A 1,000-year old Hindu temple located in Pakistan's Sialkot, which was sealed for the last 72 years, has been re-opened for people. Shawala Teja Singh Temple built by Sardar Teja Singh was closed during partition.

The Hindu stopped visiting the temple after a mob damaged it in 1992 while protesting against the demolition of Babri Mosque in India.

The Samaa news reported that the step was taken on the direction of Prime Minister Imran Khan.

"People are free to visit anytime," said Deputy Commissioner Bilal Haider.

The government also said that the work to preserve and restore the temple will start soon.

A 1,000-year old Hindu temple located in Pakistan's Sialkot, which was sealed for the last 72 years, has been re-opened for people. Shawala Teja Singh Temple built by Sardar Teja Singh was closed during partition.

A 1,000-year old Hindu temple located in Pakistan's Sialkot, which was sealed for the last 72 years, has been re-opened for people. Shawala Teja Singh Temple built by Sardar Teja Singh was closed during partition. The Hindu stopped visiting the temple after a mob damaged it in 1992 while protesting against the demolition of Babri Mosque in India. The Samaa news reported that the step was taken on the direction of Prime Minister Imran Khan. "People are free to visit anytime," said Deputy Commissioner Bilal Haider. The government also said that the work to preserve and restore the temple will start soon.

1,000-year old temple re-opens after 72 years in Pakistan's Sialkot

The Indian tennis team's proposed trip to Islamabad to play the Davis Cup Asia Oceania Group 1 tie in September has run into rough weather.

Indian tennis players jittery over Pakistan tour

An aircraft of the Pak Army was on regular routine training when it got crashed in a residential area near Islamabad. 17 have died in this crash, 12 were civilians. A dozen people are injured which have been rushed to the nearby hospital. Watch this video to know more.

Pak Army Aircraft crash claims 17 lives, 12 were civilians among dead

Pakistan resorted to ceasefire violation in Rajouri and Kupwara districts of Jammu and Kashmir. Watch video to know more.

Pakistan violates ceasefire in Kupwara

Fifteen people were killed when a small plane crashed into a residential area in the Pakistani city of Rawalpindi near the capital Islamabad, a rescue official told AFP early Tuesday.

"A small plane crashed into a residential area. So far we have retrieved 15 dead bodies, including 10 civilians and five crew members," rescue spokesman Farooq Butt said, adding that a further 12 people had been injured.

The type of plane was not immediately clear.

More details are awaited.

Fifteen people were killed when a small plane crashed into a residential area in the Pakistani city of Rawalpindi near the capital Islamabad, a rescue official told AFP early Tuesday.

Fifteen people were killed when a small plane crashed into a residential area in the Pakistani city of Rawalpindi near the capital Islamabad, a rescue official told AFP early Tuesday. "A small plane crashed into a residential area. So far we have retrieved 15 dead bodies, including 10 civilians and five crew members," rescue spokesman Farooq Butt said, adding that a further 12 people had been injured. The type of plane was not immediately clear. More details are awaited.

Pakistan: At least 15 killed, 12 injured as plane crashes in Rawalpindi

One Army Jawan was killed on Tuesday after Pakistani troops violated ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) in Sunderbani sector in Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir. 
 
The deceased jawan was identified as 34-year-old Naik Krishan Lal, a resident of Ghagriya village in Akhnoor.&nbsp;

Pakistan also violated ceasefire in Tangdhar and Keran sector. Two Pakistani soldiers were killed in retaliatory action by the Indian Army, said officials.&nbsp;

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Army Sources: Two Pakistani soldiers killed in retaliatory action by Indian Army in Tangdhar-Keran sector. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/JammuAndKashmir?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#JammuAndKashmir</a> <a href="https://t.co/52bz89jMGW">https://t.co/52bz89jMGW</a>
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On Sunday, three civilians including a 10-day-old baby sustained injuries in the ceasefire violation by Pakistan. The baby later succumbed to the injuries. 
 
Meanwhile, two other civilians who were injured in the firing are now stable. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

&nbsp;

One Army Jawan was killed on Tuesday after Pakistani troops violated ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) in Sunderbani sector in Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir.

