One of the alleged masterminds of an attack by a Pakistani separatist group on the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-firing-reported-outside-chinese-consulate-in-karachi-178903">Chinese consulate in Karachi </a>last month has been killed along with five associates, the insurgent group said on Wednesday.

The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), which opposes projects linked to China's Belt and Road infrastructure initiative in resource-rich Baluchistan, issued a statement on Tuesday confirming the death of Aslam Baloch, one of its leaders.

"The important BLA commander Aslam Baloch, along with five associates in the organisation were martyred in an enemy attack on Monday," Jiand Baloch, a spokesman for the separatist group said in a statement that gave no further details.

Pakistan's Samaa Television reported that Aslam was killed along with a number of his commanders in a suicide attack in Aino Maina in Kandahar province, Afghanistan, across the border from Baluchistan.

There was no claim of responsibility for the killings and a spokesman for the Pakistani foreign ministry did not respond to requests for comment.

Last month, three attackers stormed the Chinese consulate in Karachi, killing four people. Security forces killed the three attackers who were carrying explosives.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/attack-on-chinese-consulate-not-surprising-imran-khan-179053">Pakistan</a> has long accused its old rival India of supporting insurgents in Baluchistan. India denies helping Baluchistan insurgents and accuses Pakistan of nurturing Islamist militants throughout the region.

China has funded development of a deepwater port at Gwadar in south Baluchistan and is also investing in other projects as part of the giant China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).

Baluchistan, on the borders of Afghanistan and Iran, has rich mineral and natural gas reserves but is Pakistan's poorest province.

Separatists have for decades campaigned against what they see as the unfair exploitation of resources, in particular, natural gas and minerals.

One of the alleged masterminds of an attack by a Pakistani separatist group on the Chinese consulate in Karachi last month has been killed along with five associates, the insurgent group said on Wednesday.

One of the alleged masterminds of an attack by a Pakistani separatist group on the Chinese consulate in Karachi last month has been killed along with five associates, the insurgent group said on Wednesday. The Baloch Liberation Army (BLA), which opposes projects linked to China's Belt and Road infrastructure initiative in resource-rich Baluchistan, issued a statement on Tuesday confirming the death of Aslam Baloch, one of its leaders. "The important BLA commander Aslam Baloch, along with five associates in the organisation were martyred in an enemy attack on Monday," Jiand Baloch, a spokesman for the separatist group said in a statement that gave no further details. Pakistan's Samaa Television reported that Aslam was killed along with a number of his commanders in a suicide attack in Aino Maina in Kandahar province, Afghanistan, across the border from Baluchistan. There was no claim of responsibility for the killings and a spokesman for the Pakistani foreign ministry did not respond to requests for comment. Last month, three attackers stormed the Chinese consulate in Karachi, killing four people. Security forces killed the three attackers who were carrying explosives. Pakistan has long accused its old rival India of supporting insurgents in Baluchistan. India denies helping Baluchistan insurgents and accuses Pakistan of nurturing Islamist militants throughout the region. China has funded development of a deepwater port at Gwadar in south Baluchistan and is also investing in other projects as part of the giant China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). Baluchistan, on the borders of Afghanistan and Iran, has rich mineral and natural gas reserves but is Pakistan's poorest province. Separatists have for decades campaigned against what they see as the unfair exploitation of resources, in particular, natural gas and minerals.

Pakistan: Alleged mastermind of Karachi's Chinese consulate attack killed

Former Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) leader and former Member of Pakistan National Assembly (MNA) Ali Raza Abidi was shot dead in Karachi on Tuesday, stated Deputy Inspector General (DIG) South Javed Alam Odho.

According to Dawn, two unidentified motorcycle-borne assailants opened fire on Abidi's car on Khayaban-e-Ghazi Street in DHA neighbourhood, divulged Station House Office Gizri Asad Mangi.

Police have sealed the area and have launched a search operation to arrest the killers.

However, the number of culprits cannot be ascertained as yet. Abidi succumbed to his injuries after he was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.

His body has been shifted to Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) for postmortem.

Abidi had resigned from MQM-P's "basic membership" citing "personal reasons" in September, the Dawn reported.

The investigation in his killing is underway as the forensic experts and other investigation agencies have arrived at the crime scene.

Former Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) leader and former Member of Pakistan National Assembly (MNA) Ali Raza Abidi was shot dead in Karachi on Tuesday, stated Deputy Inspector General (DIG) South Javed Alam Odho.

Former Muttahida Qaumi Movement-Pakistan (MQM-P) leader and former Member of Pakistan National Assembly (MNA) Ali Raza Abidi was shot dead in Karachi on Tuesday, stated Deputy Inspector General (DIG) South Javed Alam Odho. According to Dawn, two unidentified motorcycle-borne assailants opened fire on Abidi's car on Khayaban-e-Ghazi Street in DHA neighbourhood, divulged Station House Office Gizri Asad Mangi. Police have sealed the area and have launched a search operation to arrest the killers. However, the number of culprits cannot be ascertained as yet. Abidi succumbed to his injuries after he was taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. His body has been shifted to Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre (JPMC) for postmortem. Abidi had resigned from MQM-P's "basic membership" citing "personal reasons" in September, the Dawn reported. The investigation in his killing is underway as the forensic experts and other investigation agencies have arrived at the crime scene.

Former Pakistani lawmaker Ali Raza Abidi assassinated in Karachi

A week&nbsp;after <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/hamid-nihal-ansari-in-jail-in-pak-for-6-years-crosses-back-over-into-india-185105">Hamid Nehal Ansari's return</a> to India, India on Wednesday released two Pakistani men Abdullah and Imran Qureshi Warsi.&nbsp;

India returned — via the Wagah border, the same route Hamid Nehal took — Imran Qureshi Warsi who came to India, fell in love with an Indian woman, married her, settled down here and started a family with her.&nbsp;

Imran Warsi had come to India in 2004 — on a valid visa. He fell in love with his (to be) Indian wife a little after getting here.&nbsp;

But he continued to stay on here after his visa expired.&nbsp;

The police caught up with Imran in 2008, and he was sentenced to 10 years in prison. Imran was lodged at Bhopal jail.

