donald Trump next month.

&quot;Senator Dar indicated that the US support on the principles and legal position of Pakistan will be greatly appreciated,&quot; stated the Finance Ministry.

Early this month, the WB had announced a pause in playing its legally binding role of mediator in the IWT implementation.

In October, Pakistan had approached the WB seeking appointment of the Chairman of Court of Arbitration to resolve a dispute over construction of two mega hydropower projects by India in violation of the IWT.

The Finance Minister told Kerry that the IWT was an international commitment and it was the WB&#39;s responsibility to make sure India honoured the treaty and the water rights of hundreds of millions of Pakistani people were protected, said the finance ministry.

(PTI)

The US would like an amicable resolution, but this administration may not have a chance to be effective before Trump takes office

Pakistan has sought support of the US on the implementation of the Indus Waters Treaty (IWT) with India, as Secretary of State John Kerry called for an amicable settlement of the issue by New Delhi and Islamabad, media reported today. The development came after Pakistan was irked by the World Bank pause in mediation to resolve differences over construction of two water projects by India. The Express Tribune reported that Kerry made a phone call to Finance Minister Ishaq Dar on Thursday night and discussed the row over the IWT implementation and the role of the World Bank (WB), which had brokered the treaty in 1960. After Kerry's call, US Ambassador to Pakistan David Hale also met Dar in Islamabad at the Finance Ministry. The back-to-back contacts highlight the importance of the water issue, which can potentially endanger regional stability if the situation slips out of control, according to sources at Finance Ministry. "The US would like to see an amicable solution to this (water) issue," a Finance Ministry statement quoted Kerry as saying. Kerry told Dar that the WB president had informed him about Pakistan's complaint against India on the IWT. The water dispute has catapulted the US back into Pakistan's economic picture. The American civilian and military assistance to Pakistan has drastically come down in recent months and its implications on Pakistan's fiscal situation have started emerging in the shape of a larger-than-anticipated budget deficit. Independent analysts argue that Washington may not play an effective role in resolving the water dispute, as the Obama administration is preparing to hand over the White House to Donald Trump next month. "Senator Dar indicated that the US support on the principles and legal position of Pakistan will be greatly appreciated," stated the Finance Ministry. Early this month, the WB had announced a pause in playing its legally binding role of mediator in the IWT implementation. In October, Pakistan had approached the WB seeking appointment of the Chairman of Court of Arbitration to resolve a dispute over construction of two mega hydropower projects by India in violation of the IWT. The Finance Minister told Kerry that the IWT was an international commitment and it was the WB's responsibility to make sure India honoured the treaty and the water rights of hundreds of millions of Pakistani people were protected, said the finance ministry. (PTI)

Pakistan seeks US support in water dispute with India

A toxic homemade Christmas liquor killed at least 23 people, mostly from Pakistan&#39;s Christian minority community, and made dozens sick, police said on Tuesday.

At least 45 people were treated for poisoning after drinking the moonshine in the town of Toba Tek Singh, Punjab province, about 315 km (195 miles) south of Islamabad.

&quot;The maker and supplier of the toxic liquor is also included among the dead,&quot; senior police official Bilal Kamyana told Reuters. &quot;The maker prepared liquor at home and sold it in polythene bags for 500 rupees (about $5) each.&quot;

Deaths from tainted liquor, often home-brewed, occur periodically in Muslim-majority Pakistan, often around religious festivals. In March, at least 40 people, mostly Hindus, died after drinking toxic liquor days ahead of the festival of Holi.

It is illegal for Muslims to buy or consume alcohol in the country, and minorities need permits to buy it in restricted quantities.

Christians make up about 1.6 per cent of Pakistan&#39;s 190 million people, with most living in Punjab. 
 
(Reuters)

Residents in Mubarakabad Basti, a Christian colony, brewed liquor on Christmas eve and died late Monday night, police said

A toxic homemade Christmas liquor killed at least 23 people, mostly from Pakistan's Christian minority community, and made dozens sick, police said on Tuesday. At least 45 people were treated for poisoning after drinking the moonshine in the town of Toba Tek Singh, Punjab province, about 315 km (195 miles) south of Islamabad. "The maker and supplier of the toxic liquor is also included among the dead," senior police official Bilal Kamyana told Reuters. "The maker prepared liquor at home and sold it in polythene bags for 500 rupees (about $5) each." Deaths from tainted liquor, often home-brewed, occur periodically in Muslim-majority Pakistan, often around religious festivals. In March, at least 40 people, mostly Hindus, died after drinking toxic liquor days ahead of the festival of Holi. It is illegal for Muslims to buy or consume alcohol in the country, and minorities need permits to buy it in restricted quantities. Christians make up about 1.6 per cent of Pakistan's 190 million people, with most living in Punjab. (Reuters)

Pakistan: Toxic liquor kills 23, affects 40

Pakistan Minister for Railways Khuwaja Saad Rafique inaugurated the Christmas peace train on Thursday in a move to showcase minority outreach.

The train started its journey from Rawalpindi on Thursday and is scheduled to reach Karachi on December 31, 2016, Pakistani newspaper Dawn reported.

Christians in Pakistan make up for one of the two largest (non-Muslim) religious minorities along with Hindus.

The total number of Christians in Pakistan was estimated to be 1.6% of the population in 2005.

The minister, while addressing the inauguration ceremony, said Christians played a key role in the development and prosperity of Pakistan.

&quot;The white colour of our national flag denotes minority groups, and it is incomplete without them,&quot; he said, adding that this train would serve as a symbol of unity, tranquility and harmony wherever it would go.

