A Muslim cleric has filed a police complaint against Pakistan's Minister for Science and Technology Fawad Chaudhry, alleging that he had deliberately violated norms of Islam and Sharia by introducing a moon-sighting calendar.

Chaudhry Sunday launched <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-launches-its-first-ever-moon-sighting-website-222218">Pakistan's first ever moon-sighting website</a> - pakmoonsighting.Pk - in a bid to end controversy over the start of key lunar months that decides the beginning of the holy month of Ramazan and Eid festivals.

Mufti Inamul Haq has filed a complaint with the Secretariat Police Station here, alleging that Chaudhry had deliberately violated norms of Islam and Sharia by introducing a moon-sighting calendar, Dawn reported.

In the complaint, it is stated that the minister had also used derogatory remarks against the religious figures and hurt the sentiments of the masses.

Haq has requested the Secretariat Police to lodge a First Information Report against the minister.

The website features sections such as Islamic calendar for the next five years, a day-to-day lunar calendar against dates from the Gregorian calendar, and the dates on which the first day of every lunar month will fall.

Pakistan has been facing controversies on key religious occasions like start of Ramazan and Eid as religious leader from different regions differ on sighting of the moon.

Chaudhry's plan has been opposed by most of the clerics who insist that sighting of moon with naked eye is essential.&nbsp;

A Muslim cleric has filed a police complaint against Pakistan's Minister for Science and Technology Fawad Chaudhry, alleging that he had deliberately violated norms of Islam and Sharia by introducing a moon-sighting calendar.

A Muslim cleric has filed a police complaint against Pakistan's Minister for Science and Technology Fawad Chaudhry, alleging that he had deliberately violated norms of Islam and Sharia by introducing a moon-sighting calendar. Chaudhry Sunday launched Pakistan's first ever moon-sighting website - pakmoonsighting.Pk - in a bid to end controversy over the start of key lunar months that decides the beginning of the holy month of Ramazan and Eid festivals. Mufti Inamul Haq has filed a complaint with the Secretariat Police Station here, alleging that Chaudhry had deliberately violated norms of Islam and Sharia by introducing a moon-sighting calendar, Dawn reported. In the complaint, it is stated that the minister had also used derogatory remarks against the religious figures and hurt the sentiments of the masses. Haq has requested the Secretariat Police to lodge a First Information Report against the minister. The website features sections such as Islamic calendar for the next five years, a day-to-day lunar calendar against dates from the Gregorian calendar, and the dates on which the first day of every lunar month will fall. Pakistan has been facing controversies on key religious occasions like start of Ramazan and Eid as religious leader from different regions differ on sighting of the moon. Chaudhry's plan has been opposed by most of the clerics who insist that sighting of moon with naked eye is essential.

Cleric files police complaint against Pakistan minister over moon-sighting website

The ambitious Kartarpur corridor linking Pakistan's Gurudwara Darbar Sahib with India's Dera Baba Nanak shrine has hit a roadblock after the technical experts from both the countries could not find a consensus on building a bridge over Ravi's floodplain, a media report said Tuesday.

The experts from Pakistan and India on Monday held a meeting to discuss the modalities for the corridor at the Kartarpur Zero Point.

The Express Tribune reported that the meeting lasted only one hour during which the representatives of both the sides exchanged details of the construction work.

India wants the construction of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/kartarpur-corridor-india-asks-pakistan-to-build-bridge-on-ravi-river-216618">a kilometre-long bridge on the Ravi river</a> while Pakistan suggested the need to construct a road, it said.

The Indian officials objected to the road, citing the possibility of floods in the river. However, the Pakistani officials said that a dam could be built around the road and the inclination of the road could be kept high to avoid flood waters, the report said.

The two countries also could not agree on the date for the next meeting.

The group from the Indian side had officials from the Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Home Affairs, Land Ports Authority of India, National Highways Authority of India, among others.

The Pakistani side was represented by the officials of Federal Investigation Agency, customs, construction, Pakistan Rangers Punjab and Survey of Pakistan.

Earlier in April, technical experts and foreign ministry officials from both the sides participated in the talks held at the same venue.

In the March meeting, the two sides decided to present surveys and maps for border fencing and developmental work on the Dera Baba Nanak-Kartarpur Sahib Corridor to their respective governments.

In November 2018, India and Pakistan agreed to set up a border crossing linking Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan's Kartarpur - the final resting place of Sikh faith founder Guru Nanak - to Dera Baba Nanak in Punjab's Gurdaspur district.

Pakistan has said that the work on the corridor will be completed before the 550th birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak in November this year.

The Kartarpur corridor is expected to provide visa-free access to Indian Sikh pilgrims to the Gurdwara in Kartarpur Sahib a small town in Narowal, four kilometres from the Pakistan-India border, where Sikhism founder Baba Guru Nanak spent the last 18 years of his life.

Pakistan will build the corridor from the Indian border to the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur, while the other part from Dera Baba Nanak in Gurdaspur up to the border will be constructed by India.

The ambitious Kartarpur corridor linking Pakistan's Gurudwara Darbar Sahib with India's Dera Baba Nanak shrine has hit a roadblock after the technical experts from both the countries could not find a consensus on building a bridge over Ravi's floodplain, a media report said Tuesday.

The ambitious Kartarpur corridor linking Pakistan's Gurudwara Darbar Sahib with India's Dera Baba Nanak shrine has hit a roadblock after the technical experts from both the countries could not find a consensus on building a bridge over Ravi's floodplain, a media report said Tuesday. The experts from Pakistan and India on Monday held a meeting to discuss the modalities for the corridor at the Kartarpur Zero Point. The Express Tribune reported that the meeting lasted only one hour during which the representatives of both the sides exchanged details of the construction work. India wants the construction of a kilometre-long bridge on the Ravi river while Pakistan suggested the need to construct a road, it said. The Indian officials objected to the road, citing the possibility of floods in the river. However, the Pakistani officials said that a dam could be built around the road and the inclination of the road could be kept high to avoid flood waters, the report said. The two countries also could not agree on the date for the next meeting. The group from the Indian side had officials from the Ministry of External Affairs, Ministry of Home Affairs, Land Ports Authority of India, National Highways Authority of India, among others. The Pakistani side was represented by the officials of Federal Investigation Agency, customs, construction, Pakistan Rangers Punjab and Survey of Pakistan. Earlier in April, technical experts and foreign ministry officials from both the sides participated in the talks held at the same venue. In the March meeting, the two sides decided to present surveys and maps for border fencing and developmental work on the Dera Baba Nanak-Kartarpur Sahib Corridor to their respective governments. In November 2018, India and Pakistan agreed to set up a border crossing linking Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan's Kartarpur - the final resting place of Sikh faith founder Guru Nanak - to Dera Baba Nanak in Punjab's Gurdaspur district. Pakistan has said that the work on the corridor will be completed before the 550th birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak in November this year. The Kartarpur corridor is expected to provide visa-free access to Indian Sikh pilgrims to the Gurdwara in Kartarpur Sahib a small town in Narowal, four kilometres from the Pakistan-India border, where Sikhism founder Baba Guru Nanak spent the last 18 years of his life. Pakistan will build the corridor from the Indian border to the Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur, while the other part from Dera Baba Nanak in Gurdaspur up to the border will be constructed by India.

Kartarpur corridor hits roadblock as consensus eludes India, Pakistan: Report

Pakistan has launched its first ever moon-sighting website in a bid to end the decades-old controversy over the start of key lunar months that decides the beginning of the holy month of Ramazan and Eid festivals.

The website "pakmoonsighting .Pk" was inaugurated on Sunday, two weeks after Federal Minister for Science and Technology Fawad Chaudhry made an announcement regarding the preparation of a scientific lunar calendar.&nbsp;

He said the website would show the exact dates of important Islamic occasions --Ramazan, Eidul Fitr, Eidul Azha and Muharram, the Dawn reported.&nbsp;

Speaking at the launch of the website, Chaudhry said that it will end the "moon-sighting controversy" in the country.

He said that not only Pakistan but also other countries can benefit from it to decide the sighting of the moon.

The website features sections such as Islamic calendar for the next five years, a day-to-day lunar calendar against dates from the Gregorian calendar, and the dates on which the first day of every lunar month will fall.

Everyone can access year-wise data about the new moon, its monthly visibility maps and monthly coordinates in major cities on the site as well.

"A mobile phone app was also being prepared to make it further easier to know when the lunar month would begin," Chaudhry said.

Pakistan has been facing controversies on key religious occasions like the start of Ramazan and Eid as the religious leader from different regions differ on the sighting of the moon.

This year, Ramazan started in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa on May 6 while in the rest of the country it began on May 7.&nbsp;

It is also possible the celebration of Eid will be held on two different dates.

Chaudhry said such issues have been resolved and the coming Eid will be on June 5.

