Pakistan on Saturday indicated that it may lift the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-extends-airspace-closure-on-indian-border-to-june-14-222517">airspace ban along its eastern border with India</a>, imposed on February 27 after the Balakot airstrke, to reciprocate IAF's decision to remove all restrictions on all air routes in the Indian airspace.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) on Friday announced on Twitter, "<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/indian-air-force-lifts-temporary-airspace-restrictions-imposed-after-balakot-strike-223290">Temporary restrictions on all air routes in the Indian airspace</a>, imposed by the Indian Air Force on 27 February 19, have been removed."&nbsp;

Reacting to India's decision, a senior official of the Pakistan government said, "Once the Indian government lifts the air restriction on Pakistani flights, Pakistan is likely to reciprocate it."&nbsp;

The official told PTI that India has yet to inform Pakistan about lifting of airspace ban for its flights.

"We only heard about this through the media as no communication in this respect has taken place as yet. We may follow the suit once India lifts air restrictions on our flights," he said.&nbsp;

The IAF said it had removed restrictions that were imposed on all routes a day after its 12 Mirage 2000s crossed over to Pakistan and attacked a JeM terrorist training camp in Balakot in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

Pakistan fully closed its airspace on February 27 after an IAF strike on a Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror camp in Balakot. On March 27, it opened its airspace for all flights except for New Delhi, Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur. On May 15, Pakistan extended its airspace ban for flights to India till May 30.

As a result of the ban, foreign carriers using Indian airspace have been forced to take costly detours because they cannot fly over Pakistan. The closure mainly affects flights from Europe to Southeast Asia. The flights from Europe and the US flying in and out of New Delhi have been the worst hit.

Since Pakistan's airspace closure, the airfare on many routes have gone up significantly, including Delhi-Kabul, Delhi-Moscow, Delhi-Tehran and Delhi-Astana.

Thousands of travellers suffer flight cancellations, delays and soaring ticket prices due to Pakistan's decision to close its airspace for flights to and from India.&nbsp;

Two Indian airline companies, Air India and SpiceJet, have already stopped their Delhi-Kabul flights due to Pakistan airspace closure.

Pakistan had given special permission to India for then External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj to fly directly through Pakistani airspace to attend the SCO meet in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, on May 21. However, the airspace for other commercial airliners remains closed.

Earlier, Pakistan Foreign Office spokesman Mohammad Faisal had said Islamabad want de-escalation.&nbsp;

"If de-escalation takes place we would not like to have a ban on our airspace for India for a single day but for the purpose, India will have to talk to us," he had said.

Pakistan on Saturday indicated that it may lift the airspace ban along its eastern border with India, imposed on February 27 after the Balakot airstrke, to reciprocate IAF's decision to remove all restrictions on all air routes in the Indian airspace.

Pakistan on Saturday indicated that it may lift the airspace ban along its eastern border with India, imposed on February 27 after the Balakot airstrke, to reciprocate IAF's decision to remove all restrictions on all air routes in the Indian airspace. The Indian Air Force (IAF) on Friday announced on Twitter, "Temporary restrictions on all air routes in the Indian airspace, imposed by the Indian Air Force on 27 February 19, have been removed." Reacting to India's decision, a senior official of the Pakistan government said, "Once the Indian government lifts the air restriction on Pakistani flights, Pakistan is likely to reciprocate it." The official told PTI that India has yet to inform Pakistan about lifting of airspace ban for its flights. "We only heard about this through the media as no communication in this respect has taken place as yet. We may follow the suit once India lifts air restrictions on our flights," he said. The IAF said it had removed restrictions that were imposed on all routes a day after its 12 Mirage 2000s crossed over to Pakistan and attacked a JeM terrorist training camp in Balakot in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. Pakistan fully closed its airspace on February 27 after an IAF strike on a Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror camp in Balakot. On March 27, it opened its airspace for all flights except for New Delhi, Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur. On May 15, Pakistan extended its airspace ban for flights to India till May 30. As a result of the ban, foreign carriers using Indian airspace have been forced to take costly detours because they cannot fly over Pakistan. The closure mainly affects flights from Europe to Southeast Asia. The flights from Europe and the US flying in and out of New Delhi have been the worst hit. Since Pakistan's airspace closure, the airfare on many routes have gone up significantly, including Delhi-Kabul, Delhi-Moscow, Delhi-Tehran and Delhi-Astana. Thousands of travellers suffer flight cancellations, delays and soaring ticket prices due to Pakistan's decision to close its airspace for flights to and from India. Two Indian airline companies, Air India and SpiceJet, have already stopped their Delhi-Kabul flights due to Pakistan airspace closure. Pakistan had given special permission to India for then External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj to fly directly through Pakistani airspace to attend the SCO meet in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan, on May 21. However, the airspace for other commercial airliners remains closed. Earlier, Pakistan Foreign Office spokesman Mohammad Faisal had said Islamabad want de-escalation. "If de-escalation takes place we would not like to have a ban on our airspace for India for a single day but for the purpose, India will have to talk to us," he had said.

Pakistan likely to lift curbs on air space usage

Indian High Commission in Pakistan's Islamabad holds Iftar-Dinner. Pak agencies misbehave with guests at Iftar-dinner organised by IHC at Islamabad. Watch this video to know more in detail.

Pak agencies misbehave with guests at Iftar-dinner organised by IHC at Islamabad

Three members of the Mumbai attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed-led Jamaat-ud-Dawa have been arrested on the charges of terror financing in Pakistan's Punjab province, amid pressure from the global community on Islamabad to rein in the militant groups.

In a statement issued here late Thursday, the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) of Punjab police said it arrested the three members during a raid on their hideout in Faisalabad, some 150 kilometres from Lahore.

"Millions of rupees have been recovered from their possession which they had collected for terror financing," it said.

The CTD also said a report had been submitted to the Anti-Terrorism Court in Faisalabad against them.

Last week, the Pakistani authorities arrested over 10 members of the Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terror group in Punjab on similar charges.

A nation-wide crackdown against terror financing has been underway, police said.

The Pakistan government has launched a crackdown against the outlawed organisations under the National Action Plan 2015 to eliminate militancy and extremism from the country's soil.

The Imran Khan-led government has also announced the freezing of accounts and seizure of assets linked to organisations banned by the UN Security Council.

Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) chief Saeed has been keeping a low profile after Prime Minister Imran Khan-led government took control of the JuD and its wing Falahai Insaniat Foundation's (FIF) properties, including seminaries and mosques, across the country.

On February 21, the Pakistan government announced it had banned the JuD and FIF, amid intense global pressure to rein in the militant groups following the February 14 Pulwama terror attack that killed 40 CRPF jawans.

Saeed has been barred from entering the JuD headquarters in Lahore and is reportedly spending most of his time at his Jauhar Town Lahore residence.

Saeed's brother-in-law <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/hafiz-saeeds-brother-in-law-abdul-rehman-makki-arrested-in-pakistan-218896">Hafiz Abdur Rehman Makki </a>was also arrested this month on charges of making for hate speech and criticising the Pakistan government's action against 'terror' financing.

He has detained at camp jail Lahore for 90 days under a public security order.

According to officials, JuD's network includes 300 seminaries and schools, hospitals, a publishing house and ambulance service. The two groups have about 50,000 volunteers and hundreds of other paid workers.

The JuD is believed to be the front organisation for the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) which is responsible for carrying out the Mumbai attack that killed 166 people. It had been declared as a foreign terrorist organisation by the US in June 2014.

The US Department of the Treasury has designated its chief Saeed as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist, and the US, since 2012, has offered a $10 million rewards for information that brings Saeed to justice.

Saeed was listed under UN Security Council Resolution 1267 in December 2008. He was released from house arrest in Pakistan in November 2017.&nbsp;

Three members of the Mumbai attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed-led Jamaat-ud-Dawa have been arrested on the charges of terror financing in Pakistan's Punjab province, amid pressure from the global community on Islamabad to rein in the militant groups.