Speaking of the shared religious principles and affinity that Muslims and Christians share, he said, &quot;We [Muslims] can never think of committing blasphemy against any of the Messengers sent by God.&quot;

He further added that the Constitution of Pakistan provides equal opportunities to everyone, and gives legal cover to each community living in this country.

Christians in Pakistan generally face discrimination from both the populace and the government.

Pakistan&#39;s Christian community developed a &quot;growing sense of concern&quot;, particularly over the strict blasphemy laws &ndash; which restricts any insults against the Islamic prophet Muhammad and makes the crime punishable by death.

Several hundred Christians, along with Muslims themselves, have been persecuted under Pakistan&#39;s blasphemy laws, and death sentences have been handed out to at least a dozen.

Minister for Human Rights, Kamran Michael, also shed light on the role and struggle of the Christian community as an equal partner in the development and solidarity of the country.

He even urged the people and Christian community, in particular to continue their commitment to strengthen the country.

(WION)

The train will run across the country to showcase unity and harmony with Christians on the eve of Christmas

Pakistan Minister for Railways Khuwaja Saad Rafique inaugurated the Christmas peace train on Thursday in a move to showcase minority outreach. The train started its journey from Rawalpindi on Thursday and is scheduled to reach Karachi on December 31, 2016, Pakistani newspaper Dawn reported. Christians in Pakistan make up for one of the two largest (non-Muslim) religious minorities along with Hindus. The total number of Christians in Pakistan was estimated to be 1.6% of the population in 2005. The minister, while addressing the inauguration ceremony, said Christians played a key role in the development and prosperity of Pakistan. "The white colour of our national flag denotes minority groups, and it is incomplete without them," he said, adding that this train would serve as a symbol of unity, tranquility and harmony wherever it would go. Speaking of the shared religious principles and affinity that Muslims and Christians share, he said, "We [Muslims] can never think of committing blasphemy against any of the Messengers sent by God." He further added that the Constitution of Pakistan provides equal opportunities to everyone, and gives legal cover to each community living in this country. Christians in Pakistan generally face discrimination from both the populace and the government. Pakistan's Christian community developed a "growing sense of concern", particularly over the strict blasphemy laws – which restricts any insults against the Islamic prophet Muhammad and makes the crime punishable by death. Several hundred Christians, along with Muslims themselves, have been persecuted under Pakistan's blasphemy laws, and death sentences have been handed out to at least a dozen. Minister for Human Rights, Kamran Michael, also shed light on the role and struggle of the Christian community as an equal partner in the development and solidarity of the country. He even urged the people and Christian community, in particular to continue their commitment to strengthen the country. (WION)

Christmas peace train inaugurated in Pakistan

Russia has taken serious objection to the &quot;leak&quot;&nbsp;by the Pakistani authorities, in their media, about the visit of Alexander Bortnikov, head of the Russian External Intelligence service&nbsp;(FSB)&nbsp;to Pakistan between November 25 to 27.

The visit which was designed to garner Pakistani support for operations in Aleppo, Syria, was compromised by pro-Saudi factions within the Pakistani establishment, according to&nbsp;sources.

According to leaks in the Pakistani media, during this visit, Bortnikov besides discussing Aleppo&nbsp;held consultations with Pakistani military and intelligence agencies amd showed&nbsp;interest in Russia joining the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project.

The project proposed that Russia and Pakistan initiate bilateral cooperation vis-a-vis the Gwador port,&nbsp;especially with regard to transfer of goods and services, and also requested Russian access, to the port.

Russia sees CPEC as a major challenge to its area domination by China and is working on Pakistan to open avenues for Moscow to get involved in the Gwadar gateway, something which has been a Russian dream for decades and was the prime reason for the Russian invasion of Afghanistan in 1979 as a first step towards reaching Gwadar.

While some elements within the Pakistan Army are keen to get involved with Russia, the predominant mood is against Moscow, given its antagonistic relationship with Saudi Arabia.

Sources say that the Pakistan Army is against having a close relationship with Russia as Saudi Arabia is and has been a tried and tested friend.

It was this influential section of the establishment which reportedly leaked the highly secret visit to Pakistan by the head of Russia&#39;s&nbsp;premier intelligence service.&nbsp;

(ANI)

The visit aimed at Pakistani support for operations in Aleppo. Russian entry to the China Pakistan Economic Corridor was also discussed

Russia has taken serious objection to the "leak" by the Pakistani authorities, in their media, about the visit of Alexander Bortnikov, head of the Russian External Intelligence service (FSB) to Pakistan between November 25 to 27. The visit which was designed to garner Pakistani support for operations in Aleppo, Syria, was compromised by pro-Saudi factions within the Pakistani establishment, according to sources. According to leaks in the Pakistani media, during this visit, Bortnikov besides discussing Aleppo held consultations with Pakistani military and intelligence agencies amd showed interest in Russia joining the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project. The project proposed that Russia and Pakistan initiate bilateral cooperation vis-a-vis the Gwador port, especially with regard to transfer of goods and services, and also requested Russian access, to the port. Russia sees CPEC as a major challenge to its area domination by China and is working on Pakistan to open avenues for Moscow to get involved in the Gwadar gateway, something which has been a Russian dream for decades and was the prime reason for the Russian invasion of Afghanistan in 1979 as a first step towards reaching Gwadar. While some elements within the Pakistan Army are keen to get involved with Russia, the predominant mood is against Moscow, given its antagonistic relationship with Saudi Arabia. Sources say that the Pakistan Army is against having a close relationship with Russia as Saudi Arabia is and has been a tried and tested friend. It was this influential section of the establishment which reportedly leaked the highly secret visit to Pakistan by the head of Russia's premier intelligence service. (ANI)

Pakistan authorities 'leak' Russian intelligence chief's November visit

A day after the National Investigation Agency (NIA) filled a charge sheet against Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar in the Pathankot attack, India took on Pakistan at the United Nations and called on the hostile neighbour to leave behind its ways of terrorism, with the warning saying that, &quot;what you sow will bear fruit&quot;.

