WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning, 12th March, 2019

European researcher lashes out at Pakistan at UNHRC

Afghanistan's National Security Adviser Hamdullah Mohib has slammed Pakistan for providing support to terror and for not abiding by its United Nations Security Council commitments by allowing free rein to terrorists on its territory.

Speaking at the Asia Society in New York, Mohib said, "Until we see willingness to take action we are not going to buy any more words from Pakistan on what they are and willing to say. They are always very nice. They speak about brotherhood, historical linkages, then all we see is terrorist coming our way and no brotherhood"

He said that the Afghanistan Pakistan Action Plan for Peace and Solidarity (APAPPS) which was agreed by the governments of the two countries for peace has not been implemented by the current administration in Islamabad. The plan in Pakistan was agreed under the leadership of former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi.

Mohib who was earlier Afghan envoy to Washington said, "There hasn't been action from Pakistan and there hasn't been any interest from Pakistan to implement. There is no cooperation with Afghanistan in any aspect."

He also highlighted how Pakistan blocked landlocked Afghanistan's trade routes due to which Kabul diversified its routes --in the north via Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan and via Chabahar in Iran connecting to India.

Lauding India Afghanistan air corridor launched in 2017, the NSA said, "it has opened opportunities for Afghanistan not only to increase our trade but &nbsp;also to give us more options to import"

On Monday the corridor was expanded to Herat.

Earlier speaking at United Nation Security Council, Mohib without taking Pakistan's name said, "Strict enforcement of Security Council sanctions measures contained in its resolutions 1988 and 1267 should no longer be compromised. Any failure in this regard translates to a failure of the Security Council’s response to combating terrorist and extremist groups effectively, and also renders these groups capable of continuing their destructive activities."

Pressure has been growing over Islamabad by Kabul, Delhi and Tehran to rein in terror groups on its territory. Over the weekend, in a phone conversation between Iran's president Dr Hassan Rouhani and Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, Rouhani called on Islamabad to act on terrorists on its territory.&nbsp;

Dr Hassan Rouhani said, “We are witnessing many terrorist attacks by terrorists who are unfortunately located on the Pakistani soil, and in dealing with these terrorists, whose existence are not in favour of us, you and the region, we are fully ready to cooperate with the Pakistani army and government".

According to Iranian authorities, 27 Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) were killed in a terror attack in Iran's Sistan and Baluchestan Province which was done by Pakistan based terrorist group. 
&nbsp;

Afghanistan's National Security Adviser Hamdullah Mohib has slammed Pakistan for providing support to terror and for not abiding by its United Nations Security Council commitments by allowing free rein to terrorists on its territory.

Afghanistan's National Security Adviser Hamdullah Mohib has slammed Pakistan for providing support to terror and for not abiding by its United Nations Security Council commitments by allowing free rein to terrorists on its territory. Speaking at the Asia Society in New York, Mohib said, "Until we see willingness to take action we are not going to buy any more words from Pakistan on what they are and willing to say. They are always very nice. They speak about brotherhood, historical linkages, then all we see is terrorist coming our way and no brotherhood" He said that the Afghanistan Pakistan Action Plan for Peace and Solidarity (APAPPS) which was agreed by the governments of the two countries for peace has not been implemented by the current administration in Islamabad. The plan in Pakistan was agreed under the leadership of former Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi. Mohib who was earlier Afghan envoy to Washington said, "There hasn't been action from Pakistan and there hasn't been any interest from Pakistan to implement. There is no cooperation with Afghanistan in any aspect." He also highlighted how Pakistan blocked landlocked Afghanistan's trade routes due to which Kabul diversified its routes --in the north via Uzbekistan and Turkmenistan and via Chabahar in Iran connecting to India. Lauding India Afghanistan air corridor launched in 2017, the NSA said, "it has opened opportunities for Afghanistan not only to increase our trade but also to give us more options to import" On Monday the corridor was expanded to Herat. Earlier speaking at United Nation Security Council, Mohib without taking Pakistan's name said, "Strict enforcement of Security Council sanctions measures contained in its resolutions 1988 and 1267 should no longer be compromised. Any failure in this regard translates to a failure of the Security Council’s response to combating terrorist and extremist groups effectively, and also renders these groups capable of continuing their destructive activities." Pressure has been growing over Islamabad by Kabul, Delhi and Tehran to rein in terror groups on its territory. Over the weekend, in a phone conversation between Iran's president Dr Hassan Rouhani and Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, Rouhani called on Islamabad to act on terrorists on its territory. Dr Hassan Rouhani said, “We are witnessing many terrorist attacks by terrorists who are unfortunately located on the Pakistani soil, and in dealing with these terrorists, whose existence are not in favour of us, you and the region, we are fully ready to cooperate with the Pakistani army and government". According to Iranian authorities, 27 Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) were killed in a terror attack in Iran's Sistan and Baluchestan Province which was done by Pakistan based terrorist group.

Pakistan taking no action on terror; talks of brotherhood but sends terrorist: Afghan NSA

Taliban founder Mullah Omar lived within walking distance of US bases in Afghanistan for years, according to a new book that highlights embarrassing failures of American intelligence.

Washington believed the one-eyed, fugitive leader had fled to Pakistan, but the new biography says Omar was, in fact, living just three miles from a major US Forward Operating Base in his home province of Zabul before his death in 2013.

"Searching for an Enemy", by Dutch journalist Bette Dam, reveals the Taliban chief lived as a virtual hermit, refusing visits from his family and filling notebooks with jottings in an imaginary language.

Dam spent more than five years researching the book and interviewed Jabbar Omari, Omar's bodyguard who hid and protected him after the Taliban regime was overthrown.

According to the book, Omar listened to the BBC's Pashto-language news broadcasts in the evenings, but even when he learned about the death of al-Qaeda supremo Osama Bin Laden rarely commented on developments in the outside world.&nbsp;

Following the 9/11 attacks in 2001 which led to the fall of the Taliban, the US put a $10 million bounty on Omar and he went into hiding in a small compound in the regional capital Qalat, Dam writes.&nbsp;

The family living at the compound were not told of the identity of their mystery guest, but US forces twice almost found him.

At one point, a US patrol approached as Omar and Omari were in the courtyard. Alarmed, the two men ducked behind a woodpile, but the soldiers passed without entering.

A second time, US troops even searched the house but did not uncover the concealed entrance to his secret room. It was not clear if the search was the result of a routine patrol or a tip-off.

Omar decided to move when the US started building Forward Operating Base Lagman in 2004, just a few hundred metres from his hideout.

He later moved to a second building but soon afterwards the Pentagon constructed Forward Operating Base Wolverine -- home to 1,000 US troops, and where American and British special forces were sometimes based -- close by.

Despite his terror at being caught, he dared not move again, rarely even going outside and often hiding in tunnels when US planes flew over.&nbsp;

According to Dam, Omar would often only talk to his guard and cook, and used an old Nokia mobile phone, without a sim card, to record himself chanting verses from the Koran.

Omar's Taliban ruled Afghanistan from 1996 until 2001 and has waged an anti-government insurgency since then.

Omar, who delegated effective Taliban leadership after 2001, appears to have acted as more of a spiritual leader, and the militant movement kept his death in 2013 secret for two years.

Taliban founder Mullah Omar lived within walking distance of US bases in Afghanistan for years, according to a new book that highlights embarrassing failures of American intelligence.