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Pakistani national Imran Qureshi Warsi who was lodged in Bhopal jail since 10 years for forging documents and spying returns to Pakistan from Attari-Wagah border. <a href="https://t.co/77Y85JJxpY">pic.twitter.com/77Y85JJxpY</a>
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Wagah-Attari border: Abdullah, a Pakistani national who crossed over in 2017, being released by the Indian authorities - I came to India through Attari in 2017. It was my childhood dream to come to India &amp; meet Shah Rukh Khan. My dream was not fulfilled. I'll come back again. <a href="https://t.co/1ar1c7hEDb">pic.twitter.com/1ar1c7hEDb</a>
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India released a second Pakistani national, Abdullah, on Wednesday. Abdullah said he had crossed over to India in 2017 to meet Shah Rukh Khan.&nbsp;

"It was my childhood dream to come to India and meet Shah Rukh Khan," Abdullah said. "My dream was not fulfilled. I'll come back again."&nbsp;

Imran's sentence ended in January but he remained in jail since he was unable to pay the accompanying fine. (The Pakistan high commission in Delhi did not help.)&nbsp;

Unlike Hamid Nehal who said he was tortured in Pakistan — Hamid had crossed over into Pakistan from Afghanistan in 2012 <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/watch-never-fall-in-love-on-facebook-hamid-nihal-ansari-says-after-6-years-in-pakistani-jails-185503">to meet a girl he had befriended on Facebook</a>; the Pakistanis thought he was a spy — Imran, 36, said he is all praise for the Indian police and grateful to the activists who brought his case to light.&nbsp;

Imran's release comes as <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/message-to-india-pak-govts-is-humanity-is-bigger-than-any-religion-hamid-nihal-ansari-to-wion-185377">a ray of hope for 11 Indian prisoners</a> who have completed their sentences but continue to languish&nbsp;in Pakistani jails.&nbsp;

There are reportedly 32 such Pakistani prisoners in Indian jails.&nbsp;

A week after Hamid Nehal Ansari's return to India, India on Wednesday released two Pakistani men Abdullah and Imran Qureshi Warsi. India returned — via the Wagah border, the same route Hamid Nehal took — Imran Qureshi Warsi who came to India, fell in love with an Indian woman, married her, settled down here and started a family with her.

A week after Hamid Nehal Ansari's return to India, India on Wednesday released two Pakistani men Abdullah and Imran Qureshi Warsi. India returned — via the Wagah border, the same route Hamid Nehal took — Imran Qureshi Warsi who came to India, fell in love with an Indian woman, married her, settled down here and started a family with her. Imran Warsi had come to India in 2004 — on a valid visa. He fell in love with his (to be) Indian wife a little after getting here. But he continued to stay on here after his visa expired. The police caught up with Imran in 2008, and he was sentenced to 10 years in prison. Imran was lodged at Bhopal jail. Pakistani national Imran Qureshi Warsi who was lodged in Bhopal jail since 10 years for forging documents and spying returns to Pakistan from Attari-Wagah border. pic.twitter.com/77Y85JJxpY — ANI (@ANI) December 26, 2018 × Wagah-Attari border: Abdullah, a Pakistani national who crossed over in 2017, being released by the Indian authorities - I came to India through Attari in 2017. It was my childhood dream to come to India & meet Shah Rukh Khan. My dream was not fulfilled. I'll come back again. pic.twitter.com/1ar1c7hEDb — ANI (@ANI) December 26, 2018 × India released a second Pakistani national, Abdullah, on Wednesday. Abdullah said he had crossed over to India in 2017 to meet Shah Rukh Khan. "It was my childhood dream to come to India and meet Shah Rukh Khan," Abdullah said. "My dream was not fulfilled. I'll come back again." Imran's sentence ended in January but he remained in jail since he was unable to pay the accompanying fine. (The Pakistan high commission in Delhi did not help.) Unlike Hamid Nehal who said he was tortured in Pakistan — Hamid had crossed over into Pakistan from Afghanistan in 2012 to meet a girl he had befriended on Facebook; the Pakistanis thought he was a spy — Imran, 36, said he is all praise for the Indian police and grateful to the activists who brought his case to light. Imran's release comes as a ray of hope for 11 Indian prisoners who have completed their sentences but continue to languish in Pakistani jails. There are reportedly 32 such Pakistani prisoners in Indian jails.

Watch: After Hamid Nehal Ansari's return, India sends back Pakistani man with similar love story

WION Dispatch: Imran Khan posts anti-India tweet; invokes Jinnah to attack PM Modi

Former Pakistan prime minister <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/nawaz-sharif-objects-to-back-to-jail-comments-of-pakistan-info-minister-173687">Nawaz Sharif, 68, was sentenced</a> to seven years in prison by a Pakistan court in a corruption case.

The PML(N) supremo was&nbsp;however&nbsp;acquitted in another case connected with corruption.

The anti-corruption court found the ex-prime minister guilty in the Al-Azizia graft case but acquitted in him the Flagship Investment case.

The accountability court had earlier indicted Sharif for holding assets beyond his known sources of income last year in August.

Three cases - Avenfield properties case, Flagship Investment case and Al-Azizia steel mills case - were launched by the National Accountability Bureau(NAB) last year in September, following a judgment by the Pakistan Supreme Court that disqualified Sharif.

Sharif's supporters said the former prime minister would appeal.

"Appeal is our right, we will protest but will remain peaceful," former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, who succeeded Sharif last year, told reporters outside the courthouse in Islamabad.

Sharif was sentenced in July to 10 years in prison by the same court, on charges related to the purchase of upscale apartments in London, after the Supreme Court removed him from power. He was released in September pending an appeal.

