External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj will travel to Bishkek, the capital of Kyrgyz Republic, on Tuesday to take part in the meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation.

India at SCO Foreign Ministers meet; likely to raise issue of terrorism

In a major development, the Imran Khan-led Pakistan government has abolished the post of National Security Advisor (NSA), sources in Pakistan Prime Minister's Office have said.

''No new appointment is being done at the position of NSA,'' highly placed sources at Pakistan's Prime Minister office told WION on the condition of anonymity since they were not authorized to speak to media, this was in response to the reports in a section of Pakistani media that claimed that the Imran Khan government is considering to appoint an NSA.

The 27 officials and staff, working under the NSA, have been transferred to different divisions, the sources added.

The post has been vacant since the resignation of Lt Gen R Nasser Janjua in June last year.

The NSA's post was crucial in maintaining relations with different countries, especially Pakistan's neighbour India. Other diplomatic channels and back channels will now be explored with India on matters pertaining to national security, sources said.

The office of the NSA isn't a constitutional post, it is the prerogative of the Prime Minister. The previous government appointed an NSA in place, therefore, a staff was allocated. Now this government didn't feel the need to appoint an NSA, so the staff has been transferred or adjusted into different departments, sources said.

Since assuming the office in August last year, Imran Khan repeatedly reached out to India for the resumption of peace talks on all outstanding issues.

But India has made it clear to Pakistan that terrorism and dialogue will not go hand-in-hand.

The relationship between the two neighbouring nations currently is at all-time low after a Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) suicide bomber attacked a CRPF convoy in Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir on February 14 that killed 40 soldiers.

In the past, the two countries often used backchannel through the NSAs to prepare ground for any talks.

In 2015, Janjua and his Indian counterpart Ajit Doval were instrumental in breaking the ice.

The two held meetings in Bangkok leading to the agreement between the two foreign ministers for the resumption of the composite dialogue.

The leadership of the two countries used their respective NSAs to communicate on important issues.

(With inputs from agencies)

In a major development, the Imran Khan-led Pakistan government has abolished the post of National Security Advisor (NSA), sources in Pakistan Prime Minister's Office have said.

In a major development, the Imran Khan-led Pakistan government has abolished the post of National Security Advisor (NSA), sources in Pakistan Prime Minister's Office have said. ''No new appointment is being done at the position of NSA,'' highly placed sources at Pakistan's Prime Minister office told WION on the condition of anonymity since they were not authorized to speak to media, this was in response to the reports in a section of Pakistani media that claimed that the Imran Khan government is considering to appoint an NSA. The 27 officials and staff, working under the NSA, have been transferred to different divisions, the sources added. The post has been vacant since the resignation of Lt Gen R Nasser Janjua in June last year. The NSA's post was crucial in maintaining relations with different countries, especially Pakistan's neighbour India. Other diplomatic channels and back channels will now be explored with India on matters pertaining to national security, sources said. The office of the NSA isn't a constitutional post, it is the prerogative of the Prime Minister. The previous government appointed an NSA in place, therefore, a staff was allocated. Now this government didn't feel the need to appoint an NSA, so the staff has been transferred or adjusted into different departments, sources said. Since assuming the office in August last year, Imran Khan repeatedly reached out to India for the resumption of peace talks on all outstanding issues. But India has made it clear to Pakistan that terrorism and dialogue will not go hand-in-hand. The relationship between the two neighbouring nations currently is at all-time low after a Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) suicide bomber attacked a CRPF convoy in Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir on February 14 that killed 40 soldiers. In the past, the two countries often used backchannel through the NSAs to prepare ground for any talks. In 2015, Janjua and his Indian counterpart Ajit Doval were instrumental in breaking the ice. The two held meetings in Bangkok leading to the agreement between the two foreign ministers for the resumption of the composite dialogue. The leadership of the two countries used their respective NSAs to communicate on important issues. (With inputs from agencies)

No new appointment is being done on the post of NSA: Pakistan PMO sources

The Indian Coast Guard on Tuesday announced it had seized a fishing boat registered in Karachi, Pakistan, off the coast of Gujarat and confiscated 194 packets of narcotics substance from it.

Gujarat: Coast Guard seizes Pakistani boat with 194 packets of narcotics

Pakistan's jailed former prime minister Nawaz Sharif on Monday moved the Islamabad High Court (IHC) seeking bail on medical grounds in the Al-Azizia corruption case.

The Supreme Court earlier this month dismissed the 69-year-old three-time prime minister's review petition seeking permanent bail on medical grounds and the permission to go abroad for treatment.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nawaz-sharif-back-in-jail-after-massive-show-of-strength-216899">Sharif returned to the Kot Lakhpat jail on May 7</a> to serve his seven-year prison term in the case after the end of his six-week bail, which was granted to him on medical grounds with a condition that he would not leave Pakistan.

Opinions of specialist doctors from Switzerland, the US and the UK have been included in the petition filed at the high court by Sharif's counsel Khawaja Haris, the Express Tribune reported.

"According to the medical board, Nawaz is suffering from numerous diseases," the petition said.

According to the reports, doctors recommended that Sharif's condition is life-threatening. Tension and stress can prove to be threatening to his life, it added.

Even Sharif's blood and sugar levels have not normalised, the petition went on to add.

The petition stated that all members of the special medical board, along with doctors associated with doctors hospital Lahore, Sheikh Zayed Hospital Lahore and National Hospital Lahore as well as medical specialists from UK, USA and Switzerland were unanimous that Sharif's treatment is not possible in jail premises.

The former premier, who has been serving a seven-year prison term at Lahore's Kot Lakhpat Jail since December 24, 2018, was granted a six-week bail on March 26 to get medical treatment. However, Sharif filed a civil review petition against the order on April 27.

The petition requested the court to allow Sharif get medical treatment abroad, claiming that the former prime minister was suffering from acute anxiety and depression that would lead to sudden death.

It said the medical professionals seeing the former premier in Pakistan recommend that he should be treated by his regular practitioners in the United Kingdom. It also said that there was a difference between the apex court's March 26 oral order and the written order.

However, a three-judge special bench, headed by Pakistan Chief Justice Asif Saeed Khosa and comprising Justice Sajjad Ali Shah and Justice Yahya Afridi, dismissed the petition.&nbsp;

Sharif was convicted by an accountability court 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's jailed former prime minister Nawaz Sharif on Monday moved the Islamabad High Court (IHC) seeking bail on medical grounds in the Al-Azizia corruption case.

Pakistan's jailed former prime minister Nawaz Sharif on Monday moved the Islamabad High Court (IHC) seeking bail on medical grounds in the Al-Azizia corruption case. The Supreme Court earlier this month dismissed the 69-year-old three-time prime minister's review petition seeking permanent bail on medical grounds and the permission to go abroad for treatment. Sharif returned to the Kot Lakhpat jail on May 7 to serve his seven-year prison term in the case after the end of his six-week bail, which was granted to him on medical grounds with a condition that he would not leave Pakistan. Opinions of specialist doctors from Switzerland, the US and the UK have been included in the petition filed at the high court by Sharif's counsel Khawaja Haris, the Express Tribune reported. "According to the medical board, Nawaz is suffering from numerous diseases," the petition said. According to the reports, doctors recommended that Sharif's condition is life-threatening. Tension and stress can prove to be threatening to his life, it added. Even Sharif's blood and sugar levels have not normalised, the petition went on to add. The petition stated that all members of the special medical board, along with doctors associated with doctors hospital Lahore, Sheikh Zayed Hospital Lahore and National Hospital Lahore as well as medical specialists from UK, USA and Switzerland were unanimous that Sharif's treatment is not possible in jail premises. The former premier, who has been serving a seven-year prison term at Lahore's Kot Lakhpat Jail since December 24, 2018, was granted a six-week bail on March 26 to get medical treatment. However, Sharif filed a civil review petition against the order on April 27. The petition requested the court to allow Sharif get medical treatment abroad, claiming that the former prime minister was suffering from acute anxiety and depression that would lead to sudden death. It said the medical professionals seeing the former premier in Pakistan recommend that he should be treated by his regular practitioners in the United Kingdom. It also said that there was a difference between the apex court's March 26 oral order and the written order. However, a three-judge special bench, headed by Pakistan Chief Justice Asif Saeed Khosa and comprising Justice Sajjad Ali Shah and Justice Yahya Afridi, dismissed the petition. Sharif was convicted by an accountability court 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.