Speaking at the United Nations Security Council, India&#39;s permanent envoy to the UN&nbsp;Syed Akbaruddin in a veiled attack on Pakistan, said that safe havens being provided to terrorists must be dealt with in order to bring sustainable peace.

&quot;We need to address, as an imperative, the support that terrorist organisations like the Taliban, Haqqani Network, Daesh, Al- Qaeda and its designated affiliates such as Lashkar-e-Toiba and the Jaish-e-Mohammed which operate entirely outside the fabric of international law draw from their shadowy supporters outside Afghanistan,&quot; he said.

Quoting poet Rumi, Akbaruddin said &quot;what you sow will bear fruit. If you&#39;ve any sense my friend, don&#39;t plant anything but peace,&quot; which seemed to be a clear message to Islamabad to refrain from stooping to terrorism.

The NIA on Monday filed a chargesheet in the NIA special court against senior commanders of Jaish-e-Mohammed including its Chief Maulana Masood Azhar, for their involvement in the terrorist attack at Pathankot Airbase on 2nd January, 2016.

(ANI)

India's UN envoy, in a veiled attack on Pakistan, said sustainable peace depends on not giving terrorists safe haven

A day after the National Investigation Agency (NIA) filled a charge sheet against Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar in the Pathankot attack, India took on Pakistan at the United Nations and called on the hostile neighbour to leave behind its ways of terrorism, with the warning saying that, "what you sow will bear fruit". Speaking at the United Nations Security Council, India's permanent envoy to the UN Syed Akbaruddin in a veiled attack on Pakistan, said that safe havens being provided to terrorists must be dealt with in order to bring sustainable peace. "We need to address, as an imperative, the support that terrorist organisations like the Taliban, Haqqani Network, Daesh, Al- Qaeda and its designated affiliates such as Lashkar-e-Toiba and the Jaish-e-Mohammed which operate entirely outside the fabric of international law draw from their shadowy supporters outside Afghanistan," he said. Quoting poet Rumi, Akbaruddin said "what you sow will bear fruit. If you've any sense my friend, don't plant anything but peace," which seemed to be a clear message to Islamabad to refrain from stooping to terrorism. The NIA on Monday filed a chargesheet in the NIA special court against senior commanders of Jaish-e-Mohammed including its Chief Maulana Masood Azhar, for their involvement in the terrorist attack at Pathankot Airbase on 2nd January, 2016. (ANI)

India targets Pakistan on terror at UN: 'What you sow will bear fruit'

A Pakistani opposition party on Tuesday&nbsp;sought an emergency session of parliament after a senior judge slammed the country&#39;s top law enforcement official for holding meetings with leaders of banned militant groups.

The move by cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan&#39;s Tehreek-i-Insaaf (Movement for Justice) party is set to put the government under added pressure as it fights a major corruption case against Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

Last week a report by Supreme Court Justice Qazi Isa into a suicide bombing of a hospital in August that killed 73 people strongly criticised the government for failing to implement anti-terror policies.

It singled out interior minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan for holding meetings with cleric Maulana Muhammad Ahmed Ludhianvi.

Ludhianvi heads the political wing of the Lashkar-e-Jhangvi militant group, which claimed the hospital attack along with the Islamic State.

The two groups jointly also claimed an attack on a police academy in October that killed 61 people and one on a shrine that killed 52 in November. All three attacks were in the southwestern province of Balochistan.

&quot;The report has raised the issue of the Interior Ministry inviting and holding meetings with leaders of banned militant organisations,&quot; a statement by Imran Khan&#39;s party said.

The speaker of parliament will now decide whether to accept the request for a special meeting to debate the report. 
The interior minister has described the growing criticism as &quot;one-sided&quot;.

Overall levels of violence have decreased in Pakistan since the army stepped up operations in the border regions and major cities in the wake of a Taliban school massacre of more than 150 people, mostly students, in December 2014. But the judge&#39;s report said the government had a long way to go.

&quot;Proscribed organisations continue their illegal activities and new terrorist organisations are proscribed after long delays,&quot; it said.

The resurgence of Lashkar-e-Jhangvi in the southwest, together with its links to the Islamic State group, are a major blow to long-running and partly successful efforts to quell a homegrown Islamist insurgency that sprang up in the aftermath of the 2001 invasion of Afghanistan.

(AFP)

Interior minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan held meetings with Maulana Muhammad Ahmed Ludhianvi of Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, the court said

A Pakistani opposition party on Tuesday sought an emergency session of parliament after a senior judge slammed the country's top law enforcement official for holding meetings with leaders of banned militant groups. The move by cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan's Tehreek-i-Insaaf (Movement for Justice) party is set to put the government under added pressure as it fights a major corruption case against Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. Last week a report by Supreme Court Justice Qazi Isa into a suicide bombing of a hospital in August that killed 73 people strongly criticised the government for failing to implement anti-terror policies. It singled out interior minister Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan for holding meetings with cleric Maulana Muhammad Ahmed Ludhianvi. Ludhianvi heads the political wing of the Lashkar-e-Jhangvi militant group, which claimed the hospital attack along with the Islamic State. The two groups jointly also claimed an attack on a police academy in October that killed 61 people and one on a shrine that killed 52 in November. All three attacks were in the southwestern province of Balochistan. "The report has raised the issue of the Interior Ministry inviting and holding meetings with leaders of banned militant organisations," a statement by Imran Khan's party said. The speaker of parliament will now decide whether to accept the request for a special meeting to debate the report. The interior minister has described the growing criticism as "one-sided". Overall levels of violence have decreased in Pakistan since the army stepped up operations in the border regions and major cities in the wake of a Taliban school massacre of more than 150 people, mostly students, in December 2014. But the judge's report said the government had a long way to go. "Proscribed organisations continue their illegal activities and new terrorist organisations are proscribed after long delays," it said. The resurgence of Lashkar-e-Jhangvi in the southwest, together with its links to the Islamic State group, are a major blow to long-running and partly successful efforts to quell a homegrown Islamist insurgency that sprang up in the aftermath of the 2001 invasion of Afghanistan. (AFP)