Reacting to the development, Pakistan's information minister Fawad Chaudhry said the&nbsp; "real face of Nawaz Sharif has been unmasked today",

Chaudhry added that the PML(N) leader was unable to provide the&nbsp;money trail for his assets, therefore, he was sentenced to seven years in prison.

Former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif, 68, was sentenced to seven years in prison by a Pakistan court in a corruption case. The PML(N) supremo was however acquitted in another case connected with corruption.

Former Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif, 68, was sentenced to seven years in prison by a Pakistan court in a corruption case. The PML(N) supremo was however acquitted in another case connected with corruption. The anti-corruption court found the ex-prime minister guilty in the Al-Azizia graft case but acquitted in him the Flagship Investment case. The accountability court had earlier indicted Sharif for holding assets beyond his known sources of income last year in August. Three cases - Avenfield properties case, Flagship Investment case and Al-Azizia steel mills case - were launched by the National Accountability Bureau(NAB) last year in September, following a judgment by the Pakistan Supreme Court that disqualified Sharif. Sharif's supporters said the former prime minister would appeal. "Appeal is our right, we will protest but will remain peaceful," former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, who succeeded Sharif last year, told reporters outside the courthouse in Islamabad. Sharif was sentenced in July to 10 years in prison by the same court, on charges related to the purchase of upscale apartments in London, after the Supreme Court removed him from power. He was released in September pending an appeal. Reacting to the development, Pakistan's information minister Fawad Chaudhry said the "real face of Nawaz Sharif has been unmasked today", Chaudhry added that the PML(N) leader was unable to provide the money trail for his assets, therefore, he was sentenced to seven years in prison.

Pak court convicts ex-PM Nawaz Sharif in corruption case; sentenced to 7 years in prison

Protests erupt in Pakistan after top court convicts Nawaz Sharif

Breaking News: Nawaz Sharif gets 7-year jail term in corruption case

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/pakistan">Pakistan</a> Prime Minister <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/harassment-of-indian-diplomats-returns-in-islamabad-185684">Imran Khan telephoned</a> UN chief Antonio Guterres and raised the issue of Kashmir, a UN spokesman has said. Stephane Dujarric, the spokesman for the UN Secretary General, did not give further details about the conversation between Khan and Guterres. 
 
When asked by PTI to comment on India’s strong retort to Khan that Pakistan should mind its own business and that Kashmir is an integral part of India, Dujarric said, “Our position on Kashmir has been reiterated. There is an observer group as mandated by the Security Council,” He was referring to the UN Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP). 
 
Dujarric added that the Pakistani Prime Minister wanted to speak to the Secretary-General. “It’s only normal that the Secretary-General speaks to Heads of Governments and Heads of State and, as I said, I can confirm that the call took place and that the Prime Minister raised the issue of Kashmir,” Dujarric said. 
 
In a set of recent tweets, Khan said that “Kashmiris must be allowed to decide their future”. He also tweeted that Pakistan would raise the issue of India’s alleged human rights violations at the United Nations.&nbsp; External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar in response said that “the statements coming out from their side demonstrates the insincerity and duplicity”. 
 
The UNMOGIP was established in January 1949 and currently has a total of 118 UN and civilian staff. Following the India-Pakistan war in 1971 and a subsequent ceasefire agreement of December 17 of that year, the tasks of UNMOGIP have been to observe, to the extent possible, developments pertaining to the strict observance of the ceasefire and to report thereon to the Secretary-General. 
 
India has maintained that UNMOGIP has outlived its utility and is irrelevant after the Shimla Agreement and the consequent establishment of the Line of Control (LoC).

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan telephoned UN chief Antonio Guterres and raised the issue of Kashmir, a UN spokesman has said. Stephane Dujarric, the spokesman for the UN Secretary General, did not give further details about the conversation between Khan and Guterres.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan telephoned UN chief Antonio Guterres and raised the issue of Kashmir, a UN spokesman has said. Stephane Dujarric, the spokesman for the UN Secretary General, did not give further details about the conversation between Khan and Guterres. When asked by PTI to comment on India’s strong retort to Khan that Pakistan should mind its own business and that Kashmir is an integral part of India, Dujarric said, “Our position on Kashmir has been reiterated. There is an observer group as mandated by the Security Council,” He was referring to the UN Military Observer Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP). Dujarric added that the Pakistani Prime Minister wanted to speak to the Secretary-General. “It’s only normal that the Secretary-General speaks to Heads of Governments and Heads of State and, as I said, I can confirm that the call took place and that the Prime Minister raised the issue of Kashmir,” Dujarric said. In a set of recent tweets, Khan said that “Kashmiris must be allowed to decide their future”. He also tweeted that Pakistan would raise the issue of India’s alleged human rights violations at the United Nations. External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar in response said that “the statements coming out from their side demonstrates the insincerity and duplicity”. The UNMOGIP was established in January 1949 and currently has a total of 118 UN and civilian staff. Following the India-Pakistan war in 1971 and a subsequent ceasefire agreement of December 17 of that year, the tasks of UNMOGIP have been to observe, to the extent possible, developments pertaining to the strict observance of the ceasefire and to report thereon to the Secretary-General. India has maintained that UNMOGIP has outlived its utility and is irrelevant after the Shimla Agreement and the consequent establishment of the Line of Control (LoC).

Pakistan PM Imran Khan raised Kashmir issue with UN chief, says UN spokesman

A Pakistani man, believed to be mentally unstable, climbed a cellphone tower in Islamabad on Saturday, demanding to be made the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/hits-and-misses-in-review-over-100-days-of-imran-khan-as-pak-pm-185726">prime minister of the country</a>

The man, identified as Muhammad Abbas, climbed up the tower in Islamabad's Blue Area with a<a href="http://www.wionews.com/pakistan"> Pakistan</a> flag in his hand, prompting police and rescue agencies to reach the spot.&nbsp;

Police tried to bring him down, but the man maintained that he will only climb down if they promise to make him the prime minister or else the authorities should make arrangements for Prime Minister Imran Khan to talk to him.

