Did India concede ground to ensure China dropped its objection to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) listing Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist? &nbsp;The finger of suspicion points at the imminent proceedings of the Paris-based Financial Action Task force (FATF).&nbsp;

China’s Xiangming Liu takes over as president of the FATF on July 1, 2019 – just in time to save Pakistan from being blacklisted. Did China, Pakistan’s all-weather ally, drive a bargain at the UNSC last week to keep Pakistan out of the blacklist at the FATF’s scheduled October 2019 meeting in return for Masood Azhar’s listing?&nbsp;

The FATF’s Asian affiliate will later this month evaluate the progress Pakistan has made in 29 specific areas of terror financing and money laundering where the FATF says Pakistan is in violation of its guidelines.

The Imran Khan government says “Naya” Pakistan is determined to root out terrorism emanating from Pakistani soil and that most of FATF’s concerns have been taken care of.&nbsp;

No one in the FATF — or in Pakistan itself — believes that. Terror financing continues unabated. Money laundering through routes in Afghanistan and the Middle East to fund terror groups has not reduced. The listing of JeM’s Masood Azhar as a global terrorist by the UNSC is merely symbolic. The Lashkar-e-Toiba’s Hafiz Saeed was designated a global terrorist by the UNSC way back in 2001. He has been untouched by the Pakistani authorities and continues to preach jihad against India.

Masood Azhar is currently under the protection of the Pakistani army’s ISI. Islamabad says the UNSC listing will be implemented in all key areas, including imposing an arms embargo on Azhar and freezing his assets.&nbsp;

Since the JeM’s weaponry and funds come surreptitiously from the Pakistani Army, neither the arms embargo nor the asset freeze will alter the status quo. For the JeM, it is terror as usual.&nbsp;

Pakistan’s real fear is not the occasional UNSC listing of the terrorists it arms, funds and protects. Its real fear is blacklisting by the FATF. Already on the greylist, Pakistan simply cannot afford to be blacklisted. The only two countries currently on the FATF’s blacklist are Iran and North Korea. Blacklisting of a country cuts off all global financial aid and loans, imposes sanctions on the country’s banks, and cripples its economy. Iran and North Korea are examples of how FATF blacklisting (along with other US-specific sanctions) have devastated their economies.&nbsp;

Pakistan has been warned by the FATF that unless it shows real progress on ending terror financing, blacklisting by the watchdog body at its October 2019 meeting could follow. Pakistan’ fragile economy, already beset by low foreign exchange reserves, a depreciating rupee and a bloated current account deficit, could collapse if FATF blacklisted it. Islamabad has, therefore, spent the past several months working on a strategy to avoid this financial Armaggedon. The strategy has two prongs.&nbsp;

First, package “Naya” Pakistan as a break from the past. Prime Minister Imran Khan has promised action against all terror groups operating from Pakistan. Shortly after Masood Azhar was designated a global terrorist, Pakistan’s foreign office spokesman Mohammad Faisal declared piously: “The UNSC decision entails travel restrictions, asset freeze and arms embargo. Pakistan is a responsible state and we will take responsible action.”&nbsp;

This charm offensive is aimed squarely at the FATF and the United States. Talks between US special envoy on Afghanistan Zalmay Khalizad and the Pakistan-created Taliban terror organisation have recently run into a wall.&nbsp;

This is the second prong of Pakistan’s strategy: leverage its influence over the Taliban to reboot negotiations and offer US President Donald Trump a rapid exit from Afghanistan he seeks for US and NATO troops.&nbsp;

The two-pronged strategy thus relies on deception and blackmail. Deception because “Naya” Pakistan is a mirage. Blackmail because the Taliban is Pakistan’s bargaining chip with a US President desperate to end the country’s 18-year war in Afghanistan. Will the Pakistani strategy work? In the short term, yes. In the medium and long term, no.&nbsp;

Consider why: China will shortly head the FATF and sell the false “Naya” Pakistan narrative to members of the FATF to ensure Islamabad is not blacklisted in October. This though, will prove a pyrrhic victory for both Pakistan and China. Lulled into complacency by the China-headed FATF’s enforced generosity, terror groups in Pakistan will attack targets in India and Afghanistan with renewed vigour.&nbsp;

The drawdown of US and NATO troops will allow the Taliban free rein. If it is part of the new Afghan government following elections scheduled for later this year, Afghanistan will join a select group of countries ruled by a terror group.&nbsp;

For Pakistan, a Taliban-controlled Afghanistan constitutes the “strategic depth” it craves. But habits die hard. And bad habits die harder. Ordinary Afghans haven’t forgotten the last time the Taliban was part of the government in 1996-2001. They despise the Taliban and Pakistan in equal measure. India hasn’t forgotten Taliban rule either. In 1999, the Taliban played a venal role in helping the ISI-backed Harkat-ul-Mujahideen hijackers of Indian Airlines Flight 814 in Kandahar to free Masood Azhar from an Indian jail. &nbsp;

A return to “old” Pakistan is therefore guaranteed with help from its Taliban terror partners. The reprieve for Pakistan from the FATF could prove both temporary and illusory.&nbsp; 
 
(This article was originally published on The DNA. Read the <a href="https://www.dnaindia.com/analysis/column-fatf-pakistan-s-achilles-heel-2747319">original article)</a>

 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.)

 
&nbsp;

 
&nbsp;

Did India concede ground to ensure China dropped its objection to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) listing Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist?

