Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) of Pakistan's Punjab Police arrested 26/11Mumbai attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed on Wednesday in connection with terror financing case. Watch this video to know more.

Breaking News: 2008 Mumbai attacks mastermind Hafiz Saeed arrested

At least 18 people have died and the lives of 52 lakh others being affected as the flood situation in Assam further deteriorated. At least 32 out of 33 districts in the state have submerged under flood water with 90 percent of Kaziranga National Park rendered inundated. Watch this video to know more.

Assam floods: At least 18 killed, 4.5 million affected

For the first time since February's Balakot strike, Pakistan on Tuesday opened its airspace for all civilian traffic, as per the Pakistan Civil Aviation Authority. Watch this video to know more.

First time since Balakot strike, Pakistan opens airspace for all civilian traffic

Pakistan closed airspace after Indian airstrikes on Balakot.

WION Pakistan opens airspace after 5 months

Pakistan has decided to open its airspace for 'all type of civil traffic' with immediate effect making a sort of climbdown from its July 12 stance that it would not do so until India withdraws all its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-to-not-open-its-airspace-until-india-removes-fighter-jets-from-forward-bases-235332">fighter planes from the Indo-Pak border</a>.

The flying restrictions which were imposed after its standoff with India in February this year after Pulwama terror attack and subsequent aerial strike by Indian Air Force, according to reports.

Partial operations at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ball-in-pakistans-court-india-on-pak-airspace-closure-233060">Pakistani airports</a> resumed once tensions eased but restrictions continued to affect many international carriers using Pakistani airspace.

Pakistan lies in the middle of a vital aviation corridor and the airspace restrictions affected hundreds of commercial and cargo flights each day, adding to flight time for passengers and fuel costs for airlines.

Watch: Pakistan opens airspace for all civilian traffic

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/first-time-since-balakot-strike-pakistan-opens-airspace-for-all-civilian-traffic-236261/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
</div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

The announcement came hours after United Airlines Holdings Inc said it was extending the suspension of its flights from the United States to Delhi and Mumbai in India until Oct. 26, citing continued restrictions of Pakistani airspace.&nbsp;

The closure of Pakistani airspace had majorly impacted global air traffic especially the Afghans who were coming to India on a regular basis.

The Afghan aviation authority said that closure of Pakistani airspace had led to a loss of $ 27 million to Kabul in addition to disruption of passenger flights and India Afghanistan air corridor.&nbsp;

Closure of Pakistan airspace had also caused a loss of $100 million to Pakistan. Various Pakistani civil aviation authorities are losing overflight charges, parking and landing charges etc to the tune of $600,000.&nbsp;

In fact number of direct flights to Pakistan has also been cancelled and its state-run national airlines PIA-Pakistan International Airlines, which is already under tremendous pressure, is facing more loss of revenue due to the closure of Airspace.&nbsp;

A number of flights were also cancelled to India but since major Indian airspace was opened, New Delhi was able to absorb any losses.

(With inputs from Reuters)

Pakistan has decided to open its airspace for 'all type of civil traffic' with immediate effect making a sort of climbdown from its July 12 stance that it would not do so until India withdraws all its fighter planes from the Indo-Pak border.

Pakistan has decided to open its airspace for 'all type of civil traffic' with immediate effect making a sort of climbdown from its July 12 stance that it would not do so until India withdraws all its fighter planes from the Indo-Pak border. The flying restrictions which were imposed after its standoff with India in February this year after Pulwama terror attack and subsequent aerial strike by Indian Air Force, according to reports. Partial operations at Pakistani airports resumed once tensions eased but restrictions continued to affect many international carriers using Pakistani airspace. Pakistan lies in the middle of a vital aviation corridor and the airspace restrictions affected hundreds of commercial and cargo flights each day, adding to flight time for passengers and fuel costs for airlines. Watch: Pakistan opens airspace for all civilian traffic × The announcement came hours after United Airlines Holdings Inc said it was extending the suspension of its flights from the United States to Delhi and Mumbai in India until Oct. 26, citing continued restrictions of Pakistani airspace. The closure of Pakistani airspace had majorly impacted global air traffic especially the Afghans who were coming to India on a regular basis. The Afghan aviation authority said that closure of Pakistani airspace had led to a loss of $ 27 million to Kabul in addition to disruption of passenger flights and India Afghanistan air corridor. Closure of Pakistan airspace had also caused a loss of $100 million to Pakistan. Various Pakistani civil aviation authorities are losing overflight charges, parking and landing charges etc to the tune of $600,000. In fact number of direct flights to Pakistan has also been cancelled and its state-run national airlines PIA-Pakistan International Airlines, which is already under tremendous pressure, is facing more loss of revenue due to the closure of Airspace. A number of flights were also cancelled to India but since major Indian airspace was opened, New Delhi was able to absorb any losses. (With inputs from Reuters)