Police and rescue agencies said he demanded: "premiership to pay off the country's loans and steer it out of the financial crisis".

When he refused to climb down despite negotiations and assurances from police, authorities asked a mimicry artist, Shafaat Ali, to talk to him in Khan's voice.

He talked to the mimicry artist for about five minutes thinking he is talking to the PM himself and later climbed down.

Police have taken the man into custody and have moved him to the area police station.

A Pakistani man, believed to be mentally unstable, climbed a cellphone tower in Islamabad on Saturday, demanding to be made the prime minister of the country The man, identified as Muhammad Abbas, climbed up the tower in Islamabad's Blue Area with a Pakistan flag in his hand, prompting police and rescue agencies to reach the spot.

A Pakistani man, believed to be mentally unstable, climbed a cellphone tower in Islamabad on Saturday, demanding to be made the prime minister of the country The man, identified as Muhammad Abbas, climbed up the tower in Islamabad's Blue Area with a Pakistan flag in his hand, prompting police and rescue agencies to reach the spot. Police tried to bring him down, but the man maintained that he will only climb down if they promise to make him the prime minister or else the authorities should make arrangements for Prime Minister Imran Khan to talk to him. Police and rescue agencies said he demanded: "premiership to pay off the country's loans and steer it out of the financial crisis". When he refused to climb down despite negotiations and assurances from police, authorities asked a mimicry artist, Shafaat Ali, to talk to him in Khan's voice. He talked to the mimicry artist for about five minutes thinking he is talking to the PM himself and later climbed down. Police have taken the man into custody and have moved him to the area police station.

Man climbs cellphone tower in Pakistan, demands premiership

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-troops-withdrawal-will-not-have-security-impact-on-afghanistan-presidential-spokesman-185677">US troops withdrawal 'will not have security impact' on Afghanistan: Presidential spokesman</a>

In the first official response, Afghanistan has stated that the withdrawal of US troops from the war-torn country will not affect its security, presidential spokesman Haroon Chakhansuri was quoted by news agency AFP on Friday.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/business-economy/markets-end-in-red-as-sensex-plunges-nearly-700-points-185672">Sensex plunges nearly 700 points amid fears of US government shutdown</a>

Benchmark equity indices witnessed heavy selloff Friday after investors booked profits in realty, banking, IT and auto bluechips amid weak signals from global markets.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/uae-to-deposit-3-billion-in-pakistan-central-bank-185664">UAE to deposit $3 billion in Pakistan central bank</a>

The United Arab Emirates will deposit $3 billion in the central bank of Pakistan to help "enhance liquidity" as the country struggles with a balance of payments crisis, state media said.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/order-to-monitor-computers-exists-since-2009-arun-jaitley-185675">Order to monitor computers exists since 2009: Arun Jaitley</a>

Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Friday Jaitley on Friday responded to Congress leader Anand Sharma's remark over Home Affairs Ministry's move to allow ten agencies to monitor any computer.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/myanmar-army-pauses-operations-in-north-in-rare-conciliatory-action-185678">Myanmar army pauses operations in </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/myanmar-army-pauses-operations-in-north-in-rare-conciliatory-action-185678">north</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/myanmar-army-pauses-operations-in-north-in-rare-conciliatory-action-185678"> in rare conciliatory action</a>

The Myanmar military on Friday announced a more than four-month cessation of its activities in northern areas where it is fighting ethnic minority insurgents, in what appeared to be a rare conciliatory move aimed at kick-starting peace talks.

US troops withdrawal 'will not have security impact' on Afghanistan: Presidential spokesman In the first official response, Afghanistan has stated that the withdrawal of US troops from the war-torn country will not affect its security, presidential spokesman Haroon Chakhansuri was quoted by news agency AFP on Friday.

US troops withdrawal 'will not have security impact' on Afghanistan: Presidential spokesman In the first official response, Afghanistan has stated that the withdrawal of US troops from the war-torn country will not affect its security, presidential spokesman Haroon Chakhansuri was quoted by news agency AFP on Friday. Sensex plunges nearly 700 points amid fears of US government shutdown Benchmark equity indices witnessed heavy selloff Friday after investors booked profits in realty, banking, IT and auto bluechips amid weak signals from global markets. UAE to deposit $3 billion in Pakistan central bank The United Arab Emirates will deposit $3 billion in the central bank of Pakistan to help "enhance liquidity" as the country struggles with a balance of payments crisis, state media said. Order to monitor computers exists since 2009: Arun Jaitley Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley on Friday Jaitley on Friday responded to Congress leader Anand Sharma's remark over Home Affairs Ministry's move to allow ten agencies to monitor any computer. Myanmar army pauses operations in north in rare conciliatory action The Myanmar military on Friday announced a more than four-month cessation of its activities in northern areas where it is fighting ethnic minority insurgents, in what appeared to be a rare conciliatory move aimed at kick-starting peace talks.

News brief: Big stories of the day

The United Arab Emirates will deposit $3 billion in the central bank of Pakistan to help "enhance liquidity" as the country struggles with a balance of payments crisis, state media said.

The transfer of 11 billion dirhams by the government-owned Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) is expected to be carried out in the "coming days", the WAM news agency said.

Quoting a statement from the ADFD, the state news agency said the amount is meant "to support the financial and monetary policy of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan".

It will "enhance liquidity and monetary reserves of foreign currency" at the central bank, it added.

Pakistan is facing a widening balance of payments crisis. The rupee plunged almost five per cent to a record low at the end of November, after what appeared to be a sixth devaluation by the central bank in the past year.

A team from the International Monetary Fund in November visited Pakistan for talks with officials on a possible IMF bailout but the discussions ended without any agreement.

Pakistan -- a regular borrower from the IMF since the 1980s -- last received an IMF bailout in 2013 to the tune of $6.6 billion.

