Two Pakistan Taliban terrorists have been arrested for their involvement in the kidnapping and killing of American journalist Danial Pearl and several terror-related activities in the country, officials said on Friday.

The Counter-Terrorism Department of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Manshera district said they are the most dreaded terrorists of the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP).

Azeem Jan and Muhammad Anwar were arrested during an intelligence-based operation, officials said.

They were involved in the kidnapping and killing of American journalist Pearl in 2002.

Pearl, who was the South Asia Bureau Chief of The Wall Street Journal, was kidnapped and later beheaded by terrorists in Pakistan.

Azeem, an active member of the TTP Karachi, TTP Swat and Shagla districts, was a trained terrorist and a suicide bombing trainer who supplied trained suicide bombers to the TTP, they said, adding that he was also the chief of financial affairs of TTP Miranshah.

He was also involved in the terrorist attack on the French embassy staff in Karachi and provided suicide bombers for an attack on former president Gen Pervez Musharaf.

Anwar, who was trained in Khyber, was the mastermind behind the attack on Daewoo Bus terminal Peshawar wherein two policemen were killed.&nbsp;

Two Pakistan Taliban terrorists have been arrested for their involvement in the kidnapping and killing of American journalist Danial Pearl and several terror-related activities in the country, officials said on Friday.

Two Pakistan Taliban terrorists have been arrested for their involvement in the kidnapping and killing of American journalist Danial Pearl and several terror-related activities in the country, officials said on Friday. The Counter-Terrorism Department of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's Manshera district said they are the most dreaded terrorists of the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). Azeem Jan and Muhammad Anwar were arrested during an intelligence-based operation, officials said. They were involved in the kidnapping and killing of American journalist Pearl in 2002. Pearl, who was the South Asia Bureau Chief of The Wall Street Journal, was kidnapped and later beheaded by terrorists in Pakistan. Azeem, an active member of the TTP Karachi, TTP Swat and Shagla districts, was a trained terrorist and a suicide bombing trainer who supplied trained suicide bombers to the TTP, they said, adding that he was also the chief of financial affairs of TTP Miranshah. He was also involved in the terrorist attack on the French embassy staff in Karachi and provided suicide bombers for an attack on former president Gen Pervez Musharaf. Anwar, who was trained in Khyber, was the mastermind behind the attack on Daewoo Bus terminal Peshawar wherein two policemen were killed.

Two terrorists involved in US journalist Danial Pearl's killing held in Pakistan

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Friday that he would not hesitate to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-in-major-cabinet-reshuffle-portfolios-of-several-ministers-changed-211652">make more changes to his cabinet</a> if required a day after a major reshuffle that saw the appointment of a new finance minister and nine other ministerial switches.

The cabinet shakeup, which comes eight months after Khan took office, included the replacement of Finance Minister Asad Umar, who has been a close ally to Khan for many years, with Abdul Hafeez Shaikh in a renamed role to steer the country out of worsening economic turmoil.

Pakistan is on the brink of signing up for its 13th International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout since the late 1980s in a bid to stave off a balance of payments crisis and ease ballooning current account and fiscal deficits.

"I want to tell all my ministers that whoever is not useful for my country, I will change them and bring that minister who is useful for my country," Khan said during a speech in the northern region of Orakzai.

Shaikh, who served as finance minister from 2010-2013 under the opposition Pakistan People's Party when it was in power, has been appointed as "Adviser on Finance" but will be heading the finance ministry once again.

In Pakistan' it is common for financial experts to be given the title of "adviser", rather than federal minister, to head the finance ministry when they are not a sitting member of parliament.

Umar has been leading negotiations with the IMF but faced criticism over a worsening economic outlook on his watch, with inflation at a five-year high and the rupee currency down about 35 per cent since December 2017.

The central bank last month cut growth estimates, forecasting the economy to expand 3.5 to 4 per cent in the 12 months to the end of June, well short of a government target of 6.2 per cent. The IMF paints a gloomier picture, predicting growth of 2.9 per cent in 2019 and 2.8 per cent next year.

In a speech laden with cricket metaphors, Khan, who led Pakistan's cricket team to World Cup triumph in 1992, said such changes were part of good leadership.

"The captain has one objective and that is to get the team to win. The prime minister also has one objective and I have only one objective, to help my people win, to help them rise," he said.

"For this, I have the changed the batting order in my team and I will do this again in the future."

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Friday that he would not hesitate to make more changes to his cabinet if required a day after a major reshuffle that saw the appointment of a new finance minister and nine other ministerial switches.

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan said on Friday that he would not hesitate to make more changes to his cabinet if required a day after a major reshuffle that saw the appointment of a new finance minister and nine other ministerial switches. The cabinet shakeup, which comes eight months after Khan took office, included the replacement of Finance Minister Asad Umar, who has been a close ally to Khan for many years, with Abdul Hafeez Shaikh in a renamed role to steer the country out of worsening economic turmoil. Pakistan is on the brink of signing up for its 13th International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout since the late 1980s in a bid to stave off a balance of payments crisis and ease ballooning current account and fiscal deficits. "I want to tell all my ministers that whoever is not useful for my country, I will change them and bring that minister who is useful for my country," Khan said during a speech in the northern region of Orakzai. Shaikh, who served as finance minister from 2010-2013 under the opposition Pakistan People's Party when it was in power, has been appointed as "Adviser on Finance" but will be heading the finance ministry once again. In Pakistan' it is common for financial experts to be given the title of "adviser", rather than federal minister, to head the finance ministry when they are not a sitting member of parliament. Umar has been leading negotiations with the IMF but faced criticism over a worsening economic outlook on his watch, with inflation at a five-year high and the rupee currency down about 35 per cent since December 2017. The central bank last month cut growth estimates, forecasting the economy to expand 3.5 to 4 per cent in the 12 months to the end of June, well short of a government target of 6.2 per cent. The IMF paints a gloomier picture, predicting growth of 2.9 per cent in 2019 and 2.8 per cent next year. In a speech laden with cricket metaphors, Khan, who led Pakistan's cricket team to World Cup triumph in 1992, said such changes were part of good leadership. "The captain has one objective and that is to get the team to win. The prime minister also has one objective and I have only one objective, to help my people win, to help them rise," he said. "For this, I have the changed the batting order in my team and I will do this again in the future."

Pakistan PM Imran Khan hints at further cabinet changes after 'batting order' shuffle

China said on Friday it is ready to hold a Wuhan-style summit meeting with India this year to improve ties, not with standing the differences over the trillion-dollar Belt and Road Initiative in which the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) is a flagship project.

China : China ready for Wuhan-style summit meet with India despite differences over BRI

The MHA on Thursday ordered suspension of cross-LoC trade between India and Pakistan via Jammu and Kashmir following reports of alleged misuse of the trade routes by Pakistan-based elements for illegal inflow of weapons, narcotics and currency, officials said.

India suspends cross-LoC trade with Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir

At least six people were killed and 23 injured, including eight women, in recent flash floods and torrential rains in northwest Pakistan, officials said.

A spokesman for provincial disaster management authority (PDMA) said that at least four people were killed and eight injured while 11 houses were damaged in incidents of roof collapse due to rains in Dikhan, Karak, Charsadda and Swat districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

Peshawar received over 28 millimetres of rains in the last 24 hours. The PDMA also issued a weather alert to all the district administrations in the province.