Pakistan opens its airspace five months after closing it in aftermath of Balakot airstrikes

Pakistan opens airspace for all civilian traffic

How Pakistan Delays Justice By Hiding Behind The Garb Of 'Judicial Process'. Here's a report on the faultlines in Pakistan's judiciary and how the government routinely uses it to delay and deny justice in serious cases related to terrorism.

Gravitas: Pakistan's delaying tactic #1: 'judicial process takes time'

Activist Heckles Pakistan Foreign Minister In London, Says Pakistan Forced His Tweets To Be Deleted. You don't have to be a journalist in Pakistan to be targetted by Imran Khan's dictatorial regime. An activist from Canada heckles Pakistan's foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi in London. The exchange goes viral and raises several questions about the state of democracy and free press in Pakistan. Palki summarises.

Gravitas: Activist heckles Pak foreign minister, shows a mirror to Imran Khan govt

A World Bank arbitration court has imposed a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/chinese-firms-pledge-to-invest-5-billion-in-cash-strapped-pakistan-235580">penalty of over five billion dollars</a> on Pakistan for the unlawful denial of a mining lease to a company for the Reko Diq project in 2011.

The Tethyan Copper Company had approached the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes in 2012 after the Balochistan government declined its lease request.&nbsp;

The international tribunal on Saturday announced in a 700-page ruling that Pakistan has to pay Tethyan Copper $5.8 billion in damages, Samaa News reported.

Pakistan's Supreme Court had terminated the deal in 2013. The mining company said that it had invested over $220 million on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-to-pay-foreign-firm-6-billion-over-mine-closure-world-bank-235889">Reko Diq</a>.

The company is still "willing to strike a deal with Pakistan," Tethyan board chair William Hayes said in a statement.&nbsp;

But, added that "It would continue protecting its commercial and legal interests until the dispute was over."

The case between the Pakistani government and the international company continued for at least seven years.

The penalty came as a major blow to the cash-strapped economy of Pakistan that has received billions in financial aid packages from international organisations such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and a few friendly countries, including China, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) during the current fiscal year.

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Sunday issued orders for the formation of a commission to investigate and fix responsibility for the massive loss borne by Pakistan in the Reko Diq case.

The Attorney General's office issued a press release stating that Islamabad together with the Balochistan government was analysing the legal and financial effects of the court orders and that the government was considering all aspects of the matter and will decide the future course with a consultation.

The press release said Pakistan had the right to use all legal options available under the international laws.&nbsp;

The government also welcomed Tethyan Copper Company's (TCC) offer to resolve the issue through negotiations. It also welcomed all the international investors to Pakistan.

It added that Pakistan was further interested in the development of Reko Diq resources and as a responsible state saw the international agreements and protection of legal rights and interests with seriousness.

Reko Diq mine is famed for its vast gold and copper reserves and is believed to have the world's fifth-largest gold deposit.

The small town of Reko Diq in Chagai district in Balochistan is located in a desert area, 70 kilometres north-west of Naukundi, close to the border with Iran and Afghanistan.&nbsp;

A World Bank arbitration court has imposed a penalty of over five billion dollars on Pakistan for the unlawful denial of a mining lease to a company for the Reko Diq project in 2011.