Did India concede ground to ensure China dropped its objection to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) listing Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist? The finger of suspicion points at the imminent proceedings of the Paris-based Financial Action Task force (FATF). China’s Xiangming Liu takes over as president of the FATF on July 1, 2019 – just in time to save Pakistan from being blacklisted. Did China, Pakistan’s all-weather ally, drive a bargain at the UNSC last week to keep Pakistan out of the blacklist at the FATF’s scheduled October 2019 meeting in return for Masood Azhar’s listing? The FATF’s Asian affiliate will later this month evaluate the progress Pakistan has made in 29 specific areas of terror financing and money laundering where the FATF says Pakistan is in violation of its guidelines. The Imran Khan government says “Naya” Pakistan is determined to root out terrorism emanating from Pakistani soil and that most of FATF’s concerns have been taken care of. No one in the FATF — or in Pakistan itself — believes that. Terror financing continues unabated. Money laundering through routes in Afghanistan and the Middle East to fund terror groups has not reduced. The listing of JeM’s Masood Azhar as a global terrorist by the UNSC is merely symbolic. The Lashkar-e-Toiba’s Hafiz Saeed was designated a global terrorist by the UNSC way back in 2001. He has been untouched by the Pakistani authorities and continues to preach jihad against India. Masood Azhar is currently under the protection of the Pakistani army’s ISI. Islamabad says the UNSC listing will be implemented in all key areas, including imposing an arms embargo on Azhar and freezing his assets. Since the JeM’s weaponry and funds come surreptitiously from the Pakistani Army, neither the arms embargo nor the asset freeze will alter the status quo. For the JeM, it is terror as usual. Pakistan’s real fear is not the occasional UNSC listing of the terrorists it arms, funds and protects. Its real fear is blacklisting by the FATF. Already on the greylist, Pakistan simply cannot afford to be blacklisted. The only two countries currently on the FATF’s blacklist are Iran and North Korea. Blacklisting of a country cuts off all global financial aid and loans, imposes sanctions on the country’s banks, and cripples its economy. Iran and North Korea are examples of how FATF blacklisting (along with other US-specific sanctions) have devastated their economies. Pakistan has been warned by the FATF that unless it shows real progress on ending terror financing, blacklisting by the watchdog body at its October 2019 meeting could follow. Pakistan’ fragile economy, already beset by low foreign exchange reserves, a depreciating rupee and a bloated current account deficit, could collapse if FATF blacklisted it. Islamabad has, therefore, spent the past several months working on a strategy to avoid this financial Armaggedon. The strategy has two prongs. First, package “Naya” Pakistan as a break from the past. Prime Minister Imran Khan has promised action against all terror groups operating from Pakistan. Shortly after Masood Azhar was designated a global terrorist, Pakistan’s foreign office spokesman Mohammad Faisal declared piously: “The UNSC decision entails travel restrictions, asset freeze and arms embargo. Pakistan is a responsible state and we will take responsible action.” This charm offensive is aimed squarely at the FATF and the United States. Talks between US special envoy on Afghanistan Zalmay Khalizad and the Pakistan-created Taliban terror organisation have recently run into a wall. This is the second prong of Pakistan’s strategy: leverage its influence over the Taliban to reboot negotiations and offer US President Donald Trump a rapid exit from Afghanistan he seeks for US and NATO troops. The two-pronged strategy thus relies on deception and blackmail. Deception because “Naya” Pakistan is a mirage. Blackmail because the Taliban is Pakistan’s bargaining chip with a US President desperate to end the country’s 18-year war in Afghanistan. Will the Pakistani strategy work? In the short term, yes. In the medium and long term, no. Consider why: China will shortly head the FATF and sell the false “Naya” Pakistan narrative to members of the FATF to ensure Islamabad is not blacklisted in October. This though, will prove a pyrrhic victory for both Pakistan and China. Lulled into complacency by the China-headed FATF’s enforced generosity, terror groups in Pakistan will attack targets in India and Afghanistan with renewed vigour. The drawdown of US and NATO troops will allow the Taliban free rein. If it is part of the new Afghan government following elections scheduled for later this year, Afghanistan will join a select group of countries ruled by a terror group. For Pakistan, a Taliban-controlled Afghanistan constitutes the “strategic depth” it craves. But habits die hard. And bad habits die harder. Ordinary Afghans haven’t forgotten the last time the Taliban was part of the government in 1996-2001. They despise the Taliban and Pakistan in equal measure. India hasn’t forgotten Taliban rule either. In 1999, the Taliban played a venal role in helping the ISI-backed Harkat-ul-Mujahideen hijackers of Indian Airlines Flight 814 in Kandahar to free Masood Azhar from an Indian jail. A return to “old” Pakistan is therefore guaranteed with help from its Taliban terror partners. The reprieve for Pakistan from the FATF could prove both temporary and illusory. (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.)

Pakistan banking on a Chinese incumbent to keep itself off the blacklist

Pakistan to regulate madrasas. About 3 million students enrolled in madrasas. Watch this video to know more.

Pakistan to regulate madrasas, 30,000 seminaries under the scanner

JeM chief Masood Azhar was listed as a "global terrorist" by the UNSC last week in a major diplomatic victory for India over Pakistan.

How India plans to isolate Pakistan after Azhar's listing at UN

Pakistan Plans To Regulate 30,000 Madrasas After Sri Lanka Terror Attacks.

Gravitas: Regulating Madrasas; The Track-Record Of India & Pakistan

Pakistan's deposed <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/sharif-will-return-to-jail-on-tuesday-216457&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiWiLCklIviAhUIqI8KHY5VB_8QFjAAegQIAhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw07onlf1HmntrCxAya7rK0N">prime minister Nawaz Sharif</a> has returned to prison to serve his sentence in a corruption case after the end of his six-week bail which was granted to him on medical grounds.

On March 26, the Supreme Court suspended Sharif's seven-year sentence in the Al-Azizia Steel Mills corruption case and granted him bail for six weeks with a condition that he would not leave Pakistan.

Last month, the 69-year-old three-time prime minister sought the apex court's permission to go abroad for medical treatment. However, permission was not granted.

On Tuesday, Sharif left his Jati Umra residence here for the Kot Lakhpat Jail with a procession of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) workers led by his daughter Maryam.

