Naik Deepchand, who lost both legs and his right arm in the 1999 Kargil war, paid tributes to the fallen soldiers at the Kargil War Memorial in Jammu and Kashmir's Dras on Friday.

Speaking to ANI on Kargil Vijay Diwas, he said the only aim of the forces at the time of the 1999 conflict was to defeat the enemy.

Recalling India's first major triumph, Deepchand of 1889 Missile regiment said, "We won the Battle of Tololing. It was very cold that day. As many as 10,000 rounds were fired by our battalion. I have come here to pay tributes to martyrs. It is a matter of great pride for all the countrymen.''

In a message to his countrymen, he said, "A soldier should always be respected as a soldier leaves everything for the country. When we wear the uniform it is like our soul and we are ready to sacrifice our life for the country's sake."

Brigadier Khushal Thakur, Commanding Officer (CO) 18 Grenadiers, who lost 34 of his jawans during the Tiger Hill battle, also paid tributes at the memorial.

"Today on 20 years of Kargil war, we are paying tribute to our martyrs. Families of martyrs and brave soldiers are also present here to pay tributes," he said.

"We remember this day and we pay tribute to martyrs. My father lost his life in Kargil war, he used to say that this place is very beautiful. We feel proud and a bit sad as some of those who were responsible for victory in the war are not with us any more," added Aprajita Acharya, daughter of Maha Veer Chakra awardee Major Padmapani Acharya.

The Indian armed forces had defeated Pakistan on July 26, 1999. Since then, the day is celebrated as Kargil Vijay Diwas.

In Dras, Army Chief General Bipin Rawat, Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa and Ex-Army Chief General VP Malik paid tributes to the brave hearts at the memorial.

Naik Deepchand, who lost both legs and his right arm in the 1999 Kargil war, paid tributes to the fallen soldiers at the Kargil War Memorial in Jammu and Kashmir's Dras on Friday.

Naik Deepchand, who lost both legs and his right arm in the 1999 Kargil war, paid tributes to the fallen soldiers at the Kargil War Memorial in Jammu and Kashmir's Dras on Friday. Speaking to ANI on Kargil Vijay Diwas, he said the only aim of the forces at the time of the 1999 conflict was to defeat the enemy. Recalling India's first major triumph, Deepchand of 1889 Missile regiment said, "We won the Battle of Tololing. It was very cold that day. As many as 10,000 rounds were fired by our battalion. I have come here to pay tributes to martyrs. It is a matter of great pride for all the countrymen.'' In a message to his countrymen, he said, "A soldier should always be respected as a soldier leaves everything for the country. When we wear the uniform it is like our soul and we are ready to sacrifice our life for the country's sake." Brigadier Khushal Thakur, Commanding Officer (CO) 18 Grenadiers, who lost 34 of his jawans during the Tiger Hill battle, also paid tributes at the memorial. "Today on 20 years of Kargil war, we are paying tribute to our martyrs. Families of martyrs and brave soldiers are also present here to pay tributes," he said. "We remember this day and we pay tribute to martyrs. My father lost his life in Kargil war, he used to say that this place is very beautiful. We feel proud and a bit sad as some of those who were responsible for victory in the war are not with us any more," added Aprajita Acharya, daughter of Maha Veer Chakra awardee Major Padmapani Acharya. The Indian armed forces had defeated Pakistan on July 26, 1999. Since then, the day is celebrated as Kargil Vijay Diwas. In Dras, Army Chief General Bipin Rawat, Air Chief Marshal BS Dhanoa and Ex-Army Chief General VP Malik paid tributes to the brave hearts at the memorial.

20 years on, Naik Deepchand recalls Kargil war victory

A resolution recently tabled by two Republican senators recommitting the US` "continuing support" to Pakistan is not only an insult to American servicemen who laid down their lives while fighting in Afghanistan but is also in contrast with goals of US national security.

In an opinion piece for Washington Examiner, Michael Rubin examines how lobbying was at play behind tabling of the resolution and underlines how Pakistan continues to harbour and support terrorists.

Senators Sheila Jackson Lee of Texas and Jim Banks of Indiana had introduced the resolution in the House of Representatives welcoming Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan to Washington and reiterating the US` stand to "continuing support and commitment to the long and enduring friendship between the United States and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan."

"Pakistan and the United States have a shared interest and are cooperating in efforts to establish lasting peace in Afghanistan," the resolution reads.

However, the resolution adopted is a far cry from Pakistan`s realities, considering that it continues to harbour, shield and support terror-groups operating on its soil and consistently undermining Afghanistan`s security and stability writes Rubin.

The writer of the article also recalls an open letter written by Khan in 2009. In that letter addressed to then US President Barack Obama, Khan had said that the US is an "occupying power" in Afghanistan and opined that the Taliban group is the legitimate government in the war-torn nation.

Khan also pointed fingers at Obama for a "supposed al Qaeda resurgence" in Afghanistan owing to US` presence, which ironically, came at a time when Pakistan was sheltering Al Qaeda founder chief Osama bin Laden, who was killed in a raid by US special forces at his private compound in the garrison town of Abbottabad in 2011.

When Laden was killed, Khan had claimed that Washington`s action was a breach of the UN Charter. In a fundraising visit to the US in 2012, Khan heaped praises on Taliban and justified the group`s "jihad in Afghanistan."

"Khan`s followers have worked to prevent vital resupply of US and NATO troops fighting the Taliban. Blocking NATO supply through Pakistan in contravention of a diplomatic and contractual agreement which saw aid and fees flood into Pakistani accounts was a position directed by Khan himself," Rubin notes.