A World Bank arbitration court has imposed a penalty of over five billion dollars on Pakistan for the unlawful denial of a mining lease to a company for the Reko Diq project in 2011. The Tethyan Copper Company had approached the International Centre for Settlement of Investment Disputes in 2012 after the Balochistan government declined its lease request. The international tribunal on Saturday announced in a 700-page ruling that Pakistan has to pay Tethyan Copper $5.8 billion in damages, Samaa News reported. Pakistan's Supreme Court had terminated the deal in 2013. The mining company said that it had invested over $220 million on Reko Diq. The company is still "willing to strike a deal with Pakistan," Tethyan board chair William Hayes said in a statement. But, added that "It would continue protecting its commercial and legal interests until the dispute was over." The case between the Pakistani government and the international company continued for at least seven years. The penalty came as a major blow to the cash-strapped economy of Pakistan that has received billions in financial aid packages from international organisations such as the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and a few friendly countries, including China, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) during the current fiscal year. Prime Minister Imran Khan on Sunday issued orders for the formation of a commission to investigate and fix responsibility for the massive loss borne by Pakistan in the Reko Diq case. The Attorney General's office issued a press release stating that Islamabad together with the Balochistan government was analysing the legal and financial effects of the court orders and that the government was considering all aspects of the matter and will decide the future course with a consultation. The press release said Pakistan had the right to use all legal options available under the international laws. The government also welcomed Tethyan Copper Company's (TCC) offer to resolve the issue through negotiations. It also welcomed all the international investors to Pakistan. It added that Pakistan was further interested in the development of Reko Diq resources and as a responsible state saw the international agreements and protection of legal rights and interests with seriousness. Reko Diq mine is famed for its vast gold and copper reserves and is believed to have the world's fifth-largest gold deposit. The small town of Reko Diq in Chagai district in Balochistan is located in a desert area, 70 kilometres north-west of Naukundi, close to the border with Iran and Afghanistan.

International Court slaps $5 billion penalty on Pakistan in Reko Diq case

An Indian delegation crossed the Wagah border on Sunday for holding the second round of talks with their Pakistani counterparts to finalise modalities for the Kartarpur Corridor and related technical issues.

India-Pak hold meet on Kartarpur corridor

A 'Victory Flame' was lit by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday at the National War Memorial in Delhi, which will reach Drass in Jammu and Kashmir on July 26 to commemorate India's victory over Pakistan in the Kargil conflict.

The flame would traverse through 11 towns and cities to finally culminate at Drass where it will be merged with the eternal flame at the Kargil War Memorial.

"I pay tribute to our soldiers who gave their life for the country. I also pay respect to the family members of those soldiers," Singh said on the occasion.

Army Chief General Bipin Rawat, Northern Army Commander Lt. Gen Ranbir Singh and several senior officers attended the event.

Teams from several battalions of the Indian Army have undertaken trekking expeditions to commemorate the victory in various battles during the 1999 Kargil war.

Kargil Vijay Diwas is celebrated on July 26 every year.

A 'Victory Flame' was lit by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday at the National War Memorial in Delhi, which will reach Drass in Jammu and Kashmir on July 26 to commemorate India's victory over Pakistan in the Kargil conflict.

A 'Victory Flame' was lit by Defence Minister Rajnath Singh on Sunday at the National War Memorial in Delhi, which will reach Drass in Jammu and Kashmir on July 26 to commemorate India's victory over Pakistan in the Kargil conflict. The flame would traverse through 11 towns and cities to finally culminate at Drass where it will be merged with the eternal flame at the Kargil War Memorial. "I pay tribute to our soldiers who gave their life for the country. I also pay respect to the family members of those soldiers," Singh said on the occasion. Army Chief General Bipin Rawat, Northern Army Commander Lt. Gen Ranbir Singh and several senior officers attended the event. Teams from several battalions of the Indian Army have undertaken trekking expeditions to commemorate the victory in various battles during the 1999 Kargil war. Kargil Vijay Diwas is celebrated on July 26 every year.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh lights 'Victory Flame' to commemorate Kargil war

Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Sunday welcomed Pakistan's decision to remove the requirement of a separate permit system to allow pilgrims to travel through the historic <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kartarpur-corridor-talks-round-two-ends-pakistan-not-open-to-5000-pilgrims-daily-235729">Kartarpur corridor</a> but requested for the waiver of passport to facilitate devotees from the rural areas of the state to visit the holy place.

Chief Minister Singh, in a statement, said Pakistan has now agreed to 5,000 devotees a day as against its original proposal of 500 but the number needed to be further raised.

