Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Monday hinted that his country may not oppose a joint move by France, Britain and the US in the UN Security Council to list Jaish-e-Mohammed <a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/masood-azhar-the-moulvi-with-a-limp-who-became-indias-most-wanted-man-201022">terror group's chief Masood Azhar</a> as a global terrorist.

"Time has come for Pakistan to decide in its own interests. We will do what's in Pakistan's interests," Qureshi told Geo TV in an interview.

Last week, the US, the UK and France moved a fresh proposal in the UN Security Council to designate Azhar as a global terrorist, a listing that will subject him to global travel ban, asset freeze and arms embargo.

The Security Council Sanctions Committee has 10 working days to consider the fresh proposal submitted by the three members. It is the fourth such bid at the UN in the last 10 years to list Azhar as a global terrorist.

When asked whether Pakistan will request its close ally China to veto the resolution once again in the UNSC, Qureshi said his government will try to build a consensus among all parties and do what's in Pakistan's interests.

"We have some global commitments...We will have to take action which doesn't harm our global reputation," he said, without elaborating. Describing the situation following the Pulwama terror attack as a "defining moment" for Pakistan, he said Pakistan doesn't want to go for a war with India.

"We want peace. Our people want jobs, they want reforms in institutions, they want us to crack down on corruption...," he added.

In 2009, India moved a proposal to designate Azhar, whose UN-proscribed Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) claimed responsibility for the suicide attack against Indian security forces in Pulwama on February 14 in which 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel were killed.

In 2016 again, India moved the proposal with the P3 - the US, the UK and France in the UN's 1267 Sanctions Committee to ban Azhar, also the mastermind of the attack on the airbase in Pathankot in January 2016.

In 2017, the P3 nations moved a similar proposal again. However, on all occasions, China, a veto-wielding permanent member of the Security Council, blocked India's proposal from being adopted by the Sanctions Committee.

It remains to be seen how China will vote on the proposal this time.

India has strongly reiterated its appeal to all members of the international community to support the proposal to list terrorists, including Azhar, as designated terrorists under the 1267 Sanctions Committee of the UN Security Council, and to ban terrorist organisations operating from territories controlled by Pakistan.

Tensions between India and Pakistan flared up after a suicide bomber of Pakistan-based JeM killed 40 CRPF personnel in Kashmir on February 14.&nbsp;

India Wednesday handed over to Pakistan a dossier on "specific details" of involvement of JeM in the attack.

When asked about the dossier on JeM handed over by India, Qureshi said, "We are examining it and we will respond accordingly."

According to a top government source here, Pakistan has decided to launch a crackdown on terror outfits, including JeM and its chief Azhar, in order to de-escalate the tensions with India and the action is "expected any time soon".

Pakistan Monday promulgated a law to streamline the procedure for the implementation of the UN sanctions against individuals and organisations, amid mounting pressure from the global community to rein in the terror groups operating on its soil and curb their financing.&nbsp;

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Monday hinted that his country may not oppose a joint move by France, Britain and the US in the UN Security Council to list Jaish-e-Mohammed terror group's chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist.

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi on Monday hinted that his country may not oppose a joint move by France, Britain and the US in the UN Security Council to list Jaish-e-Mohammed terror group's chief Masood Azhar as a global terrorist. "Time has come for Pakistan to decide in its own interests. We will do what's in Pakistan's interests," Qureshi told Geo TV in an interview. Last week, the US, the UK and France moved a fresh proposal in the UN Security Council to designate Azhar as a global terrorist, a listing that will subject him to global travel ban, asset freeze and arms embargo. The Security Council Sanctions Committee has 10 working days to consider the fresh proposal submitted by the three members. It is the fourth such bid at the UN in the last 10 years to list Azhar as a global terrorist. When asked whether Pakistan will request its close ally China to veto the resolution once again in the UNSC, Qureshi said his government will try to build a consensus among all parties and do what's in Pakistan's interests. "We have some global commitments...We will have to take action which doesn't harm our global reputation," he said, without elaborating. Describing the situation following the Pulwama terror attack as a "defining moment" for Pakistan, he said Pakistan doesn't want to go for a war with India. "We want peace. Our people want jobs, they want reforms in institutions, they want us to crack down on corruption...," he added. In 2009, India moved a proposal to designate Azhar, whose UN-proscribed Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM) claimed responsibility for the suicide attack against Indian security forces in Pulwama on February 14 in which 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel were killed. In 2016 again, India moved the proposal with the P3 - the US, the UK and France in the UN's 1267 Sanctions Committee to ban Azhar, also the mastermind of the attack on the airbase in Pathankot in January 2016. In 2017, the P3 nations moved a similar proposal again. However, on all occasions, China, a veto-wielding permanent member of the Security Council, blocked India's proposal from being adopted by the Sanctions Committee. It remains to be seen how China will vote on the proposal this time. India has strongly reiterated its appeal to all members of the international community to support the proposal to list terrorists, including Azhar, as designated terrorists under the 1267 Sanctions Committee of the UN Security Council, and to ban terrorist organisations operating from territories controlled by Pakistan. Tensions between India and Pakistan flared up after a suicide bomber of Pakistan-based JeM killed 40 CRPF personnel in Kashmir on February 14. India Wednesday handed over to Pakistan a dossier on "specific details" of involvement of JeM in the attack. When asked about the dossier on JeM handed over by India, Qureshi said, "We are examining it and we will respond accordingly." According to a top government source here, Pakistan has decided to launch a crackdown on terror outfits, including JeM and its chief Azhar, in order to de-escalate the tensions with India and the action is "expected any time soon". Pakistan Monday promulgated a law to streamline the procedure for the implementation of the UN sanctions against individuals and organisations, amid mounting pressure from the global community to rein in the terror groups operating on its soil and curb their financing.

Foreign Minister Qureshi hints Pakistan may not oppose listing of JeM chief Azhar as global terrorist by UNSC

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Monday cautioned that Pakistan would not hesitate to use its nuclear arsenal if it felt it was losing out against India in a conventional battle.

Refusing to comment on the casualty figure in the Indian Air Force strikes on a terror camp in Balakot in Pakistan, Singh, who is a former army Captain, said, "Whether it was one killed or 100, the message had gone out loud and clear? India will not let the killing of its innocent soldiers and citizens go unpunished."

He asserted that neither country could afford a full-scale war.

"Pakistan will not hesitate to use its nuclear arsenal if it felt it is losing out against India in a conventional war," Singh told the media in Amritsar.

Pointing out that both India and Pakistan were nuclear powers, he said it was not in either country's interest to use the weapons of destruction but Islamabad could "indulge in such a misadventure if faced with defeat in other battles".

The IAF strikes had proven India's resolve to deal with the problem in the wake of the Pulwama attack on a CRPF convoy, the CM said.

Noting that Pakistan was in a huge economic mess and had been "going around with a begging bowl and surviving on doles from other Islamic nations", Singh said they could "ill-afford a full-fledged war with India".

And though both were nuclear-powered countries, Pakistan could act out of desperation to use its nuclear weapons if they found themselves cornered, he warned.&nbsp;

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Monday cautioned that Pakistan would not hesitate to use its nuclear arsenal if it felt it was losing out against India in a conventional battle.

Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh on Monday cautioned that Pakistan would not hesitate to use its nuclear arsenal if it felt it was losing out against India in a conventional battle. Refusing to comment on the casualty figure in the Indian Air Force strikes on a terror camp in Balakot in Pakistan, Singh, who is a former army Captain, said, "Whether it was one killed or 100, the message had gone out loud and clear? India will not let the killing of its innocent soldiers and citizens go unpunished." He asserted that neither country could afford a full-scale war. "Pakistan will not hesitate to use its nuclear arsenal if it felt it is losing out against India in a conventional war," Singh told the media in Amritsar. Pointing out that both India and Pakistan were nuclear powers, he said it was not in either country's interest to use the weapons of destruction but Islamabad could "indulge in such a misadventure if faced with defeat in other battles". The IAF strikes had proven India's resolve to deal with the problem in the wake of the Pulwama attack on a CRPF convoy, the CM said. Noting that Pakistan was in a huge economic mess and had been "going around with a begging bowl and surviving on doles from other Islamic nations", Singh said they could "ill-afford a full-fledged war with India". And though both were nuclear-powered countries, Pakistan could act out of desperation to use its nuclear weapons if they found themselves cornered, he warned.

Pakistan won't hesitate to use nuke in face of defeat against India: Amarinder Singh

The provincial government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in northwest Pakistan has allocated Rs 75 million for the construction of five cremation grounds for the Hindu community and creation of seven graveyards for Christians.

According to provincial officials, a total of Rs 24 million has been allocated for the construction of five cremation grounds and Rs 51 million has been set aside for the creation of seven Christian graveyards in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa.

They said the purchase of four-kanal (0.5 acre) land for cremation ground in Peshawar and two-kanal (0.25 acre) each in Hangu, Bannu, Dera Ismail Khan and Nowshera districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has been approved by the department concerned.

The purchase of six-kanal (0.75 acre) land for Christian graveyard in Peshawar, five-kanal (0.62 acre) each in Mardan, Kohat, Swabi and Dir Lower and four-kanal each in Swat and Nowshera districts have also been approved by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government.

In January, the provincial government had declared the ancient Hindu religious site of Panj Tirath in Peshawar as a national heritage.

Minority religions make up just 4 per cent of Pakistan's 200 million people.&nbsp;

Hindus make up the country's second-largest minority, with more than 2 million, living mainly in the southern Sindh province.

The provincial government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in northwest Pakistan has allocated Rs 75 million for the construction of five cremation grounds for the Hindu community and creation of seven graveyards for Christians.

The provincial government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa in northwest Pakistan has allocated Rs 75 million for the construction of five cremation grounds for the Hindu community and creation of seven graveyards for Christians. According to provincial officials, a total of Rs 24 million has been allocated for the construction of five cremation grounds and Rs 51 million has been set aside for the creation of seven Christian graveyards in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. They said the purchase of four-kanal (0.5 acre) land for cremation ground in Peshawar and two-kanal (0.25 acre) each in Hangu, Bannu, Dera Ismail Khan and Nowshera districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa has been approved by the department concerned. The purchase of six-kanal (0.75 acre) land for Christian graveyard in Peshawar, five-kanal (0.62 acre) each in Mardan, Kohat, Swabi and Dir Lower and four-kanal each in Swat and Nowshera districts have also been approved by the Khyber Pakhtunkhwa government. In January, the provincial government had declared the ancient Hindu religious site of Panj Tirath in Peshawar as a national heritage. Minority religions make up just 4 per cent of Pakistan's 200 million people. Hindus make up the country's second-largest minority, with more than 2 million, living mainly in the southern Sindh province.

Pakistan allocates Rs 75 million for construction of cremation grounds for Hindus, graveyards for Christians

Pakistan partially re-opened its airspace Friday, the aviation authority said, after thousands of passengers were left stranded worldwide when Islamabad shut down air travel as tensions with neighbouring India soared.

A spokeswoman for the Civil Aviation Authority said airspace was "partially re-opened", adding that it would be fully restored by Monday.&nbsp;

Earlier, she said flights would be allowed in and out of Pakistan's major airports at Islamabad, Peshawar, Karachi and Quetta only starting Friday, with the rest of the airspace to be re-opened "gradually".

Authorities have urged passengers to check for more information with their airlines.&nbsp;

The decision to close airspace on Wednesday came after a rare aerial dogfight between nuclear-armed India and Pakistan in the skies over the disputed territory of Kashmir ignited fears of all-out conflict, with world powers rushing to urge restraint.

Both sides claimed to have shot each other's warplanes down, and one Indian pilot was captured. Pakistan has vowed he will be returned to India on Friday in an overture towards New Delhi.&nbsp;

The airspace closure disrupted major routes between Europe and South Asia, with mounting frustration from passengers stranded at international airports.&nbsp;

Thai Airways cancelled nearly 30 flights, affecting 5,000 passengers. The decision affected services to London, Munich, Paris, Brussels, Milan, Vienna, Stockholm, Zurich, Copenhagen and Oslo.

Singapore Airlines was also forced to divert Europe-bound flights to Mumbai and Dubai to refuel, while a flight to Frankfurt was cancelled.&nbsp;

Emirates, Qatar Airways, Saudi Airlines, and Air Canada were all also among other carriers forced to cancel and divert flights.&nbsp;

Pakistan's civil aviation authorities said they had allowed some flights to depart on Thursday.

They were an Emirates service from Peshawar to Dubai, an Air Arabia flight from Peshawar to Ras Al Khaimah in the UAE and a Qatar Airways flight from Peshawar to Doha.

Pakistan partially re-opened its airspace Friday, the aviation authority said, after thousands of passengers were left stranded worldwide when Islamabad shut down air travel as tensions with neighbouring India soared.

Pakistan partially re-opened its airspace Friday, the aviation authority said, after thousands of passengers were left stranded worldwide when Islamabad shut down air travel as tensions with neighbouring India soared. A spokeswoman for the Civil Aviation Authority said airspace was "partially re-opened", adding that it would be fully restored by Monday. Earlier, she said flights would be allowed in and out of Pakistan's major airports at Islamabad, Peshawar, Karachi and Quetta only starting Friday, with the rest of the airspace to be re-opened "gradually". Authorities have urged passengers to check for more information with their airlines. The decision to close airspace on Wednesday came after a rare aerial dogfight between nuclear-armed India and Pakistan in the skies over the disputed territory of Kashmir ignited fears of all-out conflict, with world powers rushing to urge restraint. Both sides claimed to have shot each other's warplanes down, and one Indian pilot was captured. Pakistan has vowed he will be returned to India on Friday in an overture towards New Delhi. The airspace closure disrupted major routes between Europe and South Asia, with mounting frustration from passengers stranded at international airports. Thai Airways cancelled nearly 30 flights, affecting 5,000 passengers. The decision affected services to London, Munich, Paris, Brussels, Milan, Vienna, Stockholm, Zurich, Copenhagen and Oslo. Singapore Airlines was also forced to divert Europe-bound flights to Mumbai and Dubai to refuel, while a flight to Frankfurt was cancelled. Emirates, Qatar Airways, Saudi Airlines, and Air Canada were all also among other carriers forced to cancel and divert flights. Pakistan's civil aviation authorities said they had allowed some flights to depart on Thursday. They were an Emirates service from Peshawar to Dubai, an Air Arabia flight from Peshawar to Ras Al Khaimah in the UAE and a Qatar Airways flight from Peshawar to Doha.

Pakistan partially re-opens airspace: Aviation authority

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday cautioned the ex-servicemen of the country and requested them to not to believe on rumours.

"I request you to please do not believe in people who spread rumours, please be aware. We need to reject those who use simplicity and sincerity of soldiers to mislead, "she said while addressing to the ex-servicemen in Dehradun.