Taliban founder Mullah Omar lived within walking distance of US bases in Afghanistan for years, according to a new book that highlights embarrassing failures of American intelligence. Washington believed the one-eyed, fugitive leader had fled to Pakistan, but the new biography says Omar was, in fact, living just three miles from a major US Forward Operating Base in his home province of Zabul before his death in 2013. "Searching for an Enemy", by Dutch journalist Bette Dam, reveals the Taliban chief lived as a virtual hermit, refusing visits from his family and filling notebooks with jottings in an imaginary language. Dam spent more than five years researching the book and interviewed Jabbar Omari, Omar's bodyguard who hid and protected him after the Taliban regime was overthrown. According to the book, Omar listened to the BBC's Pashto-language news broadcasts in the evenings, but even when he learned about the death of al-Qaeda supremo Osama Bin Laden rarely commented on developments in the outside world. Following the 9/11 attacks in 2001 which led to the fall of the Taliban, the US put a $10 million bounty on Omar and he went into hiding in a small compound in the regional capital Qalat, Dam writes. The family living at the compound were not told of the identity of their mystery guest, but US forces twice almost found him. At one point, a US patrol approached as Omar and Omari were in the courtyard. Alarmed, the two men ducked behind a woodpile, but the soldiers passed without entering. A second time, US troops even searched the house but did not uncover the concealed entrance to his secret room. It was not clear if the search was the result of a routine patrol or a tip-off. Omar decided to move when the US started building Forward Operating Base Lagman in 2004, just a few hundred metres from his hideout. He later moved to a second building but soon afterwards the Pentagon constructed Forward Operating Base Wolverine -- home to 1,000 US troops, and where American and British special forces were sometimes based -- close by. Despite his terror at being caught, he dared not move again, rarely even going outside and often hiding in tunnels when US planes flew over. According to Dam, Omar would often only talk to his guard and cook, and used an old Nokia mobile phone, without a sim card, to record himself chanting verses from the Koran. Omar's Taliban ruled Afghanistan from 1996 until 2001 and has waged an anti-government insurgency since then. Omar, who delegated effective Taliban leadership after 2001, appears to have acted as more of a spiritual leader, and the militant movement kept his death in 2013 secret for two years.

Taliban founder Mullah Omar lived next to US-Afghan base: Biography

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's net income has dropped sharply by Rs 3.09 crores in the last three years even as the income of some Opposition leaders continued to rise, according to a media report on Monday.

The cricketer-turned politician's net income in the year 2015 was 3.56 crore Pakistani rupees, it dropped sharply to Rs1.29 crore in 2016 and further down to Rs 0.47 crore in the year 2017, Dawn newspaper reported.

In 2015, a major chunk of Khan's income comprised the gain of a little over Rs 0.1 crore from the sale of an apartment in Islamabad, followed by Rs 980 crore of foreign remittances, the report said citing official documents.

In 2016, his total income dropped to Rs 1.29 crore of which he earned Rs 0.74 crore from "foreign services" alone.&nbsp;

In contrast, the income of the Leader Opposition of the National Assembly Shahbaz Sharif continued to see an upward trend as his net income rose from Rs 0.76 crore in 2015 and crossed Rs1 crore in 2017.

Former president Asif Ali Zardari's agricultural income that comprises most part of his net income stood at Rs 10.5 crore in 2015. It rose to Rs 11.4 crore in 2016 and surged to Rs 13.4 crore in 2017. He holds 7,748 acres of land.

While Zardari's son Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari appears richer than him in terms of assets he holds in Pakistan and elsewhere, he lags behind the father in terms of income, according to the documents.&nbsp;

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's net income has dropped sharply by Rs 3.09 crores in the last three years even as the income of some Opposition leaders continued to rise, according to a media report on Monday.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's net income has dropped sharply by Rs 3.09 crores in the last three years even as the income of some Opposition leaders continued to rise, according to a media report on Monday. The cricketer-turned politician's net income in the year 2015 was 3.56 crore Pakistani rupees, it dropped sharply to Rs1.29 crore in 2016 and further down to Rs 0.47 crore in the year 2017, Dawn newspaper reported. In 2015, a major chunk of Khan's income comprised the gain of a little over Rs 0.1 crore from the sale of an apartment in Islamabad, followed by Rs 980 crore of foreign remittances, the report said citing official documents. In 2016, his total income dropped to Rs 1.29 crore of which he earned Rs 0.74 crore from "foreign services" alone. In contrast, the income of the Leader Opposition of the National Assembly Shahbaz Sharif continued to see an upward trend as his net income rose from Rs 0.76 crore in 2015 and crossed Rs1 crore in 2017. Former president Asif Ali Zardari's agricultural income that comprises most part of his net income stood at Rs 10.5 crore in 2015. It rose to Rs 11.4 crore in 2016 and surged to Rs 13.4 crore in 2017. He holds 7,748 acres of land. While Zardari's son Bilawal Bhutto-Zardari appears richer than him in terms of assets he holds in Pakistan and elsewhere, he lags behind the father in terms of income, according to the documents.

Pakistan PM Imran Khan's income drops by Rs 3 crore in 3 years

Umer Farooq's grandfather and father made bagpipes. Now he is the third generation to take up the tradition in Pakistan, which is thousands of kilometres from Scotland yet sells thousands of bagpipes each year.

The fresh smell of wood floats through the Mid East factory in Sialkot, on the eastern side of Punjab province, where Farooq is one of the managers. Workers are busy standing or sitting on the ground.

Covered in sawdust, they carve the wood and polish it. Rosewood or ebony serve as the blowstick, into which players exhale. The drones -- long pipes with a lower tone -- follow a similar process.

They are then attached to a bag, and often covered with tartan, a coloured plaid fabric typical of Scotland.

"In my family, all the boys know how to make a bagpipe, step by step," said Farooq.&nbsp;

"When we were seven or eight, we would go to the factory. It was like a school, but the teachers were our dads and uncles."

Honing such a craft is not easy.

South Asia has had for centuries its pungi, a wind instrument used for snake charming, and shehnai, a traditional oboe.

But the bagpipe had to wait until the mid-19th century for British colonialists to bring it to subcontinental India, of which Pakistan was a part before independence and partition in 1947.

Military tradition&nbsp; 
"Anywhere the British army went, they took pipers with them," says Decker Forrest, a Gaelic music teacher at the University of the Highlands and Islands in Scotland.

Locals seized on the tradition, which remains popular till this day, with dozens of bagpipe bands available for weddings and religious festivals.&nbsp;

"People love the bagpipe," smiles Yaser Sain, the leader of a Sialkot trio who play at least two performances each day, he says.&nbsp;

Proudly he shows pictures on his mobile phone of the band in colourful costumes.

Forrest says Pakistani bands put the emphasis on how they look, rather than musical technique, "which is less important to them".&nbsp;

At the world bagpipe championship, which is held every year in Glasgow, they are "the most beautifully dressed," he says. The kilt, however, is not de rigueur among the Pakistanis.

The Pakistani military, born out of the colonial British Indian Army, also still has a soft spot for the instrument.

In 2014 it established a camel-mounted bagpipe band attached to a unit of Desert Rangers. The camels, draped in scarlet and gold as their musicians sway above them, are particularly appreciated during parades.

But Pakistan's main affiliation with bagpipes is its mass production of them, though the quality of the instruments it makes can vary.

Some 2,600 are exported from the Mid East factory each year, mainly to the United States.&nbsp;

Bagpipe ambassadors&nbsp; 
The MH Geoffrey &amp; Co workshop, also in Sialkot, claims to manufacture a further 500 annually -- but its owner, Zafar Iqbal Geoffrey, estimates that when contributions from dozens of small and medium-sized businesses in the city are counted, Sialkot can produce a total of 10,000 bagpipes a year.

That is more than any country other than the United Kingdom, according to people in Sialkot.

"Bagpipes are our roaming ambassadors. This is good not only for the economy, but for the image-building of Pakistan," says Waqas Akram Awan, vice president of the Sialkot Chamber of Commerce.&nbsp;

The city's exports for 2017 -- a 15-year record of $4 million for thousands of instruments -- underscores his comment.&nbsp;

"Our instruments are the same as the European ones, but they are much cheaper. We make music more accessible," says Umar Farooq's uncle Muhammad Aftab.

Cheap labour means Pakistani bagpipes are priced less expensively than ones made in Scotland, with Mid East's going for around 300 pounds ($390) in Britain, compared to 900 pounds ($1,170) for instruments made in Scotland.

But Pakistani bagpipes have a reputation.

"The quality of sound is not the same," says Paul Gardner, manager of a London music store.

"They are for beginners who are working on a really low budget," he explained. "It might get somebody started, but that person will quickly look to upgrade."