Three members of the Mumbai attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed-led Jamaat-ud-Dawa have been arrested on the charges of terror financing in Pakistan's Punjab province, amid pressure from the global community on Islamabad to rein in the militant groups. In a statement issued here late Thursday, the Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) of Punjab police said it arrested the three members during a raid on their hideout in Faisalabad, some 150 kilometres from Lahore. "Millions of rupees have been recovered from their possession which they had collected for terror financing," it said. The CTD also said a report had been submitted to the Anti-Terrorism Court in Faisalabad against them. Last week, the Pakistani authorities arrested over 10 members of the Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terror group in Punjab on similar charges. A nation-wide crackdown against terror financing has been underway, police said. The Pakistan government has launched a crackdown against the outlawed organisations under the National Action Plan 2015 to eliminate militancy and extremism from the country's soil. The Imran Khan-led government has also announced the freezing of accounts and seizure of assets linked to organisations banned by the UN Security Council. Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) chief Saeed has been keeping a low profile after Prime Minister Imran Khan-led government took control of the JuD and its wing Falahai Insaniat Foundation's (FIF) properties, including seminaries and mosques, across the country. On February 21, the Pakistan government announced it had banned the JuD and FIF, amid intense global pressure to rein in the militant groups following the February 14 Pulwama terror attack that killed 40 CRPF jawans. Saeed has been barred from entering the JuD headquarters in Lahore and is reportedly spending most of his time at his Jauhar Town Lahore residence. Saeed's brother-in-law Hafiz Abdur Rehman Makki was also arrested this month on charges of making for hate speech and criticising the Pakistan government's action against 'terror' financing. He has detained at camp jail Lahore for 90 days under a public security order. According to officials, JuD's network includes 300 seminaries and schools, hospitals, a publishing house and ambulance service. The two groups have about 50,000 volunteers and hundreds of other paid workers. The JuD is believed to be the front organisation for the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) which is responsible for carrying out the Mumbai attack that killed 166 people. It had been declared as a foreign terrorist organisation by the US in June 2014. The US Department of the Treasury has designated its chief Saeed as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist, and the US, since 2012, has offered a $10 million rewards for information that brings Saeed to justice. Saeed was listed under UN Security Council Resolution 1267 in December 2008. He was released from house arrest in Pakistan in November 2017.

Pakistan authorities arrest 3 Jamaat-ud-Dawa members from Punjab province

The World Health Organisation (WHO) team, which is in Pakistan to probe the recent outbreak of HIV in the country's Sindh province, began its inquiry by visiting a children's treatment centre and sought more information from its staff about the patients, according to a media report on Friday.

The Pakistan government had sought the WHO's help to probe the spread of HIV in the country, that has till now affected over 600 people, mostly children.

Till now 681 HIV positive cases have been identified among the 21,375 tested in Ratodero town of Larkana district in the north-west part of the province. Out of the affected, 537 are between the age group of 2 to 15 years.

Health officials have attributed the cause to the use of unsanitary equipment, unsafe blood transfusion and rampant malpractice often at the hands of quacks.

According to a UN report, Pakistan now has the second-fastest growing rate of HIV in Asia, with about 20,000 new infections in 2017 alone.

The team, that arrived in the country on Tuesday visited the children's treatment centre for HIV/AIDS in Chandka Medical College on Thursday. 
They also enquired about the facilities and the protocol for treating the disease, the Dawn newspaper reported.

Olive Morgan, the team leader, said that WHO was ready to help patients suffering from the deadly virus.

He said that the scope of the delegation was to dig out the reasons behind the spread of the deadly disease and also see from where it had travelled to the area.

Project manager of Sindh AIDS Control Programme accompanied the team members, who would also visit a hospital in Ratodero to personally observe the ongoing process of blood screening for HIV.

Earlier, the team held a meeting with Azra Pechuho, Sindh Minister for Health and other stakeholders to review the overall situation regarding the outbreak of HIV/AIDS in the area and the efforts put in so far to fight the virus.

The participants in the meeting discussed proposals as how to best handle the situation. The delegation also handed over AIDS medicines to the minister.

Pechuho said that since the outbreak of the virus, the health department had set up blood screening camps in and around Ratodero to test the population and opened treatment centres in hospitals.

She termed the situation a "challenge" and expressed optimism about overcoming it in near future.

She said that both Global Fund and Sindh government were financially contributing towards efforts to combat the virus and "we are planning to systematically and scientifically spend the funds."

The minister said that so far 712 people have been diagnosed as infected by the virus.

She said that during their stay, the foreign delegates would interact with different communities, visit blood screening camps and treatment centres and compile a report with the findings and reasons which led to the virus' spread.&nbsp;

The World Health Organisation (WHO) team, which is in Pakistan to probe the recent outbreak of HIV in the country's Sindh province, began its inquiry by visiting a children's treatment centre and sought more information from its staff about the patients, according to a media report on Friday.

The World Health Organisation (WHO) team, which is in Pakistan to probe the recent outbreak of HIV in the country's Sindh province, began its inquiry by visiting a children's treatment centre and sought more information from its staff about the patients, according to a media report on Friday. The Pakistan government had sought the WHO's help to probe the spread of HIV in the country, that has till now affected over 600 people, mostly children. Till now 681 HIV positive cases have been identified among the 21,375 tested in Ratodero town of Larkana district in the north-west part of the province. Out of the affected, 537 are between the age group of 2 to 15 years. Health officials have attributed the cause to the use of unsanitary equipment, unsafe blood transfusion and rampant malpractice often at the hands of quacks. According to a UN report, Pakistan now has the second-fastest growing rate of HIV in Asia, with about 20,000 new infections in 2017 alone. The team, that arrived in the country on Tuesday visited the children's treatment centre for HIV/AIDS in Chandka Medical College on Thursday. They also enquired about the facilities and the protocol for treating the disease, the Dawn newspaper reported. Olive Morgan, the team leader, said that WHO was ready to help patients suffering from the deadly virus. He said that the scope of the delegation was to dig out the reasons behind the spread of the deadly disease and also see from where it had travelled to the area. Project manager of Sindh AIDS Control Programme accompanied the team members, who would also visit a hospital in Ratodero to personally observe the ongoing process of blood screening for HIV. Earlier, the team held a meeting with Azra Pechuho, Sindh Minister for Health and other stakeholders to review the overall situation regarding the outbreak of HIV/AIDS in the area and the efforts put in so far to fight the virus. The participants in the meeting discussed proposals as how to best handle the situation. The delegation also handed over AIDS medicines to the minister. Pechuho said that since the outbreak of the virus, the health department had set up blood screening camps in and around Ratodero to test the population and opened treatment centres in hospitals. She termed the situation a "challenge" and expressed optimism about overcoming it in near future. She said that both Global Fund and Sindh government were financially contributing towards efforts to combat the virus and "we are planning to systematically and scientifically spend the funds." The minister said that so far 712 people have been diagnosed as infected by the virus. She said that during their stay, the foreign delegates would interact with different communities, visit blood screening camps and treatment centres and compile a report with the findings and reasons which led to the virus' spread.

WHO begins probe in spread of HIV cases in Pakistan

Pakistan's Opposition leader Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Friday accused the government of targeting everyone from judges to parliamentarians through "underhand tactics" after Parliament witnessed a raucous as two lawmakers were arrested for allegedly inciting an attack on a military check post.&nbsp;

Parliament witnessed unruly scenes lawmakers clashed with each other over the foul language used against Ali Wazir and Mohsin Dawar.

The trouble during the National Assembly session began after minister of state for parliamentary affairs, Ali Muhammad Khan, labelled Wazir and Dawar as "agents of Afghan intelligence" and said they should be expelled from Parliament.

Wazir and Dawar are accused of inciting local people to attack the Kharqamar military check post in North Waziristan district on Sunday which resulted in the killing of at least three civilians.

Bilawal, the chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), stood up to record protest against Khan's remarks. But several lawmakers of the ruling Pakistan Tehreeki-i-Insaf (PTI) went near his seat and raised slogans.

It brought rival members of the House face to face, creating a tense situation. The opposition also surrounded Deputy Speaker Qasim Suri who chaired the session and continued protest until the proceedings were adjourned.