Praising her government for the war memorial she further said, "For the last 60 years a National War Memorial was pending, we have had four major wars so far, there wasn't a single war memorial at national level dedicated to the martyrs of all those wars. A war memorial was dedicated to the forces this February".

Her comments came amid the rising speculations by the oppositions over the number of deaths caused in Pakistan after the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/bjp-chief-amit-shah-says-more-than-250-terrorists-killed-in-aerial-strike-against-jem-201061">IAF airstrike</a> on February 26.

The Indian Air Force (IAF) on February 26 launched pre-emptive airstrikes at a large Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terror training camp in Balakot in Pakistan.&nbsp;

The airstrikes were undertaken in retaliation to the terror attack in Pulwama in which about 40 CRPF personnel lost their lives. JeM had claimed responsibility for the attack.

On February 28, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had asked the government to spell out "details" of the exact place where the air raid was carried out and the casualties inflicted, stating that international media claimed that there was no damage in the strike.

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday cautioned the ex-servicemen of the country and requested them to not to believe on rumours. "I request you to please do not believe in people who spread rumours, please be aware.

Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Wednesday cautioned the ex-servicemen of the country and requested them to not to believe on rumours. "I request you to please do not believe in people who spread rumours, please be aware. We need to reject those who use simplicity and sincerity of soldiers to mislead, "she said while addressing to the ex-servicemen in Dehradun. Praising her government for the war memorial she further said, "For the last 60 years a National War Memorial was pending, we have had four major wars so far, there wasn't a single war memorial at national level dedicated to the martyrs of all those wars. A war memorial was dedicated to the forces this February". Her comments came amid the rising speculations by the oppositions over the number of deaths caused in Pakistan after the IAF airstrike on February 26. The Indian Air Force (IAF) on February 26 launched pre-emptive airstrikes at a large Jaish-e-Mohammad (JeM) terror training camp in Balakot in Pakistan. The airstrikes were undertaken in retaliation to the terror attack in Pulwama in which about 40 CRPF personnel lost their lives. JeM had claimed responsibility for the attack. On February 28, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee had asked the government to spell out "details" of the exact place where the air raid was carried out and the casualties inflicted, stating that international media claimed that there was no damage in the strike.

Do not believe in people who spread rumours: Nirmala Sitharaman to ex-servicemen

Under pressure from the world community to act on terror, Pakistan on Monday banned 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed's Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) and Falah-e-Insaniat (FiF) by issuing a United Nations Security Council (Freezing and Seizure) Order (SRO), 2019.

The objective of the SRO is to make certain UN Security Council sanctions are applied on individuals and entities such as the JuD and FiF. The UNSC list includes the names of the al-Qaeda, Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, JuD, FiF, Lashkar-e-Taiba and other organisations and individuals.

The SRO overrides all previous local listings and under it, the assets of terror groups are frozen and taken over by the Pakistani government.

But India has dismissed the actions taken.&nbsp;

"JUD, LeT, FiF have been banned by UN since 2009. So is Pak saying they are following that decision now? &nbsp;If so what were they doing all these many years," top government sources told WION.&nbsp;

"Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me," the sources added.&nbsp;

Pakistan's flip-flop was very visible earlier in the day as a list from Pakistan's interior ministry's NACTA or the national counter-terrorism authority placed the JuD and FiF in the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/after-saying-it-will-pakistan-does-not-ban-hafiz-saeeds-jud-fif-201111">organisations "under watch" category</a> despite Pakistan declaring publicly on February 21 that both would be banned.

The banning had been decided after a national security committee meeting held under the chairmanship of Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan in February.

The announcement of the ban came during the Financial Action Task Force or FATF meet in Paris from February 17 to 22 at which Pakistan was put under tremendous pressure to act on terror. &nbsp;

FATF had slammed Islamabad in a statement after the week-long meet, saying the country had not demonstrated a "proper understanding" of the terror financing risks posed by Islamic State, al-Qaeda, JuD, FiF, LeT, JeM, the Haqqani Network, and persons affiliated with the Taliban.

In the aftermath of the Pulwama terror attack on February 14 in which at least 40 CRPF personnel died, the US, UK, France, Germany, Japan, Austrlia, and the EU have called for Pakistan to act against terror groups on its soil.

Under pressure from the world community to act on terror, Pakistan on Monday banned 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed's Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) and Falah-e-Insaniat (FiF) by issuing a United Nations Security Council (Freezing and Seizure) Order (SRO), 2019.

Under pressure from the world community to act on terror, Pakistan on Monday banned 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed's Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) and Falah-e-Insaniat (FiF) by issuing a United Nations Security Council (Freezing and Seizure) Order (SRO), 2019. The objective of the SRO is to make certain UN Security Council sanctions are applied on individuals and entities such as the JuD and FiF. The UNSC list includes the names of the al-Qaeda, Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan, Lashkar-e-Jhangvi, JuD, FiF, Lashkar-e-Taiba and other organisations and individuals. The SRO overrides all previous local listings and under it, the assets of terror groups are frozen and taken over by the Pakistani government. But India has dismissed the actions taken. "JUD, LeT, FiF have been banned by UN since 2009. So is Pak saying they are following that decision now? If so what were they doing all these many years," top government sources told WION. "Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me," the sources added. Pakistan's flip-flop was very visible earlier in the day as a list from Pakistan's interior ministry's NACTA or the national counter-terrorism authority placed the JuD and FiF in the organisations "under watch" category despite Pakistan declaring publicly on February 21 that both would be banned. The banning had been decided after a national security committee meeting held under the chairmanship of Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan in February. The announcement of the ban came during the Financial Action Task Force or FATF meet in Paris from February 17 to 22 at which Pakistan was put under tremendous pressure to act on terror. FATF had slammed Islamabad in a statement after the week-long meet, saying the country had not demonstrated a "proper understanding" of the terror financing risks posed by Islamic State, al-Qaeda, JuD, FiF, LeT, JeM, the Haqqani Network, and persons affiliated with the Taliban. In the aftermath of the Pulwama terror attack on February 14 in which at least 40 CRPF personnel died, the US, UK, France, Germany, Japan, Austrlia, and the EU have called for Pakistan to act against terror groups on its soil.

Pakistan bans Hafiz Saeed's JuD & FiF, India says it isn't quite convinced

In the days leading up to <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/up-to-50-killed-in-indian-air-strike-on-pakistans-balakot-italian-journalist-quoting-eyewitness-200787">India's air strike on the Jaish-e-Mohammed training camp in Pakistan's Balakot</a>, intelligence agencies had confirmed the presence of 300 active mobile connections at the facility, the news agency ANI has quoted sources as saying.&nbsp;

ANI reported the sources as saying NTRO (National Technical Research Organisation — a technical intelligence agency which comes under the National Security Adviser) surveillance confirmed the presence of 300 active mobile phone connections at the camp.&nbsp;

The sources added that other intelligence agencies had reported the same findings.&nbsp;

ANI did not say who the sources were.&nbsp;

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Sources: NTRO surveillance of JeM Balakot camp in days leading up to air strike by IAF confirmed around 300 active mobile connections in facility <a href="https://t.co/uwyzd0qpHB">pic.twitter.com/uwyzd0qpHB</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1102557673076260866?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2019</a></blockquote>
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India struck the JeM camp in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province after the February 14 attack on a Central Reserve Police Force convoy in Pulwama, Kashmir in which at least 40 CRPF personnel were killed. The Pulwama attack was claimed by the JeM.&nbsp;

The number of casualties from India's air strike been the biggest sticking point ever since the strike. &nbsp;

After the strike, news reports appearing in the Indian media had said the number of casualties could be as high as 350.&nbsp;

Pakistan has said there were none.&nbsp;

On Sunday, BJP President Amit Shah said 250 cadres of the JeM were killed in the strike.&nbsp;

In the days leading up to India's air strike on the Jaish-e-Mohammed training camp in Pakistan's Balakot, intelligence agencies had confirmed the presence of 300 active mobile connections at the facility, the news agency ANI has quoted sources as saying.