Umer Farooq's grandfather and father made bagpipes. Now he is the third generation to take up the tradition in Pakistan, which is thousands of kilometres from Scotland yet sells thousands of bagpipes each year.

Umer Farooq's grandfather and father made bagpipes. Now he is the third generation to take up the tradition in Pakistan, which is thousands of kilometres from Scotland yet sells thousands of bagpipes each year. The fresh smell of wood floats through the Mid East factory in Sialkot, on the eastern side of Punjab province, where Farooq is one of the managers. Workers are busy standing or sitting on the ground. Covered in sawdust, they carve the wood and polish it. Rosewood or ebony serve as the blowstick, into which players exhale. The drones -- long pipes with a lower tone -- follow a similar process. They are then attached to a bag, and often covered with tartan, a coloured plaid fabric typical of Scotland. "In my family, all the boys know how to make a bagpipe, step by step," said Farooq. "When we were seven or eight, we would go to the factory. It was like a school, but the teachers were our dads and uncles." Honing such a craft is not easy. South Asia has had for centuries its pungi, a wind instrument used for snake charming, and shehnai, a traditional oboe. But the bagpipe had to wait until the mid-19th century for British colonialists to bring it to subcontinental India, of which Pakistan was a part before independence and partition in 1947. Military tradition "Anywhere the British army went, they took pipers with them," says Decker Forrest, a Gaelic music teacher at the University of the Highlands and Islands in Scotland. Locals seized on the tradition, which remains popular till this day, with dozens of bagpipe bands available for weddings and religious festivals. "People love the bagpipe," smiles Yaser Sain, the leader of a Sialkot trio who play at least two performances each day, he says. Proudly he shows pictures on his mobile phone of the band in colourful costumes. Forrest says Pakistani bands put the emphasis on how they look, rather than musical technique, "which is less important to them". At the world bagpipe championship, which is held every year in Glasgow, they are "the most beautifully dressed," he says. The kilt, however, is not de rigueur among the Pakistanis. The Pakistani military, born out of the colonial British Indian Army, also still has a soft spot for the instrument. In 2014 it established a camel-mounted bagpipe band attached to a unit of Desert Rangers. The camels, draped in scarlet and gold as their musicians sway above them, are particularly appreciated during parades. But Pakistan's main affiliation with bagpipes is its mass production of them, though the quality of the instruments it makes can vary. Some 2,600 are exported from the Mid East factory each year, mainly to the United States. Bagpipe ambassadors The MH Geoffrey & Co workshop, also in Sialkot, claims to manufacture a further 500 annually -- but its owner, Zafar Iqbal Geoffrey, estimates that when contributions from dozens of small and medium-sized businesses in the city are counted, Sialkot can produce a total of 10,000 bagpipes a year. That is more than any country other than the United Kingdom, according to people in Sialkot. "Bagpipes are our roaming ambassadors. This is good not only for the economy, but for the image-building of Pakistan," says Waqas Akram Awan, vice president of the Sialkot Chamber of Commerce. The city's exports for 2017 -- a 15-year record of $4 million for thousands of instruments -- underscores his comment. "Our instruments are the same as the European ones, but they are much cheaper. We make music more accessible," says Umar Farooq's uncle Muhammad Aftab. Cheap labour means Pakistani bagpipes are priced less expensively than ones made in Scotland, with Mid East's going for around 300 pounds ($390) in Britain, compared to 900 pounds ($1,170) for instruments made in Scotland. But Pakistani bagpipes have a reputation. "The quality of sound is not the same," says Paul Gardner, manager of a London music store. "They are for beginners who are working on a really low budget," he explained. "It might get somebody started, but that person will quickly look to upgrade."

Pakistan -- the other great home of the bagpipes

A large group of Pakistan-backed pro-Khalistan activists attacked innocent British-Indian civilians outside the Indian High Commission here on Saturday, possibly as revenge to Indian air strike at a terror camp in Pakistan last month and anti-Pakistan protests that have been taking place across the world.

Wearing turbans, the attackers raised slogans like 'Naraa-e-Taqbeer' and 'Allah-u-Akbar' along with anti-India slogans while targeting the people who were waiting for visa related appointments with officials of the High Commission, witnesses said here on Sunday.

The attackers also carried Khalistani flags.

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Pakistan’s ISI backed Khalistanis attacked a number of British Indians who were standing outside the Indian High Commission in London on March 9. The men wearing Sikh turbans raised slogans 'Naraa-e-Taqbeer' &amp; 'Allah-u-Akbar' <a href="https://t.co/7L5Fume7nv">pic.twitter.com/7L5Fume7nv</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1104582717784637441?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 10, 2019</a></blockquote>
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This attack is largely being seen as Pakistan`s counter to the widespread protests which have been taking place globally against its role in the Pulwama terror attack which claimed the lives of over 40 CRPF personnel.&nbsp;

After Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) claimed responsibility for the February 14 attack, the international community has intensified its pressure on Pakistan to dismantle terror infrastructure on its soil.

In fact, the United States has bluntly told Pakistan to stop providing support and safe haven to terrorists and terror outfits.

India, on February 26, carried out anti-terror air strike at a major terror camp of JeM in Pakistan`s Balakot.

A "large number" of terrorists, including top commanders, were eliminated in the strike, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale had told the media hours after the air raid.

India has shared dossiers about Pakistani links to the Pulwama terror attack with Pakistan government as well as several key countries.

India on Saturday sought credible, verifiable and sustained action from Pakistan against terror groups, saying that mere words will not be enough to impress the international community.&nbsp;

"Pakistan will be judged by not the words it speaks but action it takes...The proof of action is not issuing a notification but dismantling infrastructure which should be verified. Pakistan is well aware of its own commitment and concrete action that has to be taken against terrorism... If Pakistan claims to be a 'naya (new) Pakistan with nayi soch (new thought)', it should show 'naya (new) action' against terrorist groups and terror infrastructure on its soil and end cross border terrorism in support of its claims," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said on Saturday at a media briefing.

A large group of Pakistan-backed pro-Khalistan activists attacked innocent British-Indian civilians outside the Indian High Commission here on Saturday, possibly as revenge to Indian air strike at a terror camp in Pakistan last month and anti-Pakistan protests that have been taking place across the world.

A large group of Pakistan-backed pro-Khalistan activists attacked innocent British-Indian civilians outside the Indian High Commission here on Saturday, possibly as revenge to Indian air strike at a terror camp in Pakistan last month and anti-Pakistan protests that have been taking place across the world. Wearing turbans, the attackers raised slogans like 'Naraa-e-Taqbeer' and 'Allah-u-Akbar' along with anti-India slogans while targeting the people who were waiting for visa related appointments with officials of the High Commission, witnesses said here on Sunday. The attackers also carried Khalistani flags. #WATCH Pakistan’s ISI backed Khalistanis attacked a number of British Indians who were standing outside the Indian High Commission in London on March 9. The men wearing Sikh turbans raised slogans 'Naraa-e-Taqbeer' & 'Allah-u-Akbar' pic.twitter.com/7L5Fume7nv — ANI (@ANI) March 10, 2019 × This attack is largely being seen as Pakistan`s counter to the widespread protests which have been taking place globally against its role in the Pulwama terror attack which claimed the lives of over 40 CRPF personnel. After Pakistan-based terror outfit Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) claimed responsibility for the February 14 attack, the international community has intensified its pressure on Pakistan to dismantle terror infrastructure on its soil. In fact, the United States has bluntly told Pakistan to stop providing support and safe haven to terrorists and terror outfits. India, on February 26, carried out anti-terror air strike at a major terror camp of JeM in Pakistan`s Balakot. A "large number" of terrorists, including top commanders, were eliminated in the strike, Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale had told the media hours after the air raid. India has shared dossiers about Pakistani links to the Pulwama terror attack with Pakistan government as well as several key countries. India on Saturday sought credible, verifiable and sustained action from Pakistan against terror groups, saying that mere words will not be enough to impress the international community. "Pakistan will be judged by not the words it speaks but action it takes...The proof of action is not issuing a notification but dismantling infrastructure which should be verified. Pakistan is well aware of its own commitment and concrete action that has to be taken against terrorism... If Pakistan claims to be a 'naya (new) Pakistan with nayi soch (new thought)', it should show 'naya (new) action' against terrorist groups and terror infrastructure on its soil and end cross border terrorism in support of its claims," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said on Saturday at a media briefing.