It also secured $6 billion in funding from Saudi Arabia and struck a 12-month deal for a cash lifeline during Prime Minister Imran Khan's visit to the kingdom in October.

Islamabad also received billions of dollars in Chinese loans to finance ambitious infrastructure projects.

The United Arab Emirates will deposit $3 billion in the central bank of Pakistan to help "enhance liquidity" as the country struggles with a balance of payments crisis, state media said.

The United Arab Emirates will deposit $3 billion in the central bank of Pakistan to help "enhance liquidity" as the country struggles with a balance of payments crisis, state media said. The transfer of 11 billion dirhams by the government-owned Abu Dhabi Fund for Development (ADFD) is expected to be carried out in the "coming days", the WAM news agency said. Quoting a statement from the ADFD, the state news agency said the amount is meant "to support the financial and monetary policy of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan". It will "enhance liquidity and monetary reserves of foreign currency" at the central bank, it added. Pakistan is facing a widening balance of payments crisis. The rupee plunged almost five per cent to a record low at the end of November, after what appeared to be a sixth devaluation by the central bank in the past year. A team from the International Monetary Fund in November visited Pakistan for talks with officials on a possible IMF bailout but the discussions ended without any agreement. Pakistan -- a regular borrower from the IMF since the 1980s -- last received an IMF bailout in 2013 to the tune of $6.6 billion. It also secured $6 billion in funding from Saudi Arabia and struck a 12-month deal for a cash lifeline during Prime Minister Imran Khan's visit to the kingdom in October. Islamabad also received billions of dollars in Chinese loans to finance ambitious infrastructure projects.

UAE to deposit $3 billion in Pakistan central bank

By Kamal Munir

Reluctantly seeking an IMF bailout for its balance-of-payments crisis, Imran Khan’s nascent government in Pakistan has already devalued its currency, hiked utility rates and imposed new taxes in an effort to be “ready” for IMF reforms. As if these measures were not enough to make the government sufficiently unpopular, it now faces demands to immediately privatise large loss-making state-owned enterprises.

For a few reasons, the government has so far been reluctant to sell these off. Two reasons stand out in particular. First, selling of these state-owned enterprises is likely to generate significant unemployment. Politically speaking, this would be a highly unpopular move, as Khan’s new government promised to create millions of jobs within five years. Second, given the outstanding debts of Pakistan’s state-owned enterprises, there will be few takers unless the government clears up the balance sheets first.

Whichever course the government takes, it would be foolish to ignore the lessons from Pakistan’s troubled history of previous privatisations – three spring to mind.

Telecoms and homegrown talent

First, do not sell a state-owned enterprise because you are getting a good price. The 2005 privatisation of Pakistan Telecommunication (PTCL), the national telecoms operator, is illustrative in this regard.

After painting the highly profitable corporation as an inefficient, incompetent, out-of-date behemoth, the government sold off a 26 per cent stake (along with full management control) to Dubai-based Etisalat for $2.6 billion. Yet at the time of its privatisation, PTCL was technologically one of the strongest telecoms players in South Asia with a number of technology firsts in the region. Financially, the company had just posted annual revenues of $1.4 billion with a net profit of $452m.

Within four years of its privatisation, thanks to the incoming, highly inexperienced management, the company’s market value had declined by 75 per cent – resulting in a loss of around $3 billion for the Pakistan government (the majority shareholder). On top of that, Etisalat today still owes the government more than $800m (from the acquisition price), which would be twice the value now. Ironically, rather than recovering this amount, the government is now asking for loans from the UAE.

PTCL’s privatisation not only destroyed a treasure trove of technological capabilities that the enterprise had nurtured over decades, but it also deprived Pakistan of a chance to turn a national champion into a regional, South Asian one.

Energy sector and competition

The privatisation of Pakistan’s energy sector has single-handedly crippled the entire economy. It illustrates the importance of ensuring the new entity competes fairly to earn a profit.

From 1994 onwards, investors were invited to set up power plants in exchange for a guaranteed US dollar-based internal rate of return of 15–18 per cent. This was further backed by sovereign guarantees from the government of Pakistan (which meant an extremely high return with zero risk and zero competition).

The plants were reimbursed for all the fixed costs of the power plant including debt servicing and handed the highly lucrative equity return on top. These payments were to be made irrespective of whether or not the independent power producer was asked to produce electricity. Plus, the investors were reimbursed for all variable costs of production, regardless of the type of fuel used and its market price.

The privatisation landed Pakistan in a vicious debt cycle. Energy prices have only gone up, which is unsurprising given the independent power producers face no competition. The state has been unable to keep up with the exorbitant bills it is presented with by investors and has had to start borrowing in international and domestic markets to honour the contracts. As well as racking up huge debts, Pakistan has suffered from severe and prolonged power outages.

Banks and profitability

The third lesson comes from the privatisation of Pakistan’s banks. They became more profitable after privatisation in the early 2000s. But a closer look at their performance once privatised shows that much of this profitability came from lending to the government. Lending to the private sector actually declined. This shows the importance of not privatising when a state-owned enterprise can do the same job more cheaply.

There is little point having private banks if all they do is lend to the government, which could easily own those banks and lend to itself without having to factor in an equity return. The allocation of credit to different sectors of the economy did not improve either. Manufacturing, agriculture, and small businesses – the sectors which were supposed to benefit from privatisation – continued to be deprived of credit.

But, consistent with the general history of privatisation in Pakistan, banking privatisation was great for the new owners. Many got bargain basement deals – while doing little for the cause of national economic development.

Above all, the government should realise that in the absence of broader national development policy, privatisations are not going to yield the desired benefits. Before contemplating any sell-off, the government needs to first figure out the roles it needs various institutions to play and devise appropriate regulatory and monitoring frameworks.

Goals such as maximising the value of an enterprise before its sale or enhancing its profitability should be supplanted by aims that are in line with a larger development plan. In order to avoid the mistakes of previous governments, longer-term goals must be prioritised.