Former Pakistan PM Nawaz Sharif re-files bail application in High Court

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-considering-appointing-nsa-to-resume-backchannel-diplomacy-sources-220011">Pakistan needs to launch</a> an aggressive diplomatic effort to secure enough support to come out of the greylist or prevent itself from falling into the blacklist of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) next month, a senior government official has said.

The official's remarks came after a 10-member Pakistani delegation attended a two-day meeting of the Asia-Pacific Group (APG) of the Paris-based global watchdog FATF in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou where it defended Pakistan's efforts against money laundering and terror financing.

The senior official, who participated in the APG meeting in Guangzhou last week, told the Dawn newspaper that the coming FATF Plenary and Working Group meetings in Orlando, Florida, scheduled for June 16-21, would be crucial for Pakistan to get rid of the greylist or falling into the blacklist and having serious economic repercussions.

The Orlando plenary will actually set the stage for Pakistan's future even though a formal announcement would come out at the next FATF plenary due in Paris on October 18-23, he said.

Hence, an aggressive diplomatic effort over the next four weeks is required to secure enough support and votes to exit the grey list, the report said.

Pakistan was now fully compliant with the related United Nations resolutions, the official said.

Pakistan has taken aggressive steps over the last two months in terms of regulatory and monitoring mechanism to meet the FATF requirements and its legal system is generally up to the mark, except some amendments to the Anti-Money Laundering Act (AMLA) 2010 pending before the National Assembly's standing committee on finance and revenue, the report said.

"We believe we have generally delivered on the technical side I,e legal and administrative action, regulations, monitoring, enforcement and inter-agency and stakeholder coordination and now require more of the diplomatic push to counter the adversaries," said the official.

He said Prime Minister Imran Khan was expected to get a briefing on the Guangzhou meeting and on the way forward on Monday.

The official said it was expected Minister for Foreign Affairs Shah Mehmood Qureshi would now coordinate with stakeholders on a strategy to reach out to the world capitals in a difficult diplomatic environment where the US-India grouping has greater influence and non-aligned members of the FATF prefer to abstain than siding with Pakistan.

According to the report, Pakistan required about 15-16 votes to move out of the greylist and a minimum of three votes to avoid falling into the blacklist.

The FATF currently comprises 36 members with voting powers and two regional organisations, representing most of the major financial centres in all parts of the globe.

The FATF plenary had formally placed Pakistan in the grey list in June 2018 after the country could not secure a minimum of three votes.

On May 3, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/jaitley-wonders-how-rahul-could-damage-modis-image-215704">Finance Minister Arun Jaitley</a> said India will ask the FATF to put Pakistan on a blacklist of countries that fail to meet international standards in stopping financial crime.

China is set to secure the FATF presidency next year while Saudi Arabia representing the Gulf Cooperation Council is to become a full FATF member.

Turkey was the only member that stood by Pakistan despite a strong campaign launched by the US, the UK, India and Europe.

Pakistan's seriousness to act against proscribed terror outfits and its efforts to curb money laundering and terror financing was questioned by members of a regional affiliate of the FATF at the Guangzhou meeting.

The official said the Pakistani delegation presented a robust case before the APG panel on the country's progress on the 10-point action plan committed with the global watchdog despite tough questioning from some participants.

The APG would now submit its findings, based on Pakistan's report and question-answer session, to the FATF in its June 16-21 Plenary and Working Group meetings in the United States.

Pakistan needs to launch an aggressive diplomatic effort to secure enough support to come out of the greylist or prevent itself from falling into the blacklist of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) next month, a senior government official has said.

Pakistan needs to launch an aggressive diplomatic effort to secure enough support to come out of the greylist or prevent itself from falling into the blacklist of the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) next month, a senior government official has said. The official's remarks came after a 10-member Pakistani delegation attended a two-day meeting of the Asia-Pacific Group (APG) of the Paris-based global watchdog FATF in the southern Chinese city of Guangzhou where it defended Pakistan's efforts against money laundering and terror financing. The senior official, who participated in the APG meeting in Guangzhou last week, told the Dawn newspaper that the coming FATF Plenary and Working Group meetings in Orlando, Florida, scheduled for June 16-21, would be crucial for Pakistan to get rid of the greylist or falling into the blacklist and having serious economic repercussions. The Orlando plenary will actually set the stage for Pakistan's future even though a formal announcement would come out at the next FATF plenary due in Paris on October 18-23, he said. Hence, an aggressive diplomatic effort over the next four weeks is required to secure enough support and votes to exit the grey list, the report said. Pakistan was now fully compliant with the related United Nations resolutions, the official said. Pakistan has taken aggressive steps over the last two months in terms of regulatory and monitoring mechanism to meet the FATF requirements and its legal system is generally up to the mark, except some amendments to the Anti-Money Laundering Act (AMLA) 2010 pending before the National Assembly's standing committee on finance and revenue, the report said. "We believe we have generally delivered on the technical side I,e legal and administrative action, regulations, monitoring, enforcement and inter-agency and stakeholder coordination and now require more of the diplomatic push to counter the adversaries," said the official. He said Prime Minister Imran Khan was expected to get a briefing on the Guangzhou meeting and on the way forward on Monday. The official said it was expected Minister for Foreign Affairs Shah Mehmood Qureshi would now coordinate with stakeholders on a strategy to reach out to the world capitals in a difficult diplomatic environment where the US-India grouping has greater influence and non-aligned members of the FATF prefer to abstain than siding with Pakistan. According to the report, Pakistan required about 15-16 votes to move out of the greylist and a minimum of three votes to avoid falling into the blacklist. The FATF currently comprises 36 members with voting powers and two regional organisations, representing most of the major financial centres in all parts of the globe. The FATF plenary had formally placed Pakistan in the grey list in June 2018 after the country could not secure a minimum of three votes. On May 3, Finance Minister Arun Jaitley said India will ask the FATF to put Pakistan on a blacklist of countries that fail to meet international standards in stopping financial crime. China is set to secure the FATF presidency next year while Saudi Arabia representing the Gulf Cooperation Council is to become a full FATF member. Turkey was the only member that stood by Pakistan despite a strong campaign launched by the US, the UK, India and Europe. Pakistan's seriousness to act against proscribed terror outfits and its efforts to curb money laundering and terror financing was questioned by members of a regional affiliate of the FATF at the Guangzhou meeting. The official said the Pakistani delegation presented a robust case before the APG panel on the country's progress on the 10-point action plan committed with the global watchdog despite tough questioning from some participants. The APG would now submit its findings, based on Pakistan's report and question-answer session, to the FATF in its June 16-21 Plenary and Working Group meetings in the United States.

Pakistan needs aggressive diplomacy to exit FATF greylist: Official

The Imran Khan-led Pakistan government is actively considering appointing a National Security Advisor to revive backchannel diplomacy with India to iron out issues hindering the resumption of peace talks between the two nuclear-armed neighbours, official sources said on Sunday.

Since assuming the office in August last year, Prime Minister Imran Khan repeatedly reached out to India for the resumption of peace talks on all outstanding issues.&nbsp;

But India has made it clear to Pakistan that terrorism and dialogue will not go hand-in-hand.

The likely appointment of the NSA is meant for reviving the backchannel diplomacy with India to sort out some of the pressing issues between the two nuclear-armed neighbours, the official sources privy to the development was quoted as saying by the Express Tribune.

A senior official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that the government was likely to appoint a retired military official as the National Security Advisor (NSA).&nbsp;

He said certain names were under consideration but no final decision has been taken yet.