''The Jackson Lee-Banks resolution urges greater investment in Pakistan, but it was again Khan who argued that taking American money made Pakistan a `stooge.` Khan may seek money, but his track record over a long career suggests that humiliating the United States and promoting its assailants is his chief goal," the author opines.

Moreover, Rubin says that Pakistan`s Inter-Services Intelligence agency and political elites in the country have long believed that using religious radicalism as a tool of foreign policy for achieving Islamabad`s short-term goals.

"The elite bubbles in which Khan has lived his life are wrong, however. Religious radicalism may well be past the tipping point in Pakistan, and may very well be a danger that risks overwhelming more traditional Pakistani politics and moderation," the writer warns.

To embrace Khan "sycophantically" and ignoring the fact that the policies he adopted and continuing to embrace them has led to the deaths of over 2,000 American servicemen and an exponentially higher number of Afghan civilians, says Rubin.

Criticising Lee and Banks for their resolution, the author says that the duo could have spoken the truth to Khan, if they "really cared" about the country, rather than allowing Islamabad "a free pass to launder it position papers through Congress".Rubin concludes in his article, "The Jackson Lee-Banks resolution suggests a dangerous lack of strategic vision in both parties and a failure on Capitol Hill to honour the legacy and sacrifice of American troops who have made so many sacrifices to promote a better future in Afghanistan and keep al Qaeda on the run.

A resolution recently tabled by two Republican senators recommitting the US` "continuing support" to Pakistan is not only an insult to American servicemen who laid down their lives while fighting in Afghanistan but is also in contrast with goals of US national security.

A resolution recently tabled by two Republican senators recommitting the US` "continuing support" to Pakistan is not only an insult to American servicemen who laid down their lives while fighting in Afghanistan but is also in contrast with goals of US national security. In an opinion piece for Washington Examiner, Michael Rubin examines how lobbying was at play behind tabling of the resolution and underlines how Pakistan continues to harbour and support terrorists. Senators Sheila Jackson Lee of Texas and Jim Banks of Indiana had introduced the resolution in the House of Representatives welcoming Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan to Washington and reiterating the US` stand to "continuing support and commitment to the long and enduring friendship between the United States and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan." "Pakistan and the United States have a shared interest and are cooperating in efforts to establish lasting peace in Afghanistan," the resolution reads. However, the resolution adopted is a far cry from Pakistan`s realities, considering that it continues to harbour, shield and support terror-groups operating on its soil and consistently undermining Afghanistan`s security and stability writes Rubin. The writer of the article also recalls an open letter written by Khan in 2009. In that letter addressed to then US President Barack Obama, Khan had said that the US is an "occupying power" in Afghanistan and opined that the Taliban group is the legitimate government in the war-torn nation. Khan also pointed fingers at Obama for a "supposed al Qaeda resurgence" in Afghanistan owing to US` presence, which ironically, came at a time when Pakistan was sheltering Al Qaeda founder chief Osama bin Laden, who was killed in a raid by US special forces at his private compound in the garrison town of Abbottabad in 2011. When Laden was killed, Khan had claimed that Washington`s action was a breach of the UN Charter. In a fundraising visit to the US in 2012, Khan heaped praises on Taliban and justified the group`s "jihad in Afghanistan." "Khan`s followers have worked to prevent vital resupply of US and NATO troops fighting the Taliban. Blocking NATO supply through Pakistan in contravention of a diplomatic and contractual agreement which saw aid and fees flood into Pakistani accounts was a position directed by Khan himself," Rubin notes. ''The Jackson Lee-Banks resolution urges greater investment in Pakistan, but it was again Khan who argued that taking American money made Pakistan a `stooge.` Khan may seek money, but his track record over a long career suggests that humiliating the United States and promoting its assailants is his chief goal," the author opines. Moreover, Rubin says that Pakistan`s Inter-Services Intelligence agency and political elites in the country have long believed that using religious radicalism as a tool of foreign policy for achieving Islamabad`s short-term goals. "The elite bubbles in which Khan has lived his life are wrong, however. Religious radicalism may well be past the tipping point in Pakistan, and may very well be a danger that risks overwhelming more traditional Pakistani politics and moderation," the writer warns. To embrace Khan "sycophantically" and ignoring the fact that the policies he adopted and continuing to embrace them has led to the deaths of over 2,000 American servicemen and an exponentially higher number of Afghan civilians, says Rubin. Criticising Lee and Banks for their resolution, the author says that the duo could have spoken the truth to Khan, if they "really cared" about the country, rather than allowing Islamabad "a free pass to launder it position papers through Congress".Rubin concludes in his article, "The Jackson Lee-Banks resolution suggests a dangerous lack of strategic vision in both parties and a failure on Capitol Hill to honour the legacy and sacrifice of American troops who have made so many sacrifices to promote a better future in Afghanistan and keep al Qaeda on the run.

Pro-Pak congressional resolution contrary to national security, insults US servicemen

&nbsp;Pakistan's main opposition parties held protest rallies in cities across the country on Thursday, accusing Prime Minister Imran Khan's government of ruining the economy and seeking to intimidate and silence its opponents.

The so-called "Black Day" protests, a year after Khan's PTI party swept to power following a bitterly contested election, come amid mounting economic problems for Pakistan and a political climate that has grown increasingly angry.

Surging prices of fuel and everyday staples, a plunging currency that has lost a quarter of its value since the election and allegations of media censorship and stifling opposition voices have fuelled the protests.