The enraged Opposition later demanded a probe by Parliament into the Kharqamar incident. It also demanded that both Wazir and Dawar should be allowed to attend the session.&nbsp;

"All Opposition parties are standing together today. What we saw in the Assembly a little while ago was anything but a display of democracy; the deputy speaker violated House rules by not letting Opposition members speak on these sensitive issues," said Bilawal.

"A few days ago, you all saw innocent Pakistanis and parliamentarians being targeted on the streets of Islamabad. Our unarmed supporters were tortured and arrested," he said.

Pakistani police on Wednesday arrested dozens of activists from Bilawal's party to prevent them from reaching the main office of an anti-graft body that was questioning him about alleged corruption.

"It is not democracy as from judges to parliamentarians, this government is targeting everyone through underhand tactics and we will not let this continue,? Bilawal said, referring to media reports that that the government has ordered formal probe of misconduct against some judges of the Supreme Court and the Sindh High Court.&nbsp;

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz leader Shahid Khaqan Abbasi also demanded a probe into the incident.

Pakistan's Opposition leader Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Friday accused the government of targeting everyone from judges to parliamentarians through "underhand tactics" after Parliament witnessed a raucous as two lawmakers were arrested for allegedly inciting an attack on a military check post.

Pakistan's Opposition leader Bilawal Bhutto Zardari on Friday accused the government of targeting everyone from judges to parliamentarians through "underhand tactics" after Parliament witnessed a raucous as two lawmakers were arrested for allegedly inciting an attack on a military check post. Parliament witnessed unruly scenes lawmakers clashed with each other over the foul language used against Ali Wazir and Mohsin Dawar. The trouble during the National Assembly session began after minister of state for parliamentary affairs, Ali Muhammad Khan, labelled Wazir and Dawar as "agents of Afghan intelligence" and said they should be expelled from Parliament. Wazir and Dawar are accused of inciting local people to attack the Kharqamar military check post in North Waziristan district on Sunday which resulted in the killing of at least three civilians. Bilawal, the chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), stood up to record protest against Khan's remarks. But several lawmakers of the ruling Pakistan Tehreeki-i-Insaf (PTI) went near his seat and raised slogans. It brought rival members of the House face to face, creating a tense situation. The opposition also surrounded Deputy Speaker Qasim Suri who chaired the session and continued protest until the proceedings were adjourned. The enraged Opposition later demanded a probe by Parliament into the Kharqamar incident. It also demanded that both Wazir and Dawar should be allowed to attend the session. "All Opposition parties are standing together today. What we saw in the Assembly a little while ago was anything but a display of democracy; the deputy speaker violated House rules by not letting Opposition members speak on these sensitive issues," said Bilawal. "A few days ago, you all saw innocent Pakistanis and parliamentarians being targeted on the streets of Islamabad. Our unarmed supporters were tortured and arrested," he said. Pakistani police on Wednesday arrested dozens of activists from Bilawal's party to prevent them from reaching the main office of an anti-graft body that was questioning him about alleged corruption. "It is not democracy as from judges to parliamentarians, this government is targeting everyone through underhand tactics and we will not let this continue,? Bilawal said, referring to media reports that that the government has ordered formal probe of misconduct against some judges of the Supreme Court and the Sindh High Court. Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz leader Shahid Khaqan Abbasi also demanded a probe into the incident.

Bilawal Bhutto Zardari accuses Pakistan government of targeting Opposition, judiciary

Nuclear deterrence led to the de-escalation of tensions during the post-Pulwama military stand-off between India and Pakistan, a senior official associated with Pakistan's nuclear programme said here Friday.

Brigadier Zahir Kazmi, Director General Arms Control and Disarmament Affairs at Strategic Plans Division (SPD) told journalists that the stated purpose of deterrence was to close space for war and bring states to the negotiating table.

"Stability actually means peaceful resolution of territorial disputes in the subcontinent... Nuclear deterrence should be a factor of stability between Pakistan and Hindustan," The Express Tribune quoted him as saying during a media interaction with senior Pakistani officials dealing with strategic affairs.

Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated after the February 14 Pulwama attack by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror group which killed 40 CRPF personnel.

Amid mounting outrage, the Indian Air Force carried out a counter-terror operation, hitting a JeM training camp in Balakot, deep inside Pakistan on February 26.

The next day, Pakistan Air Force retaliated and downed a MiG-21 in an aerial combat and captured an Indian pilot, who was handed over to India on March 1.

Brig Kazmi said deterrence worked during the post-Pulwama military stand-off despite India's attempt to escalate to a different level by talking about mobilisation of nuclear missile and nuclear submarines. 
He clarified that deterrence was not an end in itself but a psychological state.&nbsp;

"It should inspire fear in which the perceived cost of deterrence breakdown is higher than the desired benefits of preferring war as an instrument for dispute resolution," the report quoted him as saying.

The Director-General Arms Control and Disarmament, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Muhammad Kamran Akhtar said that Pakistan demonstrated a more responsible and restrained behaviour during the Indo-Pakistan standoff that led to de-escalation.

He claimed that Pakistan was a responsible and restrained nuclear power and the country's safety and security record was immaculate and an example for many countries.

At the media interaction organised by Islamabad Policy Institute, Akhtar dismissed the allegations that Pakistan possessed the fastest growing nuclear programme in the world.

Defense analyst Syed Muhammad Ali said Pakistan's nuclear programme had significantly contributed towards meeting both its traditional and non-traditional security needs.

Nuclear deterrence, he added, had enabled Pakistan timely manage and de-escalate several regional crises with India during the past three decades.&nbsp;

This, he said, also gave Pakistan's leadership and diplomats more confidence in international diplomacy.

Nuclear deterrence led to the de-escalation of tensions during the post-Pulwama military stand-off between India and Pakistan, a senior official associated with Pakistan's nuclear programme said here Friday.

Nuclear deterrence led to the de-escalation of tensions during the post-Pulwama military stand-off between India and Pakistan, a senior official associated with Pakistan's nuclear programme said here Friday. Brigadier Zahir Kazmi, Director General Arms Control and Disarmament Affairs at Strategic Plans Division (SPD) told journalists that the stated purpose of deterrence was to close space for war and bring states to the negotiating table. "Stability actually means peaceful resolution of territorial disputes in the subcontinent... Nuclear deterrence should be a factor of stability between Pakistan and Hindustan," The Express Tribune quoted him as saying during a media interaction with senior Pakistani officials dealing with strategic affairs. Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated after the February 14 Pulwama attack by Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror group which killed 40 CRPF personnel. Amid mounting outrage, the Indian Air Force carried out a counter-terror operation, hitting a JeM training camp in Balakot, deep inside Pakistan on February 26. The next day, Pakistan Air Force retaliated and downed a MiG-21 in an aerial combat and captured an Indian pilot, who was handed over to India on March 1. Brig Kazmi said deterrence worked during the post-Pulwama military stand-off despite India's attempt to escalate to a different level by talking about mobilisation of nuclear missile and nuclear submarines. He clarified that deterrence was not an end in itself but a psychological state. "It should inspire fear in which the perceived cost of deterrence breakdown is higher than the desired benefits of preferring war as an instrument for dispute resolution," the report quoted him as saying. The Director-General Arms Control and Disarmament, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Muhammad Kamran Akhtar said that Pakistan demonstrated a more responsible and restrained behaviour during the Indo-Pakistan standoff that led to de-escalation. He claimed that Pakistan was a responsible and restrained nuclear power and the country's safety and security record was immaculate and an example for many countries. At the media interaction organised by Islamabad Policy Institute, Akhtar dismissed the allegations that Pakistan possessed the fastest growing nuclear programme in the world. Defense analyst Syed Muhammad Ali said Pakistan's nuclear programme had significantly contributed towards meeting both its traditional and non-traditional security needs. Nuclear deterrence, he added, had enabled Pakistan timely manage and de-escalate several regional crises with India during the past three decades. This, he said, also gave Pakistan's leadership and diplomats more confidence in international diplomacy.