The relationship between the two neighbouring nations currently is at all-time low after a Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) suicide bomber attacked a CRPF convoy in Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir on February 14 that killed 40 soldiers.&nbsp;

Amid mounting outrage, the Indian Air Force (IAF) carried out a counter-terror operation, hitting what it said was a JeM training camp in Balakot, deep inside Pakistan on February 26.

The next day, the PAF retaliated and downed a MiG-21 in aerial combat and captured IAF Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, who was later released and handed over to India on March 1.&nbsp;

Now, with the almost two-month-long election exercise getting over, the Pakistan government is considering options on how to resume talks with India.

Pakistan believes that the new government in India after the general elections would be more receptive to Khan's offer of peace talks.

When asked about the prospects of resumption of talks given the current hostilities, the official said Pakistan was optimistic.&nbsp;

The reason for this optimism stems from the fact that new government, whether it is formed by the ruling BJP or the Congress, is unlikely to follow the pre-election rhetoric, he said.

One of the options includes the appointment of the NSA to revive the backchannel with India.&nbsp;

In the past, the two countries often used backchannel through the NSAs to prepare ground for any talks.

In 2015, Pakistan's NSA Lt General (retd) Naseer Khan Janjua and his Indian counterpart Ajit Doval were instrumental in breaking the ice.&nbsp;

The two held meetings in Bangkok leading to the agreement between the two foreign ministers for the resumption of the composite dialogue.

The leadership of the two countries used their respective NSAs to communicate on important issues.

Talking to foreign journalists last month, Khan had said that there might be a better chance of peace talks with India if Modi returned to power.

"If the next Indian government is led by the opposition Congress party, it might be too scared to seek a settlement with Pakistan over Indian-occupied Kashmir (IoK), fearing a backlash from the right," the prime minister told a small group of foreign journalists in an interview.

"Perhaps if the BJP a right-wing party wins, some kind of settlement on Kashmir could be reached."

Khan's statement stirred a heated debate both in Pakistan as well as in India, where Modi's opponents mocked him as Pakistan's ally.

In Pakistan, opposition parties criticised Khan for making an 'undiplomatic statement' and also supporting Modi despite his hostile policies.&nbsp;

The Imran Khan-led Pakistan government is actively considering appointing a National Security Advisor to revive backchannel diplomacy with India to iron out issues hindering the resumption of peace talks between the two nuclear-armed neighbours, official sources said on Sunday.

The Imran Khan-led Pakistan government is actively considering appointing a National Security Advisor to revive backchannel diplomacy with India to iron out issues hindering the resumption of peace talks between the two nuclear-armed neighbours, official sources said on Sunday. Since assuming the office in August last year, Prime Minister Imran Khan repeatedly reached out to India for the resumption of peace talks on all outstanding issues. But India has made it clear to Pakistan that terrorism and dialogue will not go hand-in-hand. The likely appointment of the NSA is meant for reviving the backchannel diplomacy with India to sort out some of the pressing issues between the two nuclear-armed neighbours, the official sources privy to the development was quoted as saying by the Express Tribune. A senior official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said that the government was likely to appoint a retired military official as the National Security Advisor (NSA). He said certain names were under consideration but no final decision has been taken yet. The relationship between the two neighbouring nations currently is at all-time low after a Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) suicide bomber attacked a CRPF convoy in Pulwama in Jammu and Kashmir on February 14 that killed 40 soldiers. Amid mounting outrage, the Indian Air Force (IAF) carried out a counter-terror operation, hitting what it said was a JeM training camp in Balakot, deep inside Pakistan on February 26. The next day, the PAF retaliated and downed a MiG-21 in aerial combat and captured IAF Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, who was later released and handed over to India on March 1. Now, with the almost two-month-long election exercise getting over, the Pakistan government is considering options on how to resume talks with India. Pakistan believes that the new government in India after the general elections would be more receptive to Khan's offer of peace talks. When asked about the prospects of resumption of talks given the current hostilities, the official said Pakistan was optimistic. The reason for this optimism stems from the fact that new government, whether it is formed by the ruling BJP or the Congress, is unlikely to follow the pre-election rhetoric, he said. One of the options includes the appointment of the NSA to revive the backchannel with India. In the past, the two countries often used backchannel through the NSAs to prepare ground for any talks. In 2015, Pakistan's NSA Lt General (retd) Naseer Khan Janjua and his Indian counterpart Ajit Doval were instrumental in breaking the ice. The two held meetings in Bangkok leading to the agreement between the two foreign ministers for the resumption of the composite dialogue. The leadership of the two countries used their respective NSAs to communicate on important issues. Talking to foreign journalists last month, Khan had said that there might be a better chance of peace talks with India if Modi returned to power. "If the next Indian government is led by the opposition Congress party, it might be too scared to seek a settlement with Pakistan over Indian-occupied Kashmir (IoK), fearing a backlash from the right," the prime minister told a small group of foreign journalists in an interview. "Perhaps if the BJP a right-wing party wins, some kind of settlement on Kashmir could be reached." Khan's statement stirred a heated debate both in Pakistan as well as in India, where Modi's opponents mocked him as Pakistan's ally. In Pakistan, opposition parties criticised Khan for making an 'undiplomatic statement' and also supporting Modi despite his hostile policies.

Pakistan considering appointing NSA to resume backchannel diplomacy: Sources

Diplomatic tension between Bangladesh and Pakistan intensified on Monday as Dhaka halted issuing the visa to its nationals, sources reported to WION. Pakistani nationals are not being issued a visa for the past seven days now, sources said. Visa section of Bangladesh High Commission in Islamabad is also closed since last Monday.

Bangladesh, Pakistan diplomatic row intensifies over visa restriction

The University of Sindh in Pakistan has cancelled the admission of a 22-year-old woman student, who received weapons training from the ISIS in Syria and was part of a failed plot to carry out a suicide attack on a church in Lahore.

Naureen Leghari, a second-year student of the Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences (LUMHS) in Jamshoro, Sindh, went missing in February 2017 from his native town of Hussainabad, a suburb of Hyderabad. She was arrested after two months from Lahore following an encounter in which her associate Ali was killed by security forces.

After her arrest, LUMHS cancelled her admission. She then got admission in the English Department of the University of Sindh in November 2018 but when the varsity got knowledge of her background, it cancelled her admission, the News reported.

Her father Dr Abdul Jabbar Leghari is working at the University as a professor in Dr MA Kazi Institute of Chemistry.

Naureen and her father have approached Sindh High Court filing a joint constitutional petition against the University of Sindh, praying that according to article K-25 of Constitution, the University management could not deny her right of education.

Vice Chancellor Fateh Burfat told the media that University management is verifying the facts that why Naureen was expelled from LUMHS and after getting verification from law enforcement agencies, it will decide about her.

University Spokesman Nadir Ali Mugheri said that she concealed facts about the cancellation of her previous admission while applying at Sindh University.

"When the administration of the University came to know about the facts regarding the annulment of her admission at LUMHS, it cancelled her admission," he said.

Naureen at the time of her arrest had confessed to her involvement in terrorist activities.

In a confessional statement which was played during a press conference by Pakistan's Military spokesman Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor here, Naureen said that she was to be used by the Islamic State as a suicide bomber on an attack to be conducted on a church on Easter Sunday.

She said they were given two suicide jackets, four grenade and some bullets by the ISIS to carry out the mission. However, their mission was foiled by the security forces who killed one militant and arrested two others, including Naureen.&nbsp;

The University of Sindh in Pakistan has cancelled the admission of a 22-year-old woman student, who received weapons training from the ISIS in Syria and was part of a failed plot to carry out a suicide attack on a church in Lahore.