A spokesman for the Fata Disaster Management Authority (FDMA) said that two children were killed and 12 others, including eight women, injured in recent torrential rains in merged districts North Waziristan and Bajaur.

A total of 14 people have been killed, 33 injured and 18 houses damaged in merged districts alone in rain-related incidents since April 4 in northwest Pakistan.&nbsp;

At least six people were killed and 23 injured, including eight women, in recent flash floods and torrential rains in northwest Pakistan, officials said. A spokesman for provincial disaster management authority (PDMA) said that at least four people were killed and eight injured while 11 houses were damaged in incidents of roof collapse due to rains in Dikhan, Karak, Charsadda and Swat districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

At least six people were killed and 23 injured, including eight women, in recent flash floods and torrential rains in northwest Pakistan, officials said. A spokesman for provincial disaster management authority (PDMA) said that at least four people were killed and eight injured while 11 houses were damaged in incidents of roof collapse due to rains in Dikhan, Karak, Charsadda and Swat districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. Peshawar received over 28 millimetres of rains in the last 24 hours. The PDMA also issued a weather alert to all the district administrations in the province. A spokesman for the Fata Disaster Management Authority (FDMA) said that two children were killed and 12 others, including eight women, injured in recent torrential rains in merged districts North Waziristan and Bajaur. A total of 14 people have been killed, 33 injured and 18 houses damaged in merged districts alone in rain-related incidents since April 4 in northwest Pakistan.

6 killed, 23 injured in flash floods in northwest Pakistan

Pakistan on Thursday said it is "keen" to hold a meeting with India soon to finalise an agreement for the opening of the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/second-india-pak-technical-talks-on-kartarpur-corridor-conclude-210924">Kartarpur corridor</a>, days after the two countries held a meeting on the technical aspects of the proposal.

The Kartarpur corridor links Gurudwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan's Narowal with Dera Baba Nanak shrine in Gurdaspur district in Punjab.

Foreign Office spokesman Mohammad Faisal said that work is proceeding rapidly on the Pakistani side on the Kartarpur corridor.

"In view of paucity of time, we are keen to hold the meeting to finalise the draft agreement at the earliest. The meeting is specifically to discuss differences related to proposals of both countries for operationalising the corridor and to align positions to build convergence. We hope India will agree to hold a meeting at the earliest," he said.

"Both sides agreed to share the technical design/parameters for passage of flood water at the earliest," he said.

The spokesman announced that the Evacuee Trust Board Pakistan was all set to launch a special coin and postal stamp to commemorate the 550th birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak.

The technical-level talks took place on April 16.

Officials said in New Delhi that at the nearly four-hour-long meeting, which took place in makeshift tents at "Zero point" of the proposed corridor, experts and technicians from both the countries discussed "timing for completion of bridge, alignment of roads and engineering aspects of the proposed crossing points".

In November 2018, India and Pakistan agreed to set up the border crossing linking Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur, the final resting place of Sikh faith founder Guru Nanak, to Dera Baba Nanak in Gurdaspur district.

Kartarpur is located in Pakistan's Narowal district across the Ravi, about four km from the Dera Baba Nanak.&nbsp;

Pakistan on Thursday said it is "keen" to hold a meeting with India soon to finalise an agreement for the opening of the Kartarpur corridor, days after the two countries held a meeting on the technical aspects of the proposal.

Pakistan on Thursday said it is "keen" to hold a meeting with India soon to finalise an agreement for the opening of the Kartarpur corridor, days after the two countries held a meeting on the technical aspects of the proposal. The Kartarpur corridor links Gurudwara Darbar Sahib in Pakistan's Narowal with Dera Baba Nanak shrine in Gurdaspur district in Punjab. Foreign Office spokesman Mohammad Faisal said that work is proceeding rapidly on the Pakistani side on the Kartarpur corridor. "In view of paucity of time, we are keen to hold the meeting to finalise the draft agreement at the earliest. The meeting is specifically to discuss differences related to proposals of both countries for operationalising the corridor and to align positions to build convergence. We hope India will agree to hold a meeting at the earliest," he said. "Both sides agreed to share the technical design/parameters for passage of flood water at the earliest," he said. The spokesman announced that the Evacuee Trust Board Pakistan was all set to launch a special coin and postal stamp to commemorate the 550th birth anniversary of Baba Guru Nanak. The technical-level talks took place on April 16. Officials said in New Delhi that at the nearly four-hour-long meeting, which took place in makeshift tents at "Zero point" of the proposed corridor, experts and technicians from both the countries discussed "timing for completion of bridge, alignment of roads and engineering aspects of the proposed crossing points". In November 2018, India and Pakistan agreed to set up the border crossing linking Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur, the final resting place of Sikh faith founder Guru Nanak, to Dera Baba Nanak in Gurdaspur district. Kartarpur is located in Pakistan's Narowal district across the Ravi, about four km from the Dera Baba Nanak.

Pakistan 'keen' to finalise pact for Kartarpur corridor opening

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/lok-sabha-polls-2019-phase-2-voting-on-april-18-211287">Lok Sabha polls 2019 live: EVM glitches delay voting in Tamil Nadu, 61% turnout recorded till 6 pm</a>

West Bengal went to polls braving violence.

Isolated incidents of violence, road blockades, bombings and police firing marred the second phase of polling at a few place in the three Lok Sabha constituencies in West Bengal with 76 per cent of voter turnout till 6pm on Thursday, officials said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/government-of-india-suspends-loc-trade-with-pakistan-says-route-being-misused-211563">Government of India suspends LoC trade with Pakistan, says route being misused</a>

In a blow to Pakistan, India on Thursday called off trade between J&amp;K and POK(Pakistan Occupied Kashmir) along the line of control(LoC).

The ministry of home affairs letter, procured by WION and dated April 18, 2019, said the trade is being misused by the Pakistan-based elements for funnelling illegal weapons, narcotics and fake currency and called for a "stricter regulatory regime".

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/another-bangladeshi-actor-asked-to-leave-india-for-participating-in-political-rally-in-west-bengal-mha-211516">Another Bangladeshi actor asked to leave India for participating in political rally in West Bengal: MHA</a>

The Ministry of Home Affairs has asked another Bangladeshi actor Ghazi Abdul Noor to leave India immediately for taking part in a political rally in West Bengal, news agencies reported on Thursday.&nbsp;

As per reports, Noor attended a political rally in Dumdum, West Bengal. His visa had also expired.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/local-insurgent-group-claims-responsibility-for-balochistan-bus-attack-211475">Local insurgent group claims responsibility for Balochistan bus attack</a>

A Baluch insurgent group on Thursday claimed responsibility for killing 14 people in southwest Pakistan, it said in a statement emailed to reporters and newspaper offices.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/north-koreas-kim-to-meet-putin-in-russia-in-late-april-211539">North Korea's Kim to meet Putin in Russia in late April</a>

North Korean leader Kim Jong Un will visit Russia in late April for his first meeting with President Vladimir Putin, Moscow said Thursday.

"Following an invitation from Vladimir Putin... Kim Jong Un will visit Russia in the second half of April," the Kremlin said in a statement on its website.

Lok Sabha polls 2019 live: EVM glitches delay voting in Tamil Nadu, 61% turnout recorded till 6 pm West Bengal went to polls braving violence. Isolated incidents of violence, road blockades, bombings and police firing marred the second phase of polling at a few place in the three Lok Sabha constituencies in West Bengal with 76 per cent of voter turnout till 6pm on Thursday, officials said.