Pakistan: Top court slams interior minister for meetings with militant group member

Almost 40 years after seeking sanctuary in Pakistan, Nusheen Bibi lives in fear of being expelled from the only country she has ever known.

Bibi was only three when her family fled the 1979 Soviet invasion of Afghanistan - some of more than 6 million Afghan refugees who crossed into neighbouring Pakistan and Iran.&nbsp;

They soon made a new life in northern Pakistan where Bibi grew up, got married and eventually gave birth.

But growing animosity towards Afghan refugees combined with a push from the Pakistani government to repatriate thousands of Afghans has left the 40-year-old feeling vulnerable.

Under Pakistan&#39;s laws, a foreign woman can acquire Pakistani citizenship by marrying a local man, but Bibi has never done the paperwork to change her nationality.

&quot;I can&#39;t even think about leaving Pakistan,&quot; the mother of five told the Thomson Reuters Foundation in her home, a small mud house.

&quot;How can I leave my children, husband and entire family of in-laws?&quot; said Bibi, who asked that her real name not be used.

Pakistan has some 1.5 million registered refugees, one of the largest such populations in the world, according to the UN&nbsp;refugee agency (UNHCR). More than a million others are estimated to live there unregistered.

Although repatriation is not compulsory, Islamabad has stepped up pressure to send people back and numbers have risen sharply in recent months as Afghan-Indian relations strengthened and those between India and Pakistan soured.

UNHCR said 67,057 refugees were permanently repatriated in August, up from 12,962 the month before.

In all, more than 380,000 registered Afghan refugees have returned home in 2016 so far, with more than 1.4 million still remaining in Pakistan, UNHCR said.

&quot;Still foreigners&quot;

In September, Pakistan extended Afghan refugees&#39;&nbsp;right to stay until March 2017, but restrictions and harassment have increased, refugees and the UNHCR say.&nbsp;

Many Afghans complain of discrimination when considered for jobs and university places.&nbsp;

Pakistani officials deny there has been systematic harassment of Afghans living in Pakistan and say their country has demonstrated great generosity to the refugee population, despite severe economic problems of its own.

Like Bibi, Dilshad Begum is also facing the threat of separation from her spouse.&nbsp;

Begum was born in Mardan, a district of Pakistan&#39;s northwestern province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. In 2003, she married an Afghan man whose family migrated across the border.

But unlike foreign women, foreign men cannot acquire Pakistani citizenship through marriage.

The couple grew increasingly concerned about their future following brief clashes between Pakistani and Afghan security forces at the Torkham border crossing in June.

&quot;My husband sold his property in Afghanistan to establish his business in Pakistan,&quot; Begum said.

&quot;However, the government is now asking him to close down his business, withdraw all the money from his bank and move back to Afghanistan.&quot;

Sana, whose Afghan father moved to Pakistan at the age of eight, has tried but failed to gain a place at the University of Peshawar.

&quot;I finished college in Peshawar, where I was born. But the management tells me the quota for Afghan students is full already, so I can&#39;t get in,&quot; she said.

&quot;It is extremely disturbing for me to learn that after all these years, we are still being treated as foreigners.&quot;

Many who have returned to Afghanistan are struggling to reintegrate in a country they barely know.

Malala&#39;s family recently left for Afghanistan but the student, who declined to give her full name, decided to stay in Pakistan to complete her studies.

&quot;I&#39;m finding it difficult to continue because my dad is having a hard time establishing his business in Afghanistan,&quot; she said.

But the young woman says she bears no ill will towards Pakistan.

&quot;I was born here and love this soil. No matter where I go, Pakistan will always have a special place in my heart,&quot; she said.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

(Reuters)

Pakistan has some 1.5 million registered refugees, one of the largest such populations in the world, according to the UN refugee agency