Watch: ISI-backed pro-Khalistanis assault British Indians outside Indian High Commission in London

Iran's Rouhani asks Pakistan to act against terror

Indian Army shoots down two Pakistani spy drones

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday said that the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/air-strike-heres-why-balakot-was-chosen-by-indian-air-force-199792">February 26 air strike by the Indian Force</a>&nbsp;on Pakistan's Balakot was a targeted attack on terrorists which should have been done by Pak.

Speaking in Chennai, she said, "The air strike was not a military action, it was a <a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/balakot-air-strike-is-indias-googly-response-to-imran-khans-in-swinger-199863">targeted attack on terrorists</a> which actually Pakistan should have done, they didn't".

She further said that Pakistan was not acting on terrorists and it continues to train, fund and support terrorism.

"One thing is very clear Pak wasn't acting on terrorists. It continues to be the country where terrorists are trained, funded, supported by military establishment and sent across. Its theory of using non-state actors to keep terrorism going on continues without disturbance," she said.

She added that the army had the intelligence information about the presence of terrorists and therefore it hit the nerve centre that was aiding Fidayeen.

"We took decision to hit that nerve centre which was training, funding and giving capacity to what they call Fidayeen. Since we had enough intel information to say that that's where it is coming out of, we acted on terror so that no longer goes unattended".

(With inputs from ANI)

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday said that the February 26 air strike by the Indian Force on Pakistan's Balakot was a targeted attack on terrorists which should have been done by Pak.

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Sunday said that the February 26 air strike by the Indian Force on Pakistan's Balakot was a targeted attack on terrorists which should have been done by Pak. Speaking in Chennai, she said, "The air strike was not a military action, it was a targeted attack on terrorists which actually Pakistan should have done, they didn't". She further said that Pakistan was not acting on terrorists and it continues to train, fund and support terrorism. "One thing is very clear Pak wasn't acting on terrorists. It continues to be the country where terrorists are trained, funded, supported by military establishment and sent across. Its theory of using non-state actors to keep terrorism going on continues without disturbance," she said. She added that the army had the intelligence information about the presence of terrorists and therefore it hit the nerve centre that was aiding Fidayeen. "We took decision to hit that nerve centre which was training, funding and giving capacity to what they call Fidayeen. Since we had enough intel information to say that that's where it is coming out of, we acted on terror so that no longer goes unattended". (With inputs from ANI)

Air strike was targeted attack at terrorists... Pakistan should have done it: Nirmala Sitharaman

The Border Security Force has handover over a Pakistani national, who had crossed over the international border on Friday, to the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-f-16-pilots-fired-4-5-amraams-at-indian-planes-from-40-50-km-sources-201455">Pakistan </a>Rangers.&nbsp;

The BSF said the Pakistani national was handed over as a "goodwill gesture" and to "maintain&nbsp;peace and&nbsp;tranquillity" along the International Border.&nbsp; 
<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pakistan-did-not-shoot-down-one-of-our-sukhois-india-201398">Pakistan</a> had earlier released the Indian Air Force pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman as a "peace gesture".

The Indian Air Force&nbsp;had on February 26 conducted an air strike on a Jaish-e-Mohammed training camp in Balakot in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunwa province. (The air strike had come 12 days after the suicide attack on a CRPF convoy in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama which had killed 40 personnel. The attack had been claimed by the JeM.)&nbsp;

Pakistan hit back a day later, dropping bombs on the Indian side of the Line of Control.&nbsp;

Pakistan said it did not cross the LoC. India said the Pakistani bombs had been aimed at Indian military installations but that they missed their targets.&nbsp;

India had scrambled jets to chase out the Pakistani planes.&nbsp;

One of those Indian planes — a MiG 21 Bison — had been flown by <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/wc-abhinandan-piloted-mig-21-bison-shot-down-pak-f-16-have-electronic-evidence-mea-202214">Abhinandan </a>who took down a Pakistani F-16 but was then shot down too.&nbsp;

He spent two nights in Pakistani custody before being released.&nbsp;&nbsp;

His release had very quickly de-escalated tensions between India and Pakistan.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The Border Security Force has handover over a Pakistani national, who had crossed over the international border on Friday, to the Pakistan Rangers. The BSF said the Pakistani national was handed over as a "goodwill gesture" and to "maintain peace and tranquillity" along the International Border.

The Border Security Force has handover over a Pakistani national, who had crossed over the international border on Friday, to the Pakistan Rangers. The BSF said the Pakistani national was handed over as a "goodwill gesture" and to "maintain peace and tranquillity" along the International Border. Pakistan had earlier released the Indian Air Force pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman as a "peace gesture". The Indian Air Force had on February 26 conducted an air strike on a Jaish-e-Mohammed training camp in Balakot in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunwa province. (The air strike had come 12 days after the suicide attack on a CRPF convoy in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama which had killed 40 personnel. The attack had been claimed by the JeM.) Pakistan hit back a day later, dropping bombs on the Indian side of the Line of Control. Pakistan said it did not cross the LoC. India said the Pakistani bombs had been aimed at Indian military installations but that they missed their targets. India had scrambled jets to chase out the Pakistani planes. One of those Indian planes — a MiG 21 Bison — had been flown by Abhinandan who took down a Pakistani F-16 but was then shot down too. He spent two nights in Pakistani custody before being released. His release had very quickly de-escalated tensions between India and Pakistan.

India hands over Pakistani national as 'goodwill gesture'

An influential Indian-American Congressman has warned that Pakistan will continue to slide into international isolation if it does not take actions against terrorist groups operating from its soil.

Ami Bera, the Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, also urged China to play a constructive role by lifting its veto over UN Security Council resolution to designate Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist.

"The United States' Congress stands ready to support Pakistan should Prime Minister (Imran) Khan begin cracking down on terrorist groups in earnest. This will only help improve his nation's economy," Bera wrote in an op-ed published in News India Times on Friday.

In his op-ed titled 'Time For Pakistan to Chart a New Course', the four-time Indian-American Congressman from California said that Pakistan did the right thing by releasing Indian Air Force pilot Abhinandan Varthaman.

"This de-escalated a dangerous situation but more has to be done. Prime Minister Imran Khan should use this opportunity to reset his country's relationship with the world and chart a new course for Pakistan," he said.

This starts with cracking down on the JeM and other terrorist groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba which was responsible for the 2008 Mumbai attack, Bera said, adding that unfortunately, Pakistan's behaviour towards these terrorist groups have been contradictory and self-defeating.

"Pakistan has banned many of these terrorist groups, including adding two more groups on March 5, but at the same time tolerates them operating within its own borders. This has caused the international community to isolate Pakistan," Bera said.

Pakistan has taken some initial steps, like detaining 44 suspected militants, including the brother of JeM's leader Masood Azhar. It is, however, unclear whether this "preventative detention", as Pakistan described it, will lead to criminal prosecutions and justice being served, he said.

"Prime Minister Khan can help Pakistan earn enormous goodwill by tracking down and bringing to justice Azhar, whom the Pakistani Foreign Minister indicated was alive, with his whereabouts known. They can further that goodwill by dismantling the terrorist networks that operate within Pakistan.

"These actions are in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 1267. If Khan does not take these steps, I'm afraid Pakistan will continue to slide into international isolation, which will only serve to increase economic hardship on the Pakistani people," the Indian-American Congressman said.

"I also call on China to play a constructive role in India and Pakistan relations. A good first step would be for China to cease blocking a UN Security Council resolution designating Masood Azhar a global terrorist," Bera said.

His article came days after Pakistan, under global pressure after the Pulwama terror attack and India's air strikes against JeM terrorist camp in Balakot in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on February 26, started taking actions against some of the terrorist outfits and their leaders over the past few days.