(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/pakistans-privatisation-dilemma-as-it-seeks-imf-bailout-109092">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL) 
&nbsp;

By Kamal Munir Reluctantly seeking an IMF bailout for its balance-of-payments crisis, Imran Khan’s nascent government in Pakistan has already devalued its currency, hiked utility rates and imposed new taxes in an effort to be “ready” for IMF reforms.

By Kamal Munir Reluctantly seeking an IMF bailout for its balance-of-payments crisis, Imran Khan’s nascent government in Pakistan has already devalued its currency, hiked utility rates and imposed new taxes in an effort to be “ready” for IMF reforms. As if these measures were not enough to make the government sufficiently unpopular, it now faces demands to immediately privatise large loss-making state-owned enterprises. For a few reasons, the government has so far been reluctant to sell these off. Two reasons stand out in particular. First, selling of these state-owned enterprises is likely to generate significant unemployment. Politically speaking, this would be a highly unpopular move, as Khan’s new government promised to create millions of jobs within five years. Second, given the outstanding debts of Pakistan’s state-owned enterprises, there will be few takers unless the government clears up the balance sheets first. Whichever course the government takes, it would be foolish to ignore the lessons from Pakistan’s troubled history of previous privatisations – three spring to mind. Telecoms and homegrown talent First, do not sell a state-owned enterprise because you are getting a good price. The 2005 privatisation of Pakistan Telecommunication (PTCL), the national telecoms operator, is illustrative in this regard. After painting the highly profitable corporation as an inefficient, incompetent, out-of-date behemoth, the government sold off a 26 per cent stake (along with full management control) to Dubai-based Etisalat for $2.6 billion. Yet at the time of its privatisation, PTCL was technologically one of the strongest telecoms players in South Asia with a number of technology firsts in the region. Financially, the company had just posted annual revenues of $1.4 billion with a net profit of $452m. Within four years of its privatisation, thanks to the incoming, highly inexperienced management, the company’s market value had declined by 75 per cent – resulting in a loss of around $3 billion for the Pakistan government (the majority shareholder). On top of that, Etisalat today still owes the government more than $800m (from the acquisition price), which would be twice the value now. Ironically, rather than recovering this amount, the government is now asking for loans from the UAE. PTCL’s privatisation not only destroyed a treasure trove of technological capabilities that the enterprise had nurtured over decades, but it also deprived Pakistan of a chance to turn a national champion into a regional, South Asian one. Energy sector and competition The privatisation of Pakistan’s energy sector has single-handedly crippled the entire economy. It illustrates the importance of ensuring the new entity competes fairly to earn a profit. From 1994 onwards, investors were invited to set up power plants in exchange for a guaranteed US dollar-based internal rate of return of 15–18 per cent. This was further backed by sovereign guarantees from the government of Pakistan (which meant an extremely high return with zero risk and zero competition). The plants were reimbursed for all the fixed costs of the power plant including debt servicing and handed the highly lucrative equity return on top. These payments were to be made irrespective of whether or not the independent power producer was asked to produce electricity. Plus, the investors were reimbursed for all variable costs of production, regardless of the type of fuel used and its market price. The privatisation landed Pakistan in a vicious debt cycle. Energy prices have only gone up, which is unsurprising given the independent power producers face no competition. The state has been unable to keep up with the exorbitant bills it is presented with by investors and has had to start borrowing in international and domestic markets to honour the contracts. As well as racking up huge debts, Pakistan has suffered from severe and prolonged power outages. Banks and profitability The third lesson comes from the privatisation of Pakistan’s banks. They became more profitable after privatisation in the early 2000s. But a closer look at their performance once privatised shows that much of this profitability came from lending to the government. Lending to the private sector actually declined. This shows the importance of not privatising when a state-owned enterprise can do the same job more cheaply. There is little point having private banks if all they do is lend to the government, which could easily own those banks and lend to itself without having to factor in an equity return. The allocation of credit to different sectors of the economy did not improve either. Manufacturing, agriculture, and small businesses – the sectors which were supposed to benefit from privatisation – continued to be deprived of credit. But, consistent with the general history of privatisation in Pakistan, banking privatisation was great for the new owners. Many got bargain basement deals – while doing little for the cause of national economic development. Above all, the government should realise that in the absence of broader national development policy, privatisations are not going to yield the desired benefits. Before contemplating any sell-off, the government needs to first figure out the roles it needs various institutions to play and devise appropriate regulatory and monitoring frameworks. Goals such as maximising the value of an enterprise before its sale or enhancing its profitability should be supplanted by aims that are in line with a larger development plan. In order to avoid the mistakes of previous governments, longer-term goals must be prioritised. (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Pakistan’s privatisation dilemma as it seeks IMF bailout

Pakistan on Thursday issued the revised lists of goods, technologies and equipment related to nuclear and biological weapons that needed official permission for exports.

The list was issued under the Export Control Act of 2004, which enables the government to control export, re-export, trans-shipment and transit of goods, technologies, material and equipment related to nuclear and biological weapons and their delivery systems, the Foreign Office said in a statement.

"Pursuant to the export control on goods, technologies, material and equipment related to Nuclear and Biological Weapons and their Delivery systems Act 2004, the Government of Pakistan has notified revised control lists of goods, technologies, material and equipment that are subject to SECDIV license for export,"&nbsp;the statement said.

The FO also said that as part of regular review process, the Strategic Export Control Division (SECDIV) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs revised and updated the control lists, in consultation with other relevant ministries and departments.

The lists were originally notified in 2005 and subsequently revised in 2011, 2015 and 2016.

The FO said the revised control lists were harmonised with the standards and lists of international export control regimes ie The Nuclear Suppliers Group, the Missile Technology Control Regimes and the Australia Group.

It incorporates the latest changes and updates made by these export control regimes.