The University of Sindh in Pakistan has cancelled the admission of a 22-year-old woman student, who received weapons training from the ISIS in Syria and was part of a failed plot to carry out a suicide attack on a church in Lahore. Naureen Leghari, a second-year student of the Liaquat University of Medical and Health Sciences (LUMHS) in Jamshoro, Sindh, went missing in February 2017 from his native town of Hussainabad, a suburb of Hyderabad. She was arrested after two months from Lahore following an encounter in which her associate Ali was killed by security forces. After her arrest, LUMHS cancelled her admission. She then got admission in the English Department of the University of Sindh in November 2018 but when the varsity got knowledge of her background, it cancelled her admission, the News reported. Her father Dr Abdul Jabbar Leghari is working at the University as a professor in Dr MA Kazi Institute of Chemistry. Naureen and her father have approached Sindh High Court filing a joint constitutional petition against the University of Sindh, praying that according to article K-25 of Constitution, the University management could not deny her right of education. Vice Chancellor Fateh Burfat told the media that University management is verifying the facts that why Naureen was expelled from LUMHS and after getting verification from law enforcement agencies, it will decide about her. University Spokesman Nadir Ali Mugheri said that she concealed facts about the cancellation of her previous admission while applying at Sindh University. "When the administration of the University came to know about the facts regarding the annulment of her admission at LUMHS, it cancelled her admission," he said. Naureen at the time of her arrest had confessed to her involvement in terrorist activities. In a confessional statement which was played during a press conference by Pakistan's Military spokesman Maj Gen Asif Ghafoor here, Naureen said that she was to be used by the Islamic State as a suicide bomber on an attack to be conducted on a church on Easter Sunday. She said they were given two suicide jackets, four grenade and some bullets by the ISIS to carry out the mission. However, their mission was foiled by the security forces who killed one militant and arrested two others, including Naureen.

Pakistan's Sindh University cancels admission of woman with ISIS background

With the Lok Sabha elections 2019 over, Pakistan is considering backchannel options to open talks with India. According to reports, Islamabad is considering the appointment of a retired military officer as national security advisor to revive the cold diplomatic ties with New Delhi.

Pakistan planning to appoint NSA to resume back-channel talks with India

The Pakistan Army will raise another division-size special force to protect Chinese nationals and projects under the CPEC, military spokesman Major General Asif Ghafoor has said, days after the brazen terror attack on a luxury hotel in Balochistan.

Describing the $50 billion <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/how-cpec-is-used-to-traffic-young-pakistani-women-to-china-210874">China-Pakistan Economic Corridor</a> (CPEC) as a living example of deep-rooted friendship between Pakistan and China, Major General Ghafoor, Director General of the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), said the Pakistan Army was fully determined to ensure the security of the project.

Talking to the Chinese media in Rawalpindi on Saturday, he said the Pakistan military had raised a whole division-size force to protect the project and they were planning to deploy another division for this purpose.

Earlier reports said a Special Security Division (SSD) comprising 9,000 Pakistan Army soldiers and 6,000 para-military forces personnel has been set up for the security of the CPEC project and Chinese nationals working on it.

Ghafoor said Pakistan faced a very challenging war against terrorism during the last two decades, and now the security situation was under control.

Talking about the CPEC role in the country, he said the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-denies-cpec-intensified-pakistans-economic-risks-208789">economic prosperity brought about by the CPEC</a> will fail the motives of terrorists, as with the success of project more employment and business opportunities will be unveiled and with more economic opportunities coming in, people's lifestyle will improve and inimical elements will fail gradually, China's state-run Xinhua news agency reported.

He claimed that the security situation in Balochistan had improved since the launch of the CPEC and now there was a better infrastructure, as many Chinese projects were underway, and with every coming day security, development and investment situation will get better.

The Pakistan Army spokesman's comments came days after terrorists attacked the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/five-dead-in-pakistan-luxury-hotel-attack-military-218136">Pearl Continental luxury hotel in the port city of Gwadar</a> in the restive Balochistan province, killing at least eight persons, including four civilians and a Pakistan Navy soldier.

The attack was claimed by the Balochistan Liberation Army -- one of the most-organised terrorist groups of Baloch nationalists fighting against security forces. The group was also involved in the terrorist attack at the Chinese consulate in Karachi last year.

Ghafoor said, "Today's Gwadar is not what it used to be two years ago and in future, it will be on a par with the ports of developed countries".

Gwadar port is one of the focal points of the CPEC with many Chinese workers from other provinces of Pakistan working at the port. China is investing heavily in Balochistan under the CPEC.

The CPEC, launched in 2015, is a planned network of roads, railways and energy projects linking China's resource-rich Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region with Pakistan's strategic Gwadar Port on the Arabian Sea.&nbsp;

Talking about the investment opportunities in Pakistan, Ghafoor said Pakistan was doing its best to create an environment where investors could come and do their business as the security situation had greatly improved.

"Though there are a few sporadic terrorist incidents, investors should not be discouraged by them and keep their trust intact in peace," he added.&nbsp;

The Pakistan Army will raise another division-size special force to protect Chinese nationals and projects under the CPEC, military spokesman Major General Asif Ghafoor has said, days after the brazen terror attack on a luxury hotel in Balochistan.

The Pakistan Army will raise another division-size special force to protect Chinese nationals and projects under the CPEC, military spokesman Major General Asif Ghafoor has said, days after the brazen terror attack on a luxury hotel in Balochistan. Describing the $50 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as a living example of deep-rooted friendship between Pakistan and China, Major General Ghafoor, Director General of the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), said the Pakistan Army was fully determined to ensure the security of the project. Talking to the Chinese media in Rawalpindi on Saturday, he said the Pakistan military had raised a whole division-size force to protect the project and they were planning to deploy another division for this purpose. Earlier reports said a Special Security Division (SSD) comprising 9,000 Pakistan Army soldiers and 6,000 para-military forces personnel has been set up for the security of the CPEC project and Chinese nationals working on it. Ghafoor said Pakistan faced a very challenging war against terrorism during the last two decades, and now the security situation was under control. Talking about the CPEC role in the country, he said the economic prosperity brought about by the CPEC will fail the motives of terrorists, as with the success of project more employment and business opportunities will be unveiled and with more economic opportunities coming in, people's lifestyle will improve and inimical elements will fail gradually, China's state-run Xinhua news agency reported. He claimed that the security situation in Balochistan had improved since the launch of the CPEC and now there was a better infrastructure, as many Chinese projects were underway, and with every coming day security, development and investment situation will get better. The Pakistan Army spokesman's comments came days after terrorists attacked the Pearl Continental luxury hotel in the port city of Gwadar in the restive Balochistan province, killing at least eight persons, including four civilians and a Pakistan Navy soldier. The attack was claimed by the Balochistan Liberation Army -- one of the most-organised terrorist groups of Baloch nationalists fighting against security forces. The group was also involved in the terrorist attack at the Chinese consulate in Karachi last year. Ghafoor said, "Today's Gwadar is not what it used to be two years ago and in future, it will be on a par with the ports of developed countries". Gwadar port is one of the focal points of the CPEC with many Chinese workers from other provinces of Pakistan working at the port. China is investing heavily in Balochistan under the CPEC. The CPEC, launched in 2015, is a planned network of roads, railways and energy projects linking China's resource-rich Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region with Pakistan's strategic Gwadar Port on the Arabian Sea. Talking about the investment opportunities in Pakistan, Ghafoor said Pakistan was doing its best to create an environment where investors could come and do their business as the security situation had greatly improved. "Though there are a few sporadic terrorist incidents, investors should not be discouraged by them and keep their trust intact in peace," he added.

Pakistan Army to raise another division to protect CPEC projects, Chinese nationals

Pakistan's hopes for the discovery of large reserves of oil and gas off Karachi coast in the Arabian Sea faded as it stopped the much-celebrated offshore drilling after no oil and gas reserves were found, a media report said on Sunday.

Prime Minister Imran Khan earlier this year said Pakistan would not need to import oil after reserves were found near Karachi coast. "God willing the reserves will be so large that we will not need to import any oil," he said.

Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Petroleum, Nadeem Babar, announced that the offshore drilling in Kekra-1 did not yield desired results, Dawn reported.

"The operators of the well have decided to plug it in the coming days," the paper said.

Around 17 attempts have been made in the past, but all remained unsuccessful despite encouraging data from each drilling, it said.