<a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pti-to-challenge-maryams-appointment-as-pml-n-vice-president-216570&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwjTx9PPlIviAhWMvo8KHWRwCncQFjAAegQIAhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw0sg-zb-SveQetE-vrfvrRi">Maryam </a>and his nephew Hamza Shehbaz along with hundreds of PML-N workers accompanied him. The supporters gathered outside Sharif's Jati Umra residence and accompanied him to jail.

The procession took four hours to reach the Kot Lakhpat Jail, which is otherwise just 30 minutes away. The bail expired on Tuesday midnight (May 7) with the apex court rejecting his review petition, seeking permission to go London for further treatment.

After reaching jail, Sharif thanked his party workers for turning up in large numbers. "I do not have words to thank the workers who turned up in thousands to express solidarity. It is midnight but the workers are still here with me. It is an amazing scene," he said in a message.

The massive support for the PML-N leader included a large number of party workers from different parts of Punjab province who turned up for the rally en-route to the jail. Sharif's daughter Maryam accompanied her father in his car and posted images online of the reception their entourage got from the public.

"The roads to the jail from Jati Umra were jampacked. Only heads and long queues of motorists," Maryam tweeted. Amidst sloganeering in support of Sharif, party workers have seen showering rose petals at his car.

"The people know why I am being punished. What sin I have committed... They know. But I am optimistic that soon the black night of this oppression will end and I will get released from jail," Sharif said.

Though Sharif was to reach jail before midnight, he reported half-an-hour late. The Punjab Home Department directed the jail authorities to receive Sharif and shift him to the barrack, officials said. He was imprisoned in Adiyala Jail and shifted to Kot Lakhpat Jail on request.

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's deposed prime minister Nawaz Sharif has returned to prison to serve his sentence in a corruption case after the end of his six-week bail which was granted to him on medical grounds.

Pakistan's deposed prime minister Nawaz Sharif has returned to prison to serve his sentence in a corruption case after the end of his six-week bail which was granted to him on medical grounds. On March 26, the Supreme Court suspended Sharif's seven-year sentence in the Al-Azizia Steel Mills corruption case and granted him bail for six weeks with a condition that he would not leave Pakistan. Last month, the 69-year-old three-time prime minister sought the apex court's permission to go abroad for medical treatment. However, permission was not granted. On Tuesday, Sharif left his Jati Umra residence here for the Kot Lakhpat Jail with a procession of Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) workers led by his daughter Maryam. Maryam and his nephew Hamza Shehbaz along with hundreds of PML-N workers accompanied him. The supporters gathered outside Sharif's Jati Umra residence and accompanied him to jail. The procession took four hours to reach the Kot Lakhpat Jail, which is otherwise just 30 minutes away. The bail expired on Tuesday midnight (May 7) with the apex court rejecting his review petition, seeking permission to go London for further treatment. After reaching jail, Sharif thanked his party workers for turning up in large numbers. "I do not have words to thank the workers who turned up in thousands to express solidarity. It is midnight but the workers are still here with me. It is an amazing scene," he said in a message. The massive support for the PML-N leader included a large number of party workers from different parts of Punjab province who turned up for the rally en-route to the jail. Sharif's daughter Maryam accompanied her father in his car and posted images online of the reception their entourage got from the public. "The roads to the jail from Jati Umra were jampacked. Only heads and long queues of motorists," Maryam tweeted. Amidst sloganeering in support of Sharif, party workers have seen showering rose petals at his car. "The people know why I am being punished. What sin I have committed... They know. But I am optimistic that soon the black night of this oppression will end and I will get released from jail," Sharif said. Though Sharif was to reach jail before midnight, he reported half-an-hour late. The Punjab Home Department directed the jail authorities to receive Sharif and shift him to the barrack, officials said. He was imprisoned in Adiyala Jail and shifted to Kot Lakhpat Jail on request. 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.

Nawaz Sharif back in jail after massive show of strength

Suicide Bomb Blast Kills 9 People In Lahore. Blast Takes Place Outside Data Darbar, The Largest Sufi Shrine In South Asia.

Gravitas: Lahore Suicide Bomb Blast; 9 Killed, 25 Injured

What Transpired In Balakot In The Wee Hours Of February 26, 2019?

Gravitas: Inside India's Balakot Airstrikes; New Report Uncovers Fresh Insights

Just days after Pakistan said it was willing to take Indian journalists to the site of the Balakot air strike, a new report has pegged the number of Jaish-e-Mohammed members killed at between 130 and 170. Italian journalist and author Francesca Marino, in a piece published in StringerAsia, said the strike carried out by India in the wee hours of February 26 “immediately killed a large number of JeM cadres.”

WION Exclusive: Watch exclusive talk of WION with Journalist 'Francesca Marino' directly from Rome

Italian journalist and author Francesca Marino, in a piece published in StringerAsia, said the strike carried out by India in the wee hours of February 26 “immediately killed a large number of JeM cadres.”

Report: Over 130 JeM terrorists killed in Balakot air strike, 45 still under treatment

We get you the latest from Pakistan, where five people have dies and 10 others are in critical condition after blast near major Sufi shrine in Lahore. Watch full video to know more.

Pakistan: 5 dead after blast near major Sufi shrine in Lahore

India has asked <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-keen-to-finalise-pact-for-kartarpur-corridor-opening-211605">Pakistan</a> to build a bridge on Ravi river to manage the flow of water and prevent flood damages.

The matter was raised by Indian authorities in an official note to Islamabad during the first week of May.

The issue was earlier raised on April 16 in the second technical meet on <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/500-year-old-well-discovered-near-gurdwara-on-kartarpur-corridor-in-pakistan-214166">Kartarpur</a> .

Work is on in full swing on the Indian side to build the corridor. New Delhi is building a Passenger Terminal Building (PTB ) at the cost of Rs 195 crore on its side of the border, which is expected to be completed by September.

Around 50 acres of land has been demarcated to build the PTB with Rs 10 crore been given as compensation for land acquisition done for the project.

Passenger Terminal Building will be able to cater to 5000 pilgrims per day.