In Islamabad, the Interior Ministry on Thursday announced that a total of 121 members of the proscribed groups have so far been taken into "preventive detention" across Pakistan.

Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated after a suicide bomber of Pakistan-based terror group JeM killed 40 CRPF personnel in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on February 14.

India launched a counter-terror operation in Balakot. The next day, Pakistan Air Force retaliated and downed a MiG-21 in aerial combat and captured its pilot, who was handed over to India on March 1.

An influential Indian-American Congressman has warned that Pakistan will continue to slide into international isolation if it does not take actions against terrorist groups operating from its soil.

An influential Indian-American Congressman has warned that Pakistan will continue to slide into international isolation if it does not take actions against terrorist groups operating from its soil. Ami Bera, the Chairman of the House Foreign Affairs Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, also urged China to play a constructive role by lifting its veto over UN Security Council resolution to designate Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist. "The United States' Congress stands ready to support Pakistan should Prime Minister (Imran) Khan begin cracking down on terrorist groups in earnest. This will only help improve his nation's economy," Bera wrote in an op-ed published in News India Times on Friday. In his op-ed titled 'Time For Pakistan to Chart a New Course', the four-time Indian-American Congressman from California said that Pakistan did the right thing by releasing Indian Air Force pilot Abhinandan Varthaman. "This de-escalated a dangerous situation but more has to be done. Prime Minister Imran Khan should use this opportunity to reset his country's relationship with the world and chart a new course for Pakistan," he said. This starts with cracking down on the JeM and other terrorist groups such as Lashkar-e-Taiba which was responsible for the 2008 Mumbai attack, Bera said, adding that unfortunately, Pakistan's behaviour towards these terrorist groups have been contradictory and self-defeating. "Pakistan has banned many of these terrorist groups, including adding two more groups on March 5, but at the same time tolerates them operating within its own borders. This has caused the international community to isolate Pakistan," Bera said. Pakistan has taken some initial steps, like detaining 44 suspected militants, including the brother of JeM's leader Masood Azhar. It is, however, unclear whether this "preventative detention", as Pakistan described it, will lead to criminal prosecutions and justice being served, he said. "Prime Minister Khan can help Pakistan earn enormous goodwill by tracking down and bringing to justice Azhar, whom the Pakistani Foreign Minister indicated was alive, with his whereabouts known. They can further that goodwill by dismantling the terrorist networks that operate within Pakistan. "These actions are in accordance with UN Security Council Resolution 1267. If Khan does not take these steps, I'm afraid Pakistan will continue to slide into international isolation, which will only serve to increase economic hardship on the Pakistani people," the Indian-American Congressman said. "I also call on China to play a constructive role in India and Pakistan relations. A good first step would be for China to cease blocking a UN Security Council resolution designating Masood Azhar a global terrorist," Bera said. His article came days after Pakistan, under global pressure after the Pulwama terror attack and India's air strikes against JeM terrorist camp in Balakot in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on February 26, started taking actions against some of the terrorist outfits and their leaders over the past few days. In Islamabad, the Interior Ministry on Thursday announced that a total of 121 members of the proscribed groups have so far been taken into "preventive detention" across Pakistan. Tensions between India and Pakistan escalated after a suicide bomber of Pakistan-based terror group JeM killed 40 CRPF personnel in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama district on February 14. India launched a counter-terror operation in Balakot. The next day, Pakistan Air Force retaliated and downed a MiG-21 in aerial combat and captured its pilot, who was handed over to India on March 1.

Pakistan will face global isolation if it doesn't rein in terrorist groups: Indian-American Congressman 

Home Minister Rajnath Singh said Saturday that in the last five years, India has hit Pakistan three times.&nbsp;

"Pichle 5 varsho mein, teen baar apni seema ke bahar jaa kar hum logon ne air strike kar kaamyaabi haasil ki hai (We have crossed our borders three times in the last five years and conducted successful air strikes)," Singh said.&nbsp;

"Do ki jaankari apko dunga, teesri ki nahi dunga (I will tell you about two but not about the third)," the union home minister added.&nbsp;

Singh was speaking in Karnataka's Mangaluru.&nbsp;

While Singh said "three air strikes", he went on to say that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/surgical-strikes-were-conducted-in-the-interest-of-national-security-not-for-political-mileage-148036">the first strike</a> came after the terrorist attack on the Indian Army camp in Jammu and Kashmir's Uri. Nineteen soldiers had died in that attack.&nbsp;

Eleven days after the Uri attack, the Indian Army had conducted a surgical strike on terror launchpads along the Line of Control.&nbsp;

Singh said the second strike was conducted after Pulwama.&nbsp;

On February 14, a suicide attack on a Central Reserve Police Force convoy had killed at least 40 CRPF personnel. The attack was claimed by the Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed.&nbsp;

Twelve days after Pulwama, on February 26, <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/up-to-50-killed-in-indian-air-strike-on-pakistans-balakot-italian-journalist-quoting-eyewitness-200787">the Indian Air Force conducted an air strike on a Jaish-e-Mohammed training camp</a> in Balakot in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunwa province.&nbsp;

On Saturday, Singh said "this is no longer a weak India".&nbsp;

The Indian Army's September 2016 surgical strike and the Indian Air Force's recent air strike on the JeM training camp in Balakot have been well publicised, but it is the "third strike" mentioned by Singh today that has begun to raise fevered speculation.&nbsp;

Home Minister Rajnath Singh said Saturday that in the last five years, India has hit Pakistan three times. "Pichle 5 varsho mein, teen baar apni seema ke bahar jaa kar hum logon ne air strike kar kaamyaabi haasil ki hai (We have crossed our borders three times in the last five years and conducted successful air strikes)," Singh said.

Home Minister Rajnath Singh said Saturday that in the last five years, India has hit Pakistan three times. "Pichle 5 varsho mein, teen baar apni seema ke bahar jaa kar hum logon ne air strike kar kaamyaabi haasil ki hai (We have crossed our borders three times in the last five years and conducted successful air strikes)," Singh said. "Do ki jaankari apko dunga, teesri ki nahi dunga (I will tell you about two but not about the third)," the union home minister added. Singh was speaking in Karnataka's Mangaluru. While Singh said "three air strikes", he went on to say that the first strike came after the terrorist attack on the Indian Army camp in Jammu and Kashmir's Uri. Nineteen soldiers had died in that attack. Eleven days after the Uri attack, the Indian Army had conducted a surgical strike on terror launchpads along the Line of Control. Singh said the second strike was conducted after Pulwama. On February 14, a suicide attack on a Central Reserve Police Force convoy had killed at least 40 CRPF personnel. The attack was claimed by the Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammed. Twelve days after Pulwama, on February 26, the Indian Air Force conducted an air strike on a Jaish-e-Mohammed training camp in Balakot in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunwa province. On Saturday, Singh said "this is no longer a weak India". The Indian Army's September 2016 surgical strike and the Indian Air Force's recent air strike on the JeM training camp in Balakot have been well publicised, but it is the "third strike" mentioned by Singh today that has begun to raise fevered speculation.

In last 5 years, we have hit Pakistan 3 times: Rajnath Singh

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/government-imposes-ban-on-jamaat-e-islami-jammu-and-kashmir-200364">Jamaat-e-</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/government-imposes-ban-on-jamaat-e-islami-jammu-and-kashmir-200364">lslami</a> Jammu and Kashmir, which was banned by the government recently, has established strong links with Pakistan's ISI and has been maintaining regular contact with the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi for promoting secessionism in the state, officials said.

The most important member of the JeI (J&amp;K) in the Hurriyat Conference is Syed Ali Shah Geelani, who was at one point of time designated as the 'Amir-e-Jihad' (Head of Jehad) of Jammu and Kashmir by the proscribed organisation.

The <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pulwama-attack-police-crackdown-on-jamaat-e-islami-jammu-and-kashmir-top-leaders-detained-199109">JeI (J&amp;K) </a>has established strong links with Pakistan's ISI for ensuring logistics support for arming, training and supply of weapons to Kashmiri youths and its leaders continue to maintain regular contact with the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi for support, a senior government official said.