One Army Jawan was killed on Tuesday after Pakistani troops violated ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) in Sunderbani sector in Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir. The deceased jawan was identified as 34-year-old Naik Krishan Lal, a resident of Ghagriya village in Akhnoor. Pakistan also violated ceasefire in Tangdhar and Keran sector. Two Pakistani soldiers were killed in retaliatory action by the Indian Army, said officials. Army Sources: Two Pakistani soldiers killed in retaliatory action by Indian Army in Tangdhar-Keran sector. #JammuAndKashmir https://t.co/52bz89jMGW — ANI (@ANI) July 30, 2019 × On Sunday, three civilians including a 10-day-old baby sustained injuries in the ceasefire violation by Pakistan. The baby later succumbed to the injuries. Meanwhile, two other civilians who were injured in the firing are now stable. (With inputs from agencies)

Army jawan killed as Pakistan violates ceasefire in Jammu and Kashmir's Sunderbani sector

&nbsp;Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has described the practice of forced conversions as un-Islamic and said that those who do so are unaware of the history of Islam.

Addressing an event on the occasion of National Minority Day in Islamabad&nbsp;on Monday, Khan invoked Prophet Mohammed saying he gave religious freedom to minorities and protected their places of worship "because&nbsp;the Quran orders that there be no compulsion in religion".

"How can we then take it into our own hands to forcefully convert someone to Islam -- either by marrying (non-Muslim) women or on gunpoint or to (by threatening to) kill someone because of their religion?" The Dawn quoted him as saying.

"All these things are un-Islamic. If God had not given his messengers the power to impose their beliefs on someone, who are we (to do so)?" he asked.

The cricketer-turned-politician asserted that there was no precedent in Islamic history for forcefully converting others.

Khan`s comments came after Pakistan`s independent human rights watchdog in April had raised concerns over the increasing incidents of forced conversions and marriages of Hindu and Christian girls to Muslim men every year.

In its annual report, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) said that the government has done little to stop forced marriages and urged the lawmakers to pass effective legislation&nbsp;to end the practice.

Khan reiterated his commitment to building Pakistan based on the model of 'State of Madina', where citizens are entrusted with rights and provision of facilities without any discrimination, according to Radio Pakistan.

He also said that his government is committed to operationalizing the Kartarpur corridor on the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev.&nbsp;

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has described the practice of forced conversions as un-Islamic and said that those who do so are unaware of the history of Islam.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has described the practice of forced conversions as un-Islamic and said that those who do so are unaware of the history of Islam. Addressing an event on the occasion of National Minority Day in Islamabad on Monday, Khan invoked Prophet Mohammed saying he gave religious freedom to minorities and protected their places of worship "because the Quran orders that there be no compulsion in religion". "How can we then take it into our own hands to forcefully convert someone to Islam -- either by marrying (non-Muslim) women or on gunpoint or to (by threatening to) kill someone because of their religion?" The Dawn quoted him as saying. "All these things are un-Islamic. If God had not given his messengers the power to impose their beliefs on someone, who are we (to do so)?" he asked. The cricketer-turned-politician asserted that there was no precedent in Islamic history for forcefully converting others. Khan`s comments came after Pakistan`s independent human rights watchdog in April had raised concerns over the increasing incidents of forced conversions and marriages of Hindu and Christian girls to Muslim men every year. In its annual report, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) said that the government has done little to stop forced marriages and urged the lawmakers to pass effective legislation to end the practice. Khan reiterated his commitment to building Pakistan based on the model of 'State of Madina', where citizens are entrusted with rights and provision of facilities without any discrimination, according to Radio Pakistan. He also said that his government is committed to operationalizing the Kartarpur corridor on the 550th birth anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev.

Forced conversions are un-Islamic: Imran Khan

Hong Kong's International airport becomes the epicentre of protests. Airport staff turn the airport into a protest site with placards calling to 'Free Hong Kong'. Several countries have issued travel warnings even as China tries to stifle dissent. Palki explains how people of Hong Kong is readying itself for a weekend of intense protests.

Gravitas: Hong Kong airport turns into a protest site

Imran Khan likens his U.S. visit to the 1992 World cup win. But did his visit achieve anything at all? U.S. wants Pakistan's help in Afghanistan but has not promised resumption of security aid. Even the 'pre-scripted' joint press conference ate into their meeting time. Palki tells us what Imran Khan achieved during his visit to the U.S.