The Chief Minister, however, hailed Pakistan's decision to allow Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) and Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) cardholders, as urged by him.

The historic corridor would not serve its full potential unless Pakistan agreed to become even more flexible with regard to pilgrims visit the Sri Kartarpur Sahib Gurdwara, an official quoted him as saying.

He urged the Central government to engage even more closely with Pakistan to secure their agreement on other demands he has been putting forth.

The Chief Minister also reiterated his demand for a special package from the Centre to make the celebrations truly historic and befitting the sacred occasion.

The Chief Minister has hoped the government would press Pakistan to accept other key demands being raised by him over the past several months.

These included further increase in the daily limit of pilgrims allowed passage by Islamabad to enable 'khulle darshan' to mark the historic occasion of the 550th birth anniversary celebration of Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji, the statement said.

Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Sunday welcomed Pakistan's decision to remove the requirement of a separate permit system to allow pilgrims to travel through the historic Kartarpur corridor but requested for the waiver of passport to facilitate devotees from the rural areas of the state to visit the holy place.

Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Sunday welcomed Pakistan's decision to remove the requirement of a separate permit system to allow pilgrims to travel through the historic Kartarpur corridor but requested for the waiver of passport to facilitate devotees from the rural areas of the state to visit the holy place. Chief Minister Singh, in a statement, said Pakistan has now agreed to 5,000 devotees a day as against its original proposal of 500 but the number needed to be further raised. The Chief Minister, however, hailed Pakistan's decision to allow Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) and Persons of Indian Origin (PIO) cardholders, as urged by him. The historic corridor would not serve its full potential unless Pakistan agreed to become even more flexible with regard to pilgrims visit the Sri Kartarpur Sahib Gurdwara, an official quoted him as saying. He urged the Central government to engage even more closely with Pakistan to secure their agreement on other demands he has been putting forth. The Chief Minister also reiterated his demand for a special package from the Centre to make the celebrations truly historic and befitting the sacred occasion. The Chief Minister has hoped the government would press Pakistan to accept other key demands being raised by him over the past several months. These included further increase in the daily limit of pilgrims allowed passage by Islamabad to enable 'khulle darshan' to mark the historic occasion of the 550th birth anniversary celebration of Sri Guru Nanak Dev ji, the statement said.

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh hails Pakistan for removal of 'permit for passage' via Kartarpur corridor

Pakistan will have to pay almost $6 billion in damages to a foreign gold mining firm whose dig was shut down by the government in 2011, the World Bank said Sunday.

The consortium Tethyan Copper company -- of which Canadian gold firm Barrick and Chile's Antofagasta Minerals control 37.5 per cent each -- is the largest Foreign Direct Investment mining project in the country.

More than a decade ago the group found vast gold and copper deposits at Reko Diq, in the turbulent southwestern Baluchistan province, and had planned a hugely lucrative open-pit mine.

But the project came to a standstill in 2011 after the local government refused to renew the consortium's lease, and in 2013 Pakistan's top court declared it invalid.

On Friday, the World Bank's international arbitration tribunal committee awarded $5.84 billion in damages to Tethyan, according to a statement from the company, because of the government's decision to shut down the mine.

Pakistan's attorney general, Anwar Mansoor Khan, said in a statement they had noted the decision "with disappointment".

The country's legal experts were "studying the Award and reflecting upon its financial and legal implications," the statement continued. &nbsp;

Ivan Arriagada, Antofagasta's Chief Executive Officer, said: "We are pleased to reach this milestone after more than seven years of arbitration."

"We remain willing to discuss the potential for a negotiated settlement with Pakistan and will continue to protect our commercial interests and legal rights until the conclusion of this dispute," consortium chairman William Hayes added.

It comes weeks after prime minister Imran Khan secured a $6 billion bailout from the IMF, amid devaluations of the rupee and soaring inflation.

Barrick and Antofagasta say the proposed plant could produce 600,000 tons of copper and 250,000 ounces of gold a year.

But the mine is in Chagai district, one of the most deprived parts of Pakistan and rife with Taliban, sectarian and separatist violence.

The provincial government is also a sleeping partner in the Reko Diq project with a 25 per cent stake.