Lok Sabha polls 2019 live: EVM glitches delay voting in Tamil Nadu, 61% turnout recorded till 6 pm West Bengal went to polls braving violence. Isolated incidents of violence, road blockades, bombings and police firing marred the second phase of polling at a few place in the three Lok Sabha constituencies in West Bengal with 76 per cent of voter turnout till 6pm on Thursday, officials said. Government of India suspends LoC trade with Pakistan, says route being misused In a blow to Pakistan, India on Thursday called off trade between J&K and POK(Pakistan Occupied Kashmir) along the line of control(LoC). The ministry of home affairs letter, procured by WION and dated April 18, 2019, said the trade is being misused by the Pakistan-based elements for funnelling illegal weapons, narcotics and fake currency and called for a "stricter regulatory regime". Another Bangladeshi actor asked to leave India for participating in political rally in West Bengal: MHA The Ministry of Home Affairs has asked another Bangladeshi actor Ghazi Abdul Noor to leave India immediately for taking part in a political rally in West Bengal, news agencies reported on Thursday. As per reports, Noor attended a political rally in Dumdum, West Bengal. His visa had also expired. Local insurgent group claims responsibility for Balochistan bus attack A Baluch insurgent group on Thursday claimed responsibility for killing 14 people in southwest Pakistan, it said in a statement emailed to reporters and newspaper offices. North Korea's Kim to meet Putin in Russia in late April North Korean leader Kim Jong Un will visit Russia in late April for his first meeting with President Vladimir Putin, Moscow said Thursday. "Following an invitation from Vladimir Putin... Kim Jong Un will visit Russia in the second half of April," the Kremlin said in a statement on its website.

News brief: Big stories of the day

The Pakistan foreign ministry on Thursday refused to acknowledge that an Indian woman named Tina Sharma is held captive in the country. Tina from Chandigarh had arrived in Pakistan last year on October 24, allegedly converted to Islam and married a Pakistani national. 
&nbsp; 
"As per our reports from ground, Tina is not kidnapped nor held captive. We will share the details once Interior ministry shares their report with us," Pakistan foreign ministry spokesperson Dr Mohammad Faisal said on Thursday.

Indian government in multiple note verbales to Pakistan had enquired about her and demanded that Tina should be sent back. She is believed to be in the captivity of her husband Suleman in Gujranwala, Pakistan. 
&nbsp; 
"We have raised this issue with Pakistan government several times. Tina is kept in captivity," Indian High Commission spokesman said in Islamabad on Monday.

The case has many parallels with Hamid Nehal and Uzma Ahmed. Hamid was repatriated last year after six years in a Pakistani jail. Hamid Nehal Ansari went to Pakistan via Afghanistan after befriending a Pakistani girl whom he fell in love with. He went to Pakistan's Kohat on a fake passport in 2012 and was arrested there by security officials.

Uzma Ahmed, an Indian who was brought back in 2017 had a similar story. She fell in love with a Pakistan's Tahir Ali in Malaysia and went with him to Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa district. Later in Buner district of the province, she was asked to marry him. She managed to escape and reached the Indian High Commission and with the help of officials there came back to India.

The Pakistan foreign ministry on Thursday refused to acknowledge that an Indian woman named Tina Sharma is held captive in the country. Tina from Chandigarh had arrived in Pakistan last year on October 24, allegedly converted to Islam and married a Pakistani national.

The Pakistan foreign ministry on Thursday refused to acknowledge that an Indian woman named Tina Sharma is held captive in the country. Tina from Chandigarh had arrived in Pakistan last year on October 24, allegedly converted to Islam and married a Pakistani national. "As per our reports from ground, Tina is not kidnapped nor held captive. We will share the details once Interior ministry shares their report with us," Pakistan foreign ministry spokesperson Dr Mohammad Faisal said on Thursday. Indian government in multiple note verbales to Pakistan had enquired about her and demanded that Tina should be sent back. She is believed to be in the captivity of her husband Suleman in Gujranwala, Pakistan. "We have raised this issue with Pakistan government several times. Tina is kept in captivity," Indian High Commission spokesman said in Islamabad on Monday. The case has many parallels with Hamid Nehal and Uzma Ahmed. Hamid was repatriated last year after six years in a Pakistani jail. Hamid Nehal Ansari went to Pakistan via Afghanistan after befriending a Pakistani girl whom he fell in love with. He went to Pakistan's Kohat on a fake passport in 2012 and was arrested there by security officials. Uzma Ahmed, an Indian who was brought back in 2017 had a similar story. She fell in love with a Pakistan's Tahir Ali in Malaysia and went with him to Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa district. Later in Buner district of the province, she was asked to marry him. She managed to escape and reached the Indian High Commission and with the help of officials there came back to India.

Pakistan says Indian woman Tina Sharma not in captivity, India firm to bring her back

A Baluch insurgent group on Thursday claimed responsibility for killing 14 people in southwest Pakistan, it said in a statement emailed to reporters and newspaper offices. Watch video to know more.

Balochistan attack: 15-20 assailants involved in attack

Pakistan Finance Minister Asad Umar on Thursday said he would step down from his role after discussions with Prime Minister Imran Khan about a cabinet reshuffle, suggesting he is due to leave his position.

"As part of a cabinet reshuffle PM desired that I take the energy minister portfolio instead of finance. However, I have obtained his consent to not take any cabinet position," Umar said on Twitter.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
As part of a cabinet reshuffle PM desired that I take the energy minister portfolio instead of finance. However, I have obtained his consent to not take any cabinet position. I strongly believe <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ImranKhanPTI</a> is the best hope for Pakistan and inshallah will make a naya pakistan
— Asad Umar (@Asad_Umar) <a href="https://twitter.com/Asad_Umar/status/1118803642314842112?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2019</a></blockquote>
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Umar added that he strongly believes that Khan is the best hope for Pakistan, which is currently undergoing delicate negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a bailout to avert a balance of payments crisis.

As the finance minister of Pakistan, Umar had a major role in bringing back the economy and was negotiating with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on behalf of Pakistan government for a bailout.

After Umar made the announcement on Twitter, many users expressed their disappointment.

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Not a good decision.
— Anwar Lodhi (@AnwarLodhi) <a href="https://twitter.com/AnwarLodhi/status/1118810115954610176?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2019</a></blockquote>
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It’s not your failure , isn’t it the failure of the government ?
— Asma Shirazi (@asmashirazi) <a href="https://twitter.com/asmashirazi/status/1118809400087588864?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2019</a></blockquote>
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While I respect your decision but I still believe that you're the BEST asset <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PTI?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PTI</a> has &amp; a vast majority of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Pakistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Pakistan</a> VALUES your struggle &amp; pure intentions to make 🇵🇰 a better place to live in.👍<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PakistanZindabad?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PakistanZindabad</a>
— Maleeha Hashmey (@MaleehaHashmey) <a href="https://twitter.com/MaleehaHashmey/status/1118806116526374912?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 18, 2019</a></blockquote>
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As finance minister, Umar wrote letter to the Paris-based an international terror financing watchdog Financial Action Task Force (FATF) to remove India from the co-chair of its Asia-Pacific group. Pakistan is on the 'grey list' of the FATF for failing to curb anti-terror financing.