But his efforts to resolve the dispute may not end as most of the clerics insist that sighting of the moon with the naked eye is essential.&nbsp;

Pakistan has launched its first ever moon-sighting website in a bid to end the decades-old controversy over the start of key lunar months that decides the beginning of the holy month of Ramazan and Eid festivals.

Pakistan has launched its first ever moon-sighting website in a bid to end the decades-old controversy over the start of key lunar months that decides the beginning of the holy month of Ramazan and Eid festivals. The website "pakmoonsighting .Pk" was inaugurated on Sunday, two weeks after Federal Minister for Science and Technology Fawad Chaudhry made an announcement regarding the preparation of a scientific lunar calendar. He said the website would show the exact dates of important Islamic occasions --Ramazan, Eidul Fitr, Eidul Azha and Muharram, the Dawn reported. Speaking at the launch of the website, Chaudhry said that it will end the "moon-sighting controversy" in the country. He said that not only Pakistan but also other countries can benefit from it to decide the sighting of the moon. The website features sections such as Islamic calendar for the next five years, a day-to-day lunar calendar against dates from the Gregorian calendar, and the dates on which the first day of every lunar month will fall. Everyone can access year-wise data about the new moon, its monthly visibility maps and monthly coordinates in major cities on the site as well. "A mobile phone app was also being prepared to make it further easier to know when the lunar month would begin," Chaudhry said. Pakistan has been facing controversies on key religious occasions like the start of Ramazan and Eid as the religious leader from different regions differ on the sighting of the moon. This year, Ramazan started in Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa on May 6 while in the rest of the country it began on May 7. It is also possible the celebration of Eid will be held on two different dates. Chaudhry said such issues have been resolved and the coming Eid will be on June 5. But his efforts to resolve the dispute may not end as most of the clerics insist that sighting of the moon with the naked eye is essential.

Pakistan launches its first ever moon-sighting website

A team of Pakistan's top anti-graft body on Monday quizzed deposed Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in Kot Lakhpat Jail for over two hours over the illegal purchase and use of more than 30 bulletproof government vehicles from Germany.

A four-member National Accountability Bureau (NAB) team arrived at the Kot Lakhpat Jail (Lahore Central Prison) where the 69-year-old Sharif is serving a seven-year sentence awarded to him in the Al-Azizia Steel Mills corruption case.

Maryam Nawaz Sharif, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader and Nawaz's daughter, confirmed the investigation by the NAB team in jail where the former prime minister is being held since December 2018 after his conviction.

In a message on her Twitter account on Monday, Maryam rubbished the investigation, point fingers at "fake Prime Minister" Imran Khan who used the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government's helicopter for personal use was above the law.

Earlier reports said the NAB team will record the three-time prime minister's statement in the case of an alleged import of 34 bulletproof vehicles from Germany without payment of customs duty on any of them.

The anti-graft body said the cars were purchased without duty for guests of the 19th SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) summit in 2016, Geo News reported.

The SAARC Summit, however, did not take place as India boycotted the meeting after the Uri terror attack. Later, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and Maldives also pulled out of the summit, culminating in an indefinite postponement of the summit.

According to the NAB, Sharif added 20 of those 34 cars to his own motorcade, and he and his daughter Maryam Nawaz also used the bulletproof vehicles for their personal use.

Former Prime Minister and a member of the PML-N Shahid Khaqan Abbasi's statement has already been recorded, it said.

The anti-graft body also said that officers associated with the foreign ministry misused their authority by allocating the bulletproof cars for the Sharif's family.

Sharif 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.

A team of Pakistan's top anti-graft body on Monday quizzed deposed Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in Kot Lakhpat Jail for over two hours over the illegal purchase and use of more than 30 bulletproof government vehicles from Germany.

A team of Pakistan's top anti-graft body on Monday quizzed deposed Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif in Kot Lakhpat Jail for over two hours over the illegal purchase and use of more than 30 bulletproof government vehicles from Germany. A four-member National Accountability Bureau (NAB) team arrived at the Kot Lakhpat Jail (Lahore Central Prison) where the 69-year-old Sharif is serving a seven-year sentence awarded to him in the Al-Azizia Steel Mills corruption case. Maryam Nawaz Sharif, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) leader and Nawaz's daughter, confirmed the investigation by the NAB team in jail where the former prime minister is being held since December 2018 after his conviction. In a message on her Twitter account on Monday, Maryam rubbished the investigation, point fingers at "fake Prime Minister" Imran Khan who used the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government's helicopter for personal use was above the law. Earlier reports said the NAB team will record the three-time prime minister's statement in the case of an alleged import of 34 bulletproof vehicles from Germany without payment of customs duty on any of them. The anti-graft body said the cars were purchased without duty for guests of the 19th SAARC (South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) summit in 2016, Geo News reported. The SAARC Summit, however, did not take place as India boycotted the meeting after the Uri terror attack. Later, Bangladesh, Afghanistan, Bhutan, Sri Lanka and Maldives also pulled out of the summit, culminating in an indefinite postponement of the summit. According to the NAB, Sharif added 20 of those 34 cars to his own motorcade, and he and his daughter Maryam Nawaz also used the bulletproof vehicles for their personal use. Former Prime Minister and a member of the PML-N Shahid Khaqan Abbasi's statement has already been recorded, it said. The anti-graft body also said that officers associated with the foreign ministry misused their authority by allocating the bulletproof cars for the Sharif's family. Sharif 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.

Pakistan: NAB questions jailed Nawaz Sharif over illegal purchase of bulletproof vehicles

Fakhar Zaman was still establishing himself in the Pakistan team when Jasprit Bumrah's no-ball in the Champions Trophy final triggered his unlikely rise from navy sailor to World Cup talisman.

India appeared to have made the perfect start in the 2017 Champions Trophy showpiece when Zaman edged to wicketkeeper MS Dhoni off Bumrah.

However, the Indian fast bowler had overstepped the crease and Zaman, who had scored just three at the time, was given a reprieve that he made the most of, reaching his first one-day international century.

Fakhar changed the game with a crisp 114 to help Pakistan beat their bitter rivals by a 180-run margin at the Oval to lift the trophy.

Since then Fakhar has been the lynchpin of Pakistan's batting and will be expected to anchor the line-up when the World Cup gets underway in England on May 30.

"That no-ball made me. I had a dream before the final that I will be dismissed off a no-ball and it proved to be true," Fakhar said.

"Initially I was very sad as I had promised my parents to do well in that match." Fakhar's role in that famous victory against India came in just his fourth ODI and made him a household name in Pakistan.

But he said the recognition has not distracted him as he focuses on inspiring Pakistan's bid for a second World Cup win and first since 1992. 
"I was very lucky and ever since that century I have become famous," he said.

"But with that fame comes responsibility and I have become more mature and now I realise the importance of playing my part. That will be my top priority in the World Cup."&nbsp;

World Cup anchor

Luck has been on the unassuming left-hander's side since he defied his father's advice not to play cricket in his native Mardan.

Fakhar joined the Pakistan Navy but cricket remained his dream.

He kept his hand in by playing for the navy team and crucially benefited from a stroke of good fortune to fulfil his wish of playing for the national side.

Pakistan opener Sharjeel Khan was banned in a spot-fixing case during the second edition of the Pakistan Super League in 2017, just three months before the Champions Trophy.

Fakhar's aggressive batting had impressed head coach Mickey Arthur and chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq.

They instantly selected Fakhar as an attacking option and he has paid them back by averaging a stunning 51.31 in his 36 ODIs.

"I saw a game changer in Fakhar," recalled Inzamam. "We had to find someone to replace Sharjeel and after watching Fakhar we thought 'here is our man'.

"He lived up to that promise and we see him as an anchor in the World Cup."

The 29-year-old, called "soldier" by his teammates for his navy connection, smashed Pakistan's first double century in a one-day match in Zimbabwe last year and knows what is required of him in his country's World Cup campaign.

"My job is to score runs and I am doing that so I know that hard work will pay off," he said.&nbsp;

Fakhar Zaman was still establishing himself in the Pakistan team when Jasprit Bumrah's no-ball in the Champions Trophy final triggered his unlikely rise from navy sailor to World Cup talisman.