Almost 40 years after seeking sanctuary in Pakistan, Nusheen Bibi lives in fear of being expelled from the only country she has ever known. Bibi was only three when her family fled the 1979 Soviet invasion of Afghanistan - some of more than 6 million Afghan refugees who crossed into neighbouring Pakistan and Iran. They soon made a new life in northern Pakistan where Bibi grew up, got married and eventually gave birth. But growing animosity towards Afghan refugees combined with a push from the Pakistani government to repatriate thousands of Afghans has left the 40-year-old feeling vulnerable. Under Pakistan's laws, a foreign woman can acquire Pakistani citizenship by marrying a local man, but Bibi has never done the paperwork to change her nationality. "I can't even think about leaving Pakistan," the mother of five told the Thomson Reuters Foundation in her home, a small mud house. "How can I leave my children, husband and entire family of in-laws?" said Bibi, who asked that her real name not be used. Pakistan has some 1.5 million registered refugees, one of the largest such populations in the world, according to the UN refugee agency (UNHCR). More than a million others are estimated to live there unregistered. Although repatriation is not compulsory, Islamabad has stepped up pressure to send people back and numbers have risen sharply in recent months as Afghan-Indian relations strengthened and those between India and Pakistan soured. UNHCR said 67,057 refugees were permanently repatriated in August, up from 12,962 the month before. In all, more than 380,000 registered Afghan refugees have returned home in 2016 so far, with more than 1.4 million still remaining in Pakistan, UNHCR said. "Still foreigners" In September, Pakistan extended Afghan refugees' right to stay until March 2017, but restrictions and harassment have increased, refugees and the UNHCR say. Many Afghans complain of discrimination when considered for jobs and university places. Pakistani officials deny there has been systematic harassment of Afghans living in Pakistan and say their country has demonstrated great generosity to the refugee population, despite severe economic problems of its own. Like Bibi, Dilshad Begum is also facing the threat of separation from her spouse. Begum was born in Mardan, a district of Pakistan's northwestern province of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. In 2003, she married an Afghan man whose family migrated across the border. But unlike foreign women, foreign men cannot acquire Pakistani citizenship through marriage. The couple grew increasingly concerned about their future following brief clashes between Pakistani and Afghan security forces at the Torkham border crossing in June. "My husband sold his property in Afghanistan to establish his business in Pakistan," Begum said. "However, the government is now asking him to close down his business, withdraw all the money from his bank and move back to Afghanistan." Sana, whose Afghan father moved to Pakistan at the age of eight, has tried but failed to gain a place at the University of Peshawar. "I finished college in Peshawar, where I was born. But the management tells me the quota for Afghan students is full already, so I can't get in," she said. "It is extremely disturbing for me to learn that after all these years, we are still being treated as foreigners." Many who have returned to Afghanistan are struggling to reintegrate in a country they barely know. Malala's family recently left for Afghanistan but the student, who declined to give her full name, decided to stay in Pakistan to complete her studies. "I'm finding it difficult to continue because my dad is having a hard time establishing his business in Afghanistan," she said. But the young woman says she bears no ill will towards Pakistan. "I was born here and love this soil. No matter where I go, Pakistan will always have a special place in my heart," she said. (Reuters)

Repatriation push, rising hostility alarms Afghan refugees in Pakistan

Pakistan has said that it will not accept any changes to the Indus Waters Treaty.

&quot;Pakistan will not accept any modifications or changes to the provisions of the Indus Waters Treaty. Our position is based on the principles enshrined in the treaty. And the treaty must be honoured in...letter and spirit&quot;, Pakistan daily the Dawn quoted special assistant to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Tariq Fatemi, as saying.

Pakistan&nbsp;said that India was buying time to complete its two disputed water projects and then insisting since the project was already complete it could not be modified.

Islamabad is raising its objection to the Kishanganga (330 megawatts) and Ratle (850 megawatts) hydroelectric plants being built by India,saying that it violates the provisions of the treaty.

Tensions over the water dispute escalated last month when Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi threatened to block the flow of water into Pakistan.

The World Bank had earlier asked the two &nbsp;countries to consider alternative ways to resolve their disagreements over the Indus Waters Treaty.

The World Bank had also said it was temporarily halting the appointment of a neutral expert as requested by India, and the Chairman of the Court of Arbitration, as requested by Pakistan, to resolve issues regarding the two hydroelectric power plants.

The treaty which was signed in 1960 gives India control over the three eastern rivers of the Indus basin, the Beas, the Ravi and the Sutlej while Pakistan has the three western rivers, the Indus, the Chenab and the Jhelum.

According to the provision of the treaty, India can use only 20 per cent of the total water carried by the Indus River.

The Indus Waters Treaty is seen as one of the most successful international treaties and has withstood frequent tensions between India and Pakistan, including conflict.

(WION with inputs from ANI) 
&nbsp;

Islamabad is raising its objection to the Kishanganga and Ratle hydroelectric plants India's building, saying that it violates the treaty

Pakistan has said that it will not accept any changes to the Indus Waters Treaty. "Pakistan will not accept any modifications or changes to the provisions of the Indus Waters Treaty. Our position is based on the principles enshrined in the treaty. And the treaty must be honoured in...letter and spirit", Pakistan daily the Dawn quoted special assistant to Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Tariq Fatemi, as saying. Pakistan said that India was buying time to complete its two disputed water projects and then insisting since the project was already complete it could not be modified. Islamabad is raising its objection to the Kishanganga (330 megawatts) and Ratle (850 megawatts) hydroelectric plants being built by India,saying that it violates the provisions of the treaty. Tensions over the water dispute escalated last month when Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi threatened to block the flow of water into Pakistan. The World Bank had earlier asked the two countries to consider alternative ways to resolve their disagreements over the Indus Waters Treaty. The World Bank had also said it was temporarily halting the appointment of a neutral expert as requested by India, and the Chairman of the Court of Arbitration, as requested by Pakistan, to resolve issues regarding the two hydroelectric power plants. The treaty which was signed in 1960 gives India control over the three eastern rivers of the Indus basin, the Beas, the Ravi and the Sutlej while Pakistan has the three western rivers, the Indus, the Chenab and the Jhelum. According to the provision of the treaty, India can use only 20 per cent of the total water carried by the Indus River. The Indus Waters Treaty is seen as one of the most successful international treaties and has withstood frequent tensions between India and Pakistan, including conflict. (WION with inputs from ANI)

Pakistan not to accept any changes to Indus Waters Treaty

A Pakistani school bus driver was killed and several children were wounded on Friday in Indian firing along the frontier in the disputed Kashmir region, Pakistan said.

&quot;A shell landed near a school bus in Mohra village of Nakyal sector, leaving the driver dead and eight children wounded,&quot; official Sardar Zeeshan Nisar told Reuters by telephone from the area.