In March, India had postponed the second India-Pakistan official talks over Khalistani concerns.

Khalistani and close aide of Hafiz Saeed, Gopal Singh Chawla was appointed to Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Prabandhak committee by Pakistan, irking New Delhi.&nbsp;

The Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Prabandhak committee will overlook the construction of Kartarpur corridor in Pakistan.

Pakistan is yet to respond on New Delhi's concerns.

India has asked Pakistan to build a bridge on Ravi river to manage the flow of water and prevent flood damages. The matter was raised by Indian authorities in an official note to Islamabad during the first week of May.

India has asked Pakistan to build a bridge on Ravi river to manage the flow of water and prevent flood damages. The matter was raised by Indian authorities in an official note to Islamabad during the first week of May. The issue was earlier raised on April 16 in the second technical meet on Kartarpur . Work is on in full swing on the Indian side to build the corridor. New Delhi is building a Passenger Terminal Building (PTB ) at the cost of Rs 195 crore on its side of the border, which is expected to be completed by September. Around 50 acres of land has been demarcated to build the PTB with Rs 10 crore been given as compensation for land acquisition done for the project. Passenger Terminal Building will be able to cater to 5000 pilgrims per day. In March, India had postponed the second India-Pakistan official talks over Khalistani concerns. Khalistani and close aide of Hafiz Saeed, Gopal Singh Chawla was appointed to Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Prabandhak committee by Pakistan, irking New Delhi. The Pakistan Sikh Gurdwara Prabandhak committee will overlook the construction of Kartarpur corridor in Pakistan. Pakistan is yet to respond on New Delhi's concerns.

Kartarpur corridor: India asks Pakistan to build bridge on Ravi river

Pakistani authorities have arrested 12 suspected members of prostitution ring taking young Pakistani women to China, part of a growing human trafficking problem often based on fake marriages, officials said on Monday.

Pakistan busts human-trafficking racket, eight Chinese nationals arrested

A Baloch political activist has accused <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/afghan-government-raises-partial-airspace-ban-matter-with-pakistan-216393&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiX79iNzojiAhUfTI8KHSvWATsQFjACegQIDhAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw2mLiBFt0MWC2FIqtRJMXQ5">Pakistan </a>of taking away the resources and eliminating the people of <a href="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-uds-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-launches-protest-with-iran-over-inaction-against-balochistan-bus-attack-211987&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwi0xoTS0YjiAhXMqo8KHVZUAxwQFjACegQIEBAC&amp;usg=AOvVaw33taDvAponKZBG3vYZ_8H3">Balochistan</a>, the province with immense geo-strategic importance and huge untapped natural resource reserves.

Karima Baloch, former chairperson of Baloch Students Organisation - Azad said in a recent interview, "Pakistan always talks about acquiring the land. They don`t want the Baloch people but want the resources there. It has been its policy of exploiting the resources and make use of its geo-strategic importance since a pro-freedom struggle is ongoing in Balochistan."

Balochistan, which is Pakistan`s largest province, is rich in natural reserves including gold, copper, oil, valuable stones, chromite and natural gas.

It has an oceanic coastline that stretches along with one of the world`s most important shipping routes i.e., the Straits of Hormuz. Despite being rich in natural resources, the people in Balochistan are deprived of employment, quality education and clean drinking water.

The people of Balochistan are fighting a decades-long war over their rights with Pakistan, but are being labelled as traitors and extremists. Karima Baloch said, "If raising a voice for our rights is extremism then we are extremists. They have occupied our province by using force. Pakistan always talks about the freedom of Kashmiris at various international forums. Why Pakistan did not criticize the Kashmiris then? If speaking about freedom and preserving our culture, language and territory is extremism, then we are extremists. They can call us anything, but we will not stop our struggle."

A large number of political activists, intellectuals and students have gone missing from Balochistan in the past few years. These people have been allegedly abducted by the Frontier Corps (FC) and other intelligence agencies including ISI, and are languishing in detention centres.

Family members of the missing persons have alleged that they are being brutally tortured without any crime."In Pakistan, no one listens about the missing persons. The Frontier Corps, intelligence agencies and the Army kidnap innocent civilians in broad daylight. They are not answerable to the court. It`s a country where the judiciary is weak and the Army and intelligence agencies are powerful."

The difficulties of Baloch people have multiplied since the launch of the multi-billion dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project as the Pakistan Army has intensified its operations to ensure safe passage to China in Balochistan.

China is investing huge money in building infrastructure at the deep-sea port in Gwadar, which it says, will be used as the hub of transit goods to rest of Asia and Europe.

A Baloch political activist has accused Pakistan of taking away the resources and eliminating the people of Balochistan, the province with immense geo-strategic importance and huge untapped natural resource reserves.

A Baloch political activist has accused Pakistan of taking away the resources and eliminating the people of Balochistan, the province with immense geo-strategic importance and huge untapped natural resource reserves. Karima Baloch, former chairperson of Baloch Students Organisation - Azad said in a recent interview, "Pakistan always talks about acquiring the land. They don`t want the Baloch people but want the resources there. It has been its policy of exploiting the resources and make use of its geo-strategic importance since a pro-freedom struggle is ongoing in Balochistan." Balochistan, which is Pakistan`s largest province, is rich in natural reserves including gold, copper, oil, valuable stones, chromite and natural gas. It has an oceanic coastline that stretches along with one of the world`s most important shipping routes i.e., the Straits of Hormuz. Despite being rich in natural resources, the people in Balochistan are deprived of employment, quality education and clean drinking water. The people of Balochistan are fighting a decades-long war over their rights with Pakistan, but are being labelled as traitors and extremists. Karima Baloch said, "If raising a voice for our rights is extremism then we are extremists. They have occupied our province by using force. Pakistan always talks about the freedom of Kashmiris at various international forums. Why Pakistan did not criticize the Kashmiris then? If speaking about freedom and preserving our culture, language and territory is extremism, then we are extremists. They can call us anything, but we will not stop our struggle." A large number of political activists, intellectuals and students have gone missing from Balochistan in the past few years. These people have been allegedly abducted by the Frontier Corps (FC) and other intelligence agencies including ISI, and are languishing in detention centres. Family members of the missing persons have alleged that they are being brutally tortured without any crime."In Pakistan, no one listens about the missing persons. The Frontier Corps, intelligence agencies and the Army kidnap innocent civilians in broad daylight. They are not answerable to the court. It`s a country where the judiciary is weak and the Army and intelligence agencies are powerful." The difficulties of Baloch people have multiplied since the launch of the multi-billion dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project as the Pakistan Army has intensified its operations to ensure safe passage to China in Balochistan. China is investing huge money in building infrastructure at the deep-sea port in Gwadar, which it says, will be used as the hub of transit goods to rest of Asia and Europe.