Fakhar Zaman was still establishing himself in the Pakistan team when Jasprit Bumrah's no-ball in the Champions Trophy final triggered his unlikely rise from navy sailor to World Cup talisman. India appeared to have made the perfect start in the 2017 Champions Trophy showpiece when Zaman edged to wicketkeeper MS Dhoni off Bumrah. However, the Indian fast bowler had overstepped the crease and Zaman, who had scored just three at the time, was given a reprieve that he made the most of, reaching his first one-day international century. Fakhar changed the game with a crisp 114 to help Pakistan beat their bitter rivals by a 180-run margin at the Oval to lift the trophy. Since then Fakhar has been the lynchpin of Pakistan's batting and will be expected to anchor the line-up when the World Cup gets underway in England on May 30. "That no-ball made me. I had a dream before the final that I will be dismissed off a no-ball and it proved to be true," Fakhar said. "Initially I was very sad as I had promised my parents to do well in that match." Fakhar's role in that famous victory against India came in just his fourth ODI and made him a household name in Pakistan. But he said the recognition has not distracted him as he focuses on inspiring Pakistan's bid for a second World Cup win and first since 1992. "I was very lucky and ever since that century I have become famous," he said. "But with that fame comes responsibility and I have become more mature and now I realise the importance of playing my part. That will be my top priority in the World Cup." World Cup anchor Luck has been on the unassuming left-hander's side since he defied his father's advice not to play cricket in his native Mardan. Fakhar joined the Pakistan Navy but cricket remained his dream. He kept his hand in by playing for the navy team and crucially benefited from a stroke of good fortune to fulfil his wish of playing for the national side. Pakistan opener Sharjeel Khan was banned in a spot-fixing case during the second edition of the Pakistan Super League in 2017, just three months before the Champions Trophy. Fakhar's aggressive batting had impressed head coach Mickey Arthur and chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq. They instantly selected Fakhar as an attacking option and he has paid them back by averaging a stunning 51.31 in his 36 ODIs. "I saw a game changer in Fakhar," recalled Inzamam. "We had to find someone to replace Sharjeel and after watching Fakhar we thought 'here is our man'. "He lived up to that promise and we see him as an anchor in the World Cup." The 29-year-old, called "soldier" by his teammates for his navy connection, smashed Pakistan's first double century in a one-day match in Zimbabwe last year and knows what is required of him in his country's World Cup campaign. "My job is to score runs and I am doing that so I know that hard work will pay off," he said.

Fakhar Zaman: Pakistan's World Cup weapon

Pakistan's National Assembly has adopted a resolution to save minorities from forced conversions of religions. Watch this video to know more.

Pak National Assembly adopts resolution to save minorities from forced conversions

Three Pakistani nationals have been arrested from Nepal's Tribhuvan International Airport for carrying fake Indian currency with a face value of Rs 76.80 million, police said Monday.

The Pakistani nationals, Mohmad Akhtar, 49, Nadia Anwar, 39 and Nasiruddin, 67, were arrested from the airport on Saturday as they arrived in the country from Doha with the fake currency, they said.

Three Nepalese nationals, who reached the airport to pick up the fake currency, were also arrested.

The police have initiated a further investigation into the matter.

Three Pakistani nationals have been arrested from Nepal's Tribhuvan International Airport for carrying fake Indian currency with a face value of Rs 76.80 million, police said Monday.

Three Pakistani nationals have been arrested from Nepal's Tribhuvan International Airport for carrying fake Indian currency with a face value of Rs 76.80 million, police said Monday. The Pakistani nationals, Mohmad Akhtar, 49, Nadia Anwar, 39 and Nasiruddin, 67, were arrested from the airport on Saturday as they arrived in the country from Doha with the fake currency, they said. Three Nepalese nationals, who reached the airport to pick up the fake currency, were also arrested. The police have initiated a further investigation into the matter.

Nepal police arrest 3 Pakistani nationals with fake Indian currency

At least three persons were killed and 15 others, including five soldiers, injured as members from the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement, led by two MPs, allegedly attacked an army check post in Pakistan's restive North Waziristan region on Sunday.

MPs Ali Wazir and Mohsin Javed attacked the Kharqamar check post in North Waziristan tribal district.

Due to the firing of the group, five army soldiers got injured. In exchange of fire, three individuals who attacked the post lost their lives and 10 others got injured, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the Pakistani military's media wing, said.

The army said that they wanted to exert pressure for the release of suspected terrorists' facilitator who was recently arrested.

It said that the troops at the check post exercised maximum restraint in the face of provocation and direct firing on the post.

"All injured were taken to the army hospital for treatment. Ali Wazir along with 8 individuals have been arrested while Mohsin Javed is at large after inciting the crowd," the statement added.

The attackers apparently belonged to the PTM, which says it was working for the rights of local Pushtu-speaking people.

However, the army said that the group is supported by anti-Pakistan elements from across the border in Afghanistan.

Pakistani Army said that the group also allegedly received monetary support from Indian spy agencies.&nbsp;

At least three persons were killed and 15 others, including five soldiers, injured as members from the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement, led by two MPs, allegedly attacked an army check post in Pakistan's restive North Waziristan region on Sunday.

At least three persons were killed and 15 others, including five soldiers, injured as members from the Pashtun Tahafuz Movement, led by two MPs, allegedly attacked an army check post in Pakistan's restive North Waziristan region on Sunday. MPs Ali Wazir and Mohsin Javed attacked the Kharqamar check post in North Waziristan tribal district. Due to the firing of the group, five army soldiers got injured. In exchange of fire, three individuals who attacked the post lost their lives and 10 others got injured, Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the Pakistani military's media wing, said. The army said that they wanted to exert pressure for the release of suspected terrorists' facilitator who was recently arrested. It said that the troops at the check post exercised maximum restraint in the face of provocation and direct firing on the post. "All injured were taken to the army hospital for treatment. Ali Wazir along with 8 individuals have been arrested while Mohsin Javed is at large after inciting the crowd," the statement added. The attackers apparently belonged to the PTM, which says it was working for the rights of local Pushtu-speaking people. However, the army said that the group is supported by anti-Pakistan elements from across the border in Afghanistan. Pakistani Army said that the group also allegedly received monetary support from Indian spy agencies.

Pakistan MPs-led group attacks army check post; 3 killed, 15 injured

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan on Sunday called PM Narendra Modi to congratulate him on his re-election in the landslide victory last week during which the latter called for creating an "environment free of terrorism." &nbsp;

Government sources have told WION, the purpose of the telephone call by Imran Khan was to congratulate Modi but clarified no invitation was extended&nbsp;for the swearing in of the new government.&nbsp;

President Ram Nath Kovind will administer the oath of office and secrecy to the Prime Minister and other members of the Union Council of Ministers at 7 pm on May 30, at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

While thanking him for the call and greetings, PM Modi referred "to his earlier suggestion to the Prime Minister of Pakistan to fight poverty jointly."

But the focus was also on terror during the call that lasted for 3 minutes 12 seconds.&nbsp;

The Ministry of external affairs said PM Modi, "Stressed that creating trust and an environment free of violence and terrorism which is essential for fostering cooperation for peace, progress and prosperity in our region."

The Pakistani foreign office said, Imran Khan, "Expressed his desire for both countries to work together for the betterment of their peoples and looks forward to working with PM Modi for peace, progress and prosperity in South Asia."

This is the first conversation between the two leaders after the Pulwama terror attack on February 14 in which over 40 Indian security personnel died. Pakistan based and United Nations listed terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed took responsibility for the attack.

On the day of the results May 23, Imran Khan has tweeted congratulating PM Modi, "I congratulate Prime Minister Modi on the electoral victory of BJP and allies. Look forward to working with him for peace, progress and prosperity in South Asia."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
I congratulate Prime Minister Modi on the electoral victory of BJP and allies. Look forward to working with him for peace, progress and prosperity in South Asia
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/1131526476828893184?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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PM responded, tweeting, "Thank you PM @ImranKhanPTI. I warmly express my gratitude for your good wishes. I have always given primacy to peace and development in our region."

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Thank you PM <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ImranKhanPTI</a>. 
 
I warmly express my gratitude for your good wishes. I have always given primacy to peace and development in our region. <a href="https://t.co/b01EjbcEAw">https://t.co/b01EjbcEAw</a>
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi/status/1131605203789082629?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">May 23, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Modi had also called Imran Khan after his victory last year in which he expressed "hope that democracy will take deeper roots in Pakistan" and reiterated "his vision of peace and development in the entire neighbourhood", according to a MEA readout.

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan on Sunday called PM Narendra Modi to congratulate him on his re-election in the landslide victory last week during which the latter called for creating an "environment free of terrorism.