According to the intelligence inputs, the Jel (J&amp;K) has been using its network of schools to spread anti-India feelings among children in the Kashmir Valley and encouraging cadres of the Jel (J&amp;K) youth wing (Jamiat-ul-Tulba) to join 'Jihad' by getting recruited into terrorist outfits.

It is no surprise that the pattern of militancy in the Valley has a strong correlation with the spread of the hardline Jel (J&amp;K) activists in the area, the official said.

The Jel (J&amp;K) has been utilising the fear generated by Pakistan-based Hizbul Mujahideen and leveraging the financial clouts of its members and trusts under its control to mobilise funds both locally and from abroad and using these assets to consolidate its hold at the grassroot level.

This base is used to provide a fertile ground for the operation of militants outfits in the Kashmir Valley including motivation, new recruits, shelters and hideouts, couriers etc.

The hardliner elements in Jel have been at the forefront of secessionist activities and were the brain behind the formation of the All Party Hurriyat Conference (APHC) as well as Hizbul Mujahideen, another official said.

The JeI (J&amp;K) also has several trusts for running schools to disseminate orthodox Islamic education, has a youth wing and has numerous publications for spreading its fundamentalist ideology.

Behind this facade, hardliners within the JeI (J&amp;K) have been involved with militant groups, have actively participated in promotion of secessionist activities, have been questioning the finality of the Jammu and Kashmir's accession to India and have been "striving for merger of the state with Pakistan", the official said.

The group has extensive foreign links through which it secures funding and promotes its objectives. It has close links with Jel-Pakistan, Jel-POK and Jel-Bangladesh, where several leaders have faced death penalty for anti-national activities.

It has also been promoting sectarian tensions in the Valley by mobilizing opinion against the Hanfi-Aithkadi sects.

Gilani, the JeI (J&amp;K) representative in the Hurriyat, has been continuously supporting militancy in Kashmir and even during the Kargil War, he had termed the intruders as "freedom fighters".

The JeI (J&amp;K) was formed in 1945 as a chapter of the Jamaat-e-Islami Hind and separated in 1953 due to differences over political ideology with the parent body.

It is opposed to participating in the electoral process and has been pursuing the agenda of setting up an independent theocratic Islamic State by destabilising the government established by law.

The outfit was banned twice in the past due to its activities. The first time in 1975 for two years by the Jammu and Kashmir government and the second time in April 1990 for three years by the Centre, when Mufti Mohammad Sayeed was the Union home minister. The ban continued till December, 1993.

The JeI (J&amp;K) was banned again by the central government on February 28.

The Jamaat-e-lslami Jammu and Kashmir, which was banned by the government recently, has established strong links with Pakistan's ISI and has been maintaining regular contact with the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi for promoting secessionism in the state, officials said.

The Jamaat-e-lslami Jammu and Kashmir, which was banned by the government recently, has established strong links with Pakistan's ISI and has been maintaining regular contact with the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi for promoting secessionism in the state, officials said. The most important member of the JeI (J&K) in the Hurriyat Conference is Syed Ali Shah Geelani, who was at one point of time designated as the 'Amir-e-Jihad' (Head of Jehad) of Jammu and Kashmir by the proscribed organisation. The JeI (J&K) has established strong links with Pakistan's ISI for ensuring logistics support for arming, training and supply of weapons to Kashmiri youths and its leaders continue to maintain regular contact with the Pakistan High Commission in New Delhi for support, a senior government official said. According to the intelligence inputs, the Jel (J&K) has been using its network of schools to spread anti-India feelings among children in the Kashmir Valley and encouraging cadres of the Jel (J&K) youth wing (Jamiat-ul-Tulba) to join 'Jihad' by getting recruited into terrorist outfits. It is no surprise that the pattern of militancy in the Valley has a strong correlation with the spread of the hardline Jel (J&K) activists in the area, the official said. The Jel (J&K) has been utilising the fear generated by Pakistan-based Hizbul Mujahideen and leveraging the financial clouts of its members and trusts under its control to mobilise funds both locally and from abroad and using these assets to consolidate its hold at the grassroot level. This base is used to provide a fertile ground for the operation of militants outfits in the Kashmir Valley including motivation, new recruits, shelters and hideouts, couriers etc. The hardliner elements in Jel have been at the forefront of secessionist activities and were the brain behind the formation of the All Party Hurriyat Conference (APHC) as well as Hizbul Mujahideen, another official said. The JeI (J&K) also has several trusts for running schools to disseminate orthodox Islamic education, has a youth wing and has numerous publications for spreading its fundamentalist ideology. Behind this facade, hardliners within the JeI (J&K) have been involved with militant groups, have actively participated in promotion of secessionist activities, have been questioning the finality of the Jammu and Kashmir's accession to India and have been "striving for merger of the state with Pakistan", the official said. The group has extensive foreign links through which it secures funding and promotes its objectives. It has close links with Jel-Pakistan, Jel-POK and Jel-Bangladesh, where several leaders have faced death penalty for anti-national activities. It has also been promoting sectarian tensions in the Valley by mobilizing opinion against the Hanfi-Aithkadi sects. Gilani, the JeI (J&K) representative in the Hurriyat, has been continuously supporting militancy in Kashmir and even during the Kargil War, he had termed the intruders as "freedom fighters". The JeI (J&K) was formed in 1945 as a chapter of the Jamaat-e-Islami Hind and separated in 1953 due to differences over political ideology with the parent body. It is opposed to participating in the electoral process and has been pursuing the agenda of setting up an independent theocratic Islamic State by destabilising the government established by law. The outfit was banned twice in the past due to its activities. The first time in 1975 for two years by the Jammu and Kashmir government and the second time in April 1990 for three years by the Centre, when Mufti Mohammad Sayeed was the Union home minister. The ban continued till December, 1993. The JeI (J&K) was banned again by the central government on February 28.

Jamaat-e-lslami established strong links with ISI: Officials

The Indian Army on Saturday shot at another&nbsp;<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/iaf-shoots-down-pakistani-drone-that-violated-airspace-in-rajasthan-201136">Pakistani drone</a> that had entered Indian airspace along the&nbsp;international border in Rajasthan.&nbsp;The drone was shot at in Rajasthan's Sri Ganganagar sector.

This is the third Pakistani drone India says has entered the country's airspace since India's air strike&nbsp;on the Jaish-e-Mohammed training camp in Pakistan's Balakot.

The first drone was shot down on the morning of February 26 after it entered Indian airspace in the Kutch district of Gujarat.&nbsp;

The second was shot down on March 4 by an Indian Air Force Sukhoi 30MKI.

India hit the JeM training camp on February 26. The strike was in retaliation for the suicide attack on a Central Reserve Police Force security convoy in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama which killed at least 40 CRPF personnel. The attack was claimed by the JeM.&nbsp;

A day later, on February 27, Pakistan dropped bombs on the Indian side of the Line of Control. India said the bombs were aimed at military installations but that they missed their targets.&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI)

&nbsp;

The Indian Army on Saturday shot at another Pakistani drone that had entered Indian airspace along the international border in Rajasthan. The drone was shot at in Rajasthan's Sri Ganganagar sector.