Pakistan don't need Baloch, but their resources, claims activist

The ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Monday said that it will challenge the decision of the Pakistan Muslim League - Nawaz (PML-N) to appoint Maryam Nawaz as one of the 16 vice presidents of the party.

Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said that PTI was preparing to challenge PML-N`s decision to grant a party post to a convicted person, Express Tribune reported.

He said that the ruling party was exploring various options and will decide the best way to take the matter forward.

"We have the option to take this up in the Parliament, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), or the country's courts," Qureshi said.

"She (Maryam) has been convicted by the country`s courts and is not eligible to hold a party position. She has been granted temporary relief by the court. Her conviction has not been reversed," he added.

Maryam, along with her husband Captain (retd) Muhammad Safdar and her father and former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, was sentenced by an accountability court on corruption charges in Avenfield reference case in June last year.

While Maryam was sentenced to seven years, her father was awarded a 10-year jail term. Safdar was given a one-year prison sentence.

In September last year, the Islamabad High Court suspended the sentence of the trio.

According to sources, Qureshi has started consulting with party leaders and lawyers on the matter. He is also said to have been thinking of approaching ECP on Maryam`s appointment.

On May 3, the PML-N underwent a major reshuffle initiated by president Shehbaz Sharif. His son, Hamza Shehbaz, along with Maryam, was named as one of the 16 vice presidents of the party.

Former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi was named as PML-N`s senior vice president and former interior minister Ahsan Iqbal was appointed as the party`s general secretary.

While Marriyum Aurangzeb was retained as the party`s spokesperson, former finance minister Ishaq Dar, who is facing corruption charges and is living in London, has been named as the president of the party`s International Affairs Committee.

The ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Monday said that it will challenge the decision of the Pakistan Muslim League - Nawaz (PML-N) to appoint Maryam Nawaz as one of the 16 vice presidents of the party.

The ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) on Monday said that it will challenge the decision of the Pakistan Muslim League - Nawaz (PML-N) to appoint Maryam Nawaz as one of the 16 vice presidents of the party. Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said that PTI was preparing to challenge PML-N`s decision to grant a party post to a convicted person, Express Tribune reported. He said that the ruling party was exploring various options and will decide the best way to take the matter forward. "We have the option to take this up in the Parliament, the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), or the country's courts," Qureshi said. "She (Maryam) has been convicted by the country`s courts and is not eligible to hold a party position. She has been granted temporary relief by the court. Her conviction has not been reversed," he added. Maryam, along with her husband Captain (retd) Muhammad Safdar and her father and former prime minister Nawaz Sharif, was sentenced by an accountability court on corruption charges in Avenfield reference case in June last year. While Maryam was sentenced to seven years, her father was awarded a 10-year jail term. Safdar was given a one-year prison sentence. In September last year, the Islamabad High Court suspended the sentence of the trio. According to sources, Qureshi has started consulting with party leaders and lawyers on the matter. He is also said to have been thinking of approaching ECP on Maryam`s appointment. On May 3, the PML-N underwent a major reshuffle initiated by president Shehbaz Sharif. His son, Hamza Shehbaz, along with Maryam, was named as one of the 16 vice presidents of the party. Former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi was named as PML-N`s senior vice president and former interior minister Ahsan Iqbal was appointed as the party`s general secretary. While Marriyum Aurangzeb was retained as the party`s spokesperson, former finance minister Ishaq Dar, who is facing corruption charges and is living in London, has been named as the president of the party`s International Affairs Committee.

PTI to challenge Maryam's appointment as PML-N vice president

In the narrow alleys of the poor Pakistani neighbourhood of Lyari -- known for drugs, gang wars and a low literacy rate -- young children and youths are learning about peace and love crossing the boundaries of faith, from string puppets.

Puppet show in Pakistan teaches compassion regardless of faith

Worshippers in the Pakistani city of Rawalpindi made a last minute dash for food as they prepare to begin the Muslim holy fasting month of Ramadan.

Muslims in Pakistan buy food before holy month starts

Even as China increases its presence in Pakistan through China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) that crosses the south-Asian country and gives China crucial connectivity to West Asia, it is Islamabad that could be in the receiving end.

Instances of brides being trafficked by Chinese men has come to the forefront with New York-based international NGO Human Rights Watch has raised the concern of Pakistani girls being trafficked by Chinese men. The NGO in a release said, "Pakistan’s government should be alarmed by recent reports of trafficking of women and girls to China. These allegations are disturbingly similar to the pattern of trafficking of “brides” to China from at least five other Asian countries."

The NGO stated, "Pakistan government has also acknowledged that bride trafficking is occurring and pledged to work with China to combat the trade."

Pakistan media channels have been exposing a number of cases in which Chinese men have married Pakistani girls with their families being given money and sometimes even visa for the male members. Media reports from the country suggest they are taken to China and forced into nefarious activities. Most of the cases belong to the minority Christian community and the underprivileged ones. &nbsp;

The Chinese embassy has reacted to the local media reports saying "We remind both Chinese and Pakistani citizens to remain vigilant and not to be cheated. We also welcome valuable clues to combat such offences."