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan on Sunday called PM Narendra Modi to congratulate him on his re-election in the landslide victory last week during which the latter called for creating an "environment free of terrorism." Government sources have told WION, the purpose of the telephone call by Imran Khan was to congratulate Modi but clarified no invitation was extended for the swearing in of the new government. President Ram Nath Kovind will administer the oath of office and secrecy to the Prime Minister and other members of the Union Council of Ministers at 7 pm on May 30, at Rashtrapati Bhavan. While thanking him for the call and greetings, PM Modi referred "to his earlier suggestion to the Prime Minister of Pakistan to fight poverty jointly." But the focus was also on terror during the call that lasted for 3 minutes 12 seconds. The Ministry of external affairs said PM Modi, "Stressed that creating trust and an environment free of violence and terrorism which is essential for fostering cooperation for peace, progress and prosperity in our region." The Pakistani foreign office said, Imran Khan, "Expressed his desire for both countries to work together for the betterment of their peoples and looks forward to working with PM Modi for peace, progress and prosperity in South Asia." This is the first conversation between the two leaders after the Pulwama terror attack on February 14 in which over 40 Indian security personnel died. Pakistan based and United Nations listed terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed took responsibility for the attack. On the day of the results May 23, Imran Khan has tweeted congratulating PM Modi, "I congratulate Prime Minister Modi on the electoral victory of BJP and allies. Look forward to working with him for peace, progress and prosperity in South Asia." I congratulate Prime Minister Modi on the electoral victory of BJP and allies. Look forward to working with him for peace, progress and prosperity in South Asia — Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) May 23, 2019 × PM responded, tweeting, "Thank you PM @ImranKhanPTI. I warmly express my gratitude for your good wishes. I have always given primacy to peace and development in our region." Thank you PM @ImranKhanPTI. I warmly express my gratitude for your good wishes. I have always given primacy to peace and development in our region. https://t.co/b01EjbcEAw — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) May 23, 2019 × Modi had also called Imran Khan after his victory last year in which he expressed "hope that democracy will take deeper roots in Pakistan" and reiterated "his vision of peace and development in the entire neighbourhood", according to a MEA readout.

Create an 'environment free of terrorism', says Modi to Pakistan PM Imran Khan

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan speaks to Indian PM Narendra Modi to congratulate him.Watch this video to know more.

Pak PM Imran Khan calls PM Modi to congratulate him

Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan arrived in Islamabad Sunday on a three-day official visit to Pakistan during which he will hold talks with President Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Imran Khan on a host of bilateral issues including the smooth development of the $60 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Wang, 70, is a member of the ruling Communist Party of China's (CPC) powerful Politburo Standing Committee. He is also a member of China's Parliament, National People's Congress and the Central Foreign Affairs Commission, a key foreign affairs body of the CPC.

He was received at the airport by Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi and other high officials.

During the visit, Vice President Wang will call on President Alvi and have a separate meeting with Prime Minister Khan.

Pakistan and China will sign MoUs and agreements and inaugurate projects to enhance bilateral cooperation in a broad range of areas, state-run Radio Pakistan reported on Sunday.

His visit underscores the vitality of the time-tested and all-weather&nbsp;relationship between Pakistan and China. Wang's visit will reinforce the strength of bilateral ties and impart further impetus to the growing, multi-faceted cooperation between the two countries in diverse fields, it said.

The visit is in continuation of high-level exchanges between the two countries, which have acquired an increased momentum since Prime Minister Khan's visit to China in November last year and his participation in the 2nd Belt and Road Forum in Beijing in April this year.

Last week, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lu Kang in Beijing said that Vice President Wang's visit to Pakistan will further deepen high-level exchanges, friendship and mutual trust between the two countries.

He said the visit will also advance the development of China Pakistan Economic Corridor besides bilateral cooperation across the board.

Lu said China and Pakistan are all-weather strategic cooperative partners and iron friends, and firmly support each other on issues concerning each other's foreign interests.

He said Pakistan has been a priority on China's diplomacy and now both the countries have witnessed a sound momentum in their cooperation and frequent high-level exchanges.

Lu said both the countries are deepening the mutually beneficial cooperation and conducting close coordination in international and regional affairs.

The CPEC, which connects Gwadar Port in Pakistan's Balochistan with China's Xinjiang province, is the flagship project of BRI.

After visiting Pakistan, the Chinese leader will also visit Germany and Netherlands.&nbsp;

Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan arrived in Islamabad Sunday on a three-day official visit to Pakistan during which he will hold talks with President Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Imran Khan on a host of bilateral issues including the smooth development of the $60 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan arrived in Islamabad Sunday on a three-day official visit to Pakistan during which he will hold talks with President Arif Alvi and Prime Minister Imran Khan on a host of bilateral issues including the smooth development of the $60 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Wang, 70, is a member of the ruling Communist Party of China's (CPC) powerful Politburo Standing Committee. He is also a member of China's Parliament, National People's Congress and the Central Foreign Affairs Commission, a key foreign affairs body of the CPC. He was received at the airport by Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi and other high officials. During the visit, Vice President Wang will call on President Alvi and have a separate meeting with Prime Minister Khan. Pakistan and China will sign MoUs and agreements and inaugurate projects to enhance bilateral cooperation in a broad range of areas, state-run Radio Pakistan reported on Sunday. His visit underscores the vitality of the time-tested and all-weather relationship between Pakistan and China. Wang's visit will reinforce the strength of bilateral ties and impart further impetus to the growing, multi-faceted cooperation between the two countries in diverse fields, it said. The visit is in continuation of high-level exchanges between the two countries, which have acquired an increased momentum since Prime Minister Khan's visit to China in November last year and his participation in the 2nd Belt and Road Forum in Beijing in April this year. Last week, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Lu Kang in Beijing said that Vice President Wang's visit to Pakistan will further deepen high-level exchanges, friendship and mutual trust between the two countries. He said the visit will also advance the development of China Pakistan Economic Corridor besides bilateral cooperation across the board. Lu said China and Pakistan are all-weather strategic cooperative partners and iron friends, and firmly support each other on issues concerning each other's foreign interests. He said Pakistan has been a priority on China's diplomacy and now both the countries have witnessed a sound momentum in their cooperation and frequent high-level exchanges. Lu said both the countries are deepening the mutually beneficial cooperation and conducting close coordination in international and regional affairs. The CPEC, which connects Gwadar Port in Pakistan's Balochistan with China's Xinjiang province, is the flagship project of BRI. After visiting Pakistan, the Chinese leader will also visit Germany and Netherlands.

Chinese Vice President Wang Qishan arrives in Pakistan on three-day official visit

Pakistan said on Sunday over 600 people, most of them children, had tested <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/panic-spreads-in-southern-pakistan-after-400-test-hiv-positive-219292">HIV positive in a village in southern Sindh province</a>.

Concern grew after hundreds of people were allegedly infected by a doctor using a contaminated syringe in Rato Dero and surrounding villages of Larkana district.&nbsp;

"Some 681 people, of which 537 were children from 2-12 years of age, had been tested positive for HIV until yesterday in Rato Dero village," special health advisor Zafar Mirza told a press conference in Islamabad.

He said 21,375 people had been screened in Rato Dero, adding "the increase in the number of patients being tested positive for HIV is a matter of grave concern for the government".

Mirza said the "use of unsafe syringes might be one of the causes for the spread of the disease but the government is making all-out efforts to ascertain the exact cause".

"Prime Minister Imran Khan is going to unveil drastic measures to prevent the disease once we get ascertain the cause of the spread of disease".

Parents in the area fear their children's futures have been irreparably harmed after contracting HIV, especially in a country whose masses of rural poor have little understanding of the disease or access to treatment.

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.&nbsp;

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's surging population also suffers the additional burden of having insufficient access to quality healthcare following decades of under-investment b

Pakistan said on Sunday over 600 people, most of them children, had tested HIV positive in a village in southern Sindh province. Concern grew after hundreds of people were allegedly infected by a doctor using a contaminated syringe in Rato Dero and surrounding villages of Larkana district.

Pakistan said on Sunday over 600 people, most of them children, had tested HIV positive in a village in southern Sindh province. Concern grew after hundreds of people were allegedly infected by a doctor using a contaminated syringe in Rato Dero and surrounding villages of Larkana district. "Some 681 people, of which 537 were children from 2-12 years of age, had been tested positive for HIV until yesterday in Rato Dero village," special health advisor Zafar Mirza told a press conference in Islamabad. He said 21,375 people had been screened in Rato Dero, adding "the increase in the number of patients being tested positive for HIV is a matter of grave concern for the government". Mirza said the "use of unsafe syringes might be one of the causes for the spread of the disease but the government is making all-out efforts to ascertain the exact cause". "Prime Minister Imran Khan is going to unveil drastic measures to prevent the disease once we get ascertain the cause of the spread of disease". Parents in the area fear their children's futures have been irreparably harmed after contracting HIV, especially in a country whose masses of rural poor have little understanding of the disease or access to treatment. 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's surging population also suffers the additional burden of having insufficient access to quality healthcare following decades of under-investment b

Over 600 people test HIV positive in Pakistan village

A Pakistani religious teacher who spent six months with "American Taliban" John Walker Lindh has hailed his release, describing him as a "good person" who became upset over the situation in Afghanistan, Kashmir and Palestine.

Lindh symbolised betrayal for the US when he was captured, bearded and dishevelled while fighting for the Taliban in the Afghan city of Mazar-i-Sharif in 2001.

His release from prison on Thursday -- three years before the end of his 20-year sentence -- has reawakened memories of the September 11 attacks and underscored the tragedy of the US invasion of Afghanistan, where civilians are paying a deadly price as the war grinds on.