In the days leading up to India's air strike on the Jaish-e-Mohammed training camp in Pakistan's Balakot, intelligence agencies had confirmed the presence of 300 active mobile connections at the facility, the news agency ANI has quoted sources as saying. ANI reported the sources as saying NTRO (National Technical Research Organisation — a technical intelligence agency which comes under the National Security Adviser) surveillance confirmed the presence of 300 active mobile phone connections at the camp. The sources added that other intelligence agencies had reported the same findings. ANI did not say who the sources were. Sources: NTRO surveillance of JeM Balakot camp in days leading up to air strike by IAF confirmed around 300 active mobile connections in facility pic.twitter.com/uwyzd0qpHB — ANI (@ANI) March 4, 2019 × India struck the JeM camp in Pakistan's Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province after the February 14 attack on a Central Reserve Police Force convoy in Pulwama, Kashmir in which at least 40 CRPF personnel were killed. The Pulwama attack was claimed by the JeM. The number of casualties from India's air strike been the biggest sticking point ever since the strike. After the strike, news reports appearing in the Indian media had said the number of casualties could be as high as 350. Pakistan has said there were none. On Sunday, BJP President Amit Shah said 250 cadres of the JeM were killed in the strike.

Before air strike, Indian intelligence agencies confirmed 300 cellphone connections at JeM terror camp: Sources

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning, 4th March, 2019

Indian community in US condemn Paksitan's role in terror

Act against terror groups, UK PM Theresa May tells Imran Khan

A Pakistani drone violated Indian air space in Rajasthan Monday morning and was shot down by the Indian Air Force.&nbsp;

The incident took place at about 11.30 am.&nbsp;

The news agency ANI reported that the&nbsp;drone was detected by Indian air defence radars, and then shot down by&nbsp;a Sukhoi 30MKI&nbsp;by its air-to-air missile opposite the Bikaner-Nal sector.

Debris from the drone fell on the Pakistani side.

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Rajasthan: At 11:30 am today a Sukhoi 30MKI shot down a Pakistani drone at the Bikaner Nal sector area of the border. Drone was detected by Indian Air Defence radars <a href="https://t.co/Ijc4B4XzjN">pic.twitter.com/Ijc4B4XzjN</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1102562963058278402?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2019</a></blockquote>
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The Su-30 aircraft was scrambled after the Pakistani drone was detected entering the Indian air space to survey the Indian Defence positions in the desert sector, sources said.

The ground radars stationed there had seen the drone on the radar first.

This is the second drone which has been shot down by the Indian Air Force. The first was shot down on the morning of February 26 after it intruded Indian air space in Kutch district of Gujarat. The drone was downed by the Spyder air defence system using its Derby missile.&nbsp;

Indian and Pakistani forces are currently on high alert.&nbsp;

India hit a Jaish-e-Mohammed training camp in Pakistan's Balakot on February 26.&nbsp;

A day later Pakistan dropped bombs on the Indian side of the Line of Control without crossing the LoC.&nbsp;

India's airstrike on the JeM terror group's training camp followed the terrorist attack on a security convoy in Kashmir's Pulwama on February 14. The attack, in which at least 40 CRPF personnel died, was claimed by the JeM.&nbsp;

(With inputs from ANI)

A Pakistani drone violated Indian air space in Rajasthan Monday morning and was shot down by the Indian Air Force. The incident took place at about 11.30 am. The news agency ANI reported that the drone was detected by Indian air defence radars, and then shot down by a Sukhoi 30MKI by its air-to-air missile opposite the Bikaner-Nal sector.

A Pakistani drone violated Indian air space in Rajasthan Monday morning and was shot down by the Indian Air Force. The incident took place at about 11.30 am. The news agency ANI reported that the drone was detected by Indian air defence radars, and then shot down by a Sukhoi 30MKI by its air-to-air missile opposite the Bikaner-Nal sector. Debris from the drone fell on the Pakistani side. Rajasthan: At 11:30 am today a Sukhoi 30MKI shot down a Pakistani drone at the Bikaner Nal sector area of the border. Drone was detected by Indian Air Defence radars pic.twitter.com/Ijc4B4XzjN — ANI (@ANI) March 4, 2019 × The Su-30 aircraft was scrambled after the Pakistani drone was detected entering the Indian air space to survey the Indian Defence positions in the desert sector, sources said. The ground radars stationed there had seen the drone on the radar first. This is the second drone which has been shot down by the Indian Air Force. The first was shot down on the morning of February 26 after it intruded Indian air space in Kutch district of Gujarat. The drone was downed by the Spyder air defence system using its Derby missile. Indian and Pakistani forces are currently on high alert. India hit a Jaish-e-Mohammed training camp in Pakistan's Balakot on February 26. A day later Pakistan dropped bombs on the Indian side of the Line of Control without crossing the LoC. India's airstrike on the JeM terror group's training camp followed the terrorist attack on a security convoy in Kashmir's Pulwama on February 14. The attack, in which at least 40 CRPF personnel died, was claimed by the JeM. (With inputs from ANI)

Indian Air Force shoots down Pakistani drone in Rajasthan

In an unusual move, Pakistan's ruling party on Monday tweeted in chaste Hindi Prime Minister Imran Khan's statement that the person who solves the Kashmir issue will be worthy of the Nobel Peace Prize.

"Main Nobel Shanti Puraskaar Ke Yogya Nahi Hun. Is(ka) Yogya Vyakti Vah Hoga Jo Kashmiri Logo Ki Iccha Ke Anusar Kashmir Vivaad Ka Samadhaan Karta Hai aur Upmahadweep Main Shanti aur Manav Vikash Ka Marg Prashasth Karta Hai," the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf pary tweeted quoting Khan.

(I am not worthy of the Nobel Peace prize. The person worthy of this would be the one who solves the Kashmir dispute according to the wishes of the Kashmiri people and paves the way for peace and human development in the subcontinent.)

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मैं नोबेल शांति पुरस्कार के योग्य नहीं हूं। इस योग्य व्यक्ति वह होगा जो कश्मीरी लोगों की इच्छा के अनुसार कश्मीर विवाद का समाधान करता है और उपमहाद्वीप में शांति और मानव विकास का मार्ग प्रशस्त करता है।<a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@ImranKhanPTI</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Pakistan?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Pakistan</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/india?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#india</a>
— PTI (@PTIofficial) <a href="https://twitter.com/PTIofficial/status/1102472255605477376?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 4, 2019</a></blockquote>
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On March 2, a resolution was submitted in Pakistan's National Assembly Secretariat stating that Khan's decision of releasing Indian Air Force pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman has de-escalated the hostility between Pakistan and India. According to the resolution, Khan "acted responsibly" in the current tension and "deserves the Nobel Peace Prize".

Tensions between India and Pakistan flared up after a suicide bomber of Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammad killed 40 CRPF personnel in Kashmir on February 14.