Mining in Baluchistan is dominated by small companies focused primarily on marble and granite, experts say, which waste up to 80 per cent of potential because of poor extraction techniques.

Experts have called for more transparent policies to allow mining to flourish.

Pakistan will have to pay almost $6 billion in damages to a foreign gold mining firm whose dig was shut down by the government in 2011, the World Bank said Sunday.

Pakistan will have to pay almost $6 billion in damages to a foreign gold mining firm whose dig was shut down by the government in 2011, the World Bank said Sunday. The consortium Tethyan Copper company -- of which Canadian gold firm Barrick and Chile's Antofagasta Minerals control 37.5 per cent each -- is the largest Foreign Direct Investment mining project in the country. More than a decade ago the group found vast gold and copper deposits at Reko Diq, in the turbulent southwestern Baluchistan province, and had planned a hugely lucrative open-pit mine. But the project came to a standstill in 2011 after the local government refused to renew the consortium's lease, and in 2013 Pakistan's top court declared it invalid. On Friday, the World Bank's international arbitration tribunal committee awarded $5.84 billion in damages to Tethyan, according to a statement from the company, because of the government's decision to shut down the mine. Pakistan's attorney general, Anwar Mansoor Khan, said in a statement they had noted the decision "with disappointment". The country's legal experts were "studying the Award and reflecting upon its financial and legal implications," the statement continued. Ivan Arriagada, Antofagasta's Chief Executive Officer, said: "We are pleased to reach this milestone after more than seven years of arbitration." "We remain willing to discuss the potential for a negotiated settlement with Pakistan and will continue to protect our commercial interests and legal rights until the conclusion of this dispute," consortium chairman William Hayes added. It comes weeks after prime minister Imran Khan secured a $6 billion bailout from the IMF, amid devaluations of the rupee and soaring inflation. Barrick and Antofagasta say the proposed plant could produce 600,000 tons of copper and 250,000 ounces of gold a year. But the mine is in Chagai district, one of the most deprived parts of Pakistan and rife with Taliban, sectarian and separatist violence. The provincial government is also a sleeping partner in the Reko Diq project with a 25 per cent stake. Mining in Baluchistan is dominated by small companies focused primarily on marble and granite, experts say, which waste up to 80 per cent of potential because of poor extraction techniques. Experts have called for more transparent policies to allow mining to flourish.

Pakistan to pay foreign firm $6 billion over mine closure: World Bank

Delegations from India and Pakistan on Sunday resumed talks on the Kartarpur Corridor with India requesting that permission be given to 5,000 pilgrims to cross the border and visit Kartarpur Sahib daily. Pakistan delegation in Wagah on Sunday agreed to allow visa-free, year-long travel to the Kartarpur Sahib gurdwara for Indian citizens and Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) card holders. Pakistan has also agreed to allow 5,000 pilgrims, every day, to visit the Gurdwara on foot, both as individuals or in groups.

India-Pak Kartarpur meet: Pakistan to allow 5,000 pilgrims a day

Delegations from India and Pakistan on Sunday resumed talks on the Kartarpur Corridor with India requesting that permission be given to 5,000 pilgrims to cross the border and visit Kartarpur Sahib daily.

India wants Pakistan to permit 5,000 pilgrims to visit Kartarpur Sahib daily

Officials from Pakistan and India meet in Wagah on Sunday to discuss the draft agreement for finalising the modalities of the Kartarpur corridor and related technical issues.

India to discuss modalities of Kartarpur corridor

This segment of WION brings to you top stories of the morning from across the globe. Watch this video to get updated with the latest information.

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - July 13th, 2019

Leading Chinese firms have told Prime Minister Imran Khan that they will invest $5 billion in cash-strapped Pakistan in various sectors over a period of three to five years.

The commitments were made by a Chinese delegation that comprised over 55 executives and heads of leading companies when they met Khan and other high-ranking officials from the Pakistan government on Friday, The Dawn has reported.

The meeting took place at the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) and was attended by Federal Minister for Planning Makhdoom Khusro Bakhtiar, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Finance Dr Abdul Hafeez Shaikh, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Commerce Abdul Razak Dawood, Board of Investment chairman Syed Zubair Haider Gilani and Federal Board of Revenue chairman Syed Shabbar Zaidi, besides the Prime Minister himself.