Nuclear deterrence helped de-escalate tensions during Pulwama crisis: Pak official

Pakistan will seek inspiration from their dramatic Champions Trophy win in England two years ago when they take the field in their opening <a href="https://www.wionews.com/search?q=cricket+world+cup">World Cup</a> match against a resurgent West Indies on Friday.&nbsp;

Pakistan have lost their past ten one-day internationals including a 5-0 whitewash by Australia and 4-0 thumping by England, and their problems were further compounded when they went down to outsiders Afghanistan by three wickets in a warm-up match.&nbsp;

But skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed hopes his side will draw inspiration from when they were in a similar position in 2017.&nbsp;

"We will seek inspiration from our Champions Trophy win because then also we were losing and then lifted ourselves at the right time to win the trophy," Sarfaraz told AFP ahead of the game in Nottingham.&nbsp;

Pakistan had lost 4-1 in Australia before the tournament and arch-rivals India whipped them by 124 runs in the opening game of the Trophy.&nbsp;

But Pakistan then beat South Africa, Sri Lanka and England on their way to the final, where they thumped India by 180 runs.&nbsp;

"The boys are motivated and are eager to put these losses behind them and by playing in England for a month we are well prepared and you will hopefully see us doing well," said Sarfaraz, one of Pakistan's only two survivors from the 2015 World Cup, with left-handed batsman Haris Sohail the other.&nbsp;

Sarfaraz will also hope his spearhead Mohammad Amir -- playing his first World Cup after missing the 2011 and 2015 editions due to a spot-fixing ban -- will dismantle the West Indies top order boasting hard-hitting opener Chris Gayle and the impressive Shai Hope.&nbsp;

"We know Amir is an impact bowler and he knows his responsibilities and I am sure he will lift his bowling and get us early wickets," said Sarfaraz of Amir, who recovered from chickenpox in time to get a World Cup call after being left out of the preliminary squad.

Amir factor

His form will be crucial for Pakistan -- he has taken just five wickets in 15 matches since his match-winning three wickets against India in the Champions Trophy final.&nbsp;

Pakistan have only won three times in 10 World Cup matches against the two-time world champions, including a thumping 150-run loss at Christchurch in 2015.&nbsp;

Andre Russell smashed a 13-ball 42 with four sixes and then took three wickets as Pakistan were blown away.&nbsp;

Russell smashed 54 off 25 balls and Hope hit a century to propel the West Indies to 421 in their warm-up win against New Zealand on Tuesday.&nbsp;

That prompted all-rounder Carlos Brathwaite to say his team can break the 500-barrier.&nbsp;

"If you are asking me if we are capable of it, definitely we are," Brathwaite said. "However, in a real game, you probably won't have the depth in batting at 10 and 11 that we had today. So you need to be a little real about the target."&nbsp;

West Indies are also returning to form after sneaking their way into the World Cup through a qualifying round in Zimbabwe last year.&nbsp;

<img alt="ICC World Cup 2019" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="2ac0c31c-7737-44fc-af23-ef96f4967910" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/ICC%20World%20Cup%202019_0.jpg" />

They squared a one-day series against the top-ranked side and pre-tournament favourites England 2-2 at home earlier this year before losing the final of a tri-series to Bangladesh in Ireland.&nbsp;

Pakistan will seek inspiration from their dramatic Champions Trophy win in England two years ago when they take the field in their opening World Cup match against a resurgent West Indies on Friday.

Pakistan will seek inspiration from their dramatic Champions Trophy win in England two years ago when they take the field in their opening World Cup match against a resurgent West Indies on Friday. Pakistan have lost their past ten one-day internationals including a 5-0 whitewash by Australia and 4-0 thumping by England, and their problems were further compounded when they went down to outsiders Afghanistan by three wickets in a warm-up match. But skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed hopes his side will draw inspiration from when they were in a similar position in 2017. "We will seek inspiration from our Champions Trophy win because then also we were losing and then lifted ourselves at the right time to win the trophy," Sarfaraz told AFP ahead of the game in Nottingham. Pakistan had lost 4-1 in Australia before the tournament and arch-rivals India whipped them by 124 runs in the opening game of the Trophy. But Pakistan then beat South Africa, Sri Lanka and England on their way to the final, where they thumped India by 180 runs. "The boys are motivated and are eager to put these losses behind them and by playing in England for a month we are well prepared and you will hopefully see us doing well," said Sarfaraz, one of Pakistan's only two survivors from the 2015 World Cup, with left-handed batsman Haris Sohail the other. Sarfaraz will also hope his spearhead Mohammad Amir -- playing his first World Cup after missing the 2011 and 2015 editions due to a spot-fixing ban -- will dismantle the West Indies top order boasting hard-hitting opener Chris Gayle and the impressive Shai Hope. "We know Amir is an impact bowler and he knows his responsibilities and I am sure he will lift his bowling and get us early wickets," said Sarfaraz of Amir, who recovered from chickenpox in time to get a World Cup call after being left out of the preliminary squad. Amir factor His form will be crucial for Pakistan -- he has taken just five wickets in 15 matches since his match-winning three wickets against India in the Champions Trophy final. Pakistan have only won three times in 10 World Cup matches against the two-time world champions, including a thumping 150-run loss at Christchurch in 2015. Andre Russell smashed a 13-ball 42 with four sixes and then took three wickets as Pakistan were blown away. Russell smashed 54 off 25 balls and Hope hit a century to propel the West Indies to 421 in their warm-up win against New Zealand on Tuesday. That prompted all-rounder Carlos Brathwaite to say his team can break the 500-barrier. "If you are asking me if we are capable of it, definitely we are," Brathwaite said. "However, in a real game, you probably won't have the depth in batting at 10 and 11 that we had today. So you need to be a little real about the target." West Indies are also returning to form after sneaking their way into the World Cup through a qualifying round in Zimbabwe last year. They squared a one-day series against the top-ranked side and pre-tournament favourites England 2-2 at home earlier this year before losing the final of a tri-series to Bangladesh in Ireland.

World Cup: Pakistan seek Champions Trophy inspiration as West Indies loom

In the dusty town of Ratodero in southern Pakistan, doctors are struggling to cope with an alarming outbreak of young patients infected with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS, with almost 700 of new cases over the past few months, most of them children. But many of the families cannot afford proper treatment, which usually involves regular trips to Karachi for medicines.

Pakistan province struggles with hundreds of cases of children infected with HIV

Pakistan`s army has sentenced a general to life imprisonment for spying and ordered the death penalty for a brigadier and a civilian officer convicted in the same case, a military statement said on Thursday.

Following a closed-door military trial, army chief Gen. Qamar Javed Bajwa endorsed the sentences on the three for "espionage (and) leaking sensitive information to foreign agencies in detriment to national security," the statement said.

Retired Lieutenant General Javed Iqbal was jailed for a life term, meaning he will serve 14 years in prison under Pakistani law. Retired Brigadier Raja Rizwan was sentenced to death alongside Wasim Akram, a civilian doctor employed by an army organization.

The army did not give further details about the information that was allegedly leaked by the three men or say to whom it was disclosed. It was not clear if the two military officers had already retired from service before the case against them began.

Pakistan`s army has its own laws and courts, and military officers accused of wrongdoing are always tried behind closed doors. Rulings can only be challenged or reviews in accordance with military procedures.

Pakistan`s army has sentenced a general to life imprisonment for spying and ordered the death penalty for a brigadier and a civilian officer convicted in the same case, a military statement said on Thursday.

Pakistan`s army has sentenced a general to life imprisonment for spying and ordered the death penalty for a brigadier and a civilian officer convicted in the same case, a military statement said on Thursday. Following a closed-door military trial, army chief Gen. Qamar Javed Bajwa endorsed the sentences on the three for "espionage (and) leaking sensitive information to foreign agencies in detriment to national security," the statement said. Retired Lieutenant General Javed Iqbal was jailed for a life term, meaning he will serve 14 years in prison under Pakistani law. Retired Brigadier Raja Rizwan was sentenced to death alongside Wasim Akram, a civilian doctor employed by an army organization. The army did not give further details about the information that was allegedly leaked by the three men or say to whom it was disclosed. It was not clear if the two military officers had already retired from service before the case against them began. Pakistan`s army has its own laws and courts, and military officers accused of wrongdoing are always tried behind closed doors. Rulings can only be challenged or reviews in accordance with military procedures.