Gravitas: Khan's U.S. Visit: Much a do about nothing?

Imran Khan promised the sky to the people of Pakistan a year ago. But little has been delivered so far. 12 months later, here's a look at Imran Khan's performance as the Prime Minister of Pakistan.

Gravitas: One year of Imran Khan

Pakistan on Monday violated ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir. The ceasefire started at about 12:45pm in Shahpur sector in Poonch district, said officials.

The Indian Army is retaliating to the unprovoked firing by Pakistan.&nbsp;There were no reports of any casualties so far.

On Sunday, three civilians including a 10-day-old baby sustained injuries in the ceasefire violation by Pakistan. The baby succumbed to the injuries this morning. 
 
Two other civilians who were injured in the firing are undergoing treatment in a hospital.

Pakistani rangers lobbed mortars and used small arms to target forward posts and villages in Shahpur, Saujiyan and Mendhar sectors in Poonch district on Sunday, Indian Army said in a statement. 
 
(With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan on Monday violated ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir. The ceasefire started at about 12:45pm in Shahpur sector in Poonch district, said officials.

Pakistan on Monday violated ceasefire along the Line of Control (LoC) in Poonch district of Jammu and Kashmir. The ceasefire started at about 12:45pm in Shahpur sector in Poonch district, said officials. The Indian Army is retaliating to the unprovoked firing by Pakistan. There were no reports of any casualties so far. On Sunday, three civilians including a 10-day-old baby sustained injuries in the ceasefire violation by Pakistan. The baby succumbed to the injuries this morning. Two other civilians who were injured in the firing are undergoing treatment in a hospital. Pakistani rangers lobbed mortars and used small arms to target forward posts and villages in Shahpur, Saujiyan and Mendhar sectors in Poonch district on Sunday, Indian Army said in a statement. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan violates ceasefire in Jammu and Kashmir's Poonch district

Pakistan edits video of Indian Airforce veteran. Pak claims that Air Marshal has admitted that lost on Feb 27. Pak's desperate attempts to claim Balakot victory. Pakistan edited the 2015 YouTube video. Watch this video to know more.

Pakistan's claim: India admitted Balakot Loss

Twenty-two students of a religious seminary in Pakistan's northwestern tribal region were injured when the tractor-trailer they were travelling aboard overturned, officials said Sunday.

The incident happened in Kot village on the outskirts of Dargai tribal district.

"The students aged 9 to 16 years were going to a picnic when their tractor-trolley turned turtle injuring 22 students," said Inayat-ur-Rehman, a doctor at the hospital where the students were treated.

He blamed driver negligence for the accident.

Local police confirmed the accident.

Pakistan has one of the world's worst records for fatal traffic accidents, blamed on reckless driving, poor roads and badly maintained vehicles.

Twenty-two students of a religious seminary in Pakistan's northwestern tribal region were injured when the tractor-trailer they were travelling aboard overturned, officials said Sunday.

Twenty-two students of a religious seminary in Pakistan's northwestern tribal region were injured when the tractor-trailer they were travelling aboard overturned, officials said Sunday. The incident happened in Kot village on the outskirts of Dargai tribal district. "The students aged 9 to 16 years were going to a picnic when their tractor-trolley turned turtle injuring 22 students," said Inayat-ur-Rehman, a doctor at the hospital where the students were treated. He blamed driver negligence for the accident. Local police confirmed the accident. Pakistan has one of the world's worst records for fatal traffic accidents, blamed on reckless driving, poor roads and badly maintained vehicles.

Pakistan: 22 religious students injured in accident

On Sunday, the Pakistani Armed Force’s spokesperson Asif Ghafoor posted a video of former Air Marshal Denzil Keelor and claimed it as proof that India faced a reversal on 27 February 2019. Now Pakistan army spokesperson has acknowledged that video which was posted to target India was doctored. Watch this video to know more on the story.

Pakistan army caught red-handed once again

Pakistan's Director-General of Inter-Services Public Relations, Asif Ghafoor tweeted a video of retired Indian Air Force (IAF) Air Marshal, Denzil Keelor with the footage of Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman's clip in the inset.