The firing was a violation of a 2003 ceasefire, the Pakistani army&#39;s media wing said in a statement.

&quot;Pakistani troops effectively responded and targeted Indian posts from where fire was coming,&quot; it said.

The Indian army had no immediate comment on the Pakistani report but a spokesman said Pakistani forces had fired across the Line of Control - the de facto border - and the Indian side had given a &quot;befitting reply&quot;.

The Muslim-majority Himalayan region of Kashmir is divided between Pakistan and India and claimed in entirety by both. The longtime foes have fought two of their three wars since independence from Britain in 1947 over Kashmir.

Tension has risen in the region since a Sept. 18 attack on an Indian army base in Indian-controlled Kashmir killed 18 soldiers, an attack India blamed on Pakistan-based separatists.

Firing across the Line of Control by both sides has increased since then, with dozens killed and wounded and each side blaming the other.

An Indian crackdown on protests in its part of Kashmir has killed at least 80 civilians since the July killing of a popular separatist leader in an operation by Indian security forces.

(Reuters)

The firing was a violation of a 2003 ceasefire, the Pakistani army's media wing said in a statement

A Pakistani school bus driver was killed and several children were wounded on Friday in Indian firing along the frontier in the disputed Kashmir region, Pakistan said. "A shell landed near a school bus in Mohra village of Nakyal sector, leaving the driver dead and eight children wounded," official Sardar Zeeshan Nisar told Reuters by telephone from the area. The firing was a violation of a 2003 ceasefire, the Pakistani army's media wing said in a statement. "Pakistani troops effectively responded and targeted Indian posts from where fire was coming," it said. The Indian army had no immediate comment on the Pakistani report but a spokesman said Pakistani forces had fired across the Line of Control - the de facto border - and the Indian side had given a "befitting reply". The Muslim-majority Himalayan region of Kashmir is divided between Pakistan and India and claimed in entirety by both. The longtime foes have fought two of their three wars since independence from Britain in 1947 over Kashmir. Tension has risen in the region since a Sept. 18 attack on an Indian army base in Indian-controlled Kashmir killed 18 soldiers, an attack India blamed on Pakistan-based separatists. Firing across the Line of Control by both sides has increased since then, with dozens killed and wounded and each side blaming the other. An Indian crackdown on protests in its part of Kashmir has killed at least 80 civilians since the July killing of a popular separatist leader in an operation by Indian security forces. (Reuters)

Pakistan says children hurt, man killed in Indian firing in Kashmir

In a significant development, the World Bank has paused the separate processes initiated by India and Pakistan under the Indus Waters Treaty to allow the two countries to consider alternative ways to resolve their disagreements.

&quot;We are announcing this pause to protect the Indus Waters Treaty and to help India and Pakistan consider alternative approaches to resolving conflicting interests under the Treaty and its application to two hydroelectric power plants,&quot; World Bank Group president Jim Yong Kim said.

The pause was announced by Kim in letters to the finance ministers of India and Pakistan. It was also emphasised that the Bank was acting to safeguard the Treaty.

Pausing the process, for now, the Bank would hold off from appointing the Chairman for the Court of Arbitration or the Neutral Expert, appointments that had been expected on December 12 as earlier communicated by the Bank.

India had taken strong exception last month to the World Bank&#39;s decision to set up a Court of Arbitration and appoint a Neutral Expert to go into Pakistan&#39;s complaint against it over Kishenganga and Ratle hydroelectric projects in Jammu and Kashmir.

Surprised at the World Bank&#39;s decision to appoint a Neutral Expert, as sought by the Indian government and at the same time establish a Court of Arbitration as wanted by Pakistan, India had said proceeding with both the steps simultaneously was &quot;legally untenable&quot;.

Both processes initiated by the respective countries were advancing at the same time, creating a risk of contradictory outcomes that could potentially endanger the Treaty, the Bank noted.

&quot;This is an opportunity for the two countries to begin to resolve the issue in an amicable manner and in line with the spirit of the treaty rather than pursuing concurrent processes that could make the treaty unworkable over time. I would hope that the two countries will come to an agreement by the end of January,&quot; Kim said.

The current processes under the treaty concern the Kishenganga (330 megawatts) and Ratle (850 megawatts) hydroelectric power plants. The power plants are being built by India on, respectively, the Kishenganga and Chenab Rivers.

Neither of the two plants are being financed by the World Bank.

The bank said the Indus Waters Treaty, 1960, is seen as one of the most successful international treaties and has withstood frequent tensions between India and Pakistan, including conflict.

In September, the World Bank, which had mediated the Indus Water Treaty, had said it was approached by India and Pakistan and it is &quot;responding in its limited, procedural role as set out in the treaty&quot;.

&quot;India and Pakistan have informed the World Bank that each has initiated proceedings pursuant to the Indus Waters Treaty 1960 and the World Bank Group is responding in its limited, procedural role as set out in the Treaty,&quot; it had said.

The Treaty sets out a mechanism for cooperation and information exchange between the two countries regarding their use of the rivers, known as the Permanent Indus Commission which includes a commissioner from each of the two countries.

It also sets out a process for resolving so-called &quot;questions&quot;, &quot;differences&quot; and &quot;disputes&quot; that may arise between the parties.