A senior official of the petroleum division said that after drilling more than 5,500 metres reserves were not found. Therefore, he added, it had been decided to plug the well and abandon the project.

Around $100 million has been invested in the project, but the officials of the petroleum division maintain that the data received from the drilling and other seismic studies of the well will be useful for future exploration activities in the region, the paper said.

At the same time, the officials say, oil and gas E&amp;P is described as a "high risk-high reward" business and the failures should not be taken as a loss.&nbsp;

The drilling was initiated around four months back by ENI, an Italian oil and gas exploration and production (E&amp;P) giant, which is the operator of Kekra-1. The other four partners of the well were ExxonMobil of the US one of the world's largest oil and gas firms Pakistan Petroleum Limited and the Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL).

"Based on previous data the prospects were high and at the start of drilling the chances of success were between 13 and 15 per cent, which is fairly good," OGDCL spokesman Ahmed Lak said.

"Among the highest prospects of finding the hydrocarbon reserve is 20 per cent, therefore, our record was good enough to proceed with drilling," he added.

The last offshore activity was conducted by Dutch E&amp;P firm Shell in 2005, but it failed to find hydrocarbon reserves. The first offshore well in Pakistani waters was drilled in 1963 by a US E&amp;P company, the well was found dry.

Pakistan's hopes for the discovery of large reserves of oil and gas off Karachi coast in the Arabian Sea faded as it stopped the much-celebrated offshore drilling after no oil and gas reserves were found, a media report said on Sunday.

Pakistan's hopes for the discovery of large reserves of oil and gas off Karachi coast in the Arabian Sea faded as it stopped the much-celebrated offshore drilling after no oil and gas reserves were found, a media report said on Sunday. Prime Minister Imran Khan earlier this year said Pakistan would not need to import oil after reserves were found near Karachi coast. "God willing the reserves will be so large that we will not need to import any oil," he said. Special Assistant to the Prime Minister on Petroleum, Nadeem Babar, announced that the offshore drilling in Kekra-1 did not yield desired results, Dawn reported. "The operators of the well have decided to plug it in the coming days," the paper said. Around 17 attempts have been made in the past, but all remained unsuccessful despite encouraging data from each drilling, it said. A senior official of the petroleum division said that after drilling more than 5,500 metres reserves were not found. Therefore, he added, it had been decided to plug the well and abandon the project. Around $100 million has been invested in the project, but the officials of the petroleum division maintain that the data received from the drilling and other seismic studies of the well will be useful for future exploration activities in the region, the paper said. At the same time, the officials say, oil and gas E&P is described as a "high risk-high reward" business and the failures should not be taken as a loss. The drilling was initiated around four months back by ENI, an Italian oil and gas exploration and production (E&P) giant, which is the operator of Kekra-1. The other four partners of the well were ExxonMobil of the US one of the world's largest oil and gas firms Pakistan Petroleum Limited and the Oil and Gas Development Company Limited (OGDCL). "Based on previous data the prospects were high and at the start of drilling the chances of success were between 13 and 15 per cent, which is fairly good," OGDCL spokesman Ahmed Lak said. "Among the highest prospects of finding the hydrocarbon reserve is 20 per cent, therefore, our record was good enough to proceed with drilling," he added. The last offshore activity was conducted by Dutch E&P firm Shell in 2005, but it failed to find hydrocarbon reserves. The first offshore well in Pakistani waters was drilled in 1963 by a US E&P company, the well was found dry.

Pakistan stops much-celebrated offshore drilling as no oil and gas reserves found

Afghanistan has asked the US to reveal the exact nature of the relationship between Pakistan and Taliban.

Afghanistan seeks clarity from US on Pakistan's relationship with Taliban

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/jason-roy-ben-stokes-help-england-defeat-pakistan-in-fourth-odi-219557">England defeated Pakistan</a> in the fourth one-day international by three wickets&nbsp;on Friday&nbsp;at Trent Bridge.&nbsp;Now, England go in the last match of the series with an unassailable 3-0 lead.&nbsp;

Jason Roy smashed 114 and Ben Stokes finished on 71 not out as England chased down a target of 341 with three deliveries to spare.&nbsp;

However, Roy&nbsp;was at a loss to explain&nbsp;how he had scored&nbsp;the century following an overnight visit to the hospital with his baby daughter.&nbsp;

"It was a very emotional hundred. I didn't see it coming," Roy told BBC Radio's Test Match Special.

"I had a bit of a rough morning so this one is a special one for me and my family," added Roy, who returned to hospital after a three-wicket win, although his daughter's condition is not believed to be serious.

"It was my little one. We had to take her to hospital at 1:30 in the morning. I stayed there until 8:30 am, came back for a couple of hours sleep and got to the ground just before warm-up and cracked on."

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For his 75-ball century, Jason Roy is the Player of the Match! <a href="https://t.co/pqVfYAOwyc">pic.twitter.com/pqVfYAOwyc</a>
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He was given Man of the Match for his performance.&nbsp;

England defeated Pakistan in the fourth one-day international by three wickets on Friday at Trent Bridge. Now, England go in the last match of the series with an unassailable 3-0 lead.

England defeated Pakistan in the fourth one-day international by three wickets on Friday at Trent Bridge. Now, England go in the last match of the series with an unassailable 3-0 lead. Jason Roy smashed 114 and Ben Stokes finished on 71 not out as England chased down a target of 341 with three deliveries to spare. However, Roy was at a loss to explain how he had scored the century following an overnight visit to the hospital with his baby daughter. "It was a very emotional hundred. I didn't see it coming," Roy told BBC Radio's Test Match Special. "I had a bit of a rough morning so this one is a special one for me and my family," added Roy, who returned to hospital after a three-wicket win, although his daughter's condition is not believed to be serious. "It was my little one. We had to take her to hospital at 1:30 in the morning. I stayed there until 8:30 am, came back for a couple of hours sleep and got to the ground just before warm-up and cracked on." For his 75-ball century, Jason Roy is the Player of the Match! pic.twitter.com/pqVfYAOwyc — ICC (@ICC) May 17, 2019 × He was given Man of the Match for his performance.

'Emotional hundred': Jason Roy reveals baby daughter was hospitalised when he scored century

Masood Azhar, head of the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), was designated a ‘global terrorist’ by the UN Security Council 1267 Sanction Committee on May 1, 2019.

This is a major political, security and diplomatic victory for India. This listing makes all UN member states compulsorily freeze all assets, ban travel and place an arms embargo on Masood Azhar.&nbsp;

Ironically, a number of commentators, including some senior security analysts, have been discounting this achievement.&nbsp;

In their support, they cite the example of Hafiz Saeed, head of Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT), who was also designated as a global terrorist by the UN Security Council in December, 2008, but remains a free man in Pakistan.

The UNSC’s limitations in monitoring its sanctions have rendered Saeed’s listing as symbolic, according to them.&nbsp;

The logical question that arises is — &nbsp;if such a listing by the UNSC is no big deal, then why did China and Pakistan fight tooth and nail to prevent Azhar from being listed as a global terrorist since back in 2009?&nbsp;

The fact is that as recently as February 15, 2019, when the Pulwama attack had already taken place, China had rejected India’s call to have Azhar put on the UN terror list.&nbsp;

“The 1267 Committee of the Security Council has a clear stipulation on the listing and procedure of terrorist organisations,” Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said on February 15, adding, “China will continue to handle the relevant sanctions issue in a constructive and responsible manner”.&nbsp;

Wang Dehua, head of the Institute for South and Central Asia Studies at the Shanghai Municipal Centre for International Studies, was blunter. “It is useless to blame China for obstructing,” he said, arguing that UNSC resolution 1267 was drawn up specifically to target individuals with links to Al-Qaeda and Islamic State. “No matter the nature of the JeM, there is no evidence that its leader Masood Azhar is subordinate to Al-Qaeda and IS. Therefore, the JeM is not subject to resolution 1267, which specifically names the two organisations.”