Pak army again caught red handed sharing 'doctored' video

The United States of America notified the Congress on Friday of its decision to approve foreign military sales worth USD 125 million to support the F-16 fighter jets of Pakistan. This move of the US comes days after Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan went to meet USA President Donald Trump on a much talked about the trip. Khan met Trump in his Oval Office on Monday. Both sides had declared the meeting as highly successful. The determination in this regard was made by the State Department and is the first after all security aid to Pakistan was suspended by Trump in January 2018.

U.S approves $125 Mn for Pak’s F-16 programme after Imran Khan’s visit

Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) has been reeling under the illegal occupation of Islamabad over the last seven decades.

Today, the region has not just been left bereft of its natural resources due to indiscriminate exploitation by Pakistan but its people too are thrown into a life of misery.

The water of the rivers -- Neelum and Jhelum -- have also been diverted on the pretext of the generation of hydroelectricity for the people.&nbsp;

When people protested against the construction of these hydropower projects, they were told that the region would get a surplus power supply and water once the project is complete.But things turned out to be opposite when its construction completed.&nbsp;

Ever since the Neelum-Jhelum hydropower project has been inaugurated, the lives of people have turned into a nightmare.

Most of the 1,500 MW of energy produced from this plant is transferred to the provinces of Pakistan, especially the pampered province of Punjab.&nbsp;

And now with no water and power in the region, the people here are reeling under darkness. Untimely and prolonged load-shedding has taken a heavy toll on the people of the region.

Venting his frustration over the current power situation in the region and utter negligence of authorities, Muhammad Altaf Butt, a former candidate of PoK Assembly, said, "It is unfortunate that the people of this region, who sacrificed both their land and water for the hydropower projects are enduring one of the worst load-shedding."

"And even in this situation, the President, Prime Minister, Chief Secretary and Chief Justice of the region couldn`t gather the courage to demand power supply equivalent to that of provincial capitals like Peshawar, Lahore, Karachi, and Quetta," he said.

The region has very few industries and even these are subjected to power outages, leading to incomplete work and unemployment.

"If the region is producing around 1,500 MW of electricity and not getting even the required 400-500 MW, then it is questionable. It should be dealt with. Earlier, the Prime Minister of the region, Raja Farooq Haider Khan used to speak very assertively. But, God knows what happened that he has become quiet with the time," added Butt.

Prime Minister Imran Khan has made tall claims of providing PoK people life at par with the other citizens of the country, but they are not even getting half of it and the situation is poised to deteriorate further with a rise in energy-demand of Pakistan.

The region, which has been used both as for exploitation and as a dump yard, will be plundered again to satisfy Pakistani needs.&nbsp;

Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) has been reeling under the illegal occupation of Islamabad over the last seven decades. Today, the region has not just been left bereft of its natural resources due to indiscriminate exploitation by Pakistan but its people too are thrown into a life of misery.

Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) has been reeling under the illegal occupation of Islamabad over the last seven decades. Today, the region has not just been left bereft of its natural resources due to indiscriminate exploitation by Pakistan but its people too are thrown into a life of misery. The water of the rivers -- Neelum and Jhelum -- have also been diverted on the pretext of the generation of hydroelectricity for the people. When people protested against the construction of these hydropower projects, they were told that the region would get a surplus power supply and water once the project is complete.But things turned out to be opposite when its construction completed. Ever since the Neelum-Jhelum hydropower project has been inaugurated, the lives of people have turned into a nightmare. Most of the 1,500 MW of energy produced from this plant is transferred to the provinces of Pakistan, especially the pampered province of Punjab. And now with no water and power in the region, the people here are reeling under darkness. Untimely and prolonged load-shedding has taken a heavy toll on the people of the region. Venting his frustration over the current power situation in the region and utter negligence of authorities, Muhammad Altaf Butt, a former candidate of PoK Assembly, said, "It is unfortunate that the people of this region, who sacrificed both their land and water for the hydropower projects are enduring one of the worst load-shedding." "And even in this situation, the President, Prime Minister, Chief Secretary and Chief Justice of the region couldn`t gather the courage to demand power supply equivalent to that of provincial capitals like Peshawar, Lahore, Karachi, and Quetta," he said. The region has very few industries and even these are subjected to power outages, leading to incomplete work and unemployment. "If the region is producing around 1,500 MW of electricity and not getting even the required 400-500 MW, then it is questionable. It should be dealt with. Earlier, the Prime Minister of the region, Raja Farooq Haider Khan used to speak very assertively. But, God knows what happened that he has become quiet with the time," added Butt. Prime Minister Imran Khan has made tall claims of providing PoK people life at par with the other citizens of the country, but they are not even getting half of it and the situation is poised to deteriorate further with a rise in energy-demand of Pakistan. The region, which has been used both as for exploitation and as a dump yard, will be plundered again to satisfy Pakistani needs.