Pakistani army general given life sentence on spying charges

Balochistan province`s former Chief Minister Sardar Akhtar Mengal has said that 80 per cent of Pakistanis are traitors.

"If all political leaders are traitors, then who voted for them must also be declared as traitors. These people made our Constitution which we show off every time. This means 80 per cent of this country is full of traitors," he added.

His frustration erupted after a series of recent bombings in Balochistan.&nbsp;

At least three people, including a religious leader, were killed and 28 wounded after an explosion rocked a mosque on Monday.

"If we count the numbers of traitors -- Muhammad Ali Jinnah`s sister Fatima Jinnah, Pashtun independence activist Bacha Khan, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, Nawaz Sharif -- all of them were branded as traitors," said Mengal during a session in the National Assembly on Tuesday.

Last month, as many as 14 people were shot dead on Thursday after being offloaded from passenger buses on Makran coastal highway in Balochistan.

"We have to sit and talk. Let`s take it seriously. A commission should be made to suggest how to prevent these attack. People should have human rights," he said.

Criticising Prime Minister Imran Khan, the chief of Balochistan National Party said: "People were suffering in old Pakistan, and are suffering in `Naya Pakistan` too."

Balochistan province`s former Chief Minister Sardar Akhtar Mengal has said that 80 per cent of Pakistanis are traitors. "If all political leaders are traitors, then who voted for them must also be declared as traitors.

Balochistan province`s former Chief Minister Sardar Akhtar Mengal has said that 80 per cent of Pakistanis are traitors. "If all political leaders are traitors, then who voted for them must also be declared as traitors. These people made our Constitution which we show off every time. This means 80 per cent of this country is full of traitors," he added. His frustration erupted after a series of recent bombings in Balochistan. At least three people, including a religious leader, were killed and 28 wounded after an explosion rocked a mosque on Monday. "If we count the numbers of traitors -- Muhammad Ali Jinnah`s sister Fatima Jinnah, Pashtun independence activist Bacha Khan, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto, Nawaz Sharif -- all of them were branded as traitors," said Mengal during a session in the National Assembly on Tuesday. Last month, as many as 14 people were shot dead on Thursday after being offloaded from passenger buses on Makran coastal highway in Balochistan. "We have to sit and talk. Let`s take it seriously. A commission should be made to suggest how to prevent these attack. People should have human rights," he said. Criticising Prime Minister Imran Khan, the chief of Balochistan National Party said: "People were suffering in old Pakistan, and are suffering in `Naya Pakistan` too."

80% Pakistanis are traitors: Former CM of Balochistan

Pakistan is certain to stay on the FATF's greylist, an official from FATF member countries told WION on Wednesday. Watch this video to know more.

Pakistan to remain on FATF's greylist

Pakistan's former military dictator Pervez Musharraf has been shifted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of a Dubai hospital where he is undergoing treatment. According to reports in Pakistan media, Musharraf's condition is critical.

Musharraf left Pakistan for Dubai for treatment of amyloidosis, a rare condition which has weakened his nervous system, in 2016 and has not returned since.

He was indicted by a special court in Pakistan of high treason in 2014. The previous Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government had filed the treason case against Musharraf over the imposition of extra-constitutional emergency in November 2007.

Musharraf has not appeared in court for the trial due to deteriorating health. The special court, which is hearing his case, accepted Musharraf's plea on May 2 to postpone the hearing until the end of Ramzan on June 4, according to a media report. The case will now be heard on June 12, Pakistan media reported.

Last month, Musharraf was admitted to a hospital in Dubai after suffering a reaction from the rare disease for which he is already under treatment.

Giving details of his ailments, his lawyer told the court in an application that Musharraf is suffering from cardiac amyloidosis (congestive heart failure), chronic kidney disease (high creatinine in renal system), excessive somnolence (hypersomnia), spinal injury and fracture.

It stressed that the former president came to Pakistan on March 24, 2013, on his own free will to face the Benazir Bhutto assassination case, judges' detention case and Akbar Bugti case and that the high treason case was initiated subsequent to his arrival in the country.

The application highlighted that Musharraf's absence from the trial court was not deliberate, wilful or an excuse to avoid the ongoing criminal proceedings, the report said.

In the light of genuine life-threatening illness and permission by the government to travel abroad for the treatment, he should not be treated as fugitive or proclaimed offender as was declared through the special court's interim order of June 19, 2016, it said.

According to the latest assessment of his health on April 29 at the American Hospital in Dubai, Musharraf's health has been termed unsafe in case he discontinued treatment and travelled, the application argued.

Pakistan's former military dictator Pervez Musharraf has been shifted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of a Dubai hospital where he is undergoing treatment. According to reports in Pakistan media, Musharraf's condition is critical.

Pakistan's former military dictator Pervez Musharraf has been shifted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) of a Dubai hospital where he is undergoing treatment. According to reports in Pakistan media, Musharraf's condition is critical. Musharraf left Pakistan for Dubai for treatment of amyloidosis, a rare condition which has weakened his nervous system, in 2016 and has not returned since. He was indicted by a special court in Pakistan of high treason in 2014. The previous Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) government had filed the treason case against Musharraf over the imposition of extra-constitutional emergency in November 2007. Musharraf has not appeared in court for the trial due to deteriorating health. The special court, which is hearing his case, accepted Musharraf's plea on May 2 to postpone the hearing until the end of Ramzan on June 4, according to a media report. The case will now be heard on June 12, Pakistan media reported. Last month, Musharraf was admitted to a hospital in Dubai after suffering a reaction from the rare disease for which he is already under treatment. Giving details of his ailments, his lawyer told the court in an application that Musharraf is suffering from cardiac amyloidosis (congestive heart failure), chronic kidney disease (high creatinine in renal system), excessive somnolence (hypersomnia), spinal injury and fracture. It stressed that the former president came to Pakistan on March 24, 2013, on his own free will to face the Benazir Bhutto assassination case, judges' detention case and Akbar Bugti case and that the high treason case was initiated subsequent to his arrival in the country. The application highlighted that Musharraf's absence from the trial court was not deliberate, wilful or an excuse to avoid the ongoing criminal proceedings, the report said. In the light of genuine life-threatening illness and permission by the government to travel abroad for the treatment, he should not be treated as fugitive or proclaimed offender as was declared through the special court's interim order of June 19, 2016, it said. According to the latest assessment of his health on April 29 at the American Hospital in Dubai, Musharraf's health has been termed unsafe in case he discontinued treatment and travelled, the application argued.

Pervez Musharraf shifted to ICU in Dubai hospital, remains critical: Pakistan media

A Pakistani man killed his HIV positive wife Wednesday in southern Pakistan, where hundreds of people have tested positive for the virus in recent weeks, stirring panic and casting a light on the country’s dismal public health standards. &nbsp;

Police said the murder took place in a village near the epicentre of the outbreak on the outskirts of Larkana city in Pakistan’s Sindh province, where thousands have been screened in the last month.

The victim -- a 32-year-old mother of four -- tested positive in recent days, according to a local police officer, with her husband accusing her of having an extramarital affair.

"This morning the husband strangled (the victim) with a rope and then hung her from a tree outside his home," Roshan Ali -- a police officer in Shikarpur -- told AFP, adding that the suspect was now in custody.

Shikarpur district police chief Sajid Sadozai confirmed the incident, saying an investigation into the killing was ongoing and the suspect had been booked on murder charges. &nbsp;

Anger and fear continue to swell in the desperately poor villages and suburbs near Larkana affected by the epidemic, which authorities say could be linked to either gross negligence or malicious intent by a local doctor using tainted syringes.

In rural Sindh -- long bridled by harsh poverty and illiteracy -- access to information about HIV and other diseases has kept the large swathes of the population in the dark about how the virus is transmitted.

Health officials say nearly 700 people, many of them children, have tested positive in recent weeks as experts warn of a surge in infection rates across Pakistan due to the use of unsanitary equipment and rampant malpractice -- often at the hands of quack doctors.