After the attack, the Indian Air Force carried out a counter-terror operation, hitting what it said was a JeM training camp in Balakot, deep inside Pakistan on February 26. The next day, Pakistan retaliated with a large air formation, comprising 24 fighter jets, including F-16s, and captured Varthaman.&nbsp;

In an unusual move, Pakistan's ruling party on Monday tweeted in chaste Hindi Prime Minister Imran Khan's statement that the person who solves the Kashmir issue will be worthy of the Nobel Peace Prize.

In an unusual move, Pakistan's ruling party on Monday tweeted in chaste Hindi Prime Minister Imran Khan's statement that the person who solves the Kashmir issue will be worthy of the Nobel Peace Prize. "Main Nobel Shanti Puraskaar Ke Yogya Nahi Hun. Is(ka) Yogya Vyakti Vah Hoga Jo Kashmiri Logo Ki Iccha Ke Anusar Kashmir Vivaad Ka Samadhaan Karta Hai aur Upmahadweep Main Shanti aur Manav Vikash Ka Marg Prashasth Karta Hai," the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf pary tweeted quoting Khan. (I am not worthy of the Nobel Peace prize. The person worthy of this would be the one who solves the Kashmir dispute according to the wishes of the Kashmiri people and paves the way for peace and human development in the subcontinent.) मैं नोबेल शांति पुरस्कार के योग्य नहीं हूं। इस योग्य व्यक्ति वह होगा जो कश्मीरी लोगों की इच्छा के अनुसार कश्मीर विवाद का समाधान करता है और उपमहाद्वीप में शांति और मानव विकास का मार्ग प्रशस्त करता है।@ImranKhanPTI#Pakistan #india — PTI (@PTIofficial) March 4, 2019 × On March 2, a resolution was submitted in Pakistan's National Assembly Secretariat stating that Khan's decision of releasing Indian Air Force pilot Wing Commander Abhinandan Varthaman has de-escalated the hostility between Pakistan and India. According to the resolution, Khan "acted responsibly" in the current tension and "deserves the Nobel Peace Prize". Tensions between India and Pakistan flared up after a suicide bomber of Pakistan-based terror group Jaish-e-Mohammad killed 40 CRPF personnel in Kashmir on February 14. After the attack, the Indian Air Force carried out a counter-terror operation, hitting what it said was a JeM training camp in Balakot, deep inside Pakistan on February 26. The next day, Pakistan retaliated with a large air formation, comprising 24 fighter jets, including F-16s, and captured Varthaman.

Imran Khan's party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf tweets in Hindi

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-plans-to-take-action-against-terrorists-operating-from-its-soil-information-minister-fawad-chaudhary-201103">Pakistan plans to take action against terrorists operating from its soil: Information Minister Fawad Chaudhary</a>

Pakistan plans to take action against militant groups operating on its soil, a minister said on Monday, amid global pressure to act after a suicide bomber killed 40 Indian paramilitary police in Kashmir last month.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/as-india-pakistan-fight-fear-and-anxiety-rise-in-last-village-before-border-201115">As India &amp; Pakistan fight, fear and anxiety rise in </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/as-india-pakistan-fight-fear-and-anxiety-rise-in-last-village-before-border-201115">last</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/as-india-pakistan-fight-fear-and-anxiety-rise-in-last-village-before-border-201115"> village before </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/as-india-pakistan-fight-fear-and-anxiety-rise-in-last-village-before-border-201115">border</a>

As the tension between India and Pakistan continues to simmer, it is the villagers caught between the two neighbours who suffer.&nbsp;

Since the Indian Air Force's air strike on Balakot, 35-year-old Madan Lal has been worried about the safety of his two children. His eyes and ears have been transfixed on the television ever since the strike, as have those of the other villagers.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/after-saying-it-will-pakistan-does-not-ban-hafiz-saeeds-jud-fif-201111">After saying it will, Pakistan does not ban Hafiz Saeed's JuD &amp; FiF</a>

Pakistan's flip-flop on terror continues with an updated list of terrorist organisations in the country saying 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed's Jamaat ud Dawa (JuD) and Falah-e-Insaniat (FiF) have not been banned. The list, issued by the Pakistani Interior Ministry's NACTA or National Counter-Terrorism Authority of Pakistan on March 4, lists the JuD and FiF as organisations "under watch".

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/junior-british-foriegn-minister-meets-foreign-secretary-in-india-reiterates-londons-call-that-pakistan-must-act-on-terror-201072">'Pakistan must act on terror,' junior British foreign minister says in India</a>

Britain's Junior Foreign Minister Mark Field was in India from March 1 to 3, during which time he met Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale and discussed recent tensions between India and Pakistan. He said the UK stands "shoulder-to-shoulder with India in condemnation of the appalling terror attack in Pulwama".

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/india-incs-foreign-borrowings-down-45-in-january-2019-201096">India Inc's foreign borrowings down 45% in January 2019</a>

India Inc's external commercial borrowings (ECBs) fell by 45 per cent to $2.42 billion in January 2019 as compared to the year-ago period, data from RBI has shown.

Domestic firms had raised $5.40 billion from overseas sources during January 2018.

Pakistan plans to take action against terrorists operating from its soil: Information Minister Fawad Chaudhary Pakistan plans to take action against militant groups operating on its soil, a minister said on Monday, amid global pressure to act after a suicide bomber killed 40 Indian paramilitary police in Kashmir last month.

Pakistan plans to take action against terrorists operating from its soil: Information Minister Fawad Chaudhary Pakistan plans to take action against militant groups operating on its soil, a minister said on Monday, amid global pressure to act after a suicide bomber killed 40 Indian paramilitary police in Kashmir last month. As India & Pakistan fight, fear and anxiety rise in last village before border As the tension between India and Pakistan continues to simmer, it is the villagers caught between the two neighbours who suffer. Since the Indian Air Force's air strike on Balakot, 35-year-old Madan Lal has been worried about the safety of his two children. His eyes and ears have been transfixed on the television ever since the strike, as have those of the other villagers. After saying it will, Pakistan does not ban Hafiz Saeed's JuD & FiF Pakistan's flip-flop on terror continues with an updated list of terrorist organisations in the country saying 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed's Jamaat ud Dawa (JuD) and Falah-e-Insaniat (FiF) have not been banned. The list, issued by the Pakistani Interior Ministry's NACTA or National Counter-Terrorism Authority of Pakistan on March 4, lists the JuD and FiF as organisations "under watch". 'Pakistan must act on terror,' junior British foreign minister says in India Britain's Junior Foreign Minister Mark Field was in India from March 1 to 3, during which time he met Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale and discussed recent tensions between India and Pakistan. He said the UK stands "shoulder-to-shoulder with India in condemnation of the appalling terror attack in Pulwama". India Inc's foreign borrowings down 45% in January 2019 India Inc's external commercial borrowings (ECBs) fell by 45 per cent to $2.42 billion in January 2019 as compared to the year-ago period, data from RBI has shown. Domestic firms had raised $5.40 billion from overseas sources during January 2018.

News brief: Big stories of the day

As the tension between India and Pakistan continues to simmer, it is the villagers caught between the two neighbours who suffer.&nbsp;

Since <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's air strike on Balakot</a>, 35-year-old Madan Lal has been worried about the safety of his two children. His eyes and ears have been transfixed on the television ever since the strike, as have those of the other villagers.&nbsp;

Together they keep a constant vigil, on the TV and the skies above their heads.&nbsp;

Their village of Suchet Garh, the last before the border with Pakistan in Jammu's RS Pura sector, is on high alert. And with good reason, for every time there is disquiet on the border, they are the ones who pay the price.&nbsp;

The last time, in May 2018, they were asked to leave their homes and move to a safer location. (Villages on the Pakistani side of the border have already been evacuated by the Pakistani Army.)