PoK deprived of basic needs as Islamabad turns a blind eye to them

At least 10 soldiers have been killed in separate attacks within hours on Pakistan security forces.

A military vehicle was ambushed and six soldiers killed in the country`s mountainous northern areas bordering Afghanistan on Saturday.

The military said in a statement that "terrorists from across the border" fired on a patrol near Gurbaz in the North Wazirstan region.

The attack came after four paramilitary officials patrolling in the restive southwestern Baluchistan province were killed on Friday in an ambush by unidentified militants, the military said.&nbsp;

Saturday`s ambush was claimed by the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), also known as the Pakistani Taliban, which is separate from the insurgent movement across the border in Afghanistan. No group has claimed responsibility for Friday`s attack.

"These are dying efforts of inimical forces while Pakistan moves from stability to enduring peace. It`s time for the world to facilitate regional peace," the Pakistan military`s spokesman Maj. General Asif Ghafoor said on Twitter.&nbsp;

Pakistan and Afghanistan routinely accuse each other of harbouring militant groups that carry out attacks across the border.&nbsp;

Afghanistan accuses Pakistan of supporting the Taliban, a charge Pakistan denies, saying it has suffered heavily from the fighting.

The two attacks come days after a meeting between US President Donald Trump and Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan which focused on Pakistan`s role in helping to broker a political settlement to end the nearly 18-year-old US war in Afghanistan.

Pakistani forces have conducted a series of operations against militant groups including the Pakistani Taliban in the region North Waziristan over recent years. While officials say the area has largely been pacified, small scale attacks continue to take place.

Baluchistan is an important part of transport and energy projects that form part of China’s Belt and Road initiative, which has brought $57 billion of investment to Pakistan.&nbsp;

Balochistan is rife with ethnic, sectarian and separatist insurgencies, and a number of militant groups, including the TTP and the Balochistan Liberation Army, operate in the province.

"I salute our armed forces personnel who continue to lay down their lives fighting terrorists to keep the nation safe," Khan said in a posting on Twitter.

At least 10 soldiers have been killed in separate attacks within hours on Pakistan security forces. A military vehicle was ambushed and six soldiers killed in the country`s mountainous northern areas bordering Afghanistan on Saturday.

At least 10 soldiers have been killed in separate attacks within hours on Pakistan security forces. A military vehicle was ambushed and six soldiers killed in the country`s mountainous northern areas bordering Afghanistan on Saturday. The military said in a statement that "terrorists from across the border" fired on a patrol near Gurbaz in the North Wazirstan region. The attack came after four paramilitary officials patrolling in the restive southwestern Baluchistan province were killed on Friday in an ambush by unidentified militants, the military said. Saturday`s ambush was claimed by the Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), also known as the Pakistani Taliban, which is separate from the insurgent movement across the border in Afghanistan. No group has claimed responsibility for Friday`s attack. "These are dying efforts of inimical forces while Pakistan moves from stability to enduring peace. It`s time for the world to facilitate regional peace," the Pakistan military`s spokesman Maj. General Asif Ghafoor said on Twitter. Pakistan and Afghanistan routinely accuse each other of harbouring militant groups that carry out attacks across the border. Afghanistan accuses Pakistan of supporting the Taliban, a charge Pakistan denies, saying it has suffered heavily from the fighting. The two attacks come days after a meeting between US President Donald Trump and Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan which focused on Pakistan`s role in helping to broker a political settlement to end the nearly 18-year-old US war in Afghanistan. Pakistani forces have conducted a series of operations against militant groups including the Pakistani Taliban in the region North Waziristan over recent years. While officials say the area has largely been pacified, small scale attacks continue to take place. Baluchistan is an important part of transport and energy projects that form part of China’s Belt and Road initiative, which has brought $57 billion of investment to Pakistan. Balochistan is rife with ethnic, sectarian and separatist insurgencies, and a number of militant groups, including the TTP and the Balochistan Liberation Army, operate in the province. "I salute our armed forces personnel who continue to lay down their lives fighting terrorists to keep the nation safe," Khan said in a posting on Twitter.