"Every day in the presence of Imran Khan is a black day," Maryam Nawaz, leader of the PML-N party that was ousted from power in last year's election told a crowd of thousands of supporters in a football stadium in the western city of Quetta.

She accused Khan of accepting "dictation" from U.S. President Donald Trump during his visit to Washington and proposed a march on the capital Islamabad but did not name a date.

In Karachi, Pakistan's commercial capital, thousands of supporters of the PPP, Pakistan's other main opposition party, gathered to hear party leader Bilawal Bhutto, son of the murdered former prime minister Benazir Bhutto.

Banners reading "PTI brought price hikes, PTI brought joblessness, PTI brought economic terrorism" hung over the main stage. There were similar protests in other cities including Lahore and Peshawar.

Khan's government came to power with Pakistan already nearing a balance of payments crisis, and this month agreed a $6 billion bailout with the International Monetary Fund that came with tough austerity conditions including more taxes and an agreement to let the rupee currency fall sharply.

It has dismissed the opposition protests and blamed the economic turmoil on massive corruption and economic mismanagement by previous governments, accusing their leaders of shifting millions of dollars out of the country illegally.

PML-N founder and former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Maryam Nawaz' father, is currently serving a 7-year sentence on corruption charges. His successor, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, has also been arrested on corruption charges. He denies wrongdoing.

The arrests have fed the anger of opposition parties, who say the government has manipulated the justice system to crush its adversaries.

Earlier this month, PML-N officials produced video evidence they said showed the judge responsible for sentencing Nawaz Sharif had been blackmailed into convicting him. The judge, who said the PML-N had also attempted to blackmail him, has since been sacked from the court that decided the Nawaz case.

Pakistan's main opposition parties held protest rallies in cities across the country on Thursday, accusing Prime Minister Imran Khan's government of ruining the economy and seeking to intimidate and silence its opponents.

Pakistan's main opposition parties held protest rallies in cities across the country on Thursday, accusing Prime Minister Imran Khan's government of ruining the economy and seeking to intimidate and silence its opponents. The so-called "Black Day" protests, a year after Khan's PTI party swept to power following a bitterly contested election, come amid mounting economic problems for Pakistan and a political climate that has grown increasingly angry. Surging prices of fuel and everyday staples, a plunging currency that has lost a quarter of its value since the election and allegations of media censorship and stifling opposition voices have fuelled the protests. "Every day in the presence of Imran Khan is a black day," Maryam Nawaz, leader of the PML-N party that was ousted from power in last year's election told a crowd of thousands of supporters in a football stadium in the western city of Quetta. She accused Khan of accepting "dictation" from U.S. President Donald Trump during his visit to Washington and proposed a march on the capital Islamabad but did not name a date. In Karachi, Pakistan's commercial capital, thousands of supporters of the PPP, Pakistan's other main opposition party, gathered to hear party leader Bilawal Bhutto, son of the murdered former prime minister Benazir Bhutto. Banners reading "PTI brought price hikes, PTI brought joblessness, PTI brought economic terrorism" hung over the main stage. There were similar protests in other cities including Lahore and Peshawar. Khan's government came to power with Pakistan already nearing a balance of payments crisis, and this month agreed a $6 billion bailout with the International Monetary Fund that came with tough austerity conditions including more taxes and an agreement to let the rupee currency fall sharply. It has dismissed the opposition protests and blamed the economic turmoil on massive corruption and economic mismanagement by previous governments, accusing their leaders of shifting millions of dollars out of the country illegally. PML-N founder and former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Maryam Nawaz' father, is currently serving a 7-year sentence on corruption charges. His successor, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, has also been arrested on corruption charges. He denies wrongdoing. The arrests have fed the anger of opposition parties, who say the government has manipulated the justice system to crush its adversaries. Earlier this month, PML-N officials produced video evidence they said showed the judge responsible for sentencing Nawaz Sharif had been blackmailed into convicting him. The judge, who said the PML-N had also attempted to blackmail him, has since been sacked from the court that decided the Nawaz case.

Pakistan opposition parties hold protest rallies against PM Khan

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. #KargilVijayDiwas #KargilWar

20th Kargil Vijay Diwas: India celebrates Kargil victory day today

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan confesses of terror on the soil. Watch this video to know more.

Pak Prime Minister Imran Khan on sponsoring terror

Pakistan's main opposition parties held protest rallies in cities across the country on Thursday, accusing Prime Minister Imran Khan's government of ruining the economy and seeking to intimidate and silence its opponents.

The so-called "Black Day" protests, a year after Khan's PTI party swept to power following a bitterly contested election, come amid mounting economic problems for Pakistan and a political climate that has grown increasingly angry.

Surging prices of fuel and everyday staples, a plunging currency that has lost a quarter of its value since the election and allegations of media censorship and stifling opposition voices have fuelled the protests.

"Every day in the presence of Imran Khan is a black day," Maryam Nawaz, leader of the PML-N party that was ousted from power in last year's election told a crowd of thousands of supporters in a football stadium in the western city of Quetta.

She accused Khan of accepting "dictation" from US President Donald Trump during his visit to Washington and proposed a march on the capital Islamabad but did not name a date.

In Karachi, Pakistan's commercial capital, thousands of supporters of the PPP, Pakistan's other main opposition party, gathered to hear party leader Bilawal Bhutto, son of the murdered former prime minister Benazir Bhutto.

Banners reading "PTI brought price hikes, PTI brought joblessness, PTI brought economic terrorism" hung over the main stage. There were similar protests in other cities including Lahore and Peshawar.