Pakistan was long considered a low prevalence country for HIV, but the disease is expanding at an alarming rate -- particularly among intravenous drug users and sex workers.

With about 20,000 new HIV infections reported in 2017 alone, Pakistan currently has the second fastest growing HIV rates across Asia, according to the UN.

A Pakistani man killed his HIV positive wife Wednesday in southern Pakistan, where hundreds of people have tested positive for the virus in recent weeks, stirring panic and casting a light on the country’s dismal public health standards.

A Pakistani man killed his HIV positive wife Wednesday in southern Pakistan, where hundreds of people have tested positive for the virus in recent weeks, stirring panic and casting a light on the country’s dismal public health standards. Police said the murder took place in a village near the epicentre of the outbreak on the outskirts of Larkana city in Pakistan’s Sindh province, where thousands have been screened in the last month. The victim -- a 32-year-old mother of four -- tested positive in recent days, according to a local police officer, with her husband accusing her of having an extramarital affair. "This morning the husband strangled (the victim) with a rope and then hung her from a tree outside his home," Roshan Ali -- a police officer in Shikarpur -- told AFP, adding that the suspect was now in custody. Shikarpur district police chief Sajid Sadozai confirmed the incident, saying an investigation into the killing was ongoing and the suspect had been booked on murder charges. Anger and fear continue to swell in the desperately poor villages and suburbs near Larkana affected by the epidemic, which authorities say could be linked to either gross negligence or malicious intent by a local doctor using tainted syringes. In rural Sindh -- long bridled by harsh poverty and illiteracy -- access to information about HIV and other diseases has kept the large swathes of the population in the dark about how the virus is transmitted. Health officials say nearly 700 people, many of them children, have tested positive in recent weeks as experts warn of a surge in infection rates across Pakistan due to the use of unsanitary equipment and rampant malpractice -- often at the hands of quack doctors. Pakistan was long considered a low prevalence country for HIV, but the disease is expanding at an alarming rate -- particularly among intravenous drug users and sex workers. With about 20,000 new HIV infections reported in 2017 alone, Pakistan currently has the second fastest growing HIV rates across Asia, according to the UN.

Pakistan man murders HIV positive wife in epidemic-hit south

Pakistan is certain to stay on the greylist when the next meet of Financial Action Task Force or FATF, an official from FATF member countries told WION on Wednesday.

Pakistan to stay on FATF's greylist

Pakistani airspace on its eastern border with India will remain closed until June 14, a civil aviation official said on Wednesday, the latest extension months after a stand-off between the arch-rivals.

Pakistan closed its airspace in February after India's retaliation in response to a deadly terror attack on a convoy in Jammu and Kashmir in which 40 Indian soldiers were killed. India sent fighter planes to Balakot, deep inside Pakistan, to destroy terror camps.

Foreign carriers using Indian airspace have been forced to take costly detours because they cannot fly over Pakistan. The closure mainly affects flights from Europe to Southeast Asia.

"The closure will continue until June 14," a spokesperson for Pakistan's Civil Aviation Authority said, without giving further details.

Pakistan lies in the middle of a vital aviation corridor and the airspace restrictions impact hundreds of commercial and cargo flights each day, adding flight time for passengers and fuel costs for airlines.

Owing to the flight ban on its airspace by India, Pakistan has suspended its operation for Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur which is causing a loss of millions of rupees per day. Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) used to operate four flights to Kuala Lumpur, two to Bangkok and two to New Delhi.

A senior PIA official recently said that the national flag carrier's loss is running into billions of rupees because of suspension of the flights especially to Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur.

Pakistan in mid-April had opened one of its 11 air routes for west-bound flights from India and airlines such as Air India and Turkish Airlines have started using it. The operating cost for Air India, which flies to destinations in Europe and the US, reportedly has increased significantly as it had to take longer routes due to closure of Pakistan airspace.

Pakistani airspace on its eastern border with India will remain closed until June 14, a civil aviation official said on Wednesday, the latest extension months after a stand-off between the arch-rivals.

Pakistani airspace on its eastern border with India will remain closed until June 14, a civil aviation official said on Wednesday, the latest extension months after a stand-off between the arch-rivals. Pakistan closed its airspace in February after India's retaliation in response to a deadly terror attack on a convoy in Jammu and Kashmir in which 40 Indian soldiers were killed. India sent fighter planes to Balakot, deep inside Pakistan, to destroy terror camps. Foreign carriers using Indian airspace have been forced to take costly detours because they cannot fly over Pakistan. The closure mainly affects flights from Europe to Southeast Asia. "The closure will continue until June 14," a spokesperson for Pakistan's Civil Aviation Authority said, without giving further details. Pakistan lies in the middle of a vital aviation corridor and the airspace restrictions impact hundreds of commercial and cargo flights each day, adding flight time for passengers and fuel costs for airlines. Owing to the flight ban on its airspace by India, Pakistan has suspended its operation for Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur which is causing a loss of millions of rupees per day. Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) used to operate four flights to Kuala Lumpur, two to Bangkok and two to New Delhi. A senior PIA official recently said that the national flag carrier's loss is running into billions of rupees because of suspension of the flights especially to Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur. Pakistan in mid-April had opened one of its 11 air routes for west-bound flights from India and airlines such as Air India and Turkish Airlines have started using it. The operating cost for Air India, which flies to destinations in Europe and the US, reportedly has increased significantly as it had to take longer routes due to closure of Pakistan airspace.

Pakistan extends airspace closure on Indian border to June 14

Pakistan is certain to stay on the grey list in the next meet of Financial Action Task Force (FATF), an official from FATF member countries told WION on Wednesday.

FATF which looks into money laundering and terrorism financing will meet from June 16 to 21 in Orlando, Florida.

The main discussion of the meeting would be Pakistan's listing and whether the country has taken any action to combat terror financing.&nbsp;

FATF's Asia-Pacific Group (APG) which met in China in mid-May was not impressed by Pakistan's action on terror financing.

Pakistan was put on the grey list last year which means the country comes under financial jurisdiction with ''structural deficiencies'' in anti-money laundering (AML) and combating the financing of terrorism (CFT) or simply-- supports financing of terror.

In June 2018, Pakistan had made a high-level political commitment to work with the FATF and Asia Pacific group to strengthen its AML/CFT regime and to address its strategic counter- terrorist financing-related deficiencies.&nbsp;

Being in FATF’s grey list, it has caused a loss of $10 billion to Islamabad and if Islamabad fails to take any concrete action on terror, it might be put on the blacklist.

The FATF in its February meet had come hard on Pakistan saying it has not demonstrated a proper understanding of the Terror Financing risks posed by "Da’esh, AQ, JuD, FiF, LeT, JeM, HQN, and persons affiliated with the Taliban."

Pakistan is certain to stay on the grey list in the next meet of Financial Action Task Force (FATF), an official from FATF member countries told WION on Wednesday.

Pakistan is certain to stay on the grey list in the next meet of Financial Action Task Force (FATF), an official from FATF member countries told WION on Wednesday. FATF which looks into money laundering and terrorism financing will meet from June 16 to 21 in Orlando, Florida. The main discussion of the meeting would be Pakistan's listing and whether the country has taken any action to combat terror financing. FATF's Asia-Pacific Group (APG) which met in China in mid-May was not impressed by Pakistan's action on terror financing. Pakistan was put on the grey list last year which means the country comes under financial jurisdiction with ''structural deficiencies'' in anti-money laundering (AML) and combating the financing of terrorism (CFT) or simply-- supports financing of terror. In June 2018, Pakistan had made a high-level political commitment to work with the FATF and Asia Pacific group to strengthen its AML/CFT regime and to address its strategic counter- terrorist financing-related deficiencies. Being in FATF’s grey list, it has caused a loss of $10 billion to Islamabad and if Islamabad fails to take any concrete action on terror, it might be put on the blacklist. The FATF in its February meet had come hard on Pakistan saying it has not demonstrated a proper understanding of the Terror Financing risks posed by "Da’esh, AQ, JuD, FiF, LeT, JeM, HQN, and persons affiliated with the Taliban."