Following this logic, the Chinese put a technical hold on March 13, 2019, when France, the UK and the USA initiated a proposal for naming Azhar to the UN Sanctions list after JeM took responsibility for the terror attack in Pulwama. &nbsp;

That these arguments are completely specious is evident from the fact that the 1267 Sanctions Committee had placed JeM itself on the sanctions list in October 2001 and its linkages with the Al-Qaeda had been proven beyond doubt.&nbsp;

Even at that time, Azhar was the leader of the JeM. In fact, Azhar should have been listed as a global terrorist at that time itself, but India missed an opportunity to do so.

It may be recalled that soon after the Mumbai terror attacks on November 26, 2008, India had moved a proposal for declaring Azhar a global terrorist. This attempt failed due to Chinese opposition in 2009.&nbsp;

Again in 2016, after the attack on the Pathankot Air Base, India attempted to have him listed, but China came in the way.&nbsp;

In 2017, yet again, a similar motion was moved, but China, citing insufficient proof against Azhar, blocked the proposal from being adopted.&nbsp;

It was only when the concerted move by the US, UK and France to shift the issue to the main Security Council from the 1267 Committee was mooted that China blinked. This is because while the Sanctions Committee functions in an opaque manner and its deliberations are not public, the Security Council operates in a glare of publicity.

The US had circulated a draft resolution in the UNSC to ban Azhar. The draft, which was backed by France and the UK, discussed China’s double standards on terrorism by mentioning the atrocities on Uighurs in Xinjiang.&nbsp;

If the US draft had been tabled in the Security Council, China would have to publicly justify its decade-long campaign to block attempts to designate Azhar as a global terrorist.&nbsp;

The fear that China would be exposed — and be the only SC member amongst 15 to oppose this move — led to Beijing seeking a face-saving way out.&nbsp;

It strongly protested against shifting of this issue from the Sanctions Committee to the main Security Council. The visit of India’s foreign secretary to China on April 21-22 and his presenting a detailed dossier on the terrorist activities of Azhar, ostensibly allowed the Chinese to claim that in view of new evidence, it was withdrawing its technical hold in the 1267 Sanctions committee, thus paving the way for Azhar to be declared a global terrorist.&nbsp;

It is clear that 2019 is not 2008 when the terror attack on Mumbai occurred. India is willing to exercise its strength, as the air strikes on Balakot clearly brought out. It is also willing to challenge the China-Pakistan axis squarely, both diplomatically and politically. But for these Balakot air strikes, chances are that China would not have backed down and continued to support Pakistan’s terror proxies like Azhar.&nbsp;

It is a triumph for Indian diplomacy, strategic thinking and political sagacity that the entire world supported its stand to completely isolate China so that it was forced to abandon its “all-weather ally” Pakistan and expose it as a source of global terror.&nbsp;

It is these changed circumstances, which make the designation of global terrorist much more meaningful now.

Pakistan already has the sword of being put on the FATF blacklist hanging over its head, which it just cannot afford, given its precarious financial situation. India should follow up now and have its rogue intelligence agency, the ISI also designated as a global terrorist outfit.&nbsp;

 
(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Masood Azhar, head of the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), was designated a ‘global terrorist’ by the UN Security Council 1267 Sanction Committee on May 1, 2019.

Masood Azhar, head of the Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM), was designated a ‘global terrorist’ by the UN Security Council 1267 Sanction Committee on May 1, 2019. This is a major political, security and diplomatic victory for India. This listing makes all UN member states compulsorily freeze all assets, ban travel and place an arms embargo on Masood Azhar. Ironically, a number of commentators, including some senior security analysts, have been discounting this achievement. In their support, they cite the example of Hafiz Saeed, head of Lashkar-e-Toiba (LeT), who was also designated as a global terrorist by the UN Security Council in December, 2008, but remains a free man in Pakistan. The UNSC’s limitations in monitoring its sanctions have rendered Saeed’s listing as symbolic, according to them. The logical question that arises is — if such a listing by the UNSC is no big deal, then why did China and Pakistan fight tooth and nail to prevent Azhar from being listed as a global terrorist since back in 2009? The fact is that as recently as February 15, 2019, when the Pulwama attack had already taken place, China had rejected India’s call to have Azhar put on the UN terror list. “The 1267 Committee of the Security Council has a clear stipulation on the listing and procedure of terrorist organisations,” Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said on February 15, adding, “China will continue to handle the relevant sanctions issue in a constructive and responsible manner”. Wang Dehua, head of the Institute for South and Central Asia Studies at the Shanghai Municipal Centre for International Studies, was blunter. “It is useless to blame China for obstructing,” he said, arguing that UNSC resolution 1267 was drawn up specifically to target individuals with links to Al-Qaeda and Islamic State. “No matter the nature of the JeM, there is no evidence that its leader Masood Azhar is subordinate to Al-Qaeda and IS. Therefore, the JeM is not subject to resolution 1267, which specifically names the two organisations.” Following this logic, the Chinese put a technical hold on March 13, 2019, when France, the UK and the USA initiated a proposal for naming Azhar to the UN Sanctions list after JeM took responsibility for the terror attack in Pulwama. That these arguments are completely specious is evident from the fact that the 1267 Sanctions Committee had placed JeM itself on the sanctions list in October 2001 and its linkages with the Al-Qaeda had been proven beyond doubt. Even at that time, Azhar was the leader of the JeM. In fact, Azhar should have been listed as a global terrorist at that time itself, but India missed an opportunity to do so. It may be recalled that soon after the Mumbai terror attacks on November 26, 2008, India had moved a proposal for declaring Azhar a global terrorist. This attempt failed due to Chinese opposition in 2009. Again in 2016, after the attack on the Pathankot Air Base, India attempted to have him listed, but China came in the way. In 2017, yet again, a similar motion was moved, but China, citing insufficient proof against Azhar, blocked the proposal from being adopted. It was only when the concerted move by the US, UK and France to shift the issue to the main Security Council from the 1267 Committee was mooted that China blinked. This is because while the Sanctions Committee functions in an opaque manner and its deliberations are not public, the Security Council operates in a glare of publicity. The US had circulated a draft resolution in the UNSC to ban Azhar. The draft, which was backed by France and the UK, discussed China’s double standards on terrorism by mentioning the atrocities on Uighurs in Xinjiang. If the US draft had been tabled in the Security Council, China would have to publicly justify its decade-long campaign to block attempts to designate Azhar as a global terrorist. The fear that China would be exposed — and be the only SC member amongst 15 to oppose this move — led to Beijing seeking a face-saving way out. It strongly protested against shifting of this issue from the Sanctions Committee to the main Security Council. The visit of India’s foreign secretary to China on April 21-22 and his presenting a detailed dossier on the terrorist activities of Azhar, ostensibly allowed the Chinese to claim that in view of new evidence, it was withdrawing its technical hold in the 1267 Sanctions committee, thus paving the way for Azhar to be declared a global terrorist. It is clear that 2019 is not 2008 when the terror attack on Mumbai occurred. India is willing to exercise its strength, as the air strikes on Balakot clearly brought out. It is also willing to challenge the China-Pakistan axis squarely, both diplomatically and politically. But for these Balakot air strikes, chances are that China would not have backed down and continued to support Pakistan’s terror proxies like Azhar. It is a triumph for Indian diplomacy, strategic thinking and political sagacity that the entire world supported its stand to completely isolate China so that it was forced to abandon its “all-weather ally” Pakistan and expose it as a source of global terror. It is these changed circumstances, which make the designation of global terrorist much more meaningful now. Pakistan already has the sword of being put on the FATF blacklist hanging over its head, which it just cannot afford, given its precarious financial situation. India should follow up now and have its rogue intelligence agency, the ISI also designated as a global terrorist outfit. (This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

'Global terrorist’ tag on Masood Azhar is a major triumph for Indian strategic thinking and political sagacity

Watch Gravitas full segment for 15th May, 2019

Gravitas; Watch Gravitas full show; 15th May, 2019

Pakistan Is In The Cross-Hairs Of Asia-Pacific Group, An Affiliate Of FATF. Is The Arrest Of Abdul Rehman Makki An Attempt To Keep International Partners In Good Humour Facing international criticism over its inaction against terrorism, Pakistan arrests terrorist Abdul Rehman Makki. The arrest comes barely hours after FATF began its meeting in China. Is this a token measure from Pakistan to divert attention? Palki takes stock of the development

Gravitas: Abdul Rehman Makki's arrest: Is Pakistan hoodwinking the world?