Khan's government came to power with Pakistan already nearing a balance of payments crisis, and this month agreed a $6 billion bailout with the International Monetary Fund that came with tough austerity conditions including more taxes and an agreement to let the rupee currency fall sharply.

It has dismissed the opposition protests and blamed the economic turmoil on massive corruption and economic mismanagement by previous governments, accusing their leaders of shifting millions of dollars out of the country illegally.

PML-N founder and former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Maryam Nawaz' father, is currently serving a 7-year sentence on corruption charges. His successor, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, has also been arrested on corruption charges. He denies wrongdoing.

The arrests have fed the anger of opposition parties, who say the government has manipulated the justice system to crush its adversaries.

Earlier this month, PML-N officials produced video evidence they said showed the judge responsible for sentencing Nawaz Sharif had been blackmailed into convicting him. The judge, who said the PML-N had also attempted to blackmail him, has since been sacked from the court that decided the Nawaz case.

Pakistan's main opposition parties held protest rallies in cities across the country on Thursday, accusing Prime Minister Imran Khan's government of ruining the economy and seeking to intimidate and silence its opponents. The so-called "Black Day" protests, a year after Khan's PTI party swept to power following a bitterly contested election, come amid mounting economic problems for Pakistan and a political climate that has grown increasingly angry. Surging prices of fuel and everyday staples, a plunging currency that has lost a quarter of its value since the election and allegations of media censorship and stifling opposition voices have fuelled the protests. "Every day in the presence of Imran Khan is a black day," Maryam Nawaz, leader of the PML-N party that was ousted from power in last year's election told a crowd of thousands of supporters in a football stadium in the western city of Quetta. She accused Khan of accepting "dictation" from US President Donald Trump during his visit to Washington and proposed a march on the capital Islamabad but did not name a date. In Karachi, Pakistan's commercial capital, thousands of supporters of the PPP, Pakistan's other main opposition party, gathered to hear party leader Bilawal Bhutto, son of the murdered former prime minister Benazir Bhutto. Banners reading "PTI brought price hikes, PTI brought joblessness, PTI brought economic terrorism" hung over the main stage. There were similar protests in other cities including Lahore and Peshawar. Khan's government came to power with Pakistan already nearing a balance of payments crisis, and this month agreed a $6 billion bailout with the International Monetary Fund that came with tough austerity conditions including more taxes and an agreement to let the rupee currency fall sharply. It has dismissed the opposition protests and blamed the economic turmoil on massive corruption and economic mismanagement by previous governments, accusing their leaders of shifting millions of dollars out of the country illegally. PML-N founder and former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, Maryam Nawaz' father, is currently serving a 7-year sentence on corruption charges. His successor, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, has also been arrested on corruption charges. He denies wrongdoing. The arrests have fed the anger of opposition parties, who say the government has manipulated the justice system to crush its adversaries. Earlier this month, PML-N officials produced video evidence they said showed the judge responsible for sentencing Nawaz Sharif had been blackmailed into convicting him. The judge, who said the PML-N had also attempted to blackmail him, has since been sacked from the court that decided the Nawaz case.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan has told US President Donald Trump that normal ties with India would be beneficial for both the countries, asserting that a "peaceful neighbourhood" was a priority of his foreign policy, according to officials here.

Gravitas: Imran Khan wish-list for Trump

Pakistan's powerful spy agency ISI provided information to the CIA which helped the US track down and kill al-Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden, Prime Minister Imran Khan said Monday in a significant revelation as Islamabad had so far denied having any knowledge of the terror chief until he was shot dead in 2011.

Major embarrassment For Pakistan On Osama Bin Laden

As Pakistan's Imran Khan-government continues to pat its back after arresting UN-designated terrorist Hafiz Saeed, claiming that it is adamant on eradicating terrorism from its soil, the reality is in stark contrast as per former Pakistan Envoy to United Kingdom, Wajid Shamsul Hasan. He, in an opinion piece, underlines how the apprehension of the Mumbai terror attack mastermind is a mere eyewash and propaganda exercise to appease the United States.

Hasan in an Op-ed published in investigative news portal 'Surkhiyan' writes that "ninth time arrest of the terror group Jamaat-ud-Dawa's chief has a lot to do with Khan's Washington Yatra."

"Hafiz's arrest provoked a prompt tweet from no less than President Trump who described his nabbing as a big success for his efforts. Indeed, Hafiz Saeed's case has been very important from an American point of view as well PAKISTAN where he was top of the order proxy warrior in the eyes of the Establishment," he opined.

"His arrest on the eve of Prime Minister Imran Khan's visit to the US was described as very timely development. It would wipe Trump's tears since Hafiz Saeed, leader of the banned Jamaatud Dawa is a UN-and US-designated global terrorist," he added.

Notwithstanding Pakistan's claim that the decision to nab Hafiz Saeed is part of Khan's new strategy to nab extremist elements to improve Pakistan's bargaining position with India and other countries, Hassan in his article unveils the truth behind the arrest of Saeed.

Quoting a statement from the horse's mouth i.e. Hafiz Saeed, Hassan said, "In his last Friday sermon before his arrest Hafiz Saeed gave reasons why he was going to be arrested just on the eve of Prime Minister Khan's official visit to Washington."