Meanwhile, the Pentagon in its report has said, China plans to establish a military base in Pakistan.

In its annual report to US Congress on Military and security developments involving China in 2019, the Pentagon said, "China will seek to establish additional military bases in countries with which it has a longstanding friendly relationship and similar strategic interests, such as Pakistan".

In August of 2017, China officially opened its first overseas military base in Djibouti.

Even as China increases its presence in Pakistan through China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) that crosses the south-Asian country and gives China crucial connectivity to West Asia, it is Islamabad that could be in the receiving end.

Even as China increases its presence in Pakistan through China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) that crosses the south-Asian country and gives China crucial connectivity to West Asia, it is Islamabad that could be in the receiving end. Instances of brides being trafficked by Chinese men has come to the forefront with New York-based international NGO Human Rights Watch has raised the concern of Pakistani girls being trafficked by Chinese men. The NGO in a release said, "Pakistan’s government should be alarmed by recent reports of trafficking of women and girls to China. These allegations are disturbingly similar to the pattern of trafficking of “brides” to China from at least five other Asian countries." The NGO stated, "Pakistan government has also acknowledged that bride trafficking is occurring and pledged to work with China to combat the trade." Pakistan media channels have been exposing a number of cases in which Chinese men have married Pakistani girls with their families being given money and sometimes even visa for the male members. Media reports from the country suggest they are taken to China and forced into nefarious activities. Most of the cases belong to the minority Christian community and the underprivileged ones. The Chinese embassy has reacted to the local media reports saying "We remind both Chinese and Pakistani citizens to remain vigilant and not to be cheated. We also welcome valuable clues to combat such offences." Meanwhile, the Pentagon in its report has said, China plans to establish a military base in Pakistan. In its annual report to US Congress on Military and security developments involving China in 2019, the Pentagon said, "China will seek to establish additional military bases in countries with which it has a longstanding friendly relationship and similar strategic interests, such as Pakistan". In August of 2017, China officially opened its first overseas military base in Djibouti.

China's omnipresence in Pakistan increases 

A polio officer was killed by unidentified gunmen on Sunday in a tribal district of northwest Pakistan.&nbsp;

The 35-year-old official, Abdullah Jan, was on way to his home when the gunmen opened fire on him in Mamond tehsil of Bajaur district near Pak-Afghan border, police said.

He was taken to a hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. The administration has started an investigation into the incident to know about the causes behind the murder.

Pakistan is one of the three countries, along with Afghanistan and Nigeria, where polio is still endemic.

Militant groups have killed nearly 100 polio workers and their guards since 2012 on the pretext that they could be Western spies.&nbsp;

A polio officer was killed by unidentified gunmen on Sunday in a tribal district of northwest Pakistan. The 35-year-old official, Abdullah Jan, was on way to his home when the gunmen opened fire on him in Mamond tehsil of Bajaur district near Pak-Afghan border, police said.

A polio officer was killed by unidentified gunmen on Sunday in a tribal district of northwest Pakistan. The 35-year-old official, Abdullah Jan, was on way to his home when the gunmen opened fire on him in Mamond tehsil of Bajaur district near Pak-Afghan border, police said. He was taken to a hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. The administration has started an investigation into the incident to know about the causes behind the murder. Pakistan is one of the three countries, along with Afghanistan and Nigeria, where polio is still endemic. Militant groups have killed nearly 100 polio workers and their guards since 2012 on the pretext that they could be Western spies.

Polio officer killed by gunmen in northwest Pakistan

New Evidence was provided to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC)1267 committee after China had put a hold on March 13 on the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/pakistan/jem-chief-masood-azhar-designated-as-a-global-terrorist-in-un-sanctions-list-215076">listing of Masood Azhar as a global terrorist</a>.

On the basis of the evidence,&nbsp;Beijing had agreed to remove its hold paving way for the listing of Azhar as an <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/we-want-fatf-for-pakistan-should-be-downgraded-arun-jaitley-215344">international terrorist</a>.

"We submitted more evidence, they were convinced",&nbsp;a diplomatic source replied to WION when asked why China change its stance on Masood Azhar, after blocking it for ten&nbsp;years.

Asked about no mention of Pulwama in the notification on the listing of Azhar, the source said, "Link to Pulwama in the whole process is obvious. The whole process started after Pulwama. It started with a clear statement from UNSC. The process started with Pulwama and ended with a listing of Masood Azhar as an international terrorist."

Masood Azhar was declared as an international terrorist by the UN on May 1. India had first proposed listing of Azhar in 2009 but it was blocked by China many times.

"I have no reason to doubt", the diplomatic source, replied when asked if India was able to hit Jaish-e-Mohammed's terror camps in Balakot on February 26.

French Envoy to India Alexandre Ziegler, at a press conference in New Delhi on Friday, called listing of Masood Azhar as "Good news for world community and India" further adding, "It has been a long process. A process in which we have played a role."

He said, "it's&nbsp;a very important decision. Very important political decision. The first-time world reached consensus."

The US, along with France and the UK had proposed the listing of Masood Azhar after the Pulwama attack on February 14 that killed more than 40 Indian security personnel.

Meanwhile, Indonesian Envoy, Sidharto Suryodipuro speaking to WION, on what went on the negotiation said, "There were a number of dimensions to the negotiations. We understand there is the political side to it."

Explaining further he said, "So countries with particular interest will have there own negotiation. We understand that there are discussions between the capitals. The other side of it, the committee, in particular, the chair of the committee, has to ensure, the ground is right, the ground is mature."

Indonesia is the President of United Nations Security Council for May 2019 and is also the chair of the UN Sanction Committee which listed Masood Azhar as an international terrorist.