Imran Khan-led government and finance minister Umar in particular have faced mounting criticism by opposition parties and members of the business community over the handling of the economic crisis.

Cash-strapped Pakistan is seeking US $8 billion from the IMF to bail itself out from a severe balance-of-payments crisis that threatens to cripple the country's economy.

Pakistan has so far received a total of US $9.1 billion in financial aid packages from friendly countries like China, Saudi Arabia and the UAE during the current fiscal year.

(With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan Finance Minister Asad Umar on Thursday said he would step down from his role after discussions with Prime Minister Imran Khan about a cabinet reshuffle, suggesting he is due to leave his position.

Pakistan Finance Minister Asad Umar on Thursday said he would step down from his role after discussions with Prime Minister Imran Khan about a cabinet reshuffle, suggesting he is due to leave his position. "As part of a cabinet reshuffle PM desired that I take the energy minister portfolio instead of finance. However, I have obtained his consent to not take any cabinet position," Umar said on Twitter. As part of a cabinet reshuffle PM desired that I take the energy minister portfolio instead of finance. However, I have obtained his consent to not take any cabinet position. I strongly believe @ImranKhanPTI is the best hope for Pakistan and inshallah will make a naya pakistan — Asad Umar (@Asad_Umar) April 18, 2019 × Umar added that he strongly believes that Khan is the best hope for Pakistan, which is currently undergoing delicate negotiations with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a bailout to avert a balance of payments crisis. As the finance minister of Pakistan, Umar had a major role in bringing back the economy and was negotiating with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) on behalf of Pakistan government for a bailout. After Umar made the announcement on Twitter, many users expressed their disappointment. Not a good decision. — Anwar Lodhi (@AnwarLodhi) April 18, 2019 × It’s not your failure , isn’t it the failure of the government ? — Asma Shirazi (@asmashirazi) April 18, 2019 × While I respect your decision but I still believe that you're the BEST asset #PTI has & a vast majority of #Pakistan VALUES your struggle & pure intentions to make 🇵🇰 a better place to live in.👍#PakistanZindabad — Maleeha Hashmey (@MaleehaHashmey) April 18, 2019 × As finance minister, Umar wrote letter to the Paris-based an international terror financing watchdog Financial Action Task Force (FATF) to remove India from the co-chair of its Asia-Pacific group. Pakistan is on the 'grey list' of the FATF for failing to curb anti-terror financing. Imran Khan-led government and finance minister Umar in particular have faced mounting criticism by opposition parties and members of the business community over the handling of the economic crisis. Cash-strapped Pakistan is seeking US $8 billion from the IMF to bail itself out from a severe balance-of-payments crisis that threatens to cripple the country's economy. Pakistan has so far received a total of US $9.1 billion in financial aid packages from friendly countries like China, Saudi Arabia and the UAE during the current fiscal year. (With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan finance minister Asad Umar steps down, won't take any cabinet position

A Baluch insurgent group on Thursday claimed responsibility for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/14-bus-passengers-offloaded-shot-dead-by-terrorists-in-balochistan-211389">killing 14 people in southwest Pakistan</a>, it said in a statement emailed to reporters and newspaper offices.

Fighters of Baloch Raji Aajoi Saangar carried out the killings, said the body, which described itself as an umbrella group of three Baluch separatist movements in the region, but denied that ordinary passengers had been targeted.

According to reports, the group set up in December last year targets Pakistani and Chinese military interests in restive Balochistan region where Chinese governments has hosted several projects under the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

"Those who were targeted carried cards of the Pakistan Navy and Coast Guards, and they were only killed after they were identified," the group's spokesman, Baluch Khan, said in the statement.

Around 14 bus passengers were offloaded and shot dead by terrorists on the Makran coastal highway in Ormara, in Gwadar district of Balochistan in Pakistan.

The incident happened between 1:00 am-1:30 am. The terrorists stopped five-six buses travelling between Karachi and Gwadar, checked the identity cards of the passengers, separated a lot of labourers and then killed them.&nbsp;

Most of those killed belonged to Punjab.

A Baluch insurgent group on Thursday claimed responsibility for killing 14 people in southwest Pakistan, it said in a statement emailed to reporters and newspaper offices.

A Baluch insurgent group on Thursday claimed responsibility for killing 14 people in southwest Pakistan, it said in a statement emailed to reporters and newspaper offices. Fighters of Baloch Raji Aajoi Saangar carried out the killings, said the body, which described itself as an umbrella group of three Baluch separatist movements in the region, but denied that ordinary passengers had been targeted. According to reports, the group set up in December last year targets Pakistani and Chinese military interests in restive Balochistan region where Chinese governments has hosted several projects under the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). "Those who were targeted carried cards of the Pakistan Navy and Coast Guards, and they were only killed after they were identified," the group's spokesman, Baluch Khan, said in the statement. Around 14 bus passengers were offloaded and shot dead by terrorists on the Makran coastal highway in Ormara, in Gwadar district of Balochistan in Pakistan. The incident happened between 1:00 am-1:30 am. The terrorists stopped five-six buses travelling between Karachi and Gwadar, checked the identity cards of the passengers, separated a lot of labourers and then killed them. Most of those killed belonged to Punjab.

Local insurgent group claims responsibility for Balochistan bus attack

Last month, India had postponed the second India-Pakistan official talks on Kartarpur corridor after New Delhi raised concerns over the presence of Khalistanis on Pakistan's committee that will oversee the implementation of the corridor.

Kartarpur corridor: Second India-Pak technical talks conclude

Minority Shi'ite Hazaras blocked traffic in a sit-in protest for a third day in the southwestern Pakistani city of Quetta on Sunday (April 14) after a suicide bomb killed 19 people in an outdoor market, many of them ethnic Hazaras.

Minority Hazaras in Pakistan protest for third day after Quetta attack

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-opted-for-measured-response-to-indias-february-26-air-strikes-pm-imran-khan-209355">Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan</a> will embark on his first ever official visit to Iran on April 21 as part of Islamabad's efforts to promote bilateral ties with the neighbouring nation.

The two countries had recently witnessed downward spiral in their relationship after Tehran accused Islamabad of "harbouring terrorists" following a suicide attack in Iran's southeastern province of Sistan-Balochistan, bordering Pakistan, on February 13 that left 27 Revolutionary Guards Corps personnel dead.&nbsp;

Iran and Pakistan share a nearly 1,000 km border.&nbsp;

According to a Foreign Office (FO) statement, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani invited Khan for the visit.&nbsp;

The two-day visit will include a brief stop-over in Mashhad before arriving in Tehran for bilateral talks with the Iranian leadership, it stated.

During his trip, Khan will hold meetings with Iranian supreme leader Ali Khamenei and President Rouhani.