China's Ambassador to Pakistan Yao Jing also participated in the talks.

The Chinese delegation represented key sectors including construction, power, transportation, information technology, and technological research.

Later, a press statement from the PMO said that executives of the leading Chinese firms "expressed confidence" in the business-friendly policies of the Pakistan government and pledged to invest $5 billion in the next three to five years in several small and medium-size industrial sectors.

The delegation-level talks come as Pakistan continues to battle a ballooning balance-of-payment crisis.

Several countries, including China and Qatar, have provided bailout packages to Pakistan in a bid to address its economic woes.

Recently, Beijing had given Islamabad $4.6 billion in the shape of deposits and commercial loans.

Earlier this month, Pakistan received the first tranche of a loan of $991.4 million from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Leading Chinese firms have told Prime Minister Imran Khan that they will invest $5 billion in cash-strapped Pakistan in various sectors over a period of three to five years.

Leading Chinese firms have told Prime Minister Imran Khan that they will invest $5 billion in cash-strapped Pakistan in various sectors over a period of three to five years. The commitments were made by a Chinese delegation that comprised over 55 executives and heads of leading companies when they met Khan and other high-ranking officials from the Pakistan government on Friday, The Dawn has reported. The meeting took place at the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) and was attended by Federal Minister for Planning Makhdoom Khusro Bakhtiar, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Finance Dr Abdul Hafeez Shaikh, Adviser to the Prime Minister on Commerce Abdul Razak Dawood, Board of Investment chairman Syed Zubair Haider Gilani and Federal Board of Revenue chairman Syed Shabbar Zaidi, besides the Prime Minister himself. China's Ambassador to Pakistan Yao Jing also participated in the talks. The Chinese delegation represented key sectors including construction, power, transportation, information technology, and technological research. Later, a press statement from the PMO said that executives of the leading Chinese firms "expressed confidence" in the business-friendly policies of the Pakistan government and pledged to invest $5 billion in the next three to five years in several small and medium-size industrial sectors. The delegation-level talks come as Pakistan continues to battle a ballooning balance-of-payment crisis. Several countries, including China and Qatar, have provided bailout packages to Pakistan in a bid to address its economic woes. Recently, Beijing had given Islamabad $4.6 billion in the shape of deposits and commercial loans. Earlier this month, Pakistan received the first tranche of a loan of $991.4 million from the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Chinese firms pledge to invest $5 billion in cash-strapped Pakistan

The death toll from a train <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/train-collision-in-pakistans-punjab-province-kills-nine-injures-66-234839">collision in central Pakistan</a> rose to 23 on Friday after several people succumbed to their injuries overnight, officials said.

The incident took place Thursday in Rahim Yar Khan district in Punjab province when a passenger train coming from the eastern city of Lahore rammed into a goods train that had stopped at a crossing.

The accident saw mangled carriages flipped on their sides and left debris strewn by the sides of the tracks as rescuers used cranes to enable them to pick through some of the twisted wreckage.

"According to the latest updates available with us, the death toll rose to 23 overnight after more people died of their wounds in different hospitals," a senior Pakistan Railways official told AFP.

He said a total of 73 people were still being treated for injuries.

Another senior railways official confirmed the toll and said, "rescuers have pulled out all the dead and injured from the wreckage".

"We are now focusing on quickly clearing the track," he said, adding that an investigation has already been ordered.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/in-a-bid-to-cut-costs-imran-khan-expresses-wish-to-stay-at-ambassadors-home-during-us-visit-233951">Prime Minister Imran Khan</a> has asked the railways minister to take emergency steps to counter decades of neglect in railway infrastructure and ensure that safety standards are upheld.

Train accidents are common in Pakistan, where the railways have seen decades of decline due to corruption, mismanagement, and lack of investment.

The death toll from a train collision in central Pakistan rose to 23 on Friday after several people succumbed to their injuries overnight, officials said. The incident took place Thursday in Rahim Yar Khan district in Punjab province when a passenger train coming from the eastern city of Lahore rammed into a goods train that had stopped at a crossing.