Hafiz Saeed's Brother-in-Law Abdul Rehman Makki Has Been Arrested In Pakistan Today. What Happens The Timing LeT second-in-command and Hafiz Saeed's brother-in-law Abdul Rehman Makki has been arrested in Pakistan. But the arrest is not over terror charges, but under Maintenance of Public Order Act. Is Pakistan taking token measures even in the face of global condemnation. Palki explains the development

Gravitas: LeT Second-in-Command arrested in Pak

Former Pakistan president Asif Ali Zardari on Wednesday secured interim bail from the Islamabad High Court in six corruption cases that are being probed by the country's anti-corruption watchdog.&nbsp;

The 63-year-old Pakistan People's Party (PPP) co-chairperson is named in 36 inquiries and the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) claims that his role has been established in at least eight cases, according to an 11-page report submitted by the bureau to the court on Tuesday.

A two-judge bench led by Justice Umar Farooq heard the cases regarding Zardari's pre-arrest bail in six different cases before granting interim bail to him and his sister Faryal Talpur.

The court granted Zardari interim bail in the money laundering case until May 30. He was also granted interim bail in an inquiry pertaining to the Opal 225 property&nbsp;that is owned by the Zardari group until June 12 against surety bonds of Rs 500,000. He also received an interim bail in the Park Lane probe until June 12.

The IHC extended Zardari's interim bail in the Tosha Khana vehicles inquiry until June 20. In an investigation pertaining to suspicious transactions, Zardari's interim bail was extended until May 21.

In a probe related to Harish and Company, the court adjourned the hearing until May 30.

Justice Farooq, during the hearing of the pleas, remarked that "it seems like there is a flood of bail (applications)".

According to media reports, the NAB has issued arrest warrants for the former president only in the Park Lane case, while it has filed two interim cases against him.

The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) is investigating more than 30 people in relation to money laundering from fictitious accounts, including Zardari and his sister Talpur.&nbsp;

Several 'benami' accounts at multiple private banks were opened in 2013, 2014 and 2015 from where transactions worth billions of rupees were made, Geo News reported.

The amount, according to FIA sources, is said to be black money gathered from various kickbacks, commissions and bribes, it said, quoting FIA sources as saying.&nbsp;

Zardari served as the 11th President of Pakistan from 2008 to 2013.

Former Pakistan president Asif Ali Zardari on Wednesday secured interim bail from the Islamabad High Court in six corruption cases that are being probed by the country's anti-corruption watchdog.

Former Pakistan president Asif Ali Zardari on Wednesday secured interim bail from the Islamabad High Court in six corruption cases that are being probed by the country's anti-corruption watchdog. The 63-year-old Pakistan People's Party (PPP) co-chairperson is named in 36 inquiries and the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) claims that his role has been established in at least eight cases, according to an 11-page report submitted by the bureau to the court on Tuesday. A two-judge bench led by Justice Umar Farooq heard the cases regarding Zardari's pre-arrest bail in six different cases before granting interim bail to him and his sister Faryal Talpur. The court granted Zardari interim bail in the money laundering case until May 30. He was also granted interim bail in an inquiry pertaining to the Opal 225 property that is owned by the Zardari group until June 12 against surety bonds of Rs 500,000. He also received an interim bail in the Park Lane probe until June 12. The IHC extended Zardari's interim bail in the Tosha Khana vehicles inquiry until June 20. In an investigation pertaining to suspicious transactions, Zardari's interim bail was extended until May 21. In a probe related to Harish and Company, the court adjourned the hearing until May 30. Justice Farooq, during the hearing of the pleas, remarked that "it seems like there is a flood of bail (applications)". According to media reports, the NAB has issued arrest warrants for the former president only in the Park Lane case, while it has filed two interim cases against him. The Federal Investigation Agency (FIA) is investigating more than 30 people in relation to money laundering from fictitious accounts, including Zardari and his sister Talpur. Several 'benami' accounts at multiple private banks were opened in 2013, 2014 and 2015 from where transactions worth billions of rupees were made, Geo News reported. The amount, according to FIA sources, is said to be black money gathered from various kickbacks, commissions and bribes, it said, quoting FIA sources as saying. Zardari served as the 11th President of Pakistan from 2008 to 2013.

Ex-Pakistan president Zardari secures interim bail in 6 corruption cases

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

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning, May 16th 2019

Pakistan's ailing former prime minister Nawaz Sharif will return to jail here in a procession of Pakistani workers on Tuesday to complete the remaining period of his seven years imprisonment in the Al-Azizia Mills corruption case.

Sharif, 69, was granted six-week interim bail by the top court on March 26 to undergo medical treatment and he filed the petition on April 27 for permanent bail as he was suffering from acute anxiety and depression that may lead to "sudden death".

The bail expires on May 7 as the apex court rejected his review petition seeking permission to go to the UK for the treatment.

"Nawaz Sharif will return to Kot Lakhpat Jail Lahore on Tuesday in a procession of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) workers. A call has been given to the workers to gather at the Jati Umra residence of Sharif to march towards the jail along with him," PML-N spokesperson Marriyum Aurangzeb told PTI on Monday.

She said the PML-N workers are eager to come to roads against Prime Minister Imran Khan's anti-people policies and they are waiting a call from the leadership.

"Sharif did not want to go to jail in the procession but the workers insisted him for this,' she added.

Sharif, three-time prime minister, 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.

He was imprisoned in Adiyala Jail and shifted to Kot Lakhpat Jail on his request.&nbsp;

Pakistan's ailing former prime minister Nawaz Sharif will return to jail here in a procession of Pakistani workers on Tuesday to complete the remaining period of his seven years imprisonment in the Al-Azizia Mills corruption case.

Pakistan's ailing former prime minister Nawaz Sharif will return to jail here in a procession of Pakistani workers on Tuesday to complete the remaining period of his seven years imprisonment in the Al-Azizia Mills corruption case. Sharif, 69, was granted six-week interim bail by the top court on March 26 to undergo medical treatment and he filed the petition on April 27 for permanent bail as he was suffering from acute anxiety and depression that may lead to "sudden death". The bail expires on May 7 as the apex court rejected his review petition seeking permission to go to the UK for the treatment. "Nawaz Sharif will return to Kot Lakhpat Jail Lahore on Tuesday in a procession of the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) workers. A call has been given to the workers to gather at the Jati Umra residence of Sharif to march towards the jail along with him," PML-N spokesperson Marriyum Aurangzeb told PTI on Monday. She said the PML-N workers are eager to come to roads against Prime Minister Imran Khan's anti-people policies and they are waiting a call from the leadership. "Sharif did not want to go to jail in the procession but the workers insisted him for this,' she added. Sharif, three-time prime minister, 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. He was imprisoned in Adiyala Jail and shifted to Kot Lakhpat Jail on his request.

Former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif will return to jail on Tuesday

Hundreds of women and girls from Pakistan's Christian minority have been trafficked to China as brides in recent months. Watch this video to know more.

Pakistani girls being trafficked to China

A Pakistani court on Tuesday granted bail to the leader of an ultra-right Islamist group arrested last year after his supporters shut down cities and threatened judges following the acquittal of a Christian woman accused of blasphemy.&nbsp;

The leader of the Tehreek-e-Labbaik (TLP) party, Khadim Hussain Rizvi, and his deputy, Pir Afzal Qadri, were arrested last year and charged with inciting terrorism and sedition after protesting against the acquittal of Asia Bibi who had spent eight years on death row on blasphemy charges.