He will be accompanied by a high-level delegation, including ministers for Finance, Human Rights, Maritime Affairs, Inter-Provincial Coordination, and adviser on Commerce and Taskforce on Energy, and Special Assistant for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resources besides other senior officials.&nbsp;

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan will embark on his first ever official visit to Iran on April 21 as part of Islamabad's efforts to promote bilateral ties with the neighbouring nation.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan will embark on his first ever official visit to Iran on April 21 as part of Islamabad's efforts to promote bilateral ties with the neighbouring nation. The two countries had recently witnessed downward spiral in their relationship after Tehran accused Islamabad of "harbouring terrorists" following a suicide attack in Iran's southeastern province of Sistan-Balochistan, bordering Pakistan, on February 13 that left 27 Revolutionary Guards Corps personnel dead. Iran and Pakistan share a nearly 1,000 km border. According to a Foreign Office (FO) statement, Iranian President Hassan Rouhani invited Khan for the visit. The two-day visit will include a brief stop-over in Mashhad before arriving in Tehran for bilateral talks with the Iranian leadership, it stated. During his trip, Khan will hold meetings with Iranian supreme leader Ali Khamenei and President Rouhani. He will be accompanied by a high-level delegation, including ministers for Finance, Human Rights, Maritime Affairs, Inter-Provincial Coordination, and adviser on Commerce and Taskforce on Energy, and Special Assistant for Overseas Pakistanis and Human Resources besides other senior officials.

Pakistan PM Imran Khan to embark on maiden Iran visit from April 21

Minority Shia Hazaras blocked traffic in a sit-in protest for a third day in the southwestern Pakistani city of Quetta on Sunday after a suicide bomb killed 19 people in an outdoor market, many of them ethnic Hazaras.

Dozens were wounded in the blast on Friday on the outskirts of Quetta, capital of resource-rich Baluchistan.province, officials said. Islamic State claimed responsibility.

Hazaras have been frequently targeted by Taliban and Islamic State.militants and other Sunni Muslim militant groups in both Pakistan and Afghanistan.

"We've lost hundreds of our loved ones in the last 10 years," Tahir Hazara, leading the sit-in, told Reuters. "The government failed to protect our community. Terrorists are free to target us." "Stop killing Hazaras," the crowd chanted. "Down with terrorism and sectarianism."

The protesters, who include many women and children, have set up camps and burn wood to keep warm at night. One police official said there were about 200 people taking part on Sunday, blocking the key arterial Western Bypass leading into Quetta. About 50 Hazaras gathered in the southern city of Karachi, some holding signs saying "Shia lives matter".

Friday's bloodshed came two days after authorities freed Ramzan Mengal, a top leader of a banned sectarian group, Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ), Quetta police chief Abdul Razzaq Cheema said. Mengal had been detained for three months suspected of public order offences, he said.

The LeJ has worked both with al Qaeda and Islamic State in Pakistan and has claimed several coordinated attacks in Baluchistan against what it terms Shia heretics. In 2013, three bombings killed more than 200 people in Hazara neighbourhoods, prompting security forces to escort Hazara buses to the market. The same practice was followed on Friday, but the bomb exploded inside the market.

Minority Shia Hazaras blocked traffic in a sit-in protest for a third day in the southwestern Pakistani city of Quetta on Sunday after a suicide bomb killed 19 people in an outdoor market, many of them ethnic Hazaras.

Minority Shia Hazaras blocked traffic in a sit-in protest for a third day in the southwestern Pakistani city of Quetta on Sunday after a suicide bomb killed 19 people in an outdoor market, many of them ethnic Hazaras. Dozens were wounded in the blast on Friday on the outskirts of Quetta, capital of resource-rich Baluchistan.province, officials said. Islamic State claimed responsibility. Hazaras have been frequently targeted by Taliban and Islamic State.militants and other Sunni Muslim militant groups in both Pakistan and Afghanistan. "We've lost hundreds of our loved ones in the last 10 years," Tahir Hazara, leading the sit-in, told Reuters. "The government failed to protect our community. Terrorists are free to target us." "Stop killing Hazaras," the crowd chanted. "Down with terrorism and sectarianism." The protesters, who include many women and children, have set up camps and burn wood to keep warm at night. One police official said there were about 200 people taking part on Sunday, blocking the key arterial Western Bypass leading into Quetta. About 50 Hazaras gathered in the southern city of Karachi, some holding signs saying "Shia lives matter". Friday's bloodshed came two days after authorities freed Ramzan Mengal, a top leader of a banned sectarian group, Lashkar-e-Jhangvi (LeJ), Quetta police chief Abdul Razzaq Cheema said. Mengal had been detained for three months suspected of public order offences, he said. The LeJ has worked both with al Qaeda and Islamic State in Pakistan and has claimed several coordinated attacks in Baluchistan against what it terms Shia heretics. In 2013, three bombings killed more than 200 people in Hazara neighbourhoods, prompting security forces to escort Hazara buses to the market. The same practice was followed on Friday, but the bomb exploded inside the market.

Hazaras protest continues for 3rd day in Pakistan after deadly suicide bombing

At least five persons were killed and 36 others injured in Karachi after strong winds and dust storm hit Pakistan's biggest city, officials said Monday.

The blustery winds have uprooted electricity poles and trees in different parts of the city, causing traffic blockages.

Rescue officials and police confirmed the death of five persons and injuries to dozens in different parts of Karachi as the Met office forecast rains and more dust storms and gutsy winds for the next 48 hours.

Faisal Edhi of the Edhi welfare trust said that many of the deaths and injuries have been caused by the blustery winds and dust storms uprooting electricity poles and trees in different areas on Monday.

According to rescue officials, a five-year-old girl was killed when the roof of a house in Haji Ibrahim collapsed. Another child was killed near Peoples Chowrangi near Mazar-i-Quaid when a tree fell. &nbsp; &nbsp;

Multiple traffic accidents along the Karachi-Quetta highway resulted in the deaths of three persons, while many others were injured.

Seemi Jamali, medical superintendent at the state-owned Jinnah Hospital, said that 36 people were brought to the hospital with different injuries, one of them died Sunday night.

A senior police official said injuries were reported from Lyari, Surjani town where roofs of a religious seminary and school collapsed.

Karachi is expected to receive light rain today as a western disturbance that has already caused downpours in Balochistan is entering Sindh and the rest of the country, Dawn reported.

The Met Office forecast light rain on Monday and thunderstorm accompanied by a dust storm on Tuesday.

Many other parts of Sindh and elsewhere in the country will also experience similar weather patterns in the coming two days, said officials at the Pakistan Meteorological Department.

At least five persons were killed and 36 others injured in Karachi after strong winds and dust storm hit Pakistan's biggest city, officials said Monday. The blustery winds have uprooted electricity poles and trees in different parts of the city, causing traffic blockages.

At least five persons were killed and 36 others injured in Karachi after strong winds and dust storm hit Pakistan's biggest city, officials said Monday. The blustery winds have uprooted electricity poles and trees in different parts of the city, causing traffic blockages. Rescue officials and police confirmed the death of five persons and injuries to dozens in different parts of Karachi as the Met office forecast rains and more dust storms and gutsy winds for the next 48 hours. Faisal Edhi of the Edhi welfare trust said that many of the deaths and injuries have been caused by the blustery winds and dust storms uprooting electricity poles and trees in different areas on Monday. According to rescue officials, a five-year-old girl was killed when the roof of a house in Haji Ibrahim collapsed. Another child was killed near Peoples Chowrangi near Mazar-i-Quaid when a tree fell. Multiple traffic accidents along the Karachi-Quetta highway resulted in the deaths of three persons, while many others were injured. Seemi Jamali, medical superintendent at the state-owned Jinnah Hospital, said that 36 people were brought to the hospital with different injuries, one of them died Sunday night. A senior police official said injuries were reported from Lyari, Surjani town where roofs of a religious seminary and school collapsed. Karachi is expected to receive light rain today as a western disturbance that has already caused downpours in Balochistan is entering Sindh and the rest of the country, Dawn reported. The Met Office forecast light rain on Monday and thunderstorm accompanied by a dust storm on Tuesday. Many other parts of Sindh and elsewhere in the country will also experience similar weather patterns in the coming two days, said officials at the Pakistan Meteorological Department.