"According to him (Hafiz Saeed) he, his JuD and other likeminded groups who jointly fought with the erstwhile Soviet Union to get it out of Afghanistan and were found by the Americans as most favourable and tenacious proxy fighters for their war against Communist Russia as fodders for their guns. Hafiz Saeed recalled how on his single hundreds of jihadi fighters would collect to offer their fighting services for the Holy Jihad. He reminded his Jumma audience how he and others like him in the holy cause established their network of madaris around the Pak-Afghan border to sustain ready supply of volunteers for the Jihad," Hassan said.

"In the post Soviet withdrawal scenario from Afghanistan all these groups both in Afghanistan and Pakistan got banded together for fighting an anti- American, Anti NATO jihad shoulder to shoulder with Taliban According to Hafiz Saeed, in this anti American jihadi Alliances Iranian trained volunteers or Pasdarans have joined in support of their holy war against Washington. According to him, assistance in men that the United States used to get from Pakistan to fight the Soviets, has now joined JuD and other Jihadi forces fighting their battle against American occupation of Afghanistan, " Hassan added.

According to the former envoy, reliable sources close to Hafiz Saeed claim that now America has forced Pakistan Law enforcers to arrest him (Hafiz Saeed ) and his group members to please the Americans who are believed to be seeking Hafiz Saeed services and JuD volunteers to wage a proxy war on their behalf with Iran.

"In his sermon, Hafiz Saeed also revealed that at the behest of his Pakistani handlers he had reined in his Jihadi fighters from carrying on fresh attacks on Indian soldiers in Kashmir till such time when General Bajwa gets disappointed in Imran Khan's efforts to bring India to restart the composite dialogue," Hassan said.

However, as quoted by Hassan, Hafiz Saeed while meeting his followers despite his arrest, conveys to them not to worry, says "It is temporary flirtation of Pakistani leaders to hoodwink the Americans. Once they secure their pound of flesh, the business would be restored to back to usual."

Hassan stresses "those extremist elements believe that the government of Pakistan cannot lay off its claim on Indian held Kashmir and that ultimately Pakistan Army shall have to fall back on the proxy warriors to keep the issue alive and to continue to bleed India slowly to the pleasure of GHQ."

Meanwhile, Hafiz Saeed's arrest became more significant since it was welcomed by President Trump who claimed his success in his arrest in his tweet that after so many years of his efforts Pakistan has finally found Hafiz Saeed and arrested him. Ignorance being bliss for him President Trump did not know how many times in the past too Hafiz Saeed was arrested, tried in court and then released for want of credible evidence against him, said Hassan.

"Khan has been trying to dispel the impression that he has elements within his government who want to play foul. Indeed, his Interior Minister, a retired Brigadier of ISI, who has remained allegedly in cahoots with various extremist groups, continues to be a suspect in Washington after he was found harbouring Daniel Pearl kidnapper Omar Saeed Sheikh. Khan cannot do much about him as Brigadier (r) Ijaz Shah is a nominee of the military in his government with the key portfolio of Interior that gives him overbearing power over intelligence apparatus and law enforcers," Hassan asserted.

Notably, if the Prosecution cannot prove Hafiz Saeed's involvement in terrorist activities, his detention would prove to be nothing more than what is popularly known as "protective custody" in which the arrested person is kept within his house, he does not go out, he can, however, meet anyone he wants to.

Further highlighting the real face of Pakistan's claimed efforts to curb terrorism, Hassan explained, "In Pakistan, the practice so far has been that government bans an organisation one day, the very next day it adopts a new name and becomes operational under the cover of a relief organisation.&nbsp;They are allowed very conveniently by law enforcers to circumvent the government ban on them."

Hassan quoting, Democrat leader State Hillary Clinton said "once (then) US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said it before the Congress that time has shown that such groups cannot be 'managed', nor their inherently violent proclivities turned on and off at will against one's adversary. And that a time comes when snakes that you feed in your backyard bite your hand too. Indeed, that is the lesson Pakistan learnt for its role of raising the Taliban and encouraging cross-border terrorism.

As Pakistan's Imran Khan-government continues to pat its back after arresting UN-designated terrorist Hafiz Saeed, claiming that it is adamant on eradicating terrorism from its soil, the reality is in stark contrast as per former Pakistan Envoy to United Kingdom, Wajid Shamsul Hasan.