Attacks on security forces in Pakistan kill 10 soldiers

The United States has told Pakistan to fulfil the commitments made during <a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/wion-edit-little-to-cheer-in-pakistan-pm-imran-khans-first-year-238649">Prime Minister Imran Khan</a>`s recently concluded visit to Washington.

The Pakistan Prime Minister held meetings with US President Donald Trump and the US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo earlier this week, during which he "vowed to urge the Taliban to negotiate with the Afghan government".

"(The July 22 White House meeting) gave the chance for the President and the Secretary to meet Prime Minister Khan, to build a personal connection and rapport. (Now) we think it`s time to make progress on the success of this first meeting," said State Department Spokesperson Morgan Ortagus, according to Dawn.

Watch- Khan's US Visit: Much to do about nothing?

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"There was a number of issues that were discussed not only in the President`s meeting but during the Secretary`s meeting as well...Now is the time to build upon that meeting and to build upon those commitments," she added.

The United States has told Pakistan to fulfil the commitments made during Prime Minister Imran Khan`s recently concluded visit to Washington. The Pakistan Prime Minister held meetings with US President Donald Trump and the US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo earlier this week, during which he "vowed to urge the Taliban to negotiate with the Afghan government".

The United States has told Pakistan to fulfil the commitments made during Prime Minister Imran Khan`s recently concluded visit to Washington. The Pakistan Prime Minister held meetings with US President Donald Trump and the US Secretary of State Michael Pompeo earlier this week, during which he "vowed to urge the Taliban to negotiate with the Afghan government". "(The July 22 White House meeting) gave the chance for the President and the Secretary to meet Prime Minister Khan, to build a personal connection and rapport. (Now) we think it`s time to make progress on the success of this first meeting," said State Department Spokesperson Morgan Ortagus, according to Dawn. Watch- Khan's US Visit: Much to do about nothing? × "There was a number of issues that were discussed not only in the President`s meeting but during the Secretary`s meeting as well...Now is the time to build upon that meeting and to build upon those commitments," she added.

US tells Pakistan to make progress on commitments of Khan-Trump meeting

In 1999, Pakistani soldiers entered India disguised as intruders. The battlefield was the Kargil district of Jammu & Kashmir. Kargil is one of the world's highest battlegrounds. IAF also provide air support to the ground forces. Indian Navy blocked the routes to Karachi. When India ended the conflict started by Pakistan.

Kargil: A Story of Victory & Sacrifice

In a warning to Pakistan on the 20th Kargil Vijay Diwas, Army Chief General Bipin Rawat asked the neighbouring country not to repeat any such misadventure, saying they will face even worse consequences. Army Chief General Bipin Rawat paid tribute at the war memorial in Dras, where in his message to Pakistan, he said, "Don't do it. Misadventures are normally not repeated. You'll get a bloodier nose next time." This came a day after the Army Chief ruled out Kargil-like misadventure by Pakistan saying the Indian Armed Forces were much more powerful than they were in 1999. "It was a big misadventure undertaken by the Pakistan army in 1999. They did not appreciate the will and the intent of the Indian political establishment and the Indian armed forces that we will never allow them to succeed, General Rawat said as he addressed the media a day ahead of the Kargil Vijay Diwas.

Army Chief warns Pakistan on 20th Kargil Vijay Diwas

On 26 July 2019, India is celebrating the 20th anniversary of the victory of the Indian Armed Forces in Operation Vijay against the infiltrating Pakistani troops. The anniversary is observed each year across the nation to show respect and gratitude to the brave servicemen of the armed forces who laid down their lives to re-capture all positions that had been seized by the Pakistan Army. Know How & Why is India celebrating Kargil Vijay Diwas 20th Anniversary #KargilVijayDiwas #KargilWar

20th Anniversary of Kargil Vijay Diwas | Know what happened 20 years ago

Is Imran Khan a success or failure as the Prime Minister of Pakistan? The economy is facing deep troubles. There is a balance of payments crisis and the country is surviving on doles from China, Saudi Arabia and IMF. On #WionEdit, Palki tells how Khan has failed to deliver as Prime Minister.