President Donald Trump said he was upset about the release, but government lawyers had told him there was no legal way to keep him in prison.

"We'll be watching him and watching him closely," Trump told reporters.

But Mohammad Iltimas, who taught Lindh for six months at a Muslim school near the Afghan border in Pakistan's northwest, said he was happy to hear of the decision to release him.

"He was such a pure person, such a positive-thinking man," Iltimas told AFP.

Iltimas said Lindh came to his school -- the Madrassa Arabia Hussania, outside the city of Bannu -- in December 2000, and stayed until May or April of the next year.&nbsp;

"He wanted to memorise the Koran," he said, describing how Lindh could often be seen listening to Koranic verses on a tape recorder or learning Pashto.

"He was such a good student, pious and focused on his studies, I never saw him sitting idle. He was not interested in sports. He was such a serious and committed person to his cause."

Lindh was "upset over the situation in Afghanistan, Kashmir and Palestine", said Iltimas.&nbsp;

At the time, the Taliban regime which controlled most of Afghanistan was engaged in a bloody fight with the rebellious Northern Alliance.

Soon the madrassa student enlisted in the Taliban's ranks.

After the United States intervened in Afghanistan following the September 11, 2001 attacks, Lindh was one of the hundreds of Taliban fighters captured by Northern Alliance forces on November 25.

He revealed his American identity to two CIA officers in the city of Mazar-i-Sharif.&nbsp;

One of them, Johnny Micheal Spann, was killed in a prisoner revolt hours after he interrogated Lindh, making him the first American killed in the post-9/11 conflict in Afghanistan.

'Too brave or too stupid'

Mazar residents who remembered Lindh described to AFP their shock on hearing that an American had been captured fighting for the Islamist militants.

"People were asking how is that possible," recalled 40-year-old resident Khayber Ibrahimi.

"I think he must have been too brave or too stupid to have gone with the Taliban," he told AFP.

In July 2002 plea deal, Lindh admitted charges of illegally aiding the Taliban and carrying weapons and explosives.

By most accounts, he clung firmly to his faith throughout his imprisonment.

An internal 2017 report from the US National Counterterrorism Center, obtained by the Foreign Policy website, said that Lindh "continued to advocate for global jihad and to write and translate violent extremist texts".

The claim was not supported by public evidence.&nbsp;

Iltimas told AFP that Lindh had written him from prison, although AFP was unable to immediately verify the claim.&nbsp;

When Lindh left for Afghanistan, Iltimas said, he left some of his possessions behind at the madrassa, claiming he would return.

"I still have that stuff -- his briefcase, books, shoes, clothes, notebooks," Iltimas told AFP.

"People at the time used to ask me if I had changed him into a jihadi," he said.

"I always replied to them that I turned him to education, and changed him as a scholar."

Now 38, Lindh will settle in Virginia under strict probation terms that limit his ability to go online or contact any other Islamists.

In Afghanistan, where he was captured, the Taliban are once again resurgent, Afghan civilians desperate for peace, and the US eager to escape what has become the longest war in its history.

A Pakistani religious teacher who spent six months with "American Taliban" John Walker Lindh has hailed his release, describing him as a "good person" who became upset over the situation in Afghanistan, Kashmir and Palestine.

A Pakistani religious teacher who spent six months with "American Taliban" John Walker Lindh has hailed his release, describing him as a "good person" who became upset over the situation in Afghanistan, Kashmir and Palestine. Lindh symbolised betrayal for the US when he was captured, bearded and dishevelled while fighting for the Taliban in the Afghan city of Mazar-i-Sharif in 2001. His release from prison on Thursday -- three years before the end of his 20-year sentence -- has reawakened memories of the September 11 attacks and underscored the tragedy of the US invasion of Afghanistan, where civilians are paying a deadly price as the war grinds on. President Donald Trump said he was upset about the release, but government lawyers had told him there was no legal way to keep him in prison. "We'll be watching him and watching him closely," Trump told reporters. But Mohammad Iltimas, who taught Lindh for six months at a Muslim school near the Afghan border in Pakistan's northwest, said he was happy to hear of the decision to release him. "He was such a pure person, such a positive-thinking man," Iltimas told AFP. Iltimas said Lindh came to his school -- the Madrassa Arabia Hussania, outside the city of Bannu -- in December 2000, and stayed until May or April of the next year. "He wanted to memorise the Koran," he said, describing how Lindh could often be seen listening to Koranic verses on a tape recorder or learning Pashto. "He was such a good student, pious and focused on his studies, I never saw him sitting idle. He was not interested in sports. He was such a serious and committed person to his cause." Lindh was "upset over the situation in Afghanistan, Kashmir and Palestine", said Iltimas. At the time, the Taliban regime which controlled most of Afghanistan was engaged in a bloody fight with the rebellious Northern Alliance. Soon the madrassa student enlisted in the Taliban's ranks. After the United States intervened in Afghanistan following the September 11, 2001 attacks, Lindh was one of the hundreds of Taliban fighters captured by Northern Alliance forces on November 25. He revealed his American identity to two CIA officers in the city of Mazar-i-Sharif. One of them, Johnny Micheal Spann, was killed in a prisoner revolt hours after he interrogated Lindh, making him the first American killed in the post-9/11 conflict in Afghanistan. 'Too brave or too stupid' Mazar residents who remembered Lindh described to AFP their shock on hearing that an American had been captured fighting for the Islamist militants. "People were asking how is that possible," recalled 40-year-old resident Khayber Ibrahimi. "I think he must have been too brave or too stupid to have gone with the Taliban," he told AFP. In July 2002 plea deal, Lindh admitted charges of illegally aiding the Taliban and carrying weapons and explosives. By most accounts, he clung firmly to his faith throughout his imprisonment. An internal 2017 report from the US National Counterterrorism Center, obtained by the Foreign Policy website, said that Lindh "continued to advocate for global jihad and to write and translate violent extremist texts". The claim was not supported by public evidence. Iltimas told AFP that Lindh had written him from prison, although AFP was unable to immediately verify the claim. When Lindh left for Afghanistan, Iltimas said, he left some of his possessions behind at the madrassa, claiming he would return. "I still have that stuff -- his briefcase, books, shoes, clothes, notebooks," Iltimas told AFP. "People at the time used to ask me if I had changed him into a jihadi," he said. "I always replied to them that I turned him to education, and changed him as a scholar." Now 38, Lindh will settle in Virginia under strict probation terms that limit his ability to go online or contact any other Islamists. In Afghanistan, where he was captured, the Taliban are once again resurgent, Afghan civilians desperate for peace, and the US eager to escape what has become the longest war in its history.

Pakistani who taught 'American Taliban' hails his release

Six militants have been arrested for allegedly collecting funds for terror outfits Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ) in Punjab province, as Pakistani security forces have launched a crackdown on terror financing after mounting pressure from the global community.

The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) of Punjab government arrested the six members of the proscribed organisations from various parts of the province for collecting funds for financing terrorism, CTD spokesman said in a statement.

The CTD said those arrested were collecting funds for terror financing for their proscribed organisations - JeM and LeJ. No member of any proscribed organisation wil allowed to collect funds for financing terrorism and extremism under the law of land,? the CTD said in a statement.

Cases have been registered against the suspects under anti-terrorism law for committing offences of terrorism financing.

Muhammad Zahid and Irfan Ahmad of JeM were arrested from Gujranwala, and Zafar Iqbal of JeM from Rawalpindi. Similarly, Muhammad Hanzala and Hamza of LeJ were arrested from Lahore while Ijaz Ahmad of the same banned organisation from Multan.&nbsp;

Paris-based international terror financing watchdog FATF in June last year placed Pakistan onto its watch list in a bid to push the country to halt support for militant groups.

In February, the FATF decided to continue the 'Grey' listing of Pakistan for its failure to stop funding of terrorist groups such as the JeM, the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and the JuD.

The Pakistan government have arrested over 100 members of banned outfits including JeM chief Masood Azhar's son and brother and also taken control of JeM, JuD and FIF's properties including seminaries and mosques across the country.

The crackdown came amid tensions with India following a suicide attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on February 14 by the JeM that killed 40 CRPF soldiers.

The Pakistan government has termed the action in accordance with the National Action Plan and meeting the obligations of the FATF.

Six militants have been arrested for allegedly collecting funds for terror outfits Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ) in Punjab province, as Pakistani security forces have launched a crackdown on terror financing after mounting pressure from the global community.