Meanwhile, India and Australia held the 11th Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism on Friday during which,"Both sides welcomed the listing of Masood Azhar, leader of the Jaish-e-Mohammed, as a Global Terrorist by the UNSC 1267 Sanctions Committee", according to a Ministry of External Affairs release.&nbsp;

India during the meet thanked Australia for co-sponsoring the listing proposal of Masood Azhar along with US, UK, France and other count 
&nbsp;

New Evidence was provided to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC)1267 committee after China had put a hold on March 13 on the listing of Masood Azhar as a global terrorist.

New Evidence was provided to the United Nations Security Council (UNSC)1267 committee after China had put a hold on March 13 on the listing of Masood Azhar as a global terrorist. On the basis of the evidence, Beijing had agreed to remove its hold paving way for the listing of Azhar as an international terrorist. "We submitted more evidence, they were convinced", a diplomatic source replied to WION when asked why China change its stance on Masood Azhar, after blocking it for ten years. Asked about no mention of Pulwama in the notification on the listing of Azhar, the source said, "Link to Pulwama in the whole process is obvious. The whole process started after Pulwama. It started with a clear statement from UNSC. The process started with Pulwama and ended with a listing of Masood Azhar as an international terrorist." Masood Azhar was declared as an international terrorist by the UN on May 1. India had first proposed listing of Azhar in 2009 but it was blocked by China many times. "I have no reason to doubt", the diplomatic source, replied when asked if India was able to hit Jaish-e-Mohammed's terror camps in Balakot on February 26. French Envoy to India Alexandre Ziegler, at a press conference in New Delhi on Friday, called listing of Masood Azhar as "Good news for world community and India" further adding, "It has been a long process. A process in which we have played a role." He said, "it's a very important decision. Very important political decision. The first-time world reached consensus." The US, along with France and the UK had proposed the listing of Masood Azhar after the Pulwama attack on February 14 that killed more than 40 Indian security personnel. Meanwhile, Indonesian Envoy, Sidharto Suryodipuro speaking to WION, on what went on the negotiation said, "There were a number of dimensions to the negotiations. We understand there is the political side to it." Explaining further he said, "So countries with particular interest will have there own negotiation. We understand that there are discussions between the capitals. The other side of it, the committee, in particular, the chair of the committee, has to ensure, the ground is right, the ground is mature." Indonesia is the President of United Nations Security Council for May 2019 and is also the chair of the UN Sanction Committee which listed Masood Azhar as an international terrorist. Meanwhile, India and Australia held the 11th Joint Working Group on Counter-Terrorism on Friday during which,"Both sides welcomed the listing of Masood Azhar, leader of the Jaish-e-Mohammed, as a Global Terrorist by the UNSC 1267 Sanctions Committee", according to a Ministry of External Affairs release. India during the meet thanked Australia for co-sponsoring the listing proposal of Masood Azhar along with US, UK, France and other count

New evidence paved way for listing of Masood Azhar as global terrorist: Diplomatic source to WION

Politicians Claim Victory Over Terrorism After Azhar's Listing As A Global Terrorist. But The Fight Against Terrorism Has Only Started With This Listing. India's stance on Masood Azhar, JeM & Pakistan has been vindicated with the former's listing as a global terrorist by the UN Security council. Palki tells us why it's not a final victory, but a firm beginning in the fight against terror. She pulls up Azhar's interrogation report from 1994 & Pakistan's abysmmal trackrecord on terror to validate the point.

Gravitas: India's long-awaited fight against Terrorism 'begins' with Azhar's listing

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today said that the United Nations' decision to list Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist is a big victory for India. Watch full video to know more.

PM Modi says UN ban on Masood Azhar is a 'Big Victory'

The international community has welcomed the United Nations' decision to designate Jaish-e-Mohammad Chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist and sought sustained action from Pakistan against terrorism. Watch full video to know more.

UK, US and France welcomes UN move to list Masood Azhar as global terrorist

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan is saying right things and trying to make some changes in the country, but his military leadership too needs to take right decisions and right steps, the Trump Administration said Wednesday hours after the UN Security Council designated <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/masood-azhar-named-global-terrorist-how-it-will-affect-the-jem-chief-215077">Masood Azhar as a global terrorist</a>.

Nearly a year and half after President Donald Trump ordered cutting off security aid to Pakistan, a senior US administration official told reporters that the US is trying to change Pakistan's policy of supporting terrorist groups.

Noting the US' recognition of the ISI's links with its home-frown terrorist groups, the official said the US does not want to get involved in the country's internal politics and expects the Pakistan military to correct the situation.

"We support the civilian government. We support the nascent democratic system there. We support the fact that Prime Minister Khan says right things and appears to be trying to make some changes within Pakistan. But only time will tell if he is successful in doing that," he said.

The senior administration official said Pakistan's military leadership too needs to take right decisions and right steps.

"So far, we do see support from the military to the direction that prime minister Khan seems to be going in," he said.

The Trump administration Wednesday credited Prime Minister Khan for his "helpful statements" on cracking down on terror outfits and some initial steps being taken.

"So, we do appreciate that Pakistan is saying the right thing, has taken the initial step that we're looking for, but we reserve judgment because we have seen backpacking in the past,"&nbsp;the official said.

The official said the US wants to "reserve judgment"&nbsp;till it sees if the steps they are taking are actually irreversible.

Observing that only time will tell about Pakistan's future course of action, the US official said Khan as of now has made the right statement.

"He is very public about wanting stability in the region, pointing out how important that is for Pakistanis to prosper and to have economic development which is one of his core campaign promises. He has directly related that goal to Pakistan being able to crack down on militancy within the border,"&nbsp;the official said.

But in the past, the official pointed out, the US has seen Pakistan resorting to the familiar pattern of taking some temporary steps against terrorists and putting them under house arrest like they did with Hafeez Saeed and Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi, only to release them later and let them go back to operating as usual.

"So, unfortunately, the track record (of Pakistan) is not good on this front. But we continue to remain hopeful and encouraged by the initial statements and some of the very initial steps that we have seen Pakistan taking."