Pakistan: Five killed, 36 injured as dust storm hits Karachi

Pakistan's independent human rights watchdog Monday raised concerns about incidents of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/forced-conversion-of-hindu-girls-pakistan-court-says-girls-not-minors-allows-them-to-be-with-their-husbands-209492">forced conversions and marriages of Hindu and Christian girls</a>, saying around 1,000 such cases were reported just in the southern Sindh province alone last year.

In its annual report, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) said the government has done little in the past to stop such forced marriages and asked the lawmakers to pass effective legislation to end the practice.

"Around one thousand cases of Hindu and Christian girls were estimated in the province of Sindh alone in 2018. The cities where such cases occurred frequently included Umerkot, Tharparkar, Mirpurkhas, Badin, Karachi, Tando Allahyar, Kashmore and Ghotki," said the 335-page report titled 'State of Human Rights in 2018'.

Stating that no authentic data is available on forced conversions and forced marriages in Pakistan, the report said that the Sindh Child Marriage Restraint Act 2013 has not been enforced effectively and the state's response to forced marriages has been mixed.

"If not accomplices, police are insensitive and indifferent at best in most cases," the report said.

It said that the "minorities continued to face harassment, arrest or even death for simply living their lives in accordance with their beliefs in Pakistan in 2018."

The report came less than a week after the Islamabad High Court declared that the two Hindu teenage sisters - Raveena (13) and Reena (15) - were not forcibly converted from Hinduism to Islam, and permitted them to live with their spouses.

The two Hindu girls were allegedly kidnapped by a group of "influential" men from their home in Ghotki district in Sindh on the eve of Holi. Soon after the kidnapping, a video went viral in which a cleric was purportedly shown solemnising the marriage of the two girls, triggering a nationwide outrage.

The Hindu community members took out massive demonstrations seeking strict action against those responsible for forced conversion and marriages of Hindu girls.

Prime Minister Imran Khan also ordered a probe to ascertain if the two girls were abducted and forcibly converted and married.

A five-member commission probed the matter and concluded that it was not a forced conversion.

The counsel for the girls' parents, however, asserted that the case pertained to forced conversion.

A Hindu lawmaker from Prime Minister Khan's party last month moved two bills in Parliament seeking enhancement of punishment for those involved in forced conversion and for making child marriage a cognisable offence.

The bills were accompanied by a resolution with the support of minority lawmakers from all major political parties condemning such incidents.

The five-point resolution called for immediate passage of the bill against forced conversions, which had been unanimously passed by the Sindh Assembly in 2016 and then reverted due to the pressure of extremist elements, from all the legislatures.

Hindus form the biggest minority community in Pakistan.

According to official estimates, 75 lakh Hindus live in Pakistan. Majority of Pakistan's Hindu population is settled in Sindh province.

According to media reports, approximately 25 forced marriages take place every month only in Umerkot district in Sindh province.

Pakistan's independent human rights watchdog Monday raised concerns about incidents of forced conversions and marriages of Hindu and Christian girls, saying around 1,000 such cases were reported just in the southern Sindh province alone last year.

Pakistan's independent human rights watchdog Monday raised concerns about incidents of forced conversions and marriages of Hindu and Christian girls, saying around 1,000 such cases were reported just in the southern Sindh province alone last year. In its annual report, the Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) said the government has done little in the past to stop such forced marriages and asked the lawmakers to pass effective legislation to end the practice. "Around one thousand cases of Hindu and Christian girls were estimated in the province of Sindh alone in 2018. The cities where such cases occurred frequently included Umerkot, Tharparkar, Mirpurkhas, Badin, Karachi, Tando Allahyar, Kashmore and Ghotki," said the 335-page report titled 'State of Human Rights in 2018'. Stating that no authentic data is available on forced conversions and forced marriages in Pakistan, the report said that the Sindh Child Marriage Restraint Act 2013 has not been enforced effectively and the state's response to forced marriages has been mixed. "If not accomplices, police are insensitive and indifferent at best in most cases," the report said. It said that the "minorities continued to face harassment, arrest or even death for simply living their lives in accordance with their beliefs in Pakistan in 2018." The report came less than a week after the Islamabad High Court declared that the two Hindu teenage sisters - Raveena (13) and Reena (15) - were not forcibly converted from Hinduism to Islam, and permitted them to live with their spouses. The two Hindu girls were allegedly kidnapped by a group of "influential" men from their home in Ghotki district in Sindh on the eve of Holi. Soon after the kidnapping, a video went viral in which a cleric was purportedly shown solemnising the marriage of the two girls, triggering a nationwide outrage. The Hindu community members took out massive demonstrations seeking strict action against those responsible for forced conversion and marriages of Hindu girls. Prime Minister Imran Khan also ordered a probe to ascertain if the two girls were abducted and forcibly converted and married. A five-member commission probed the matter and concluded that it was not a forced conversion. The counsel for the girls' parents, however, asserted that the case pertained to forced conversion. A Hindu lawmaker from Prime Minister Khan's party last month moved two bills in Parliament seeking enhancement of punishment for those involved in forced conversion and for making child marriage a cognisable offence. The bills were accompanied by a resolution with the support of minority lawmakers from all major political parties condemning such incidents. The five-point resolution called for immediate passage of the bill against forced conversions, which had been unanimously passed by the Sindh Assembly in 2016 and then reverted due to the pressure of extremist elements, from all the legislatures. Hindus form the biggest minority community in Pakistan. According to official estimates, 75 lakh Hindus live in Pakistan. Majority of Pakistan's Hindu population is settled in Sindh province. According to media reports, approximately 25 forced marriages take place every month only in Umerkot district in Sindh province.

Pakistan's rights body raises concern over forced conversions of Hindu, Christian girls

Court reunited both girls to reunite with their husbands. Watch complete video to know more.

Sindh govt report reveals fresh details

A mission team from the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pakistan-imf-to-reach-agreement-soon-on-bailout-package-finance-minister-205590">International Monetary Fund</a> (IMF) will travel to Pakistan this month, the IMF said on Monday, amid growing expectation that talks on a long-delayed bailout are due to be wrapped up soon.

Pakistan was last year expected to sign up for its 13th IMF bailout programme since the late 1980s but talks ground to a halt, with Pakistani officials saying the conditions attached to the proposed IMF loans could hurt economic growth.

Pakistan's macroeconomic outlook has deteriorated in recent months, with the central bank lowering growth forecasts and raising rates at a time when inflation is at a five-year high. The rupee currency has also lost about 35 per cent since December 2017.

"At the request of the authorities, an IMF mission will be going to Pakistan before the end of April to continue the discussions," the IMF said in a statement.

Pakistani Finance Minister Asad Umar earlier this month visited Washington for talks with the IMF, which on Monday described those talks as "constructive discussions".

The government of Prime Minister Imran Khan, who took power in August, has obtained temporary relief from close allies such as China and Saudi Arabia with short-term loans worth more than $10 billion to buffer foreign currency reserves and ease pressures on the country's current account.