“We are living a life of nomads with unpredictable shelling in the village on continuous occasions, we flee to nearby villages or the Jammu city when we are warned to cross firing or shelling. Pakistanis won’t spare us even on the festivals such as Holi and Diwali. Many have fled on the Pakistani side of the border. We don’t hear the daily sound of azaan coming from their mosques after the tensions have risen between the countries,” said Madan Lal.&nbsp;

In his late eighties, Haveli Lal Lambardar sounds a word of caution. Looking back at history, he says, Pakistan has always attacked India first. Haveli Lal lost his daughter to cross-border shelling over a decade ago.&nbsp;

But that doesn't mean he's leaving.&nbsp;

“This violence is never going to end. The governments and forces of both sides are undertaking their roles, but we are the ones who are trapped in between. There are many who have lost their families in the crossfire, but we are not going to leave our village,” he says.

Suchet Garh is surrounded by Pakistan on three sides. And as the tension between India and Pakistan continues to simmer, the villagers' fear and anxiety also rise. That fear is exacerbated in this age of nuclear weapons.&nbsp;

Everybody in the village then desires a solution without war.

As the tension between India and Pakistan continues to simmer, it is the villagers caught between the two neighbours who suffer. Since the Indian Air Force's air strike on Balakot, 35-year-old Madan Lal has been worried about the safety of his two children.

As the tension between India and Pakistan continues to simmer, it is the villagers caught between the two neighbours who suffer. Since the Indian Air Force's air strike on Balakot, 35-year-old Madan Lal has been worried about the safety of his two children. His eyes and ears have been transfixed on the television ever since the strike, as have those of the other villagers. Together they keep a constant vigil, on the TV and the skies above their heads. Their village of Suchet Garh, the last before the border with Pakistan in Jammu's RS Pura sector, is on high alert. And with good reason, for every time there is disquiet on the border, they are the ones who pay the price. The last time, in May 2018, they were asked to leave their homes and move to a safer location. (Villages on the Pakistani side of the border have already been evacuated by the Pakistani Army.) “We are living a life of nomads with unpredictable shelling in the village on continuous occasions, we flee to nearby villages or the Jammu city when we are warned to cross firing or shelling. Pakistanis won’t spare us even on the festivals such as Holi and Diwali. Many have fled on the Pakistani side of the border. We don’t hear the daily sound of azaan coming from their mosques after the tensions have risen between the countries,” said Madan Lal. In his late eighties, Haveli Lal Lambardar sounds a word of caution. Looking back at history, he says, Pakistan has always attacked India first. Haveli Lal lost his daughter to cross-border shelling over a decade ago. But that doesn't mean he's leaving. “This violence is never going to end. The governments and forces of both sides are undertaking their roles, but we are the ones who are trapped in between. There are many who have lost their families in the crossfire, but we are not going to leave our village,” he says. Suchet Garh is surrounded by Pakistan on three sides. And as the tension between India and Pakistan continues to simmer, the villagers' fear and anxiety also rise. That fear is exacerbated in this age of nuclear weapons. Everybody in the village then desires a solution without war.

As India & Pakistan fight, fear and anxiety rise in last village before border

China has said that it is in touch with both India and Pakistan regarding recent tensions.

Replying to a question at the daily foreign ministry briefing, Chinese foreign ministry's spokesperson Lu Kang said, "China has been in close communication with both sides and promoting peace talks. China will continue playing its constructive roles in this regard as long as it is conducive to an alleviation of the situation and regional peace and stability."

Lu Kang added, "We genuinely hope that India and Pakistan, as important countries in South Asia, will maintain good neighbourliness and friendly ties and settle issues through friendly consultation."

The development comes after Pakistani foreign ministry claimed that that Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov had proposed to mediate between India and Pakistan.

The Indian ambassador to Russia Bala Venkatesh Varma has clarified saying there is no Russian offer of mediation between India and Pakistan and even if Moscow proposes one, New Delhi will not accept it.

"I want to emphasize that we did not receive a formal offer of mediation. And even we do, we will not accept it. So far, no country has offered to mediate in resolving the conflict," Venkatesh Varma said.

All through last week China called on India and Pakistan to exercise restraint but did not mention the issue of terror emanating from Pakistan like US, UK, France, Australia did.

India's external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj was in China on February 27 for the Russia, India, China foreign ministers meet. During the meet, EAM highlighted the issue of terror from Pakistan and said, "India does not wish to see a further escalation of the situation. "

The Pakistan foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi also spoke to Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi on February 28 in which the Chinese side said it "will continue to play a constructive role in easing the current tension."

China has been blocking the listing of Masood Azhar, the chief of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), as an international terrorist under the United Nations security council 1267 committee. &nbsp;Jaish-e-Mohammed is the group responsible for the Pulwama terror attack that killed more than 40 CRPF personnel.&nbsp;

France, US and UK have again proposed the listing of Azhar as an international terrorist and if no country raises any issue by March 13, Azhar will be put on the UN terror list.

(With agency inputs)

China has said that it is in touch with both India and Pakistan regarding recent tensions. Replying to a question at the daily foreign ministry briefing, Chinese foreign ministry's spokesperson Lu Kang said, "China has been in close communication with both sides and promoting peace talks.

China has said that it is in touch with both India and Pakistan regarding recent tensions. Replying to a question at the daily foreign ministry briefing, Chinese foreign ministry's spokesperson Lu Kang said, "China has been in close communication with both sides and promoting peace talks. China will continue playing its constructive roles in this regard as long as it is conducive to an alleviation of the situation and regional peace and stability." Lu Kang added, "We genuinely hope that India and Pakistan, as important countries in South Asia, will maintain good neighbourliness and friendly ties and settle issues through friendly consultation." The development comes after Pakistani foreign ministry claimed that that Russian foreign minister Sergey Lavrov had proposed to mediate between India and Pakistan. The Indian ambassador to Russia Bala Venkatesh Varma has clarified saying there is no Russian offer of mediation between India and Pakistan and even if Moscow proposes one, New Delhi will not accept it. "I want to emphasize that we did not receive a formal offer of mediation. And even we do, we will not accept it. So far, no country has offered to mediate in resolving the conflict," Venkatesh Varma said. All through last week China called on India and Pakistan to exercise restraint but did not mention the issue of terror emanating from Pakistan like US, UK, France, Australia did. India's external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj was in China on February 27 for the Russia, India, China foreign ministers meet. During the meet, EAM highlighted the issue of terror from Pakistan and said, "India does not wish to see a further escalation of the situation. " The Pakistan foreign minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi also spoke to Chinese foreign minister Wang Yi on February 28 in which the Chinese side said it "will continue to play a constructive role in easing the current tension." China has been blocking the listing of Masood Azhar, the chief of Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), as an international terrorist under the United Nations security council 1267 committee. Jaish-e-Mohammed is the group responsible for the Pulwama terror attack that killed more than 40 CRPF personnel. France, US and UK have again proposed the listing of Azhar as an international terrorist and if no country raises any issue by March 13, Azhar will be put on the UN terror list. (With agency inputs)

China is in touch with India, Pakistan & promoting peace talks, says foreign ministry spokesperson

Breaking News: Pakistan yet to ban JuD and FIF

Pakistan's flip-flop on terror continues with an updated list of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-plans-to-take-action-against-terrorists-operating-from-its-soil-information-minister-fawad-chaudhary-201103">terrorist organisations in the country</a> saying 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed's Jamaat ud Dawa (JuD) and Falah-e-Insaniat (FiF) have not been banned. The list, issued by the Pakistani Interior Ministry's NACTA or National Counter-Terrorism Authority of Pakistan on March 4, lists the JuD and FiF as organisations "under watch".