WION Edit: Imran Khan as PM: success or failure?

His father was assassinated by a notorious Karachi hitman, while his police partner was murdered by the Taliban.

Personal tragedy haunts the hard-boiled novels that are turning top cop Omar Shahid Hamid into one of Pakistan's most popular English-language authors.

For nearly two decades Hamid has worn a badge in Karachi, the mega port city on the Arabian Sea that for years was rife with vicious political and extremist violence.

Now a deputy inspector general, he is also fast becoming one of Pakistan's most recognisable writers, publishing four books in quick succession since 2013.

His work has even nabbed the attention of major streaming outlets on the hunt for new original material from South Asia, including Netflix, which has already seen major success with similar material in TV series such as Sacred Games, about Mumbai's corrupt underworld.

Hamid said the secret to his success is his unflinching accounts of political corruption, contract killers, and crooked cops alongside nuanced portraits of Karachi's divided neighbourhoods.

"Books like mine wouldn't work if I pulled punches," he tells AFP.&nbsp;

"It's that grittiness, that uncompromising reality that I think a lot of readers enjoy."

At times the reality has hit dangerously and heartbreakingly close to home.

Hamid did the bulk of his writing while he was on sabbatical after being advised to leave Karachi and take a break from policing in 2011 when he was threatened by jihadist groups.

- Close to reality -

Weeks after the release of his first novel "The Prisoner", his mentor and police partner Chaudhry Aslam -- the inspiration for one of the book's protagonists -- was killed in a Taliban-claimed suicide blast.

In his third novel "The Party Worker", Hamid portrays the rise of a brutal hitman who killed at the behest of a fictional political party ruling the city with an iron fist.

For Karachi insiders, the character mirrors the life of feared hitman Saulat Mirza, who served as the feared enforcer for the once-powerful Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) party -- and whose list of victims include Hamid's own father, Shahid.

"It's less a thing of making a sketch of Saulat Mirza," explains Hamid, calling the character a "sketch of a particular type of young man... who kind of in the last 30 years or so essentially gave their lives away to these ideologies thinking they were doing the right thing."

The goal is not to excuse such actions, he insists.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"Understanding the motivations of someone is a positive tool if you're someone who has worked as an investigator in counterterrorism for a very long time," says Hamid.

"What he has written is fiction but it's very close to reality," says Faheem Siddiqui, Karachi bureau chief for Geo News.&nbsp;

"As a crime reporter, I know what had happened in the city. It took a great deal of courage to write about these events."

Hamid's plots go beyond his own losses to appear at times like thinly disguised retellings of the seismic moments that have rattled Karachi in the last 30 years -- from the murder of American journalist Daniel Pearl in 2002 to the killing of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto's brother Murtaza.

- Dangerous city -

Once a quiet port nestled on the Arabian Sea coastline, Karachi was transformed by the flood of refugees from neighbouring India after partition in 1947, setting the stage for disputes that needle the metropolis to this day.

Years later the port became a conduit for weapons, narcotics, and a new flood of refugees from war-torn Afghanistan, transforming politics and ratcheting up violence to make Karachi one of Asia's most dangerous cities.&nbsp;&nbsp;

"The last 30 years have been a rollercoaster ride," explains Hamid.

"If wasn't politico-ethnic violence it was sectarian violence in Karachi that lead to jihadist terrorism."

Writing, he explains, was a release.

"I had a lot of frustrations about things that had happened in my career until that point," says Hamid.

"I felt a need to vent about them."

The themes Hamid explores may surprise those looking for screeds to lionize the police and demonise its enemies, with stories of extrajudicial killings and corrupt officials frequently appearing.

Though he often takes aim at Karachi's dangerous and powerful, he has received little blowback, he admits.

But he says his latest novel "The Fix" released in June may ruffle more feathers, as he explores corruption in cricket.

"For a nation of cricket fanatics and conspiracy theorists, it's strangely been an area that has never really been explored," he explains.

For all his explorations of Karachi's darkest corners, Hamid remains hopeful for his beloved home, while admitting the sweltering, overflowing city may seem like "an absolute hellhole" to outsiders.

"It may not be everyone's cup of tea," he shrugs. "But as a city, it will keep going."