Six militants have been arrested for allegedly collecting funds for terror outfits Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) and Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ) in Punjab province, as Pakistani security forces have launched a crackdown on terror financing after mounting pressure from the global community. The Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) of Punjab government arrested the six members of the proscribed organisations from various parts of the province for collecting funds for financing terrorism, CTD spokesman said in a statement. The CTD said those arrested were collecting funds for terror financing for their proscribed organisations - JeM and LeJ. No member of any proscribed organisation wil allowed to collect funds for financing terrorism and extremism under the law of land,? the CTD said in a statement. Cases have been registered against the suspects under anti-terrorism law for committing offences of terrorism financing. Muhammad Zahid and Irfan Ahmad of JeM were arrested from Gujranwala, and Zafar Iqbal of JeM from Rawalpindi. Similarly, Muhammad Hanzala and Hamza of LeJ were arrested from Lahore while Ijaz Ahmad of the same banned organisation from Multan. Paris-based international terror financing watchdog FATF in June last year placed Pakistan onto its watch list in a bid to push the country to halt support for militant groups. In February, the FATF decided to continue the 'Grey' listing of Pakistan for its failure to stop funding of terrorist groups such as the JeM, the Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) and the JuD. The Pakistan government have arrested over 100 members of banned outfits including JeM chief Masood Azhar's son and brother and also taken control of JeM, JuD and FIF's properties including seminaries and mosques across the country. The crackdown came amid tensions with India following a suicide attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on February 14 by the JeM that killed 40 CRPF soldiers. The Pakistan government has termed the action in accordance with the National Action Plan and meeting the obligations of the FATF.

Pakistan arrests six for collecting funds for Jaish-e-Mohammed and Lashkar-e-Jhangvi

Elections in India has been summed up now, PM Modi led BJP+ gets massive mandate and surely done a serious damage to opposition. People choose 'chowkidaar'over 'Naamdaar' again for the next 5 years, but have a look on how Pakistani Media covered PM Modi's win.

Lok Sabha Elections 2019: How Pakistani Newspapers covered Modi's Victory

British Airways will resume flights to Pakistan next week a decade after it suspended operations following a major hotel bombing, becoming the first Western airline to restart flights to the South Asian country.

BA halted service to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-says-it-wants-peace-with-india-conducts-missile-test-221031">Pakistan </a>in the wake of the 2008 Marriott Hotel bombing in the capital Islamabad that took place during a period of devastating Islamist militant violence in Pakistan.

Security has since improved, with militant attacks sharply down in the mainly Muslim country of 208 million people, reviving Pakistan as a destination for tourists and investors.

"The final touches are coming together for the airline's return ahead of the first flight on Sunday, June 2," British Airways said in a statement. It will launch a three-per-week service to London Heathrow, it said.

"We're on board," Pakistani Civil Aviation spokeswoman Farah Hussain said about the flights' resumption.

BA, which is owned by Spanish-registered IAG, will begin the London Heathrow-Islamabad service with the airline's newest long-haul aircraft, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

At present, only loss-making national carrier Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flies directly from Pakistan to Britain, but its ageing fleet of planes is a frequent source of complaints by passengers.

Middle Eastern carriers Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways and Emirates have a strong presence in Pakistan and have been eating into PIA's dwindling market share. Turkish Airlines also lays on a regular service to Pakistan.

Islamabad has been running international advertising campaigns to rejuvenate its tourism sector, which was wiped out by Islamist violence that destabilised the country following the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks in the United States and the US-led war in Afghanistan.

"We hope customers in both the UK and Pakistan will enjoy the classically British service we offer, with thoughtful bespoke touches," Andrew Brem, Chief Commercial Officer at British Airways, said in BA's statement.

BA said there will be a halal meal option in every cabin and the airline would also ensure sauces in every meal do not contain alcohol or pork.

British Airways will resume flights to Pakistan next week a decade after it suspended operations following a major hotel bombing, becoming the first Western airline to restart flights to the South Asian country.

British Airways will resume flights to Pakistan next week a decade after it suspended operations following a major hotel bombing, becoming the first Western airline to restart flights to the South Asian country. BA halted service to Pakistan in the wake of the 2008 Marriott Hotel bombing in the capital Islamabad that took place during a period of devastating Islamist militant violence in Pakistan. Security has since improved, with militant attacks sharply down in the mainly Muslim country of 208 million people, reviving Pakistan as a destination for tourists and investors. "The final touches are coming together for the airline's return ahead of the first flight on Sunday, June 2," British Airways said in a statement. It will launch a three-per-week service to London Heathrow, it said. "We're on board," Pakistani Civil Aviation spokeswoman Farah Hussain said about the flights' resumption. BA, which is owned by Spanish-registered IAG, will begin the London Heathrow-Islamabad service with the airline's newest long-haul aircraft, the Boeing 787 Dreamliner. At present, only loss-making national carrier Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) flies directly from Pakistan to Britain, but its ageing fleet of planes is a frequent source of complaints by passengers. Middle Eastern carriers Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways and Emirates have a strong presence in Pakistan and have been eating into PIA's dwindling market share. Turkish Airlines also lays on a regular service to Pakistan. Islamabad has been running international advertising campaigns to rejuvenate its tourism sector, which was wiped out by Islamist violence that destabilised the country following the Sept. 11, 2001 attacks in the United States and the US-led war in Afghanistan. "We hope customers in both the UK and Pakistan will enjoy the classically British service we offer, with thoughtful bespoke touches," Andrew Brem, Chief Commercial Officer at British Airways, said in BA's statement. BA said there will be a halal meal option in every cabin and the airline would also ensure sauces in every meal do not contain alcohol or pork.

British Airways to resume Pakistan flights next week after a decade

Cash-strapped Pakistan will start getting the much-anticipated Saudi Arabian oil on deferred payments from July, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-pm-khan-chairs-national-security-committee-meeting-220673">Prime Minister Imran Khan's</a> Advisor on Finance has said.

Last year, Saudi Arabia agreed to provide a bailout package of $6 billion to help resuscitate Pakistan's worsening economy.&nbsp;

In October last year, the Kingdom had also agreed to establish a credit line worth $3 billion for the sale of petroleum products on credit for three years to Islamabad and to give $3 billion in Pakistan's foreign currency reserves for a year.

In a tweet, late Wednesday, Prime Minister's Advisor on Finance Abdul Hafeez Shaikh said Saudi Arabia will supply oil worth $3.2 billion per year on deferred payments for three years.&nbsp;

"The Kingdom will supply $275 million oil to Pakistan on monthly basis from July," Shaikh was quoted as saying by Radio Pakistan.&nbsp;

He said that the facility will "strengthen Pakistan's balance of payments position", and thanked Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for "his continuous support for the people of Pakistan".

Reacting to Riyadh's move, Minister for Planning, Development and Reforms Khusro Bakhtiar welcome the news, saying the facility the deferred payment facility "will reduce the pressure (created by the) outflow of foreign exchange".&nbsp;

Facing financial woes, Pakistan is seeking $8 billion from the IMF to bail itself out from a severe balance-of-payments crisis that threatens to cripple the country's economy.

Pakistan has so far received a total of $9.1 billion in financial aid packages from friendly countries like China, Saudi Arabia and the UAE during the current fiscal year.

Cash-strapped Pakistan will start getting the much-anticipated Saudi Arabian oil on deferred payments from July, Prime Minister Imran Khan's Advisor on Finance has said.

Cash-strapped Pakistan will start getting the much-anticipated Saudi Arabian oil on deferred payments from July, Prime Minister Imran Khan's Advisor on Finance has said. Last year, Saudi Arabia agreed to provide a bailout package of $6 billion to help resuscitate Pakistan's worsening economy. In October last year, the Kingdom had also agreed to establish a credit line worth $3 billion for the sale of petroleum products on credit for three years to Islamabad and to give $3 billion in Pakistan's foreign currency reserves for a year. In a tweet, late Wednesday, Prime Minister's Advisor on Finance Abdul Hafeez Shaikh said Saudi Arabia will supply oil worth $3.2 billion per year on deferred payments for three years. "The Kingdom will supply $275 million oil to Pakistan on monthly basis from July," Shaikh was quoted as saying by Radio Pakistan. He said that the facility will "strengthen Pakistan's balance of payments position", and thanked Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for "his continuous support for the people of Pakistan". Reacting to Riyadh's move, Minister for Planning, Development and Reforms Khusro Bakhtiar welcome the news, saying the facility the deferred payment facility "will reduce the pressure (created by the) outflow of foreign exchange". Facing financial woes, Pakistan is seeking $8 billion from the IMF to bail itself out from a severe balance-of-payments crisis that threatens to cripple the country's economy. Pakistan has so far received a total of $9.1 billion in financial aid packages from friendly countries like China, Saudi Arabia and the UAE during the current fiscal year.

Pakistan to get Saudi oil for 3 years on deferred payments from July

Get set, count! EC has begun with the process that would ultimately decide which party and alliance could form the next government in the country. Pak PM Imran Khan congratulates PM Modi

Lok Sabha Election 2019: Pak PM Imran Khan congratulates PM Modi

Pakistan has signaled a willingness to open peace talks with India as<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/in-his-second-term-as-prime-minister-narendra-modi-must-build-the-partys-bench-strength-220744"> Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> appears set to return to power in New Delhi after an election fought in the shadow of renewed confrontation between the nuclear-armed enemies.