The death toll from a train collision in central Pakistan rose to 23 on Friday after several people succumbed to their injuries overnight, officials said. The incident took place Thursday in Rahim Yar Khan district in Punjab province when a passenger train coming from the eastern city of Lahore rammed into a goods train that had stopped at a crossing. The accident saw mangled carriages flipped on their sides and left debris strewn by the sides of the tracks as rescuers used cranes to enable them to pick through some of the twisted wreckage. "According to the latest updates available with us, the death toll rose to 23 overnight after more people died of their wounds in different hospitals," a senior Pakistan Railways official told AFP. He said a total of 73 people were still being treated for injuries. Another senior railways official confirmed the toll and said, "rescuers have pulled out all the dead and injured from the wreckage". "We are now focusing on quickly clearing the track," he said, adding that an investigation has already been ordered. Prime Minister Imran Khan has asked the railways minister to take emergency steps to counter decades of neglect in railway infrastructure and ensure that safety standards are upheld. Train accidents are common in Pakistan, where the railways have seen decades of decline due to corruption, mismanagement, and lack of investment.

Death toll in Pakistan train collision rises to 23

Pakistan, which supported Afghanistan's former Taliban regime, on Friday joined the United States, Russia and China in a call on the insurgents to agree to a ceasefire and negotiations with Kabul.

Pakistan joined the three powers in talks in Beijing that come as the United States moves closer to an agreement with the Taliban to pull troops from Afghanistan and end its longest-ever war.

The four countries "encouraged all parties to take steps to reduce violence leading to a comprehensive and permanent ceasefire that starts with intra-Afghan negotiations," said a joint statement issued by the United States.

They called for direct negotiations involving the Taliban, President Ashraf Ghani's government and other Afghans to "produce a peace framework as soon as possible."

Members of the Taliban and government met earlier this week in Qatar, a breakthrough even though participants were said to be there in a personal capacity.

The Taliban, believing they have an upper hand as they seek a US troop withdrawal, have refused to negotiate with the internationally recognized government or to halt its deadly campaign of attacks.

Pakistan, whose relations with the United States have been rocky over its handling of extremists, has sought to use its influence with the Taliban to help reach a deal.

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan is set to come to Washington on July 22 to meet with President Donald Trump, who is impatient to end the war launched after the September 11, 2001 attacks.

US negotiator Zalmay Khalilzad has sought understandings with Russia and China despite the two powers' rivalries with the United States.

The Soviet Union fought US-backed Islamic guerrillas in a disastrous intervention in the 1980s, while China is keen to prevent any spread of extremism.

Pakistan, which supported Afghanistan's former Taliban regime, on Friday joined the United States, Russia and China in a call on the insurgents to agree to a ceasefire and negotiations with Kabul.

Pakistan, which supported Afghanistan's former Taliban regime, on Friday joined the United States, Russia and China in a call on the insurgents to agree to a ceasefire and negotiations with Kabul. Pakistan joined the three powers in talks in Beijing that come as the United States moves closer to an agreement with the Taliban to pull troops from Afghanistan and end its longest-ever war. The four countries "encouraged all parties to take steps to reduce violence leading to a comprehensive and permanent ceasefire that starts with intra-Afghan negotiations," said a joint statement issued by the United States. They called for direct negotiations involving the Taliban, President Ashraf Ghani's government and other Afghans to "produce a peace framework as soon as possible." Members of the Taliban and government met earlier this week in Qatar, a breakthrough even though participants were said to be there in a personal capacity. The Taliban, believing they have an upper hand as they seek a US troop withdrawal, have refused to negotiate with the internationally recognized government or to halt its deadly campaign of attacks. Pakistan, whose relations with the United States have been rocky over its handling of extremists, has sought to use its influence with the Taliban to help reach a deal. Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan is set to come to Washington on July 22 to meet with President Donald Trump, who is impatient to end the war launched after the September 11, 2001 attacks. US negotiator Zalmay Khalilzad has sought understandings with Russia and China despite the two powers' rivalries with the United States. The Soviet Union fought US-backed Islamic guerrillas in a disastrous intervention in the 1980s, while China is keen to prevent any spread of extremism.

Pakistan joins US-led call for Afghan ceasefire, talks

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - July 12th, 2019

Pakistan is suffering losses due to airspace closure for Indian flights. Pakistan fully closed their airspace in response to the Balakot airstrike by the Indian Air Force in February this year. Watch this video to know more.