Pakistan to stay on FATF's grey list: Official to WION

A Pakistani parliamentarian and civil rights leader on Wednesday accused authorities of lying about a violent clash between Pashtun activists and security forces over the weekend as tensions soar between the military and rights group.

Moshin Dawar -- an MP and leading member of the Pashtun Protection Movement (PTM) -- disputed claims by the military that activists assaulted the military during a protest near a checkpoint along the Afghan border Sunday, saying security forces fired into the unarmed crowd. &nbsp; &nbsp;

"We did not attack any army checkpoint rather we were attacked," Dawar told AFP by phone from an undisclosed location where he is believed to be hiding.&nbsp;

"The state and the state institutions are using force against us and I will raise voice against these excesses from whatever forum possible," he added.

Dawar went on to claim that at least 13 people were killed by the firing, dismissing earlier reports from the military that just three activists were killed during the melee.

Amnesty International called for an independent investigation into the incident earlier this week, saying "if the reports are correct that the army killed protestors by unlawfully using live ammunition, this would be a very serious violation of international law".

The incident follows months of rising tensions between the two sides, with the military publicly and repeatedly warning PTM leaders to end their criticism of the country's armed forces -- largely seen as a red line in Pakistan.

Since bursting onto the scene last year, the PTM has rattled Pakistan’s military with its calls to end alleged abuses by security forces against ethnic Pashtuns.

Darwar's claims also come as the Committee to Protect Journalists called for the release of Pakistani journalist Gohar Wazir who was arrested in nearby Bannu earlier this week after interviewing the PTM leader.

"Gohar Wazir should not have to face arrest merely for doing the job of reporting the news, even reporting on controversial events such as protests by the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement," said Steven Butler, the CPJ Asia programme coordinator.

A local official confirmed the arrest of the journalist along with 22 others, saying Wazir had violated a public order ordinance for taking part in PTM protests.

The PTM has unleashed festering anger over abuses allegedly committed against Pashtuns, including enforced disappearances and targeted killings, during the military's fight against insurgents.

Pashtuns account for roughly 15 per cent of Pakistan's population, with a majority based in the northwest and a significant presence in the southern port city of Karachi.

A Pakistani parliamentarian and civil rights leader on Wednesday accused authorities of lying about a violent clash between Pashtun activists and security forces over the weekend as tensions soar between the military and rights group.

A Pakistani parliamentarian and civil rights leader on Wednesday accused authorities of lying about a violent clash between Pashtun activists and security forces over the weekend as tensions soar between the military and rights group. Moshin Dawar -- an MP and leading member of the Pashtun Protection Movement (PTM) -- disputed claims by the military that activists assaulted the military during a protest near a checkpoint along the Afghan border Sunday, saying security forces fired into the unarmed crowd. "We did not attack any army checkpoint rather we were attacked," Dawar told AFP by phone from an undisclosed location where he is believed to be hiding. "The state and the state institutions are using force against us and I will raise voice against these excesses from whatever forum possible," he added. Dawar went on to claim that at least 13 people were killed by the firing, dismissing earlier reports from the military that just three activists were killed during the melee. Amnesty International called for an independent investigation into the incident earlier this week, saying "if the reports are correct that the army killed protestors by unlawfully using live ammunition, this would be a very serious violation of international law". The incident follows months of rising tensions between the two sides, with the military publicly and repeatedly warning PTM leaders to end their criticism of the country's armed forces -- largely seen as a red line in Pakistan. Since bursting onto the scene last year, the PTM has rattled Pakistan’s military with its calls to end alleged abuses by security forces against ethnic Pashtuns. Darwar's claims also come as the Committee to Protect Journalists called for the release of Pakistani journalist Gohar Wazir who was arrested in nearby Bannu earlier this week after interviewing the PTM leader. "Gohar Wazir should not have to face arrest merely for doing the job of reporting the news, even reporting on controversial events such as protests by the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement," said Steven Butler, the CPJ Asia programme coordinator. A local official confirmed the arrest of the journalist along with 22 others, saying Wazir had violated a public order ordinance for taking part in PTM protests. The PTM has unleashed festering anger over abuses allegedly committed against Pashtuns, including enforced disappearances and targeted killings, during the military's fight against insurgents. Pashtuns account for roughly 15 per cent of Pakistan's population, with a majority based in the northwest and a significant presence in the southern port city of Karachi.

Pakistan MP accuses officials of lying about clash between activists, military

Mobs set ablaze shops belonging to the Hindus after a veterinary doctor from the minority community allegedly tore pages of a holy book and wrapped medicines in them in Pakistan's Sindh province, according to a media report.

The Hindu veterinary doctor, identified as Ramesh Kumar, was arrested on Monday under the country's strict blasphemy laws after a local cleric filed a police complaint accusing him of committing blasphemy.

Under Pakistan's blasphemy laws, anyone accused of insulting Islam can be sentenced to death.

The doctor was taken into custody while angry protestors set fire to shops owned by Hindus and burnt tyres on road in Phuladyon town in Mirpurkhas district in the province, The Express Tribune reported.

Protesters set ablaze a doctor's clinic, a medical store, and two shops belonging to the members of the Hindu community. They also blocked roads by burning tyres, the report said.

There were reports that the protesters also looted some shops.

With the situation spiralling out of control, local authorities called in the paramilitary Rangers to deal with the mob violence.

Police also registered a case against those engaged in rioting.

"It's an unfortunate incident. We have taken the doctor into custody and are investigating incident," Senior Superintendent of Police Mirpurkhas Javed Baloch said.

He said a case has been registered and police have established a picket in the town to deal with any untoward incident.

"The situation is now normal," he said, adding that the police would take action against those who have ransacked properties of the Hindu community. 
"We have detained some suspects on charges of damaging properties,"&nbsp;he added.

The Mirpurkhas deputy commissioner said the government would compensate those whose properties were damaged during the violence.

A large number of Hindus reside in the interior of Sindh province and in Karachi and the Pakistan Hindu Council has complained in the past of minority community members being targeted under the blasphemy law by people because of personal enmity.

Hindus form the biggest minority community in Muslim-majority Pakistan.

According to official estimates, 75 lakh Hindus live in Pakistan. However, according to the community, over 90 lakh Hindus are living in the country.

Mobs set ablaze shops belonging to the Hindus after a veterinary doctor from the minority community allegedly tore pages of a holy book and wrapped medicines in them in Pakistan's Sindh province, according to a media report.

Mobs set ablaze shops belonging to the Hindus after a veterinary doctor from the minority community allegedly tore pages of a holy book and wrapped medicines in them in Pakistan's Sindh province, according to a media report. The Hindu veterinary doctor, identified as Ramesh Kumar, was arrested on Monday under the country's strict blasphemy laws after a local cleric filed a police complaint accusing him of committing blasphemy. Under Pakistan's blasphemy laws, anyone accused of insulting Islam can be sentenced to death. The doctor was taken into custody while angry protestors set fire to shops owned by Hindus and burnt tyres on road in Phuladyon town in Mirpurkhas district in the province, The Express Tribune reported. Protesters set ablaze a doctor's clinic, a medical store, and two shops belonging to the members of the Hindu community. They also blocked roads by burning tyres, the report said. There were reports that the protesters also looted some shops. With the situation spiralling out of control, local authorities called in the paramilitary Rangers to deal with the mob violence. Police also registered a case against those engaged in rioting. "It's an unfortunate incident. We have taken the doctor into custody and are investigating incident," Senior Superintendent of Police Mirpurkhas Javed Baloch said. He said a case has been registered and police have established a picket in the town to deal with any untoward incident. "The situation is now normal," he said, adding that the police would take action against those who have ransacked properties of the Hindu community. "We have detained some suspects on charges of damaging properties," he added. The Mirpurkhas deputy commissioner said the government would compensate those whose properties were damaged during the violence. A large number of Hindus reside in the interior of Sindh province and in Karachi and the Pakistan Hindu Council has complained in the past of minority community members being targeted under the blasphemy law by people because of personal enmity. Hindus form the biggest minority community in Muslim-majority Pakistan. According to official estimates, 75 lakh Hindus live in Pakistan. However, according to the community, over 90 lakh Hindus are living in the country.