As Pakistan's Imran Khan-government continues to pat its back after arresting UN-designated terrorist Hafiz Saeed, claiming that it is adamant on eradicating terrorism from its soil, the reality is in stark contrast as per former Pakistan Envoy to United Kingdom, Wajid Shamsul Hasan. He, in an opinion piece, underlines how the apprehension of the Mumbai terror attack mastermind is a mere eyewash and propaganda exercise to appease the United States. Hasan in an Op-ed published in investigative news portal 'Surkhiyan' writes that "ninth time arrest of the terror group Jamaat-ud-Dawa's chief has a lot to do with Khan's Washington Yatra." "Hafiz's arrest provoked a prompt tweet from no less than President Trump who described his nabbing as a big success for his efforts. Indeed, Hafiz Saeed's case has been very important from an American point of view as well PAKISTAN where he was top of the order proxy warrior in the eyes of the Establishment," he opined. "His arrest on the eve of Prime Minister Imran Khan's visit to the US was described as very timely development. It would wipe Trump's tears since Hafiz Saeed, leader of the banned Jamaatud Dawa is a UN-and US-designated global terrorist," he added. Notwithstanding Pakistan's claim that the decision to nab Hafiz Saeed is part of Khan's new strategy to nab extremist elements to improve Pakistan's bargaining position with India and other countries, Hassan in his article unveils the truth behind the arrest of Saeed. Quoting a statement from the horse's mouth i.e. Hafiz Saeed, Hassan said, "In his last Friday sermon before his arrest Hafiz Saeed gave reasons why he was going to be arrested just on the eve of Prime Minister Khan's official visit to Washington." "According to him (Hafiz Saeed) he, his JuD and other likeminded groups who jointly fought with the erstwhile Soviet Union to get it out of Afghanistan and were found by the Americans as most favourable and tenacious proxy fighters for their war against Communist Russia as fodders for their guns. Hafiz Saeed recalled how on his single hundreds of jihadi fighters would collect to offer their fighting services for the Holy Jihad. He reminded his Jumma audience how he and others like him in the holy cause established their network of madaris around the Pak-Afghan border to sustain ready supply of volunteers for the Jihad," Hassan said. "In the post Soviet withdrawal scenario from Afghanistan all these groups both in Afghanistan and Pakistan got banded together for fighting an anti- American, Anti NATO jihad shoulder to shoulder with Taliban According to Hafiz Saeed, in this anti American jihadi Alliances Iranian trained volunteers or Pasdarans have joined in support of their holy war against Washington. According to him, assistance in men that the United States used to get from Pakistan to fight the Soviets, has now joined JuD and other Jihadi forces fighting their battle against American occupation of Afghanistan, " Hassan added. According to the former envoy, reliable sources close to Hafiz Saeed claim that now America has forced Pakistan Law enforcers to arrest him (Hafiz Saeed ) and his group members to please the Americans who are believed to be seeking Hafiz Saeed services and JuD volunteers to wage a proxy war on their behalf with Iran. "In his sermon, Hafiz Saeed also revealed that at the behest of his Pakistani handlers he had reined in his Jihadi fighters from carrying on fresh attacks on Indian soldiers in Kashmir till such time when General Bajwa gets disappointed in Imran Khan's efforts to bring India to restart the composite dialogue," Hassan said. However, as quoted by Hassan, Hafiz Saeed while meeting his followers despite his arrest, conveys to them not to worry, says "It is temporary flirtation of Pakistani leaders to hoodwink the Americans. Once they secure their pound of flesh, the business would be restored to back to usual." Hassan stresses "those extremist elements believe that the government of Pakistan cannot lay off its claim on Indian held Kashmir and that ultimately Pakistan Army shall have to fall back on the proxy warriors to keep the issue alive and to continue to bleed India slowly to the pleasure of GHQ." Meanwhile, Hafiz Saeed's arrest became more significant since it was welcomed by President Trump who claimed his success in his arrest in his tweet that after so many years of his efforts Pakistan has finally found Hafiz Saeed and arrested him. Ignorance being bliss for him President Trump did not know how many times in the past too Hafiz Saeed was arrested, tried in court and then released for want of credible evidence against him, said Hassan. "Khan has been trying to dispel the impression that he has elements within his government who want to play foul. Indeed, his Interior Minister, a retired Brigadier of ISI, who has remained allegedly in cahoots with various extremist groups, continues to be a suspect in Washington after he was found harbouring Daniel Pearl kidnapper Omar Saeed Sheikh. Khan cannot do much about him as Brigadier (r) Ijaz Shah is a nominee of the military in his government with the key portfolio of Interior that gives him overbearing power over intelligence apparatus and law enforcers," Hassan asserted. Notably, if the Prosecution cannot prove Hafiz Saeed's involvement in terrorist activities, his detention would prove to be nothing more than what is popularly known as "protective custody" in which the arrested person is kept within his house, he does not go out, he can, however, meet anyone he wants to. Further highlighting the real face of Pakistan's claimed efforts to curb terrorism, Hassan explained, "In Pakistan, the practice so far has been that government bans an organisation one day, the very next day it adopts a new name and becomes operational under the cover of a relief organisation. They are allowed very conveniently by law enforcers to circumvent the government ban on them." Hassan quoting, Democrat leader State Hillary Clinton said "once (then) US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said it before the Congress that time has shown that such groups cannot be 'managed', nor their inherently violent proclivities turned on and off at will against one's adversary. And that a time comes when snakes that you feed in your backyard bite your hand too. Indeed, that is the lesson Pakistan learnt for its role of raising the Taliban and encouraging cross-border terrorism.

Hafiz Saeed's ninth time arrest, Pakistan's bid to curb terror a mere eyewash, reveals former envoy

The government of Pakistan`s Punjab province has asked Kot Lakhpat jail authorities to remove the air conditioner from the prison cell of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/despite-recurring-angina-cardiologist-not-allowed-to-visit-nawaz-sharif-claims-his-daughter-231236">former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif</a>.

"The following directions of Prime Minister have been intimated for implementation and report `No preferential treatment be given to the criminals and money launders in the prison in Punjab`," stated a letter written by Punjab Home Department to the inspector general of the prison on July 17.&nbsp;

The 69-year-old former Prime Minister was convicted in the Al Azizia Steel Mills case and sentenced to seven years in jail. He is currently serving the sentence in Lahore`s Kot Lakhpat jail.

Express Tribune reported the government`s order days after Prime Minister Imran Khan told a gathering of Pakistani diaspora in the US that Nawaz eats home-made food in his air-conditioned jail with television in it and said he will ensure the "criminal" does not receive such treatment.

"Nawaz Sharif wants food from home in jail, he wants air conditioning in jail. But in a country where half the population has no air conditioning or TV, what kind of punishment would this be?," said Khan on July 21, while addressing Pakistani diaspora during his three-day visit to the United States.