The Indian Army on Saturday shot at another Pakistani drone that had entered Indian airspace along the international border in Rajasthan. The drone was shot at in Rajasthan's Sri Ganganagar sector. This is the third Pakistani drone India says has entered the country's airspace since India's air strike on the Jaish-e-Mohammed training camp in Pakistan's Balakot. The first drone was shot down on the morning of February 26 after it entered Indian airspace in the Kutch district of Gujarat. The second was shot down on March 4 by an Indian Air Force Sukhoi 30MKI. India hit the JeM training camp on February 26. The strike was in retaliation for the suicide attack on a Central Reserve Police Force security convoy in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama which killed at least 40 CRPF personnel. The attack was claimed by the JeM. A day later, on February 27, Pakistan dropped bombs on the Indian side of the Line of Control. India said the bombs were aimed at military installations but that they missed their targets. (With inputs from ANI)

Indian Army shoots at another Pakistani drone in Rajasthan

Inside Bahawalpur, headquarters of Jaish-e-Mohammed

In Pictures: After 1971, how China, France, UK helped build Pakistan Navy

Pakistan has never seriously cracked down on militant groups that attack India, a leading US daily has said, warning that the threat of nuclear war between the two nations remains as a long-term solution to the conflict is unlikely without international pressure.&nbsp;

The New York Times in an Op-ed titled 'This Is Where a Nuclear Exchange Is Most Likely. (It's Not North Korea.)' said the current focus on North Korea's growing arsenal obscures the fact that the most likely trigger for a nuclear exchange could be the conflict between India and Pakistan.&nbsp;

The paper said the relative calm after last week's confrontation between the two nations is not a solution.&nbsp;

"As long as India and Pakistan refuse to deal with their core dispute the future of Kashmir they face unpredictable, possibly terrifying, consequences," it said.&nbsp;

The current crisis started on February 14, when a suicide bomber killed at least 40 CRPF personnel in Pulwama. Pakistan-based militant group Jaish-e-Muhammed took responsibility for the attack.&nbsp;

While the JeM is on America's list of terrorist organisations and is formally banned in Pakistan, the group has been protected and armed by the Pakistani intelligence service, the paper said.

India launched a counter-terror operation in Balakot on February 26. The next day, Pakistan Air Force retaliated and downed a MiG-21 in an aerial combat and captured its pilot, who was handed over to India on March 1.

The situation could have easily escalated, given that the two countries have fought three wars over 70 years, maintain a near-constant state of military readiness along their border and have little formal government-to-government dialogue.&nbsp;

The next confrontation might not end so calmly, the paper said.

The two countries have crossed into dangerous territory, with India attacking Pakistan and engaging in aerial duels. The next confrontation, or the one after that, could be far more unthinkable, it said.

Pakistan has never seriously cracked down on militant groups that attack India.&nbsp;

Pakistani authorities said they detained 121 members of various armed groups, including a brother of Masood Azhar, the head of Jaish-e-Muhammrd, and planned to seize assets of militants on the United Nations terrorist list.&nbsp;

But Pakistan has rarely followed through on such promises, the paper said.

Without international pressure, a long-term solution is unlikely, and the threat of nuclear war remains.

China is a major ally and lender to Pakistan, and if it stopped blocking moves in the United Nations Security Council to add Azhar to the United Nations terrorist list, it would signal to Pakistan that it has to curb the militant groups, the daily said.

Pakistan has never seriously cracked down on militant groups that attack India, a leading US daily has said, warning that the threat of nuclear war between the two nations remains as a long-term solution to the conflict is unlikely without international pressure.

Pakistan has never seriously cracked down on militant groups that attack India, a leading US daily has said, warning that the threat of nuclear war between the two nations remains as a long-term solution to the conflict is unlikely without international pressure. The New York Times in an Op-ed titled 'This Is Where a Nuclear Exchange Is Most Likely. (It's Not North Korea.)' said the current focus on North Korea's growing arsenal obscures the fact that the most likely trigger for a nuclear exchange could be the conflict between India and Pakistan. The paper said the relative calm after last week's confrontation between the two nations is not a solution. "As long as India and Pakistan refuse to deal with their core dispute the future of Kashmir they face unpredictable, possibly terrifying, consequences," it said. The current crisis started on February 14, when a suicide bomber killed at least 40 CRPF personnel in Pulwama. Pakistan-based militant group Jaish-e-Muhammed took responsibility for the attack. While the JeM is on America's list of terrorist organisations and is formally banned in Pakistan, the group has been protected and armed by the Pakistani intelligence service, the paper said. India launched a counter-terror operation in Balakot on February 26. The next day, Pakistan Air Force retaliated and downed a MiG-21 in an aerial combat and captured its pilot, who was handed over to India on March 1. The situation could have easily escalated, given that the two countries have fought three wars over 70 years, maintain a near-constant state of military readiness along their border and have little formal government-to-government dialogue. The next confrontation might not end so calmly, the paper said. The two countries have crossed into dangerous territory, with India attacking Pakistan and engaging in aerial duels. The next confrontation, or the one after that, could be far more unthinkable, it said. Pakistan has never seriously cracked down on militant groups that attack India. Pakistani authorities said they detained 121 members of various armed groups, including a brother of Masood Azhar, the head of Jaish-e-Muhammrd, and planned to seize assets of militants on the United Nations terrorist list. But Pakistan has rarely followed through on such promises, the paper said. Without international pressure, a long-term solution is unlikely, and the threat of nuclear war remains. China is a major ally and lender to Pakistan, and if it stopped blocking moves in the United Nations Security Council to add Azhar to the United Nations terrorist list, it would signal to Pakistan that it has to curb the militant groups, the daily said.

Pakistan never seriously cracked down militant groups that attack India: US daily

Pakistan intelligence used Jaish-e-Mohammed to carry out attacks in India: Pervez Musharraf

China encourages Pakistan's efforts to combat terror

India warns Pakistan of targeting civilian areas in ceasefire violation

Saudi's top diplomat met Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday and delivered a "special message" from powerful Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, amid global efforts to de-escalate Indo-Pak tensions, according to media reports.

Saudi State Minister for Foreign Affairs Adel al-Jubeir called on Prime Minister Khan at his office where the two discussed the ongoing Indo-Pak tensions and matters of regional and bilateral interest, Geo TV reported.

Jubeir conveyed him a special message of the crown prince, it added.

Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, PM's adviser on trade, secretary foreign affairs and other higher officials were present during the meeting.

Ahead of his meeting with Khan, Jubeir met Qureshi and discussed Pakistan's recent tensions with India, regional security and bilateral relations.

The Saudi diplomat assured Qureshi of his country's support towards solving the issues with India in a peaceful manner.

According to Pakistan Foreign Office, Jubeir will also meet Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa.

Jubeir was earlier supposed to visit Pakistan on March 1 but it was delayed due to heightened tensions between Islamabad and New Delhi.

Tensions between India and Pakistan flared up after a suicide bomber of Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed killed 40 Central Reserve Police Force personnel in Kashmir's Pulwama district on February 14.

India launched a counter-terror operation in Pakistan's Balakot on February 26. The next day, Pakistan Air Force retaliated and downed a MiG-21 and captured its pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, who was handed over to India on March 1.

Countries like the US, the UK, China, Saudi Arabia and the UAE were involved in easing tensions between India and Pakistan.

While announcing the Saudi minister's visit, Foreign Minister Qureshi Wednesday said that the Saudi envoy is coming to Pakistan with a "special message" from Crown Prince Mohammad.

Jubeir's visit comes after the crown prince stand-alone visits to Pakistan and India soon after the Pulwama terror attack.

Saudi's top diplomat met Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday and delivered a "special message" from powerful Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, amid global efforts to de-escalate Indo-Pak tensions, according to media reports.

Saudi's top diplomat met Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday and delivered a "special message" from powerful Crown Prince Mohammad bin Salman, amid global efforts to de-escalate Indo-Pak tensions, according to media reports. Saudi State Minister for Foreign Affairs Adel al-Jubeir called on Prime Minister Khan at his office where the two discussed the ongoing Indo-Pak tensions and matters of regional and bilateral interest, Geo TV reported. Jubeir conveyed him a special message of the crown prince, it added. Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi, PM's adviser on trade, secretary foreign affairs and other higher officials were present during the meeting. Ahead of his meeting with Khan, Jubeir met Qureshi and discussed Pakistan's recent tensions with India, regional security and bilateral relations. The Saudi diplomat assured Qureshi of his country's support towards solving the issues with India in a peaceful manner. According to Pakistan Foreign Office, Jubeir will also meet Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa. Jubeir was earlier supposed to visit Pakistan on March 1 but it was delayed due to heightened tensions between Islamabad and New Delhi. Tensions between India and Pakistan flared up after a suicide bomber of Pakistan-based Jaish-e-Mohammed killed 40 Central Reserve Police Force personnel in Kashmir's Pulwama district on February 14. India launched a counter-terror operation in Pakistan's Balakot on February 26. The next day, Pakistan Air Force retaliated and downed a MiG-21 and captured its pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman, who was handed over to India on March 1. Countries like the US, the UK, China, Saudi Arabia and the UAE were involved in easing tensions between India and Pakistan. While announcing the Saudi minister's visit, Foreign Minister Qureshi Wednesday said that the Saudi envoy is coming to Pakistan with a "special message" from Crown Prince Mohammad. Jubeir's visit comes after the crown prince stand-alone visits to Pakistan and India soon after the Pulwama terror attack.