Pakistan suffering losses due to airspace closure for Indian flights

Pakistan on Friday said that it <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/ball-in-pakistans-court-india-on-pak-airspace-closure-233060">will not open its airspace</a> until India removes its fighter jets from forward Indian Air Force (IAF) bases, &nbsp;the country's Aviation Secretary Shah­rukh Nusrat told a parliamentary committee.

Pakistan had closed its airspace in February after it launched an attack on Indian military installation in response to Indian strikes on Jaish-e-Mohammed terror camps in Balakot on February 26.

The closure of Pakistan airspace has caused a loss of $100 million to Pakistan.

Even as the closure of Pakistan airspace impacts millions of passengers across the world, India has reacted saying its a unilateral decision by Islamabad to close their airspace and up to them to remove any restrictions.

The closure is impacting many Afghans who travelled to India on a regular basis but now have to pay more to travel. The time taken has also significantly increased from just one and a half hour to more than 3 hours now.

Its also impacting Indian students in central Asian countries like Kyrgyzstan due to non-availability and high cost of flights to India. Many International airlines have cancelled flights to India due to the closure of Pakistan airspace.

Pakistan on Friday said that it will not open its airspace until India removes its fighter jets from forward Indian Air Force (IAF) bases, the country's Aviation Secretary Shahrukh Nusrat told a parliamentary committee.

Pakistan on Friday said that it will not open its airspace until India removes its fighter jets from forward Indian Air Force (IAF) bases, the country's Aviation Secretary Shahrukh Nusrat told a parliamentary committee. Pakistan had closed its airspace in February after it launched an attack on Indian military installation in response to Indian strikes on Jaish-e-Mohammed terror camps in Balakot on February 26. The closure of Pakistan airspace has caused a loss of $100 million to Pakistan. Even as the closure of Pakistan airspace impacts millions of passengers across the world, India has reacted saying its a unilateral decision by Islamabad to close their airspace and up to them to remove any restrictions. The closure is impacting many Afghans who travelled to India on a regular basis but now have to pay more to travel. The time taken has also significantly increased from just one and a half hour to more than 3 hours now. Its also impacting Indian students in central Asian countries like Kyrgyzstan due to non-availability and high cost of flights to India. Many International airlines have cancelled flights to India due to the closure of Pakistan airspace.

Pakistan to not open its airspace until India removes fighter jets from forward bases

India will complete the construction of the Kartarpur corridor by October 31, days before the 550th anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev, news agency ANI reported on Friday.

Government is keen that corridor should be completed on Pakistan side as well before Guru Nanak Jayanti, reports further added.

India is looking forward with high expectations and is creating all-weather facility to cater to 10,000 pilgrims on special occasions and 5000 pilgrims on a daily basis.

India has also asked Islamabad to build a bridge on its side that will provide safe movement of pilgrims but also address the issue regarding flooding.

New Delhi is concerned about possible flooding of Dera Baba Nanak due to the construction of an embankment filled road on the Pakistan side that may cause flooding on the Indian side. This issue has been raised by New Delhi in the three technical meetings.

India is currently engaged in building a bridge on its side to provide for all-weather connectivity for the Kartarpur corridor.&nbsp;

India will complete the construction of the Kartarpur corridor by October 31, days before the 550th anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev, news agency ANI reported on Friday.

India will complete the construction of the Kartarpur corridor by October 31, days before the 550th anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev, news agency ANI reported on Friday. Government is keen that corridor should be completed on Pakistan side as well before Guru Nanak Jayanti, reports further added. India is looking forward with high expectations and is creating all-weather facility to cater to 10,000 pilgrims on special occasions and 5000 pilgrims on a daily basis. India has also asked Islamabad to build a bridge on its side that will provide safe movement of pilgrims but also address the issue regarding flooding. New Delhi is concerned about possible flooding of Dera Baba Nanak due to the construction of an embankment filled road on the Pakistan side that may cause flooding on the Indian side. This issue has been raised by New Delhi in the three technical meetings. India is currently engaged in building a bridge on its side to provide for all-weather connectivity for the Kartarpur corridor.

India to complete Kartarpur corridor construction by October 31

pakistan-0

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

pakistan 0