Pakistan had on February 21 Pakistan said the JuD and FiF will be notified as proscribed or banned organisations.&nbsp;

The banning was decided after a national security committee meeting held under the chairmanship of Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan. "It was decided during the meeting to accelerate action against proscribed organisations," a Pakistani interior ministry spokesperson said.&nbsp;

The announcement of the promised ban came during the Financial Action Task Force or FATF meet in Paris from February 17 to 22 at which Pakistan was put under tremendous pressure to act on terror. &nbsp;

FATF had slammed Islamabad in a statement after the week-long meet, saying that the country has not demonstrated a "proper understanding" of the terror-financing risks posed by Islamic State, Al Qaeda, JuD, FiF, LeT, JeM, HQN, and persons affiliated with the Taliban.

Pakistan was greylisted by the FATF in 2018.

Speaking to WION on Pakistan's commitment to acting on terror financing, FATF president Marshall Billingslea said, "We will hold them to it and we expect the time table to be met and action plan to be fully implemented in line with FATF standards."&nbsp;

In the aftermath of the February 14 Pulwama terror attack which killed more than 40 CRPF personnel in Jammu and Kashmir, the US, UK, France, Germany, Australia, Japan and the EU have called on Pakistan to act on terror.&nbsp;

Pakistan's flip-flop on terror continues with an updated list of terrorist organisations in the country saying 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed's Jamaat ud Dawa (JuD) and Falah-e-Insaniat (FiF) have not been banned.

Pakistan's flip-flop on terror continues with an updated list of terrorist organisations in the country saying 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed's Jamaat ud Dawa (JuD) and Falah-e-Insaniat (FiF) have not been banned. The list, issued by the Pakistani Interior Ministry's NACTA or National Counter-Terrorism Authority of Pakistan on March 4, lists the JuD and FiF as organisations "under watch". Pakistan had on February 21 Pakistan said the JuD and FiF will be notified as proscribed or banned organisations. The banning was decided after a national security committee meeting held under the chairmanship of Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan. "It was decided during the meeting to accelerate action against proscribed organisations," a Pakistani interior ministry spokesperson said. The announcement of the promised ban came during the Financial Action Task Force or FATF meet in Paris from February 17 to 22 at which Pakistan was put under tremendous pressure to act on terror. FATF had slammed Islamabad in a statement after the week-long meet, saying that the country has not demonstrated a "proper understanding" of the terror-financing risks posed by Islamic State, Al Qaeda, JuD, FiF, LeT, JeM, HQN, and persons affiliated with the Taliban. Pakistan was greylisted by the FATF in 2018. Speaking to WION on Pakistan's commitment to acting on terror financing, FATF president Marshall Billingslea said, "We will hold them to it and we expect the time table to be met and action plan to be fully implemented in line with FATF standards." In the aftermath of the February 14 Pulwama terror attack which killed more than 40 CRPF personnel in Jammu and Kashmir, the US, UK, France, Germany, Australia, Japan and the EU have called on Pakistan to act on terror.

After saying it will, Pakistan does not ban Hafiz Saeed's JuD & FiF

Is Pakistan feeling the pressure of International Isolation?

Britain's Junior Foreign Minister Mark Field was in India from March 1 to 3, during which time he met Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale and discussed recent tensions between India and Pakistan. He said the UK stands "shoulder-to-shoulder with India in condemnation of the appalling terror attack in Pulwama".

Calling India a key partner, Mark Field said, "I expressed the UK’s concern about the current tensions, discussed the importance of creating greater regional stability, including the urgent need to tackle terrorism."

He further added that the UK encourages "both sides to come together to look for a peaceful diplomatic solution".

It is important to note that British Prime Minister <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/british-pm-theresa-may-urges-action-on-terrorist-groups-in-a-call-with-pakistans-imran-khan-200952">Theresa May spoke to Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan on Sunday</a> and called on Islamabad to do more on the issue of terrorism.

A Downing Street Spokesperson said," The Prime Minister emphasised the importance of Pakistan taking action against all terrorist groups, in support of global efforts to combat terrorism."

Welcoming the release of wing Commander Abhinandan who was captured by Pakistan after its strikes on Indian military installation on February 27, the spokesperson said, "The leaders discussed the need to address the causes of this conflict" which is the issue of terror emanating from Pakistan.

It is interesting to note that the readout from the Pakistani government on Imran-Theresa May talks did not mention the issue of terror raised by the UK Prime Minister.&nbsp;

The readout said, "Prime Minister Imran Khan apprised the UK Prime Minister of Pakistan’s perspective on the developments since the Pulwama incident."

Pakistan is facing global pressure and Isolation on the issue of terrorism. In aftermath of Indian strikes on terror camps on February 26 France, US, UK, Australia asked Pakistan to act on terror and call for restraint. China called for restraint but did not ask Pakistan to act on the issue of terror. EU and Japan have also called Pakistan to act on terrorism on February 28.

Britain's Junior Foreign Minister Mark Field was in India from March 1 to 3, during which time he met Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale and discussed recent tensions between India and Pakistan.

Britain's Junior Foreign Minister Mark Field was in India from March 1 to 3, during which time he met Foreign Secretary Vijay Gokhale and discussed recent tensions between India and Pakistan. He said the UK stands "shoulder-to-shoulder with India in condemnation of the appalling terror attack in Pulwama". Calling India a key partner, Mark Field said, "I expressed the UK’s concern about the current tensions, discussed the importance of creating greater regional stability, including the urgent need to tackle terrorism." He further added that the UK encourages "both sides to come together to look for a peaceful diplomatic solution". It is important to note that British Prime Minister Theresa May spoke to Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan on Sunday and called on Islamabad to do more on the issue of terrorism. A Downing Street Spokesperson said," The Prime Minister emphasised the importance of Pakistan taking action against all terrorist groups, in support of global efforts to combat terrorism." Welcoming the release of wing Commander Abhinandan who was captured by Pakistan after its strikes on Indian military installation on February 27, the spokesperson said, "The leaders discussed the need to address the causes of this conflict" which is the issue of terror emanating from Pakistan. It is interesting to note that the readout from the Pakistani government on Imran-Theresa May talks did not mention the issue of terror raised by the UK Prime Minister. The readout said, "Prime Minister Imran Khan apprised the UK Prime Minister of Pakistan’s perspective on the developments since the Pulwama incident." Pakistan is facing global pressure and Isolation on the issue of terrorism. In aftermath of Indian strikes on terror camps on February 26 France, US, UK, Australia asked Pakistan to act on terror and call for restraint. China called for restraint but did not ask Pakistan to act on the issue of terror. EU and Japan have also called Pakistan to act on terrorism on February 28.

'Pakistan must act on terror,' junior British foreign minister says in India

Pakistan fully reopened its airspace on Monday, authorities said, days after it closed its skies to all air travel, leaving thousands stranded worldwide as tensions with nuclear arch-rival India soared.

The decision to close the airspace came last Wednesday after a rare aerial dogfight between India and Pakistan over the disputed territory of Kashmir ignited fears of all-out conflict, with world powers rushing to urge restraint.

Both sides claimed to have shot each other's warplanes down, and one Indian pilot was captured. He was returned to India Friday, crossing the Wagah border on foot.

"All airports across Pakistan are operational and airspace reopened," a spokeswoman for the Civil Aviation Authority told AFP Monday, adding the process had been completed by 1:00 pm.