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His father was assassinated by a notorious Karachi hitman, while his police partner was murdered by the Taliban. Personal tragedy haunts the hard-boiled novels that are turning top cop Omar Shahid Hamid into one of Pakistan's most popular English-language authors.

His father was assassinated by a notorious Karachi hitman, while his police partner was murdered by the Taliban. Personal tragedy haunts the hard-boiled novels that are turning top cop Omar Shahid Hamid into one of Pakistan's most popular English-language authors. For nearly two decades Hamid has worn a badge in Karachi, the mega port city on the Arabian Sea that for years was rife with vicious political and extremist violence. Now a deputy inspector general, he is also fast becoming one of Pakistan's most recognisable writers, publishing four books in quick succession since 2013. His work has even nabbed the attention of major streaming outlets on the hunt for new original material from South Asia, including Netflix, which has already seen major success with similar material in TV series such as Sacred Games, about Mumbai's corrupt underworld. Hamid said the secret to his success is his unflinching accounts of political corruption, contract killers, and crooked cops alongside nuanced portraits of Karachi's divided neighbourhoods. "Books like mine wouldn't work if I pulled punches," he tells AFP. "It's that grittiness, that uncompromising reality that I think a lot of readers enjoy." At times the reality has hit dangerously and heartbreakingly close to home. Hamid did the bulk of his writing while he was on sabbatical after being advised to leave Karachi and take a break from policing in 2011 when he was threatened by jihadist groups. - Close to reality - Weeks after the release of his first novel "The Prisoner", his mentor and police partner Chaudhry Aslam -- the inspiration for one of the book's protagonists -- was killed in a Taliban-claimed suicide blast. In his third novel "The Party Worker", Hamid portrays the rise of a brutal hitman who killed at the behest of a fictional political party ruling the city with an iron fist. For Karachi insiders, the character mirrors the life of feared hitman Saulat Mirza, who served as the feared enforcer for the once-powerful Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) party -- and whose list of victims include Hamid's own father, Shahid. "It's less a thing of making a sketch of Saulat Mirza," explains Hamid, calling the character a "sketch of a particular type of young man... who kind of in the last 30 years or so essentially gave their lives away to these ideologies thinking they were doing the right thing." The goal is not to excuse such actions, he insists. "Understanding the motivations of someone is a positive tool if you're someone who has worked as an investigator in counterterrorism for a very long time," says Hamid. "What he has written is fiction but it's very close to reality," says Faheem Siddiqui, Karachi bureau chief for Geo News. "As a crime reporter, I know what had happened in the city. It took a great deal of courage to write about these events." Hamid's plots go beyond his own losses to appear at times like thinly disguised retellings of the seismic moments that have rattled Karachi in the last 30 years -- from the murder of American journalist Daniel Pearl in 2002 to the killing of former prime minister Benazir Bhutto's brother Murtaza. - Dangerous city - Once a quiet port nestled on the Arabian Sea coastline, Karachi was transformed by the flood of refugees from neighbouring India after partition in 1947, setting the stage for disputes that needle the metropolis to this day. Years later the port became a conduit for weapons, narcotics, and a new flood of refugees from war-torn Afghanistan, transforming politics and ratcheting up violence to make Karachi one of Asia's most dangerous cities. "The last 30 years have been a rollercoaster ride," explains Hamid. "If wasn't politico-ethnic violence it was sectarian violence in Karachi that lead to jihadist terrorism." Writing, he explains, was a release. "I had a lot of frustrations about things that had happened in my career until that point," says Hamid. "I felt a need to vent about them." The themes Hamid explores may surprise those looking for screeds to lionize the police and demonise its enemies, with stories of extrajudicial killings and corrupt officials frequently appearing. Though he often takes aim at Karachi's dangerous and powerful, he has received little blowback, he admits. But he says his latest novel "The Fix" released in June may ruffle more feathers, as he explores corruption in cricket. "For a nation of cricket fanatics and conspiracy theorists, it's strangely been an area that has never really been explored," he explains. For all his explorations of Karachi's darkest corners, Hamid remains hopeful for his beloved home, while admitting the sweltering, overflowing city may seem like "an absolute hellhole" to outsiders. "It may not be everyone's cup of tea," he shrugs. "But as a city, it will keep going."

Pakistani cop channels police stories into gritty novels

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