The notification signifies the continuing resolve and policy of Pakistan as a responsible nuclear state to advance the shared goals of non-proliferation and strictly adhere to its commitments, the FO said.&nbsp;

Pakistan on Thursday issued the revised lists of goods, technologies and equipment related to nuclear and biological weapons that needed official permission for exports.

Pakistan on Thursday issued the revised lists of goods, technologies and equipment related to nuclear and biological weapons that needed official permission for exports. The list was issued under the Export Control Act of 2004, which enables the government to control export, re-export, trans-shipment and transit of goods, technologies, material and equipment related to nuclear and biological weapons and their delivery systems, the Foreign Office said in a statement. "Pursuant to the export control on goods, technologies, material and equipment related to Nuclear and Biological Weapons and their Delivery systems Act 2004, the Government of Pakistan has notified revised control lists of goods, technologies, material and equipment that are subject to SECDIV license for export," the statement said. The FO also said that as part of regular review process, the Strategic Export Control Division (SECDIV) of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs revised and updated the control lists, in consultation with other relevant ministries and departments. The lists were originally notified in 2005 and subsequently revised in 2011, 2015 and 2016. The FO said the revised control lists were harmonised with the standards and lists of international export control regimes ie The Nuclear Suppliers Group, the Missile Technology Control Regimes and the Australia Group. It incorporates the latest changes and updates made by these export control regimes. The notification signifies the continuing resolve and policy of Pakistan as a responsible nuclear state to advance the shared goals of non-proliferation and strictly adhere to its commitments, the FO said.

Pakistan issues export control list of goods, technologies related to nuclear, biological weapons

A lawmaker from the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) on Thursday filed a plea before the Election Commission, seeking disqualification of former president Asif Ali Zardari for allegedly concealing his assets in the nomination papers filed for elections in July 2018.&nbsp;

The plea filed by PTI lawmaker from Sindh Khurram Sherzaman said that Zardari owned an apartment in Belaire Condominiums in New York but did not declare it in his nomination papers filed for the 2018 general elections.

Zardari was elected as a member of the National Assembly from Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), which is in power in Sindh province.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;"Asif Ali Zardari under the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and Rules of the Election Commission of Pakistan should be disqualified from holding public office under Article 62 (1)(f), as in my opinion he ceases to be truthful and sagacious,"&nbsp;the PTI lawmaker wrote in the application.

The application to disqualify Zardari was filed a day after Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry said that government will move against the former president for allegedly hiding foreign assets.

A lawmaker from the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) on Thursday filed a plea before the Election Commission, seeking disqualification of former president Asif Ali Zardari for allegedly concealing his assets in the nomination papers filed for elections in July 2018.

A lawmaker from the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI) on Thursday filed a plea before the Election Commission, seeking disqualification of former president Asif Ali Zardari for allegedly concealing his assets in the nomination papers filed for elections in July 2018. The plea filed by PTI lawmaker from Sindh Khurram Sherzaman said that Zardari owned an apartment in Belaire Condominiums in New York but did not declare it in his nomination papers filed for the 2018 general elections. Zardari was elected as a member of the National Assembly from Pakistan Peoples Party (PPP), which is in power in Sindh province. "Asif Ali Zardari under the Constitution of the Islamic Republic of Pakistan and Rules of the Election Commission of Pakistan should be disqualified from holding public office under Article 62 (1)(f), as in my opinion he ceases to be truthful and sagacious," the PTI lawmaker wrote in the application. The application to disqualify Zardari was filed a day after Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry said that government will move against the former president for allegedly hiding foreign assets.

Disqualification plea against Zardari for 'concealing' assets in nomination papers

Reacting sharply to Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's comments on the death of seven civilians in Kashmir's Pulwama, India Thursday said Islamabad should mind its own affairs which are in a "mess" instead of interfering in a neighbouring country.&nbsp;

"I think it will be better if they mind their own business and look at the internal affairs which are in a mess," External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said during a media briefing when asked about Khan's remarks.

He said Pakistan has taken no action against terror groups operating from its soil and statements coming from its side demonstrate its "insincerity and duplicity".&nbsp;

On Sunday, Khan condemned the death of seven civilians in Kashmir's Pulwama and threatened to raise the issue at the UN.

Seven civilians died Saturday when security forces opened fire at an unruly mob that had gathered at the site of an encounter in south Kashmir's Pulwama district.

Kumar said Pakistan must take action against terror groups operating from its soil instead of commenting on India's internal affairs.

"The statements coming from that side demonstrate their insincerity and duplicity.&nbsp;

"We have been demanding that stop allowing your territory to be used for terror groups and terrorists who are operating from your soil. No action is being taken against them," he said.&nbsp;

Reacting sharply to Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's comments on the death of seven civilians in Kashmir's Pulwama, India Thursday said Islamabad should mind its own affairs which are in a "mess" instead of interfering in a neighbouring country.

Reacting sharply to Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's comments on the death of seven civilians in Kashmir's Pulwama, India Thursday said Islamabad should mind its own affairs which are in a "mess" instead of interfering in a neighbouring country. "I think it will be better if they mind their own business and look at the internal affairs which are in a mess," External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said during a media briefing when asked about Khan's remarks. He said Pakistan has taken no action against terror groups operating from its soil and statements coming from its side demonstrate its "insincerity and duplicity". On Sunday, Khan condemned the death of seven civilians in Kashmir's Pulwama and threatened to raise the issue at the UN. Seven civilians died Saturday when security forces opened fire at an unruly mob that had gathered at the site of an encounter in south Kashmir's Pulwama district. Kumar said Pakistan must take action against terror groups operating from its soil instead of commenting on India's internal affairs. "The statements coming from that side demonstrate their insincerity and duplicity. "We have been demanding that stop allowing your territory to be used for terror groups and terrorists who are operating from your soil. No action is being taken against them," he said.

Pakistan should mind its own business: India on Imran Khan's comment on Pulwama deaths

Sonu Nigam's comments on Anu Malik at a recent media event hasn't gone down well with singer Sona Mohapatra.