The closure disrupted major routes between Europe and South Asia, with mounting frustration from passengers stranded at international airports.&nbsp;

It also delayed attempts to search for a British and an Italian climber who went missing on Nanga Parbat, Pakistan's "killer mountain" and the ninth highest peak in the world, as rescue teams were forced to wait for permission to send up a helicopter.

The climbers, Daniele Nardi and Tom Ballard, were last heard from on February 24. Fresh rescue attempts had to be called off over the weekend due to bad weather amid growing fears for their survival.

Pakistan began reopening its airspace "gradually" from Friday, with flights allowed in and out of major cities.

But the backlog means major delays are still expected and authorities have urged passengers to check for more information with their airlines.&nbsp;

Pakistan fully reopened its airspace on Monday, authorities said, days after it closed its skies to all air travel, leaving thousands stranded worldwide as tensions with nuclear arch-rival India soared.

Pakistan fully reopened its airspace on Monday, authorities said, days after it closed its skies to all air travel, leaving thousands stranded worldwide as tensions with nuclear arch-rival India soared. The decision to close the airspace came last Wednesday after a rare aerial dogfight between India and Pakistan over the disputed territory of Kashmir ignited fears of all-out conflict, with world powers rushing to urge restraint. Both sides claimed to have shot each other's warplanes down, and one Indian pilot was captured. He was returned to India Friday, crossing the Wagah border on foot. "All airports across Pakistan are operational and airspace reopened," a spokeswoman for the Civil Aviation Authority told AFP Monday, adding the process had been completed by 1:00 pm. The closure disrupted major routes between Europe and South Asia, with mounting frustration from passengers stranded at international airports. It also delayed attempts to search for a British and an Italian climber who went missing on Nanga Parbat, Pakistan's "killer mountain" and the ninth highest peak in the world, as rescue teams were forced to wait for permission to send up a helicopter. The climbers, Daniele Nardi and Tom Ballard, were last heard from on February 24. Fresh rescue attempts had to be called off over the weekend due to bad weather amid growing fears for their survival. Pakistan began reopening its airspace "gradually" from Friday, with flights allowed in and out of major cities. But the backlog means major delays are still expected and authorities have urged passengers to check for more information with their airlines.

Pakistan airspace fully reopened, says aviation authority

Exclusive: WION examines Balakot air-strikes by Indian Air Force

WION's exlusive ground report from air-strike hit Balakot

Pakistan may take "decisive action" against all proscribed organisations, including Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), and even withdraw its opposition to the move to list <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/intel-agencies-trying-to-ascertain-reports-on-masood-azhars-death-officials-200916">the terror outfit's chief Masood Azhar</a> in the UN Security Council terror list, according to a media report on Sunday.

The US, the UK and France on Wednesday moved a fresh proposal in the UN Security Council to designate Pakistan-based chief Azhar as a global terrorist, a listing that will subject him to global travel ban, asset freeze and arms embargo.

In a major policy decision, Pakistan is set to take decisive action against all proscribed organisations as well as against the head of banned JeM, a senior security official familiar with the development was quoted as saying by the Express Tribune.

It is not clear what specific action would be taken against Azhar but the official hinted that Pakistan may withdraw its opposition to the listing of JeM chief as global terrorist by the UN Security Council.

"The state has to decide whether individual is important or the larger national interest of the country," the official said when asked if Pakistan would no more oppose the UNSC action against Azhar.

The Security Council Sanctions Committee will consider within 10 days on the fresh proposal moved by the three permanent veto-wielding members of the 15-nation Security Council.

The proposal is the fourth such bid at the UN in the last 10 years to list Azhar as a global terrorist.

In 2009, India moved a proposal to designate Azhar, whose UN-proscribed JeM claimed responsibility for the suicide attack against Indian security forces in Pulwama on February 14 in which over 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel were killed.

In 2016 again, India moved the proposal with the P3 - the United States, the United Kingdom and France in the UN's 1267 Sanctions Committee to ban Azhar, also the mastermind of the attack on the air base in Pathankot in January, 2016.

In 2017, the P3 nations moved a similar proposal again. However, on all occasions, China, a veto-wielding permanent member of the Security Council, blocked India's proposal from being adopted by the Sanctions Committee.

The official, however, insisted that the move to take action against such individuals was taken before the Pulwama attack, the report said.

He also clarified Pakistan's decision to act decisively was taken not to give any "face saving" to India.

"We need to correct ourselves in our own national interests and not someone else's," the official was quoted as saying in the report.

The official further said that the Pakistani authorities had conducted investigations into the Pulwama terror attack on CRPF personnel in and found "no evidence whatsoever of any involvement of Pakistan or any organisation in it."

Stressing that the country's leadership was determined to take action against anyone found involved in the Pulwama attack, he said the dossier shared by India with Pakistan had nothing in it that suggested involvement of any Pakistani organisation.&nbsp;

Pakistan may take "decisive action" against all proscribed organisations, including Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), and even withdraw its opposition to the move to list the terror outfit's chief Masood Azhar in the UN Security Council terror list, according to a media report on Sunday.

Pakistan may take "decisive action" against all proscribed organisations, including Jaish-e-Mohammed (JeM), and even withdraw its opposition to the move to list the terror outfit's chief Masood Azhar in the UN Security Council terror list, according to a media report on Sunday. The US, the UK and France on Wednesday moved a fresh proposal in the UN Security Council to designate Pakistan-based chief Azhar as a global terrorist, a listing that will subject him to global travel ban, asset freeze and arms embargo. In a major policy decision, Pakistan is set to take decisive action against all proscribed organisations as well as against the head of banned JeM, a senior security official familiar with the development was quoted as saying by the Express Tribune. It is not clear what specific action would be taken against Azhar but the official hinted that Pakistan may withdraw its opposition to the listing of JeM chief as global terrorist by the UN Security Council. "The state has to decide whether individual is important or the larger national interest of the country," the official said when asked if Pakistan would no more oppose the UNSC action against Azhar. The Security Council Sanctions Committee will consider within 10 days on the fresh proposal moved by the three permanent veto-wielding members of the 15-nation Security Council. The proposal is the fourth such bid at the UN in the last 10 years to list Azhar as a global terrorist. In 2009, India moved a proposal to designate Azhar, whose UN-proscribed JeM claimed responsibility for the suicide attack against Indian security forces in Pulwama on February 14 in which over 40 Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) personnel were killed. In 2016 again, India moved the proposal with the P3 - the United States, the United Kingdom and France in the UN's 1267 Sanctions Committee to ban Azhar, also the mastermind of the attack on the air base in Pathankot in January, 2016. In 2017, the P3 nations moved a similar proposal again. However, on all occasions, China, a veto-wielding permanent member of the Security Council, blocked India's proposal from being adopted by the Sanctions Committee. The official, however, insisted that the move to take action against such individuals was taken before the Pulwama attack, the report said. He also clarified Pakistan's decision to act decisively was taken not to give any "face saving" to India. "We need to correct ourselves in our own national interests and not someone else's," the official was quoted as saying in the report. The official further said that the Pakistani authorities had conducted investigations into the Pulwama terror attack on CRPF personnel in and found "no evidence whatsoever of any involvement of Pakistan or any organisation in it." Stressing that the country's leadership was determined to take action against anyone found involved in the Pulwama attack, he said the dossier shared by India with Pakistan had nothing in it that suggested involvement of any Pakistani organisation.

Pakistan may take 'decisive action' against Jaish-e-Mohammed: Report

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