But analysts have been saying an IMF bailout is inevitable, with Pakistan also facing an increasing fiscal crunch ahead of the annual budget spending review for the next financial year starting July 1.

"After today's IMF statement, the expectation is that the bailout is pretty much there," said Saad Hashemy, Chief Economist for Pakistani brokerage house Topline Securities.

But he added that there are questions regarding the time frame of when Pakistan would start receiving the money and the exact contours of the assistance programme.

"There are questions if there will be any further devaluations, how much interest rates will be hiked, what taxation measures are expected of Pakistan, and will there be any further increase in electricity or gas prices?" Hashemy added.

Khan's government is facing increasing anger from the population on the back of rising utility prices, many of which have been subsidized by successive cash-strapped governments.

Inflation was over 9.4 per cent in March, its highest since November 2013, with strong increases in food and energy, the two most sensitive items for most consumers.

The central bank forecasts growth at 3.5 to 4 per cent in the 12 months to end-June, well off a government target of 6.2 per cent.

A mission team from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) will travel to Pakistan this month, the IMF said on Monday, amid growing expectation that talks on a long-delayed bailout are due to be wrapped up soon.

A mission team from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) will travel to Pakistan this month, the IMF said on Monday, amid growing expectation that talks on a long-delayed bailout are due to be wrapped up soon. Pakistan was last year expected to sign up for its 13th IMF bailout programme since the late 1980s but talks ground to a halt, with Pakistani officials saying the conditions attached to the proposed IMF loans could hurt economic growth. Pakistan's macroeconomic outlook has deteriorated in recent months, with the central bank lowering growth forecasts and raising rates at a time when inflation is at a five-year high. The rupee currency has also lost about 35 per cent since December 2017. "At the request of the authorities, an IMF mission will be going to Pakistan before the end of April to continue the discussions," the IMF said in a statement. Pakistani Finance Minister Asad Umar earlier this month visited Washington for talks with the IMF, which on Monday described those talks as "constructive discussions". The government of Prime Minister Imran Khan, who took power in August, has obtained temporary relief from close allies such as China and Saudi Arabia with short-term loans worth more than $10 billion to buffer foreign currency reserves and ease pressures on the country's current account. But analysts have been saying an IMF bailout is inevitable, with Pakistan also facing an increasing fiscal crunch ahead of the annual budget spending review for the next financial year starting July 1. "After today's IMF statement, the expectation is that the bailout is pretty much there," said Saad Hashemy, Chief Economist for Pakistani brokerage house Topline Securities. But he added that there are questions regarding the time frame of when Pakistan would start receiving the money and the exact contours of the assistance programme. "There are questions if there will be any further devaluations, how much interest rates will be hiked, what taxation measures are expected of Pakistan, and will there be any further increase in electricity or gas prices?" Hashemy added. Khan's government is facing increasing anger from the population on the back of rising utility prices, many of which have been subsidized by successive cash-strapped governments. Inflation was over 9.4 per cent in March, its highest since November 2013, with strong increases in food and energy, the two most sensitive items for most consumers. The central bank forecasts growth at 3.5 to 4 per cent in the 12 months to end-June, well off a government target of 6.2 per cent.

IMF team to visit Pakistan this month in final bailout push

China on Monday hailed its all-weather ally Pakistan for announcing new guidelines for implementing the UNSC sanctions targeting proscribed individuals and entities operating in the country and urged the international community to back Islamabad's "great efforts" in combatting terrorism. &nbsp; &nbsp;

Amid intense global pressure to rein in terror outfits, Pakistan on Friday launched guidelines for implementing the UNSC sanctions targeting UN-proscribed individuals and entities in the country.

The guidelines were prepared by the National Committee for overseeing implementation of sanctions against individuals and entities designated by the UN Security Council 1267 Al Qaida/Da'esh Sanctions regime and Security Council 1988 (Taliban Sanctions regime).&nbsp;

"The newly released guidelines are Pakistan's latest measure to implement the National Action Plan. I think it shows Pakistan's position and resolve to fight terrorism and to firmly implement the relevant UN resolutions.&nbsp;

"China highly applauds that. Pakistan is an important participant in the international counter-terrorism campaign," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang told media briefing here replying to a question on the recently released guidelines by Pakistan's Foreign Ministry for the federal and provincial governments to further implement the relevant UN sanctions on individuals and terrorist organisations.

"The international community should enhance support to Islamabad," the spokesperson said, adding that Pakistan has "long been making great efforts and sacrifices towards this goal".

He also said that China supports Pakistan in advancing the counter-terrorism efforts based on its own national conditions, and "we hope the international community can enhance cooperation and jointly uphold the regional peace and stability."

Pakistan is under intense global pressure to rein in terrorist outfits operating from its soil after the Pulwama attack, carried out by a suicide bomber of Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), that killed 40 CRPF personnel in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on&nbsp; 
February 14.

Pakistan also came under intense pressure from the international community to crackdown on terror outfits and leaders after the Paris-based international terror financing watchdog, Financial Action Task Force (FATF), in June last year, placed it on the "grey list" of countries whose domestic laws are considered weak to tackle the challenges of money laundering and terrorism financing.

The FATF, which recently reviewed steps taken by Pakistan, has asked Islamabad to implement a new set of constraints in its crackdown against terror financing, including documenting and regulating all gold markets.

The new list of recommendations from the FATF which requires Pakistan to document all gold markets and purchase and sale of gold in the country, ensure restriction on supply of gold and jewellery to banned outfits and terrorist organisations.

The FATF has asked Pakistan to collect data of all trusts operating across the country as well as their bank accounts on the district level, and ensure regulation of thousands of registered trust organisations.

The compliance report would be taken up by the FATF review group in its meeting scheduled in May.&nbsp;

China on Monday hailed its all-weather ally Pakistan for announcing new guidelines for implementing the UNSC sanctions targeting proscribed individuals and entities operating in the country and urged the international community to back Islamabad's "great efforts" in combatting terrorism.

China on Monday hailed its all-weather ally Pakistan for announcing new guidelines for implementing the UNSC sanctions targeting proscribed individuals and entities operating in the country and urged the international community to back Islamabad's "great efforts" in combatting terrorism. Amid intense global pressure to rein in terror outfits, Pakistan on Friday launched guidelines for implementing the UNSC sanctions targeting UN-proscribed individuals and entities in the country. The guidelines were prepared by the National Committee for overseeing implementation of sanctions against individuals and entities designated by the UN Security Council 1267 Al Qaida/Da'esh Sanctions regime and Security Council 1988 (Taliban Sanctions regime). "The newly released guidelines are Pakistan's latest measure to implement the National Action Plan. I think it shows Pakistan's position and resolve to fight terrorism and to firmly implement the relevant UN resolutions. "China highly applauds that. Pakistan is an important participant in the international counter-terrorism campaign," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang told media briefing here replying to a question on the recently released guidelines by Pakistan's Foreign Ministry for the federal and provincial governments to further implement the relevant UN sanctions on individuals and terrorist organisations. "The international community should enhance support to Islamabad," the spokesperson said, adding that Pakistan has "long been making great efforts and sacrifices towards this goal". He also said that China supports Pakistan in advancing the counter-terrorism efforts based on its own national conditions, and "we hope the international community can enhance cooperation and jointly uphold the regional peace and stability." Pakistan is under intense global pressure to rein in terrorist outfits operating from its soil after the Pulwama attack, carried out by a suicide bomber of Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), that killed 40 CRPF personnel in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on February 14. Pakistan also came under intense pressure from the international community to crackdown on terror outfits and leaders after the Paris-based international terror financing watchdog, Financial Action Task Force (FATF), in June last year, placed it on the "grey list" of countries whose domestic laws are considered weak to tackle the challenges of money laundering and terrorism financing. The FATF, which recently reviewed steps taken by Pakistan, has asked Islamabad to implement a new set of constraints in its crackdown against terror financing, including documenting and regulating all gold markets. The new list of recommendations from the FATF which requires Pakistan to document all gold markets and purchase and sale of gold in the country, ensure restriction on supply of gold and jewellery to banned outfits and terrorist organisations. The FATF has asked Pakistan to collect data of all trusts operating across the country as well as their bank accounts on the district level, and ensure regulation of thousands of registered trust organisations. The compliance report would be taken up by the FATF review group in its meeting scheduled in May.