Referring to the UN Wednesday designating Jaish-e-Mohammed founder Masood Azhar a "global terrorist", the official added, "We think this designation is really critical and important for keeping Pakistan accountable to its commitment like the travel ban and asset freezes and other steps."

They are now accountable to the international community. "It is too early to say whether Pakistan would indeed uphold its international obligation, but we remain hopeful," he said.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan is saying right things and trying to make some changes in the country, but his military leadership too needs to take right decisions and right steps, the Trump Administration said Wednesday hours after the UN Security Council designated Masood Azhar as a global terrorist.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan is saying right things and trying to make some changes in the country, but his military leadership too needs to take right decisions and right steps, the Trump Administration said Wednesday hours after the UN Security Council designated Masood Azhar as a global terrorist. Nearly a year and half after President Donald Trump ordered cutting off security aid to Pakistan, a senior US administration official told reporters that the US is trying to change Pakistan's policy of supporting terrorist groups. Noting the US' recognition of the ISI's links with its home-frown terrorist groups, the official said the US does not want to get involved in the country's internal politics and expects the Pakistan military to correct the situation. "We support the civilian government. We support the nascent democratic system there. We support the fact that Prime Minister Khan says right things and appears to be trying to make some changes within Pakistan. But only time will tell if he is successful in doing that," he said. The senior administration official said Pakistan's military leadership too needs to take right decisions and right steps. "So far, we do see support from the military to the direction that prime minister Khan seems to be going in," he said. The Trump administration Wednesday credited Prime Minister Khan for his "helpful statements" on cracking down on terror outfits and some initial steps being taken. "So, we do appreciate that Pakistan is saying the right thing, has taken the initial step that we're looking for, but we reserve judgment because we have seen backpacking in the past," the official said. The official said the US wants to "reserve judgment" till it sees if the steps they are taking are actually irreversible. Observing that only time will tell about Pakistan's future course of action, the US official said Khan as of now has made the right statement. "He is very public about wanting stability in the region, pointing out how important that is for Pakistanis to prosper and to have economic development which is one of his core campaign promises. He has directly related that goal to Pakistan being able to crack down on militancy within the border," the official said. But in the past, the official pointed out, the US has seen Pakistan resorting to the familiar pattern of taking some temporary steps against terrorists and putting them under house arrest like they did with Hafeez Saeed and Zaki-ur-Rehman Lakhvi, only to release them later and let them go back to operating as usual. "So, unfortunately, the track record (of Pakistan) is not good on this front. But we continue to remain hopeful and encouraged by the initial statements and some of the very initial steps that we have seen Pakistan taking." Referring to the UN Wednesday designating Jaish-e-Mohammed founder Masood Azhar a "global terrorist", the official added, "We think this designation is really critical and important for keeping Pakistan accountable to its commitment like the travel ban and asset freezes and other steps." They are now accountable to the international community. "It is too early to say whether Pakistan would indeed uphold its international obligation, but we remain hopeful," he said.

Pakistan PM saying right things, his military leadership too needs to take right decisions: US

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi cancelled his upcoming visit to Sri Lanka in the wake of the security situation in the island nation following the Easter Sunday suicide attacks which killed more than 250 people, a media report said Thursday.

Qureshi was due to visit&nbsp;Maldives on May 2 and in Colombo from May 3 till May 5, but the visit was cancelled in light of the security situation in Sri Lanka, the Express Tribune reported, citing diplomatic sources.

A revised schedule for the minister's visit would be released later.

Nine suicide bombers carried out a series of devastating blasts that tore through three churches and three luxury hotels on the Easter Sunday. The Islamic State group has claimed the attacks, but the government has blamed local Islamist extremist group National Tawheed Jamath (NTJ) for the attacks.

Pakistan Foreign Office Spokesperson Muhammad Faisal said last week that Islamabad has offered "every possible" assistance to Sri Lanka in investigations into the terrorist attacks.

"Pakistan will provide every possible assistance that Sri Lanka requests. This offer of support has been extended by the president, prime minister and the foreign minister to their counterparts in Sri Lanka," he said.

There were reports that Sri Lanka had sought assistance of the Punjab Forensic Laboratory but Faisal clarified that Pakistan "had not received any formal request from the Sri Lankan authorities".

Last week, Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said Colombo may seek Islamabad's help to trace the terrorists behind the Easter attacks.

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi cancelled his upcoming visit to Sri Lanka in the wake of the security situation in the island nation following the Easter Sunday suicide attacks which killed more than 250 people, a media report said Thursday.

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi cancelled his upcoming visit to Sri Lanka in the wake of the security situation in the island nation following the Easter Sunday suicide attacks which killed more than 250 people, a media report said Thursday. Qureshi was due to visit Maldives on May 2 and in Colombo from May 3 till May 5, but the visit was cancelled in light of the security situation in Sri Lanka, the Express Tribune reported, citing diplomatic sources. A revised schedule for the minister's visit would be released later. Nine suicide bombers carried out a series of devastating blasts that tore through three churches and three luxury hotels on the Easter Sunday. The Islamic State group has claimed the attacks, but the government has blamed local Islamist extremist group National Tawheed Jamath (NTJ) for the attacks. Pakistan Foreign Office Spokesperson Muhammad Faisal said last week that Islamabad has offered "every possible" assistance to Sri Lanka in investigations into the terrorist attacks. "Pakistan will provide every possible assistance that Sri Lanka requests. This offer of support has been extended by the president, prime minister and the foreign minister to their counterparts in Sri Lanka," he said. There were reports that Sri Lanka had sought assistance of the Punjab Forensic Laboratory but Faisal clarified that Pakistan "had not received any formal request from the Sri Lankan authorities". Last week, Sri Lankan Prime Minister Ranil Wickremesinghe said Colombo may seek Islamabad's help to trace the terrorists behind the Easter attacks.

Pakistan foreign minister cancels Sri Lanka visit amid security concern

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