Saudi envoy meets PM Imran Khan amid Indo-Pak tensions, conveys Crown Prince's special message 

Despite Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) chief Hafiz Saeed's request to remove his name, the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/un-rejects-hafiz-saeeds-plea-for-removal-from-list-of-banned-terrorists-govt-sources-201780">United Nations has continued the listing</a> of 26/11 Mumbai terror attack mastermind as an international terrorist.

But what stands out is that Islamabad is blocking UN officials to visit Pakistan to "interview" Saeed regarding the delisting process.

Excerpts were seen by WION in a UN document on his delisting process clearly mentions UN ombudsman holding Pakistan responsible for blocking visa.&nbsp;

The UN Ombudsman said, "On October 11, I was informed by a representative from the permanent mission of Pakistan to the UN that no visa would be issued for the planned travel to Pakistan".

For delisting Saeed, he has to be personally interviewed by UN ombudsman for which they wanted to travel to Pakistan.

The UN official had to settle for a video interview with JuD chief. Saeed was informed about the UN decision on March 6.

A government source told WION, "The first attempt at re-engineering was rejected by the international community."

Asked about Pakistan blocking the visit of UN officials, the source with a bit of sarcasm said," It is Imran Khan's Naya Pakistan after all.''

It is important to note Pakistan did not oppose the appeal of Hafiz Saeed to remove him from the UN terror list.

Hafiz Saeed chief of Pakistan based terror group Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) and Falah-e-Insaniat (FiF) was banned on December 10, 2008, after the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks.

The development comes days before March 13, which is a deadline to list Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar as an international terrorist by the United Nations.&nbsp;

France, UK, US have proposed the listing of Azhar as an international terrorist and if no country raises an issue, he will be blocked around 3 pm by New York time.

Despite Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) chief Hafiz Saeed's request to remove his name, the United Nations has continued the listing of 26/11 Mumbai terror attack mastermind as an international terrorist.

Despite Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) chief Hafiz Saeed's request to remove his name, the United Nations has continued the listing of 26/11 Mumbai terror attack mastermind as an international terrorist. But what stands out is that Islamabad is blocking UN officials to visit Pakistan to "interview" Saeed regarding the delisting process. Excerpts were seen by WION in a UN document on his delisting process clearly mentions UN ombudsman holding Pakistan responsible for blocking visa. The UN Ombudsman said, "On October 11, I was informed by a representative from the permanent mission of Pakistan to the UN that no visa would be issued for the planned travel to Pakistan". For delisting Saeed, he has to be personally interviewed by UN ombudsman for which they wanted to travel to Pakistan. The UN official had to settle for a video interview with JuD chief. Saeed was informed about the UN decision on March 6. A government source told WION, "The first attempt at re-engineering was rejected by the international community." Asked about Pakistan blocking the visit of UN officials, the source with a bit of sarcasm said," It is Imran Khan's Naya Pakistan after all.'' It is important to note Pakistan did not oppose the appeal of Hafiz Saeed to remove him from the UN terror list. Hafiz Saeed chief of Pakistan based terror group Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) and Falah-e-Insaniat (FiF) was banned on December 10, 2008, after the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks. The development comes days before March 13, which is a deadline to list Jaish-e-Mohammed chief Masood Azhar as an international terrorist by the United Nations. France, UK, US have proposed the listing of Azhar as an international terrorist and if no country raises an issue, he will be blocked around 3 pm by New York time.

Pakistan blocks UN team from interviewing JuD chief Hafiz Saeed

In a significant move by Pakistan, visa requests of a United Nations team to interview 26/11 Mumbai terror attack <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/un-rejects-hafiz-saeeds-plea-for-removal-from-list-of-banned-terrorists-govt-sources-201780">mastermind Hafiz Saeed</a> residing in Pakistan were rejected by the country's consulate in New York.&nbsp;

A fresh proposal had been moved by Hafiz Saeed to remove his name from the UNSC 1267 sanctions list which is a list of UN recognized terrorists.

As is the norm, before removing an individual’s name from this list, the United Nations conducts in-person interviews of the individuals being considered for delisting. However, they were unable to do this in the case of Hafiz Saeed due to Pakistan’s visa refusal.

According to sources that confirmed Pakistan's latest duplicity in the Hafiz Saeed case, Pakistan was fearful that Saeed would voluntarily reveal more incriminating evidence against it and their support to various terror organisations operating from its soil, therefore, Pakistan blocked a face-to-face interview of Hafiz Saeed by the UN officials.&nbsp;

Subsequent to their visa requests getting rejected the UN ombudsman&nbsp;Daniel Kipfer Fasciati had to settle for a video interview of Saeed after which a report critical of Pakistan's behaviour was generated in which the UN officially recommended against the de-listing of Hafiz Saeed in the UNSC 1267 sanctions list, thereby dealing a blow to diplomatic efforts waged by Pakistan to protect the co-founder of Lashkar-e-Taiba.

Hectic diplomatic parleys by India post-Pulwama terror attack have resulted in support from all but one permanent United Nations Security Council member over sanctioning Pakistan based terror heads Maulana Masood Azhar and Syed Salahudeen.

The United States, Russia, United Kingdom and France have been vocal in their support to India's fight against terrorism and proposal to include these men in the UN sanctions list. However, China remains non-committal.&nbsp;&nbsp;

Meanwhile, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said in Beijing on Thursday: “Security Council has explicit standards and rules on listing.&nbsp;China is participating in consultations in strict compliance with these rules. China's attitude shows its strong sense of responsibility and is conducive to real and lasting resolution of relevant issues.”

In a significant move by Pakistan, visa requests of a United Nations team to interview 26/11 Mumbai terror attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed residing in Pakistan were rejected by the country's consulate in New York.

In a significant move by Pakistan, visa requests of a United Nations team to interview 26/11 Mumbai terror attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed residing in Pakistan were rejected by the country's consulate in New York. A fresh proposal had been moved by Hafiz Saeed to remove his name from the UNSC 1267 sanctions list which is a list of UN recognized terrorists. As is the norm, before removing an individual’s name from this list, the United Nations conducts in-person interviews of the individuals being considered for delisting. However, they were unable to do this in the case of Hafiz Saeed due to Pakistan’s visa refusal. According to sources that confirmed Pakistan's latest duplicity in the Hafiz Saeed case, Pakistan was fearful that Saeed would voluntarily reveal more incriminating evidence against it and their support to various terror organisations operating from its soil, therefore, Pakistan blocked a face-to-face interview of Hafiz Saeed by the UN officials. Subsequent to their visa requests getting rejected the UN ombudsman Daniel Kipfer Fasciati had to settle for a video interview of Saeed after which a report critical of Pakistan's behaviour was generated in which the UN officially recommended against the de-listing of Hafiz Saeed in the UNSC 1267 sanctions list, thereby dealing a blow to diplomatic efforts waged by Pakistan to protect the co-founder of Lashkar-e-Taiba. Hectic diplomatic parleys by India post-Pulwama terror attack have resulted in support from all but one permanent United Nations Security Council member over sanctioning Pakistan based terror heads Maulana Masood Azhar and Syed Salahudeen. The United States, Russia, United Kingdom and France have been vocal in their support to India's fight against terrorism and proposal to include these men in the UN sanctions list. However, China remains non-committal. Meanwhile, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said in Beijing on Thursday: “Security Council has explicit standards and rules on listing. China is participating in consultations in strict compliance with these rules. China's attitude shows its strong sense of responsibility and is conducive to real and lasting resolution of relevant issues.”

Pakistan blocks UN team from interviewing Hafiz Saeed

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