China hails Pakistan's action plan to implement UN resolutions to fight terrorism

At least seven people were killed on Monday in rain-related incidents in Pakistan's northwest Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province, police said.

There were two different incidents.&nbsp;

In the Chitral district, at least three persons were killed due to a landslide. One was in Danin village after huge boulders and debris fell from the hill on houses and killed people.&nbsp;

The second was in Bunner district where four people were hit by a van which plunged into a deep ravine while taking a sharp turn. they died on the spot.

The local people rushed to the site retrieved the bodies and shifted them to the nearby hospital.

Rains and snowfall often cause landslides and flash floods in northern Pakistan where millions live in mountainous areas.

At least seven people were killed on Monday in rain-related incidents in Pakistan's northwest Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province, police said. There were two different incidents.

At least seven people were killed on Monday in rain-related incidents in Pakistan's northwest Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province, police said. There were two different incidents. In the Chitral district, at least three persons were killed due to a landslide. One was in Danin village after huge boulders and debris fell from the hill on houses and killed people. The second was in Bunner district where four people were hit by a van which plunged into a deep ravine while taking a sharp turn. they died on the spot. The local people rushed to the site retrieved the bodies and shifted them to the nearby hospital. Rains and snowfall often cause landslides and flash floods in northern Pakistan where millions live in mountainous areas.

At least seven people dead in rain-related incidents in Pakistan

As many as 513 ceasefire violations by Pakistan have taken place along the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/south-asia/month-after-balakot-strikes-pakistan-continues-to-block-airspace-205852">line of control </a>(LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir in the past one-and-a-half month and the Pakistan Army has suffered five to six times more casualties than the Indian Army in the retaliatory action, a senior officer said on Saturday.

The Pakistan Army also used heavy weaponry like mortars and artillery guns in over 100 times during these violations and targeted civilian areas but was given a befitting response by the Indian Army, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of White Knight Corps Lt. Gen. Paramjit Singh told reporters in Rajouri.

“Almost 513 ceasefire violations happened in the past one-and-a-half month and over 100 times during these violations, the Pakistan Army used heavy weapons like mortars and artillery guns and targeted civilian areas. Only yesterday [Friday], four civilians, including two girls, were injured in Poonch,” the GOC said.

However, he said the Pakistan Army is being given a befitting response by the Indian Army.

Responding to a question about the casualties suffered by Pakistan in the retaliatory action, he said unlike the Indian Army, Pakistan does not announce the number of its casualties.

“However, as per our sources, the Pakistan Army suffered five to six times more casualties than the casualties on our side,” Lt. Gen. Singh said.

Ten people, including four security personnel, have been killed and nearly 45 others, mostly civilians, injured in the twin districts since India’s preemptive air strike on a Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terror camp in Pakistan’s Balakot on February 26 in response to the February 14 Pulwama terror attack in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed.

On the sniping incidents from across the border, Lt. Gen. Singh said such incidents had come to nought over the past several months, especially after the Balakot strike.

“Some incidents of sniping took place earlier and accordingly we have taken some measures to strengthen our defence. As per the data this year, only three incidents of sniping by the Pakistan Army were reported from January to February 26 in which one of the fatalities include a civilian porter,” he said.

“There was no sniping incident from February 27 till date, which means the steps taken by us have been successful,” the officer said.

He said the morale of the troops is very high and as long as they are deployed on the borders, the people of the country need not worry.

“They have every kind of weaponry and explosives with them and their resolve is rock solid and always prepared for any challenge. As long as they are on the border, you are safe,” he said.

Responding to a question, the officer said, “Our message to Pakistan is given every day whenever some nefarious activity happens on the border.”

When asked for a comment on politics being played in the name of soldiers during the ongoing Lok Sabha elections, he said the Army does not want to get into the debate.

As many as 513 ceasefire violations by Pakistan have taken place along the line of control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir in the past one-and-a-half month and the Pakistan Army has suffered five to six times more casualties than the Indian Army in the retaliatory action, a senior officer said on Saturday.

As many as 513 ceasefire violations by Pakistan have taken place along the line of control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir in the past one-and-a-half month and the Pakistan Army has suffered five to six times more casualties than the Indian Army in the retaliatory action, a senior officer said on Saturday. The Pakistan Army also used heavy weaponry like mortars and artillery guns in over 100 times during these violations and targeted civilian areas but was given a befitting response by the Indian Army, General Officer Commanding (GOC) of White Knight Corps Lt. Gen. Paramjit Singh told reporters in Rajouri. “Almost 513 ceasefire violations happened in the past one-and-a-half month and over 100 times during these violations, the Pakistan Army used heavy weapons like mortars and artillery guns and targeted civilian areas. Only yesterday [Friday], four civilians, including two girls, were injured in Poonch,” the GOC said. However, he said the Pakistan Army is being given a befitting response by the Indian Army. Responding to a question about the casualties suffered by Pakistan in the retaliatory action, he said unlike the Indian Army, Pakistan does not announce the number of its casualties. “However, as per our sources, the Pakistan Army suffered five to six times more casualties than the casualties on our side,” Lt. Gen. Singh said. Ten people, including four security personnel, have been killed and nearly 45 others, mostly civilians, injured in the twin districts since India’s preemptive air strike on a Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terror camp in Pakistan’s Balakot on February 26 in response to the February 14 Pulwama terror attack in which 40 CRPF personnel were killed. On the sniping incidents from across the border, Lt. Gen. Singh said such incidents had come to nought over the past several months, especially after the Balakot strike. “Some incidents of sniping took place earlier and accordingly we have taken some measures to strengthen our defence. As per the data this year, only three incidents of sniping by the Pakistan Army were reported from January to February 26 in which one of the fatalities include a civilian porter,” he said. “There was no sniping incident from February 27 till date, which means the steps taken by us have been successful,” the officer said. He said the morale of the troops is very high and as long as they are deployed on the borders, the people of the country need not worry. “They have every kind of weaponry and explosives with them and their resolve is rock solid and always prepared for any challenge. As long as they are on the border, you are safe,” he said. Responding to a question, the officer said, “Our message to Pakistan is given every day whenever some nefarious activity happens on the border.” When asked for a comment on politics being played in the name of soldiers during the ongoing Lok Sabha elections, he said the Army does not want to get into the debate.

Enraged by Balakot strike Pakistan violated ceasefire 513 times in 45 days, suffered more than India: Army

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