(PTI)

World Bank Group president Jim Yong Kim emphasised that the Bank was acting to safeguard the Treaty

In a significant development, the World Bank has paused the separate processes initiated by India and Pakistan under the Indus Waters Treaty to allow the two countries to consider alternative ways to resolve their disagreements. "We are announcing this pause to protect the Indus Waters Treaty and to help India and Pakistan consider alternative approaches to resolving conflicting interests under the Treaty and its application to two hydroelectric power plants," World Bank Group president Jim Yong Kim said. The pause was announced by Kim in letters to the finance ministers of India and Pakistan. It was also emphasised that the Bank was acting to safeguard the Treaty. Pausing the process, for now, the Bank would hold off from appointing the Chairman for the Court of Arbitration or the Neutral Expert, appointments that had been expected on December 12 as earlier communicated by the Bank. India had taken strong exception last month to the World Bank's decision to set up a Court of Arbitration and appoint a Neutral Expert to go into Pakistan's complaint against it over Kishenganga and Ratle hydroelectric projects in Jammu and Kashmir. Surprised at the World Bank's decision to appoint a Neutral Expert, as sought by the Indian government and at the same time establish a Court of Arbitration as wanted by Pakistan, India had said proceeding with both the steps simultaneously was "legally untenable". Both processes initiated by the respective countries were advancing at the same time, creating a risk of contradictory outcomes that could potentially endanger the Treaty, the Bank noted. "This is an opportunity for the two countries to begin to resolve the issue in an amicable manner and in line with the spirit of the treaty rather than pursuing concurrent processes that could make the treaty unworkable over time. I would hope that the two countries will come to an agreement by the end of January," Kim said. The current processes under the treaty concern the Kishenganga (330 megawatts) and Ratle (850 megawatts) hydroelectric power plants. The power plants are being built by India on, respectively, the Kishenganga and Chenab Rivers. Neither of the two plants are being financed by the World Bank. The bank said the Indus Waters Treaty, 1960, is seen as one of the most successful international treaties and has withstood frequent tensions between India and Pakistan, including conflict. In September, the World Bank, which had mediated the Indus Water Treaty, had said it was approached by India and Pakistan and it is "responding in its limited, procedural role as set out in the treaty". "India and Pakistan have informed the World Bank that each has initiated proceedings pursuant to the Indus Waters Treaty 1960 and the World Bank Group is responding in its limited, procedural role as set out in the Treaty," it had said. The Treaty sets out a mechanism for cooperation and information exchange between the two countries regarding their use of the rivers, known as the Permanent Indus Commission which includes a commissioner from each of the two countries. It also sets out a process for resolving so-called "questions", "differences" and "disputes" that may arise between the parties. (PTI)

World Bank 'pauses' Indus treaty processes of India, Pakistan

When Pakistani shopkeeper Abdur Rahim&#39;s phone rang in mid-October, he was shocked to hear the voice of a senior militant commander demanding protection money from him and his fellow traders in the Swat Valley.

The menacing call was taken seriously in a northern pocket of the country where Pakistani Taliban insurgents took partial control in 2007, before being ousted two years later in a major military operation hailed as a telling blow against Islamist violence.

Locals fear that recent threats of extortion and a spate of targeted killings earlier this year mark an attempt by the Taliban to regain a foothold in the picturesque, mountainous area they once ruled with an iron fist.

Western powers, including the United States which has thousands of troops fighting other militant groups across the nearby border in Afghanistan, want to see jihadi networks along the frontier crushed.

During the Oct. 19 conversation, Mullah Akhtar, a commander close to Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) chief Mullah Fazlullah, ordered Rahim to collect money from 15,000 members of the Swat Traders&#39; Federation, of which he is president.

But in a tense exchange, Rahim refused to cooperate, and told Akhtar militants were not welcome in Swat.

According to Rahim, Akhtar boiled over with rage: &quot;I will blow you up, so that even the doctors won&#39;t be able to find the pieces.&quot;

Since the call, Rahim&#39;s life has changed.

Speaking to Reuters in Swat&#39;s main town of Mingora, he stood flanked by two armed policemen, while plainclothed officers keep a watchful eye in the background. CCTV cameras monitor his home.

Motives unclear

Representatives of the militant movement could not be reached for comment on their tactics in Swat Valley; some residents believe demands for money and a rise in attacks in the first half of the year are signs of desperation.

Attacks have been a part of life there since 2010, including the attempted assassination of Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai in 2012, but in recent months the murders have stopped after a series of arrests by police.

The Taliban have also struggled to build ideological support after their bloody two-year rule that saw them impose a harsh version of Islamic law on the valley&#39;s 2 million residents.

The group remains active elsewhere, however, particularly in southern Baluchistan province, where a faction of the Taliban and Islamic State have claimed responsibility for a series of bomb and gun attacks that have killed more than 180 people.

The Pakistani military will be desperate to keep the Taliban out of Swat, the first sizeable region outside lawless tribal areas bordering Afghanistan to fall to the militants.

The army&#39;s publicity wing did not respond to requests for comment on the situation in the area.

The military has been on alert for signs of a Taliban resurgence as it seeks to rebuild civilian institutions and win over the local population as a bulwark against radical ideology.

A force of more than 4,000 Pakistani soldiers is stationed in Swat, and last month the army began constructing a permanent garrison.

&quot;It (Swat) was always shown as the example of a successful military operation,&quot; said Zahid Hussain, a security analyst. &quot;But the main challenge is to hold that area, and to now establish a civilian authority.&quot;

Neutralising support networks

While officials tout the recent drop in assassinations by the Taliban as progress, locals on the group&#39;s hit-list are less sanguine.

Powerful tribal leaders, especially those who worked with anti-Taliban peace committees, say they are in danger.

Fazal Wahab, for example, walks through Mingora&#39;s bustling market hiding a pistol under his coat and wearing a black anti-pollution face mask to hide his identity.

&quot;I have received no support of any kind from the army,&quot; said Wahab, who has faced Taliban death threats for years due to his work.

But local officials say security has improved.