"I am going to go back and make sure there is no air conditioning or TV for Nawaz Sharif who is a criminal. I know (PML-N leader) Maryam Bibi will make some noise, but I say to her, return the money. It`s as simple as that," he added.

PML-N leader and <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/maryam-nawaz-dons-black-kurta-with-picture-of-her-father-demanding-his-release-237251">Nawaz daughter`s Maryam Nawaz</a> said that the former prime minister was provided air conditioning after doctors advised a comfortable room temperature for him.

She also attacked Khan and said this move shows "shallowness" of the prime minister.&nbsp;

"Even the team of doctors they [government] put together for Nawaz Sharif advised a comfortable room temperature but our prime minister goes to America and announces that he will take away the facility of AC from Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif," she said.

The government of Pakistan`s Punjab province has asked Kot Lakhpat jail authorities to remove the air conditioner from the prison cell of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif.

The government of Pakistan`s Punjab province has asked Kot Lakhpat jail authorities to remove the air conditioner from the prison cell of former Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif. "The following directions of Prime Minister have been intimated for implementation and report `No preferential treatment be given to the criminals and money launders in the prison in Punjab`," stated a letter written by Punjab Home Department to the inspector general of the prison on July 17. The 69-year-old former Prime Minister was convicted in the Al Azizia Steel Mills case and sentenced to seven years in jail. He is currently serving the sentence in Lahore`s Kot Lakhpat jail. Express Tribune reported the government`s order days after Prime Minister Imran Khan told a gathering of Pakistani diaspora in the US that Nawaz eats home-made food in his air-conditioned jail with television in it and said he will ensure the "criminal" does not receive such treatment. "Nawaz Sharif wants food from home in jail, he wants air conditioning in jail. But in a country where half the population has no air conditioning or TV, what kind of punishment would this be?," said Khan on July 21, while addressing Pakistani diaspora during his three-day visit to the United States. "I am going to go back and make sure there is no air conditioning or TV for Nawaz Sharif who is a criminal. I know (PML-N leader) Maryam Bibi will make some noise, but I say to her, return the money. It`s as simple as that," he added. PML-N leader and Nawaz daughter`s Maryam Nawaz said that the former prime minister was provided air conditioning after doctors advised a comfortable room temperature for him. She also attacked Khan and said this move shows "shallowness" of the prime minister. "Even the team of doctors they [government] put together for Nawaz Sharif advised a comfortable room temperature but our prime minister goes to America and announces that he will take away the facility of AC from Mian Muhammad Nawaz Sharif," she said.

Pakistan: Punjab government asks jail authorities to remove AC from Nawaz Sharif's cell

Donald Trump claims that PM Modi asked him to meditate on Kashmir issue. Later Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said in Rajya Sabha that no mediation request was made by PM Modi.

Trump: PM Modi asked me to meditate on Kashmir issue, Trump caught lying again

President Trump offered to help mediate the long-running Kashmir conflict in a White House meeting with Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, briefly raising the prospect of a substantial shift in the U.S. role in the conflict before India swiftly rejected it.

WION EDIT: Why US wants to keep Pak on its side?

A few hours ago Pakistani PM Imran Khan wrapped his US visit. WION questions Imran Khan on Hafiz Saeed. Watch this video to know what Imran Khan has to say.

WION questions Imran Khan on Hafiz Saeed

Imran Khan Says Indigeneous Groups In India Were Responsible For Pulwama Attacks In response to WION's Anas Mallick's question, Imran Khan speaks on Hafiz Saeed, the listed terrorist and says Pakistan doesn't allow armed militia. Khan further says that indigeneous groups in India were responsible for Pulwama attacks

Gravitas: Watch Imran Khan respond to WION on Hafiz Saeed & Pulwama attacks

Pakistan PM Imran Khan concludes 3-day U.S. visit, i this show we ask: Will meeting Donald Trump help Pak economy? Watch full video to know more.

WION Dispatch: Will meeting Donald Trump help Pak economy?

Calling Pulwama attack an act of indigenous groups based in India, Pakistan Prime Minister&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistans-point-of-view-was-not-appropriately-presented-in-front-of-united-states-imran-khan-238065">Imran Khan</a> on Tuesday&nbsp;said that his government&nbsp;will never allow <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mike-pompeo-urges-pakistan-pm-imran-khan-to-take-action-against-terrorist-organisations-238060">armed militia</a> in its territory.

"It is in the interest of Pakistan that we do not allow any armed militia in our country. We have suffered sectarian attacks, we are in the worst situation, our investments are badly affected due to this," said Pakistan PM.

Gravitas: Watch Imran Khan on Hafiz Saeed &amp; Pulwama attacks

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Replying to a question by WION's Anas Mallick on Pulwama attack, Khan said it was an "act of indigenous groups based in India". "Even before this attack happened we had already decided that we will disarm all armed militia in Pakistan,"&nbsp; he added.

The Pakistan prime minister is in the US on a three-day visit.

Both India and the US have repeatedly told Pakistan to crack down on terror infrastructure on its soil. The Ministry of External Affairs has time and again asked for "verifiable, credible and irreversible actions against terrorists and to disrupt and dismantle terror groups operating from their (Pakistan's) soil".

In a major diplomatic win, Indian efforts on the international front were recently rewarded after Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed's (JeM) chief, Masood Azhar, was blacklisted as a global terrorist by the UN Security Council following the gruesome February 14 Pulwama terror attack. At least 40 CRPF personnel lost their lives in the attack, the responsibility of which was claimed by JeM.

Calling Pulwama attack an act of indigenous groups based in India, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday said that his government will never allow armed militia in its territory.