But in a possible warning to India, Pakistan also announced that it has conducted a training launch of a Shaheen II, surface-to-surface ballistic missile, which it said is capable of delivering conventional and nuclear weapons at a range of up to 1,500 miles.

"Shaheen II is a highly capable missile which fully meets Pakistan`s strategic needs towards maintenance of deterrence stability in the region," Pakistan`s military said in a statement that made no direct mention of its neighbour.

On Wednesday, Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mehmud Qureshi spoke briefly with his Indian counterpart at the sidelines of a meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization member states in the Kyrgyz capital, Bishkek.

"We never speak bitterly, we want to live like good neighbours and settle our outstanding issues through talks," he said following the meeting.

The remark follows months of tension between the long-time rivals, which came close to war in February over the disputed region of Kashmir, which both sides have claimed since independence from Britain in 1947.

Following a suicide attack in Kashmir that killed 40 members of an Indian paramilitary police force in February, Indian jets launched a raid inside Pakistan, striking what New Delhi said was a training camp of Jaish-e Mohammed, the radical group that claimed the Kashmir attack.

In response, Pakistan conducted a retaliatory strike of its own and jets from the two countries fought a dogfight in the skies over Kashmir during which an Indian pilot was shot down and captured.

Amid international pressure to end the conflict, Pakistan returned the pilot and there were no further strikes but tensions remained high, with regular exchanges of artillery fire from both sides in Kashmir.

Pakistan has also kept part of its airspace closed to international air traffic, disrupting flights to India and other parts of the region.

Prime Minister Imran Khan has repeatedly offered to start talks with India to resolve the Kashmir issue, and officials have said that they hoped the process could start once the election is concluded.

Khan himself said last month he believed there was more prospect of peace talks with Indian if Modi`s Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won the election.

Pakistan has signaled a willingness to open peace talks with India as Prime Minister Narendra Modi appears set to return to power in New Delhi after an election fought in the shadow of renewed confrontation between the nuclear-armed enemies.

Pakistan has signaled a willingness to open peace talks with India as Prime Minister Narendra Modi appears set to return to power in New Delhi after an election fought in the shadow of renewed confrontation between the nuclear-armed enemies. But in a possible warning to India, Pakistan also announced that it has conducted a training launch of a Shaheen II, surface-to-surface ballistic missile, which it said is capable of delivering conventional and nuclear weapons at a range of up to 1,500 miles. "Shaheen II is a highly capable missile which fully meets Pakistan`s strategic needs towards maintenance of deterrence stability in the region," Pakistan`s military said in a statement that made no direct mention of its neighbour. On Wednesday, Pakistani Foreign Minister Shah Mehmud Qureshi spoke briefly with his Indian counterpart at the sidelines of a meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization member states in the Kyrgyz capital, Bishkek. "We never speak bitterly, we want to live like good neighbours and settle our outstanding issues through talks," he said following the meeting. The remark follows months of tension between the long-time rivals, which came close to war in February over the disputed region of Kashmir, which both sides have claimed since independence from Britain in 1947. Following a suicide attack in Kashmir that killed 40 members of an Indian paramilitary police force in February, Indian jets launched a raid inside Pakistan, striking what New Delhi said was a training camp of Jaish-e Mohammed, the radical group that claimed the Kashmir attack. In response, Pakistan conducted a retaliatory strike of its own and jets from the two countries fought a dogfight in the skies over Kashmir during which an Indian pilot was shot down and captured. Amid international pressure to end the conflict, Pakistan returned the pilot and there were no further strikes but tensions remained high, with regular exchanges of artillery fire from both sides in Kashmir. Pakistan has also kept part of its airspace closed to international air traffic, disrupting flights to India and other parts of the region. Prime Minister Imran Khan has repeatedly offered to start talks with India to resolve the Kashmir issue, and officials have said that they hoped the process could start once the election is concluded. Khan himself said last month he believed there was more prospect of peace talks with Indian if Modi`s Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) won the election.

Pakistan says it wants peace with India, conducts missile test

Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj Is Attending The SCO Meeting. India Is Likely To Raise The Issue Of Cross-Border Terrorism At The Meeting.

Gravitas: Strategic Autonomy: The New Template Of India's Foreign Policy

Meanwhile, even as India’s messaging remains the same terror and talks cannot go together, all eyes would on the summit level meeting.

SCO Meet: No Indo-Pak meeting on the cards

In a major boost for the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), China has delivered the first overhauled multi-role JF-17 fighter jet to Islamabad as part of a project undertaken by the two countries over a decade ago for the development and manufacture of the aircraft.

China and Pakistan had begun joint development and manufacture of the single-engine light JF-17 jets over a decade ago. Beijing delivered the first batch in 2007 and a number of them were later commissioned by the PAF, state-run Global Times reported on Wednesday.

After a decade of use, it was time for the first JF-17s to undergo overhauls, the report quoted military analysts as saying, adding that the first overhaul started in November 2017 after a contract was signed between the two sides in 2016.&nbsp;

Changsha 5712 Aircraft Industry Co Ltd under the state-owned Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) reassembled the jet and delivered it to its Pakistani client in March, the daily quoted a report by China Aviation News.&nbsp;

This is also the first time AVIC has overhauled a made-for-export third generation fighter, or fourth generation according to another widely used standard, the report said.

"The first [JF-17] overhaul marks an important milestone [in the JF-17 project]," Fu Qianshao, a Chinese air defence expert, said.

It represents the trial-and-error phase of the project and provided experience in establishing standards for other JF-17 overhauls in future, Qianshao said.

The overhaul of the fighter jet includes major maintenance, featuring repairs and replacement of old components, including the airframe and engine.

Also, a Block 3 variant of the JF-17 is under development. It is expected to be much more powerful than the previous two blocks due to new China-developed active electronically scanned array radar, the report said.

Though China has made significant strides in avionics and developed new range of war planes including stealth fighters, it is yet to develop engines for its planes, including JF-17 and mostly rely on Russian supplies.

Qianshao said that while standard, regular maintenance could be done by the military, an overhaul usually needs to be conducted by a designated and more capable supplier due to higher complexity.

Such an overhaul can ensure flight safety after years of use. It might also equip the aircraft with newer technologies that enhance its capability, or prolong the aircraft's lifespan, he said.

Pakistan sent dozens of trainees to China, who had close communication and built deep friendships with Chinese engineers during the overhaul process. 
Qianshao said since procedures and standards for the overhaul have been established, future overhauls on other JF-17s could be done by Pakistani personnel.

"Under the framework of China-Pakistan cooperation, Pakistan's aviation industry will continue to develop," he noted.

JF-17 has become a mainstay of the PAF in recent years after US restricted sales of F-16 war planes after the 1990 arms embargo imposed on Pakistan under the Pressler amendment. It is reported to have over 100 JF-17 planes with more in the pipeline.&nbsp;

JF17 is part of close defence cooperation between the two countries under which China has become a major supplier of arms to Pakistan. China is currently building four new modern naval warships for Pakistan.&nbsp;

In a major boost for the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), China has delivered the first overhauled multi-role JF-17 fighter jet to Islamabad as part of a project undertaken by the two countries over a decade ago for the development and manufacture of the aircraft.

In a major boost for the Pakistan Air Force (PAF), China has delivered the first overhauled multi-role JF-17 fighter jet to Islamabad as part of a project undertaken by the two countries over a decade ago for the development and manufacture of the aircraft. China and Pakistan had begun joint development and manufacture of the single-engine light JF-17 jets over a decade ago. Beijing delivered the first batch in 2007 and a number of them were later commissioned by the PAF, state-run Global Times reported on Wednesday. After a decade of use, it was time for the first JF-17s to undergo overhauls, the report quoted military analysts as saying, adding that the first overhaul started in November 2017 after a contract was signed between the two sides in 2016. Changsha 5712 Aircraft Industry Co Ltd under the state-owned Aviation Industry Corporation of China (AVIC) reassembled the jet and delivered it to its Pakistani client in March, the daily quoted a report by China Aviation News. This is also the first time AVIC has overhauled a made-for-export third generation fighter, or fourth generation according to another widely used standard, the report said. "The first [JF-17] overhaul marks an important milestone [in the JF-17 project]," Fu Qianshao, a Chinese air defence expert, said. It represents the trial-and-error phase of the project and provided experience in establishing standards for other JF-17 overhauls in future, Qianshao said. The overhaul of the fighter jet includes major maintenance, featuring repairs and replacement of old components, including the airframe and engine. Also, a Block 3 variant of the JF-17 is under development. It is expected to be much more powerful than the previous two blocks due to new China-developed active electronically scanned array radar, the report said. Though China has made significant strides in avionics and developed new range of war planes including stealth fighters, it is yet to develop engines for its planes, including JF-17 and mostly rely on Russian supplies. Qianshao said that while standard, regular maintenance could be done by the military, an overhaul usually needs to be conducted by a designated and more capable supplier due to higher complexity. Such an overhaul can ensure flight safety after years of use. It might also equip the aircraft with newer technologies that enhance its capability, or prolong the aircraft's lifespan, he said. Pakistan sent dozens of trainees to China, who had close communication and built deep friendships with Chinese engineers during the overhaul process. Qianshao said since procedures and standards for the overhaul have been established, future overhauls on other JF-17s could be done by Pakistani personnel. "Under the framework of China-Pakistan cooperation, Pakistan's aviation industry will continue to develop," he noted. JF-17 has become a mainstay of the PAF in recent years after US restricted sales of F-16 war planes after the 1990 arms embargo imposed on Pakistan under the Pressler amendment. It is reported to have over 100 JF-17 planes with more in the pipeline. JF17 is part of close defence cooperation between the two countries under which China has become a major supplier of arms to Pakistan. China is currently building four new modern naval warships for Pakistan.