"Today, the Lahore High Court has granted bail to Rizvi and Qadri in the cases of terrorism, sedition and inciting for violence," TLP lawyer Muhammad Arif Awan told Reuters.&nbsp;

Bibi left for Canada last week after living at an undisclosed location inside Pakistan since her acquittal. Hardline Islamists in Pakistan had rallied against her being allowed to leave and called for her to be killed.&nbsp;

Rizvi`s November arrest led to clashes between police and his supporters in the eastern city of Lahore, wounding five people in violence authorities say was instigated by the TLP leader after he called on his faithful to take to the streets if he was arrested.&nbsp;

The two men are due to be released on Wednesday.

TLP leaders had threatened the Supreme Court judges who acquitted Bibi, urging their cooks and servants to kill them, and called for the overthrow of the army chief, an unthinkable comment in Pakistan where the military is rarely criticized in public and the army normally does not tolerate such dissent.

The TLP, whose main focus is protecting Pakistan’s draconian blasphemy laws, was founded out of a movement supporting a bodyguard who assassinated Punjab provincial governor Salman Taseer for advocating for Bibi in 2011.

Blasphemy is a deeply emotive issue in Pakistan’s staunchly religious society, and officials have been unnerved by how much support Rizvi’s TLP has garnered across the country in the two years since the group entered mainstream politics.

A Pakistani court on Tuesday granted bail to the leader of an ultra-right Islamist group arrested last year after his supporters shut down cities and threatened judges following the acquittal of a Christian woman accused of blasphemy.

A Pakistani court on Tuesday granted bail to the leader of an ultra-right Islamist group arrested last year after his supporters shut down cities and threatened judges following the acquittal of a Christian woman accused of blasphemy. The leader of the Tehreek-e-Labbaik (TLP) party, Khadim Hussain Rizvi, and his deputy, Pir Afzal Qadri, were arrested last year and charged with inciting terrorism and sedition after protesting against the acquittal of Asia Bibi who had spent eight years on death row on blasphemy charges. "Today, the Lahore High Court has granted bail to Rizvi and Qadri in the cases of terrorism, sedition and inciting for violence," TLP lawyer Muhammad Arif Awan told Reuters. Bibi left for Canada last week after living at an undisclosed location inside Pakistan since her acquittal. Hardline Islamists in Pakistan had rallied against her being allowed to leave and called for her to be killed. Rizvi`s November arrest led to clashes between police and his supporters in the eastern city of Lahore, wounding five people in violence authorities say was instigated by the TLP leader after he called on his faithful to take to the streets if he was arrested. The two men are due to be released on Wednesday. TLP leaders had threatened the Supreme Court judges who acquitted Bibi, urging their cooks and servants to kill them, and called for the overthrow of the army chief, an unthinkable comment in Pakistan where the military is rarely criticized in public and the army normally does not tolerate such dissent. The TLP, whose main focus is protecting Pakistan’s draconian blasphemy laws, was founded out of a movement supporting a bodyguard who assassinated Punjab provincial governor Salman Taseer for advocating for Bibi in 2011. Blasphemy is a deeply emotive issue in Pakistan’s staunchly religious society, and officials have been unnerved by how much support Rizvi’s TLP has garnered across the country in the two years since the group entered mainstream politics.

Protestors who opposed Asia Bibi's acquittal get bail 

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-imposes-sanction-on-pakistan-after-islamabad-refuses-to-take-back-deportees-213833">US has imposed visa sanctions</a> on three senior Pakistani interior ministry officials following a row between the two countries over deportation of dozens of Pakistanis in America for their visa overstay and other allegations.

Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Tuesday informed the National Assembly's Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs about that visa curbs by the US.

The officials who are facing the visa restrictions are an additional secretary and a joint secretary of the interior ministry as well as the director general passports, the Dawn newspaper reported.

Also read- <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-visa-cut-for-pakistan-citizens-reduced-from-five-years-to-three-months-report-201472">US visa cut for Pakistan citizens reduced from five years to one year: Report</a>

The sanctions on the officials have been put in place after a row between Pakistan and America over deportation of dozens of Pakistanis, currently in the US, because of visa overstay and other allegations, it said.

Qureshi said the US authorities intended to deport more than 70 Pakistanis, but the government had asked them to fulfil the legal requirements.

The US put the restrictions on three officials that are said to be overseeing the country's policy on accepting back nationals deported from other countries.

The US has over the past 18 months deported over 100 Pakistanis, all of whom were accepted back.

It is the first time that Pakistani authorities have insisted on a verification of the credentials of the deportees.

The foreign minister, however, clarified that there were no visa restrictions by the US government on Pakistani citizens in general.

He said consular operations of the US embassy in Islamabad were continuing and are granting visas to the eligible applicants.&nbsp;

The US has imposed visa sanctions on three senior Pakistani interior ministry officials following a row between the two countries over deportation of dozens of Pakistanis in America for their visa overstay and other allegations.

The US has imposed visa sanctions on three senior Pakistani interior ministry officials following a row between the two countries over deportation of dozens of Pakistanis in America for their visa overstay and other allegations. Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi on Tuesday informed the National Assembly's Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs about that visa curbs by the US. The officials who are facing the visa restrictions are an additional secretary and a joint secretary of the interior ministry as well as the director general passports, the Dawn newspaper reported. Also read- US visa cut for Pakistan citizens reduced from five years to one year: Report The sanctions on the officials have been put in place after a row between Pakistan and America over deportation of dozens of Pakistanis, currently in the US, because of visa overstay and other allegations, it said. Qureshi said the US authorities intended to deport more than 70 Pakistanis, but the government had asked them to fulfil the legal requirements. The US put the restrictions on three officials that are said to be overseeing the country's policy on accepting back nationals deported from other countries. The US has over the past 18 months deported over 100 Pakistanis, all of whom were accepted back. It is the first time that Pakistani authorities have insisted on a verification of the credentials of the deportees. The foreign minister, however, clarified that there were no visa restrictions by the US government on Pakistani citizens in general. He said consular operations of the US embassy in Islamabad were continuing and are granting visas to the eligible applicants.

US imposes visa restrictions on three senior Pakistani officials

Pakistan on Wednesday decided not to lift its airspace ban for Indian flights till May 30, as Islamabad is awaiting the outcome of the Lok Sabha polls in India.

Pakistan fully closed its airspace after an Indian Air Force strike on a Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror camp in Balakot on February 26. However, Pakistan opened its airspace for all flights except for New Delhi, Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur on March 27.

"The top officials of defence and aviation ministries held a meeting on Wednesday to reconsider opening its airspace for Indian flights. They decided that Pakistan's airspace will remain banned for the Indian flights till May 30,? a senior government official told PTI after the meeting.&nbsp;

He said the Civil Aviation Authority has also notified the decision to the airmen. The authority issued a notification (Notam) after the meeting to pilots, advising them of circumstances relating to the state of flying.&nbsp;

The official said the government will now consider lifting of the ban on Pakistan's airspace for Indian flights on May 30.&nbsp;

Pakistan on Wednesday decided not to lift its airspace ban for Indian flights till May 30, as Islamabad is awaiting the outcome of the Lok Sabha polls in India. Pakistan fully closed its airspace after an Indian Air Force strike on a Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror camp in Balakot on February 26.

Pakistan on Wednesday decided not to lift its airspace ban for Indian flights till May 30, as Islamabad is awaiting the outcome of the Lok Sabha polls in India. Pakistan fully closed its airspace after an Indian Air Force strike on a Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) terror camp in Balakot on February 26. However, Pakistan opened its airspace for all flights except for New Delhi, Bangkok and Kuala Lumpur on March 27. "The top officials of defence and aviation ministries held a meeting on Wednesday to reconsider opening its airspace for Indian flights. They decided that Pakistan's airspace will remain banned for the Indian flights till May 30,? a senior government official told PTI after the meeting. He said the Civil Aviation Authority has also notified the decision to the airmen. The authority issued a notification (Notam) after the meeting to pilots, advising them of circumstances relating to the state of flying. The official said the government will now consider lifting of the ban on Pakistan's airspace for Indian flights on May 30.

Pakistan's airspace to remain shut for Indian flights till May 30

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