Calling Pulwama attack an act of indigenous groups based in India, Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Tuesday said that his government will never allow armed militia in its territory. "It is in the interest of Pakistan that we do not allow any armed militia in our country. We have suffered sectarian attacks, we are in the worst situation, our investments are badly affected due to this," said Pakistan PM. Gravitas: Watch Imran Khan on Hafiz Saeed & Pulwama attacks Replying to a question by WION's Anas Mallick on Pulwama attack, Khan said it was an "act of indigenous groups based in India". "Even before this attack happened we had already decided that we will disarm all armed militia in Pakistan," he added. The Pakistan prime minister is in the US on a three-day visit. Both India and the US have repeatedly told Pakistan to crack down on terror infrastructure on its soil. The Ministry of External Affairs has time and again asked for "verifiable, credible and irreversible actions against terrorists and to disrupt and dismantle terror groups operating from their (Pakistan's) soil". In a major diplomatic win, Indian efforts on the international front were recently rewarded after Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed's (JeM) chief, Masood Azhar, was blacklisted as a global terrorist by the UN Security Council following the gruesome February 14 Pulwama terror attack. At least 40 CRPF personnel lost their lives in the attack, the responsibility of which was claimed by JeM.

Pakistan will not allow armed militia in the country: Imran Khan

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/seen-this-drama-says-india-on-hafiz-saeeds-arrest-by-pakistan-236906">UN-proscribed terrorist Hafiz Saeed</a>'s judicial remand was extended by 14 days on Wednesday by a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-will-not-allow-armed-militia-in-the-country-imran-khan-238076">Pakistan</a> court.&nbsp;

26/11 Mumbai terror attack mastermind and head of Jamaat-ud-Dawa Saeed was arrested by Pakistan’s Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) on July 17 in connection with charges related to terror financing.

Counter-Terrorism Department had registered 23 cases in July against the leadership of JuD, Lashkar-e-Taiba and FIF (Falah-i-Insaniyat Foundation) for gaining assets from terrorism financing through non-profit organisations.

Watch: WION questions Imran Khan on Hafiz Saeed

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India blames Saeed for masterminding the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks in which 166 people were killed including several Americans.

Saeed was declared a global terrorist by the UNSC recently after a long, protracted battle by India at the UN body, a move which was consistently blocked by China. The US had declared a $10 million reward for capturing the Pakistan-based terrorist.

The arrest of the JuD chief comes just months ahead of Pakistan's probable blacklisting at the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) which had slammed the Imran Khan-led government for not doing enough to stop money laundering and terror financing in the country.

(With inputs from agencies)

UN-proscribed terrorist Hafiz Saeed's judicial remand was extended by 14 days on Wednesday by a Pakistan court. 26/11 Mumbai terror attack mastermind and head of Jamaat-ud-Dawa Saeed was arrested by Pakistan’s Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) on July 17 in connection with charges related to terror financing.

UN-proscribed terrorist Hafiz Saeed's judicial remand was extended by 14 days on Wednesday by a Pakistan court. 26/11 Mumbai terror attack mastermind and head of Jamaat-ud-Dawa Saeed was arrested by Pakistan’s Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD) on July 17 in connection with charges related to terror financing. Counter-Terrorism Department had registered 23 cases in July against the leadership of JuD, Lashkar-e-Taiba and FIF (Falah-i-Insaniyat Foundation) for gaining assets from terrorism financing through non-profit organisations. Watch: WION questions Imran Khan on Hafiz Saeed × India blames Saeed for masterminding the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks in which 166 people were killed including several Americans. Saeed was declared a global terrorist by the UNSC recently after a long, protracted battle by India at the UN body, a move which was consistently blocked by China. The US had declared a $10 million reward for capturing the Pakistan-based terrorist. The arrest of the JuD chief comes just months ahead of Pakistan's probable blacklisting at the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) which had slammed the Imran Khan-led government for not doing enough to stop money laundering and terror financing in the country. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan court extends Hafiz Saeed's judicial remand for 14 more days

US President Donald Trump claims that Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi asked him to meditate on Kashmir issue. Later Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Indian Minister of Defence Rajnath Singh issued statements and clarified that no mediation request was made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Watch this video to know more.

Rajnath Singh issues statement over Trump's Kashmir mediation claim

Donald Trump claimed recently that Indian PM Narendra Modi asked him to meditate on Kashmir issue. Later Indian External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said in Rajya Sabha that no mediation request was made by PM Modi.

The blunders of a 'deal-maker', Trump called out for fake news

Washington post dedicates entire supplement to Pakistan. It highlights minorities oppression in Pakistan. Protest held against Imran Khan in Washington D.C. Campaign against enforced disappearances in Pakistan. It is the demand for the protection of indigenous people. Watch this video to know more.

Washington: Pakistan minority groups protest

US President Donald Trump on Monday offered to mediate between India and Pakistan on the Kashmir issue as he met Prime Minister Imran Khan at the White House for the first time.

WION Exclusive: Donald Trump offers to mediate between India and Pakistan on Kashmir

Ministry of External Affairs rejects Trump's claim on mediation. Trump claimed that PM Modi sought intervention on Kashmir. MEA said any engagement subject to end to terror. Pakistan needs to end cross border terrorism. Shimla and Lahore declaration base for resolutions. MEA also said that there has been no such request made by PM Modi. Watch this video to know more.

U.S Representative: I apologized to Indian Ambassador on Trump's embarrassing mistake

MEA: All issues with Pakistan only bilateral

U.S representative to India: Trump's statement is amateurish

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