China delivers first overhauled JF-17 fighter jet to Pakistan

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan Wednesday chaired a meeting of the high-powered National Security Committee and discussed the "geo-strategic environment" and the "recent developments" in the region, a day before the outcome of the general elections in India is known.

The meeting was attended by senior federal ministers, the three services chiefs, including Pakistan Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa, media reports said.

"The forum discussed geo-strategic environment with special reference to recent developments in the region," The Express Tribune quoted an official statement as saying.&nbsp;

The meeting reiterated that Pakistan will continue all its efforts towards regional peace and stability. It discussed and fully supported ongoing efforts towards a sustainable and lasting resolution of Pakistan's economic woes.

On the internal security, the committee reviewed the progress of the National Action Plan (NAP) against terrorism and extremism, sources told newspaper. The participants discussed recent measures to further tighten noose around the proscribed organisation, they added.

The current situation in Afghanistan particularly the ongoing effort seeking a political solution was also on the agenda. Other issues include the current state of Pakistan-India ties and rising tensions in the Persian Gulf region were also part of the discussions, the report said.

On Wednesday, Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said that Islamabad has delivered a "message of peace" by opening the Kartarpur Corridor for Sikh pilgrims from India.

Addressing the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Council of Foreign Ministers' meeting in Bishkek, the Kyrgyz capital, also attended by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, Qureshi said, "enduring peace and prosperity in South Asia will remain elusive without good-faith diplomacy and result-oriented dialogue," he said in his address.

"Pakistan has given the message of peace by opening the Kartarpur Corridor for the Sikh community," Qureshi said.

The Pakistani foreign minister has said that Islamabad is ready to restart talks with the new government in India after the election outcome is known on May 23. India has told Pakistan that talks and terrorism cannot go hand-in-hand.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan Wednesday chaired a meeting of the high-powered National Security Committee and discussed the "geo-strategic environment" and the "recent developments" in the region, a day before the outcome of the general elections in India is known.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan Wednesday chaired a meeting of the high-powered National Security Committee and discussed the "geo-strategic environment" and the "recent developments" in the region, a day before the outcome of the general elections in India is known. The meeting was attended by senior federal ministers, the three services chiefs, including Pakistan Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa, media reports said. "The forum discussed geo-strategic environment with special reference to recent developments in the region," The Express Tribune quoted an official statement as saying. The meeting reiterated that Pakistan will continue all its efforts towards regional peace and stability. It discussed and fully supported ongoing efforts towards a sustainable and lasting resolution of Pakistan's economic woes. On the internal security, the committee reviewed the progress of the National Action Plan (NAP) against terrorism and extremism, sources told newspaper. The participants discussed recent measures to further tighten noose around the proscribed organisation, they added. The current situation in Afghanistan particularly the ongoing effort seeking a political solution was also on the agenda. Other issues include the current state of Pakistan-India ties and rising tensions in the Persian Gulf region were also part of the discussions, the report said. On Wednesday, Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said that Islamabad has delivered a "message of peace" by opening the Kartarpur Corridor for Sikh pilgrims from India. Addressing the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Council of Foreign Ministers' meeting in Bishkek, the Kyrgyz capital, also attended by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, Qureshi said, "enduring peace and prosperity in South Asia will remain elusive without good-faith diplomacy and result-oriented dialogue," he said in his address. "Pakistan has given the message of peace by opening the Kartarpur Corridor for the Sikh community," Qureshi said. The Pakistani foreign minister has said that Islamabad is ready to restart talks with the new government in India after the election outcome is known on May 23. India has told Pakistan that talks and terrorism cannot go hand-in-hand.

Pakistan PM Khan chairs National Security Committee meeting

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Wednesday met her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on the sidelines of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-general-elections-2019/india-speaks-out-against-terror-at-sco-fms-meet-in-kyrgyzstan-220584">Shanghai Cooperation Organisation </a>meeting in Kyrgyzstan.

The two leaders discussed issues of bilateral interest, including the implementation of understanding reached during last year's Wuhan Summit.

The meeting came a month after India skipped the OBOR in China last month. The two South Asian countries, meanwhile, continue to build on their ties post the battle over Masood Azhar at the UNSC.&nbsp;

"Continuing the momentum of high-level exchanges. EAM @SushmaSwaraj met Foreign Minister of China Wang Yi on the sidelines of #SCO Foreign Minister's Meeting in Bishkek. Discussed issues of bilateral interest, including the implementation of understanding reached during Wuhan Summit," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said.&nbsp;

Swaraj who arrived here on Tuesday to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Council (SCO) of Foreign Ministers in the Kyrgyz capital, also had a brief encounter with Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi.

Earlier today as the delegates of member nations met, Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi and Indian Foreign Minister Swaraj were seen standing next to each other.

This was the first time that top government functionaries of both countries came face to face post the Pulwama attacks.

It was also the first time since that strike that Swaraj and her Pakistani counterpart Qureshi were seen under the same roof.

Tensions escalated between the two countries after the Pulwama attack that killed 40 CRPF men. It was followed by the Indian Air Force striking Jaish-e-Mohammed terror launchpads deep inside Pakstan.

India raised the issue of Pulwama and the recent attacks in Sri Lanka.

Swaraj said that India is open to strengthening the Regional Anti-Terror Structure or RATS of SCO to fight terrorism and security challenges in the region.

The meeting comes at a time when Pakistan is seeking talks with Delhi and is keen to push the restart button with India.

India maintains that talks and terror can't go hand in hand.

India will also raise the issue of region-specific terror, weeks after it successfully ensured a global blacklisting of Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar at the UNSC.

India through its successful issue-based negotiations has made Pakistan-based cross-border terror a central theme on international platforms.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Wednesday met her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on the sidelines of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation meeting in Kyrgyzstan.

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Wednesday met her Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on the sidelines of Shanghai Cooperation Organisation meeting in Kyrgyzstan. The two leaders discussed issues of bilateral interest, including the implementation of understanding reached during last year's Wuhan Summit. The meeting came a month after India skipped the OBOR in China last month. The two South Asian countries, meanwhile, continue to build on their ties post the battle over Masood Azhar at the UNSC. "Continuing the momentum of high-level exchanges. EAM @SushmaSwaraj met Foreign Minister of China Wang Yi on the sidelines of #SCO Foreign Minister's Meeting in Bishkek. Discussed issues of bilateral interest, including the implementation of understanding reached during Wuhan Summit," Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said. Swaraj who arrived here on Tuesday to attend the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Council (SCO) of Foreign Ministers in the Kyrgyz capital, also had a brief encounter with Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi. Earlier today as the delegates of member nations met, Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi and Indian Foreign Minister Swaraj were seen standing next to each other. This was the first time that top government functionaries of both countries came face to face post the Pulwama attacks. It was also the first time since that strike that Swaraj and her Pakistani counterpart Qureshi were seen under the same roof. Tensions escalated between the two countries after the Pulwama attack that killed 40 CRPF men. It was followed by the Indian Air Force striking Jaish-e-Mohammed terror launchpads deep inside Pakstan. India raised the issue of Pulwama and the recent attacks in Sri Lanka. Swaraj said that India is open to strengthening the Regional Anti-Terror Structure or RATS of SCO to fight terrorism and security challenges in the region. The meeting comes at a time when Pakistan is seeking talks with Delhi and is keen to push the restart button with India. India maintains that talks and terror can't go hand in hand. India will also raise the issue of region-specific terror, weeks after it successfully ensured a global blacklisting of Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar at the UNSC. India through its successful issue-based negotiations has made Pakistan-based cross-border terror a central theme on international platforms.

Sushma Swaraj meets Chinese counterpart, shares dais with Pak Foreign Minister at SCO meet

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