Violence in Pakistan after Hindu veterinary doctor accused of blasphemy

The Pakistan government has sought the help of the World Health Organization (WHO) to probe the recent outbreak of HIV in the country's Sindh province, which has till now affected over 600 people, mostly children, according to a media report.

Gravitas: Pakistan Seeks Help From WHO To Investigate HIV Outbreak

India has dismissed reports about a structured meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan at the Shanghai cooperation organisation summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. The summit will take place in the second week of June.&nbsp;

It will be for the first time that both leaders will be face to face since Imran Khan became the prime minister of Pakistan&nbsp;last year.

Government sources said, "Report appearing in a section of the media about a possible meeting between Modi and Imran Khan is entirely speculative."

Khan had called Modi on Sunday to congratulate him on his victory. During the conversation, no invite was extended to Imran Khan for the oath-taking ceremony of Narendra Modi on May 30.

Ties between the two countries are frayed since the Pulwama terror attack on February 14 whose responsibility was claimed by Pakistan based and United Nations listed terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed.

India has dismissed reports about a structured meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan at the Shanghai cooperation organisation summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan.

India has dismissed reports about a structured meeting between Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan at the Shanghai cooperation organisation summit in Bishkek, Kyrgyzstan. The summit will take place in the second week of June. It will be for the first time that both leaders will be face to face since Imran Khan became the prime minister of Pakistan last year. Government sources said, "Report appearing in a section of the media about a possible meeting between Modi and Imran Khan is entirely speculative." Khan had called Modi on Sunday to congratulate him on his victory. During the conversation, no invite was extended to Imran Khan for the oath-taking ceremony of Narendra Modi on May 30. Ties between the two countries are frayed since the Pulwama terror attack on February 14 whose responsibility was claimed by Pakistan based and United Nations listed terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed.

PM Modi, Pakistan's Imran Khan structured meet unlikely at SCO in Bishkek

Pakistan seeks help from WHO to investigate HIV outbreak

Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Meet will be on 13-14 June. There is information coming out through sources that there will be no formal talks between India & Pakistan at SCO sideline. Watch this video to know more.

Sources: No India-Pak dialogues on the sidelines of SCO summit

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-court-restrains-anti-graft-body-from-arresting-hamza-shehbaz-208787">Pakistan's top anti-graft body</a> on Tuesday asked the accountability court to issue an arrest warrant against main opposition PML-N chief Shehbaz Sharif in corruption cases, saying he is roaming free in London.

The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) also asked the court to dismiss his plea for exemption from appearance, Geo news reported.

Shehbaz, 67, who served as the chief minister of the politically crucial Punjab province from 2013 to 2018, has been indicted along with nine others in the Ashiana Housing scheme case.

He was arrested by the NAB in the probe on October 5, 2018, and released on bail on February 14.

The NAB told the court that in London, Shehbaz -- the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) chief and Opposition Leader in the National Assembly -- was roaming free in London and, has submitted applications citing health issues

All medical tests and treatment of Shehbaz are possible in Pakistan, the NAB said as it submitted its response to the accountability court in connection with the housing scam and Ramzan Sugar Mills case.

When the court inquired about his return, his lawyer said that Shehbaz will return on June 11.

Meanwhile, his son Hamza who is the Opposition Leader in Punjab Assembly, went to the court to mark his presence.

The father-son duo was indicted in the Ramzan Sugar Mills case in April. The NAB in February filed a case against the two, alleging that Shehbaz misused his authority by using public funds for the construction of a bridge to facilitate the Ramzan mills, owned by his sons.

Shehbaz became the PML-N president after his elder brother <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-nab-questions-jailed-nawaz-sharif-over-illegal-purchase-of-bulletproof-vehicles-222070">Nawaz Sharif </a>was barred from holding the top party position and public posts.

Deposed prime minister Sharif, 69, has been serving a seven-year prison term at the jail since December 24, 2018, when an accountability court convicted him in one of the three corruption cases filed in the wake of the apex court's July 28, 2017 order in Panama Papers case.

Sharif and his family have denied any wrongdoing and allege that the corruption cases against them were politically motivated.&nbsp;

Pakistan's top anti-graft body on Tuesday asked the accountability court to issue an arrest warrant against main opposition PML-N chief Shehbaz Sharif in corruption cases, saying he is roaming free in London.

Pakistan's top anti-graft body on Tuesday asked the accountability court to issue an arrest warrant against main opposition PML-N chief Shehbaz Sharif in corruption cases, saying he is roaming free in London. The National Accountability Bureau (NAB) also asked the court to dismiss his plea for exemption from appearance, Geo news reported. Shehbaz, 67, who served as the chief minister of the politically crucial Punjab province from 2013 to 2018, has been indicted along with nine others in the Ashiana Housing scheme case. He was arrested by the NAB in the probe on October 5, 2018, and released on bail on February 14. The NAB told the court that in London, Shehbaz -- the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) chief and Opposition Leader in the National Assembly -- was roaming free in London and, has submitted applications citing health issues All medical tests and treatment of Shehbaz are possible in Pakistan, the NAB said as it submitted its response to the accountability court in connection with the housing scam and Ramzan Sugar Mills case. When the court inquired about his return, his lawyer said that Shehbaz will return on June 11. Meanwhile, his son Hamza who is the Opposition Leader in Punjab Assembly, went to the court to mark his presence. The father-son duo was indicted in the Ramzan Sugar Mills case in April. The NAB in February filed a case against the two, alleging that Shehbaz misused his authority by using public funds for the construction of a bridge to facilitate the Ramzan mills, owned by his sons. Shehbaz became the PML-N president after his elder brother Nawaz Sharif was barred from holding the top party position and public posts. Deposed prime minister Sharif, 69, has been serving a seven-year prison term at the jail since December 24, 2018, when an accountability court convicted him in one of the three corruption cases filed in the wake of the apex court's July 28, 2017 order in Panama Papers case. Sharif and his family have denied any wrongdoing and allege that the corruption cases against them were politically motivated.

Shehbaz Sharif roaming free in UK, issue arrest warrant: Pak's NAB to court

The Imran Khan government has filed a complaint of misconduct against some Supreme Court and High Court judges for hiding their foreign properties in countries like Spain and the UK, according to a media report on Tuesday.

President Arif Alvi has sent a reference of misconduct against three apex court judges who, allegedly, did not declare their foreign properties in their wealth statements, The Express Tribune reported.

However, there is no official confirmation whether the Supreme Judicial Council has received the reference against the judges.

The references, prepared by the law ministry, were filed with the help of a former Supreme Court judge, the report said.

The wife of one of the judges purchased some property in Spain which was not disclosed in his wealth statement, the report said.

Legal experts said they would see whether the spouse is listed as a dependent in the tax records of the judge.

A complaint has also been lodged against a few high courts judges, one of whom allegedly owns inherent property in the UK.

The cash-strapped Imran Khan government has vowed to bring back all ill-gotten wealth of people who have stashed them abroad.&nbsp;

The Imran Khan government has filed a complaint of misconduct against some Supreme Court and High Court judges for hiding their foreign properties in countries like Spain and the UK, according to a media report on Tuesday.

The Imran Khan government has filed a complaint of misconduct against some Supreme Court and High Court judges for hiding their foreign properties in countries like Spain and the UK, according to a media report on Tuesday. President Arif Alvi has sent a reference of misconduct against three apex court judges who, allegedly, did not declare their foreign properties in their wealth statements, The Express Tribune reported. However, there is no official confirmation whether the Supreme Judicial Council has received the reference against the judges. The references, prepared by the law ministry, were filed with the help of a former Supreme Court judge, the report said. The wife of one of the judges purchased some property in Spain which was not disclosed in his wealth statement, the report said. Legal experts said they would see whether the spouse is listed as a dependent in the tax records of the judge. A complaint has also been lodged against a few high courts judges, one of whom allegedly owns inherent property in the UK. The cash-strapped Imran Khan government has vowed to bring back all ill-gotten wealth of people who have stashed them abroad.

Pakistan turns heat on top judges, files cases for not disclosing properties abroad

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