More than 2,000 Taliban fighters from Swat have been driven into mountainous areas on the Afghan side of the border nearby, according to officials.

Police in Swat said TTP assassins used little-trodden mountain passes between Afghanistan&#39;s Nuristan and Pakistan&#39;s Chitral regions to sneak into the valley.

&quot;It&#39;s not difficult for one or two people to slip through,&quot; said Akhtar Hayat Khan, Swat&#39;s police chief.

Khan said several intelligence-led swoops on local facilitators had disrupted the Taliban&#39;s support network and limited the threat. In July, police arrested at least 12 people across the valley suspected of aiding attacks.

&quot;Dog eat dog&quot;

Local traders applauded Rahim&#39;s stand against the Taliban, but some were not sure if they would follow his example if faced with demands for protection money themselves.

&quot;If we get a call, then what can we do? We will bear the decision like a stone on our hearts, but we have no choice,&quot; said Nisar Ahmed.

Rahim is steadfast in his resistance. Recently he started breeding dogs, widely considered unclean in Islam, for his own protection.

&quot;I used to hate keeping dogs. But you need to keep a dog to fight a dog,&quot; he said. &quot;They (the Taliban) are hungry now. And like a dog bites a man out of hunger, they&#39;re biting, too.&quot;

(Reuters)

The Pakistani Taliban partially controlled Swat from 2007 to 2009, before being ousted by the military

When Pakistani shopkeeper Abdur Rahim's phone rang in mid-October, he was shocked to hear the voice of a senior militant commander demanding protection money from him and his fellow traders in the Swat Valley. The menacing call was taken seriously in a northern pocket of the country where Pakistani Taliban insurgents took partial control in 2007, before being ousted two years later in a major military operation hailed as a telling blow against Islamist violence. Locals fear that recent threats of extortion and a spate of targeted killings earlier this year mark an attempt by the Taliban to regain a foothold in the picturesque, mountainous area they once ruled with an iron fist. Western powers, including the United States which has thousands of troops fighting other militant groups across the nearby border in Afghanistan, want to see jihadi networks along the frontier crushed. During the Oct. 19 conversation, Mullah Akhtar, a commander close to Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) chief Mullah Fazlullah, ordered Rahim to collect money from 15,000 members of the Swat Traders' Federation, of which he is president. But in a tense exchange, Rahim refused to cooperate, and told Akhtar militants were not welcome in Swat. According to Rahim, Akhtar boiled over with rage: "I will blow you up, so that even the doctors won't be able to find the pieces." Since the call, Rahim's life has changed. Speaking to Reuters in Swat's main town of Mingora, he stood flanked by two armed policemen, while plainclothed officers keep a watchful eye in the background. CCTV cameras monitor his home. Motives unclear Representatives of the militant movement could not be reached for comment on their tactics in Swat Valley; some residents believe demands for money and a rise in attacks in the first half of the year are signs of desperation. Attacks have been a part of life there since 2010, including the attempted assassination of Nobel laureate Malala Yousafzai in 2012, but in recent months the murders have stopped after a series of arrests by police. The Taliban have also struggled to build ideological support after their bloody two-year rule that saw them impose a harsh version of Islamic law on the valley's 2 million residents. The group remains active elsewhere, however, particularly in southern Baluchistan province, where a faction of the Taliban and Islamic State have claimed responsibility for a series of bomb and gun attacks that have killed more than 180 people. The Pakistani military will be desperate to keep the Taliban out of Swat, the first sizeable region outside lawless tribal areas bordering Afghanistan to fall to the militants. The army's publicity wing did not respond to requests for comment on the situation in the area. The military has been on alert for signs of a Taliban resurgence as it seeks to rebuild civilian institutions and win over the local population as a bulwark against radical ideology. A force of more than 4,000 Pakistani soldiers is stationed in Swat, and last month the army began constructing a permanent garrison. "It (Swat) was always shown as the example of a successful military operation," said Zahid Hussain, a security analyst. "But the main challenge is to hold that area, and to now establish a civilian authority." Neutralising support networks While officials tout the recent drop in assassinations by the Taliban as progress, locals on the group's hit-list are less sanguine. Powerful tribal leaders, especially those who worked with anti-Taliban peace committees, say they are in danger. Fazal Wahab, for example, walks through Mingora's bustling market hiding a pistol under his coat and wearing a black anti-pollution face mask to hide his identity. "I have received no support of any kind from the army," said Wahab, who has faced Taliban death threats for years due to his work. But local officials say security has improved. More than 2,000 Taliban fighters from Swat have been driven into mountainous areas on the Afghan side of the border nearby, according to officials. Police in Swat said TTP assassins used little-trodden mountain passes between Afghanistan's Nuristan and Pakistan's Chitral regions to sneak into the valley. "It's not difficult for one or two people to slip through," said Akhtar Hayat Khan, Swat's police chief. Khan said several intelligence-led swoops on local facilitators had disrupted the Taliban's support network and limited the threat. In July, police arrested at least 12 people across the valley suspected of aiding attacks. "Dog eat dog" Local traders applauded Rahim's stand against the Taliban, but some were not sure if they would follow his example if faced with demands for protection money themselves. "If we get a call, then what can we do? We will bear the decision like a stone on our hearts, but we have no choice," said Nisar Ahmed. Rahim is steadfast in his resistance. Recently he started breeding dogs, widely considered unclean in Islam, for his own protection. "I used to hate keeping dogs. But you need to keep a dog to fight a dog," he said. "They (the Taliban) are hungry now. And like a dog bites a man out of hunger, they're biting, too." (Reuters)

Taliban demands for cash stir fears of comeback in Pakistan's Swat Valley

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