At a recent event, Sonu said that it was not right to blame Anu Malik of sexual misconduct without any proof. "If you say, `Anu Malik met me this morning`, that`s fine. You accused him without any proof; let`s accept that too. Had he (Anu Malik) wanted to say anything, he could have said a lot. But he did not," said the singer.&nbsp; 
 
"If I say that you misbehaved with me, you will ask me for proof. But there`s no proof, right? Despite that, people are respecting the accusers, who are tarnishing Anu Malik`s name. But how can you ban him? How can you snatch his bread and butter? How can you torture his family?" argued Sonu. 
 
Hitting back at Sonu, Sona Mohapatra tweeted, "So much sympathy for a millionaire losing work? So much empathy for his privileged family being `tortured`? How about scores of girls and women he tortured? Multiple testimonies, not proof enough?"

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
&amp; so much sympathy for a millionaire losing work? So much empathy for his privileged family being ‘tortured’?How about the scores of girls &amp; women he tortured?Multiple testimonies not proof enough? <a href="https://twitter.com/IndiaMeToo?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@IndiaMeToo</a> <a href="https://t.co/Yxuh9obMbO">https://t.co/Yxuh9obMbO</a>
— SONA (@sonamohapatra) <a href="https://twitter.com/sonamohapatra/status/1075316402481963008?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"Not 1 but possibly 100 plus women and men can attest to Anu Malik`s deplorable abusive behaviour. I guess Mr. Sonu Nigam expects all these women/underage girls to - a)strap recording devices b) carry spy cams, other proof-gathering devices because they have much to benefit defaming him?"

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Also said - 1)Not 1 but possibly 💯+ women &amp; MEN can attest to Anu Malik’s deplorable abusive behaviour. 
2)Mr. Sonu Nigam expects all these women/underage girls to - a)strap recording devices b)carry spy cams,other proof gathering devices cus they have much benefit defaming him? <a href="https://t.co/Yxuh9obMbO">https://t.co/Yxuh9obMbO</a>
— SONA (@sonamohapatra) <a href="https://twitter.com/sonamohapatra/status/1075316244696457217?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Now, in a statement on Thursday, the singer said, "The respectable lady vomiting on Twitter, is the wife of someone who I consider very close to me, so although she's has forgotten the relationship, I'd like to maintain the decorum."

<iframe allow="encrypted-media" allowtransparency="true" frameborder="0" height="293" scrolling="no" src="https://www.facebook.com/plugins/post.php?href=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2FSonuNigamSpace%2Fposts%2F10156747963576341&amp;width=500" style="border:none;overflow:hidden" width="500"></iframe>

Nigam said women with courage shaming their oppressors is a "refreshing" change.

"Only an animal will not support #MeToo movement. Women with frankness and courage, shaming their oppressors, is a refreshing sign of changing times.&nbsp; 
 
"Women have been long oppressed throughout the course of history and it's high time to end this Tribal mindset of treating them like properties or trophies, and now they walk hand in hand and shoulder to shoulder with men," he added.&nbsp; 
 
Malik has repeatedly denied all the allegations. His lawyer had even stated at the time that the #MeToo movement was being used for his client's "character assassination".&nbsp; 
Following the allegations, the music composer stepped down as a jury member from 'Indian Idol', a singing reality show of which he was part since its inception in 2004. 
Mohapatra was quick to hit back at Nigam. 
 
"So, now, my identity has become 'wife'. Not only does your reporter refer to me as that, so does the defender of a serial sexual predator. Big hurray for the boys club &amp; big hurrah to patriarchy, not," she wrote while tagging news report on the matter.

Sonu Nigam's comments on Anu Malik at a recent media event hasn't gone down well with singer Sona Mohapatra. At a recent event, Sonu said that it was not right to blame Anu Malik of sexual misconduct without any proof.

Sonu Nigam's comments on Anu Malik at a recent media event hasn't gone down well with singer Sona Mohapatra. At a recent event, Sonu said that it was not right to blame Anu Malik of sexual misconduct without any proof. "If you say, `Anu Malik met me this morning`, that`s fine. You accused him without any proof; let`s accept that too. Had he (Anu Malik) wanted to say anything, he could have said a lot. But he did not," said the singer. "If I say that you misbehaved with me, you will ask me for proof. But there`s no proof, right? Despite that, people are respecting the accusers, who are tarnishing Anu Malik`s name. But how can you ban him? How can you snatch his bread and butter? How can you torture his family?" argued Sonu. Hitting back at Sonu, Sona Mohapatra tweeted, "So much sympathy for a millionaire losing work? So much empathy for his privileged family being `tortured`? How about scores of girls and women he tortured? Multiple testimonies, not proof enough?" & so much sympathy for a millionaire losing work? So much empathy for his privileged family being ‘tortured’?How about the scores of girls & women he tortured?Multiple testimonies not proof enough? @IndiaMeToo https://t.co/Yxuh9obMbO — SONA (@sonamohapatra) December 19, 2018 × "Not 1 but possibly 100 plus women and men can attest to Anu Malik`s deplorable abusive behaviour. I guess Mr. Sonu Nigam expects all these women/underage girls to - a)strap recording devices b) carry spy cams, other proof-gathering devices because they have much to benefit defaming him?" Also said - 1)Not 1 but possibly 💯+ women & MEN can attest to Anu Malik’s deplorable abusive behaviour. 2)Mr. Sonu Nigam expects all these women/underage girls to - a)strap recording devices b)carry spy cams,other proof gathering devices cus they have much benefit defaming him? https://t.co/Yxuh9obMbO — SONA (@sonamohapatra) December 19, 2018 × Now, in a statement on Thursday, the singer said, "The respectable lady vomiting on Twitter, is the wife of someone who I consider very close to me, so although she's has forgotten the relationship, I'd like to maintain the decorum." Nigam said women with courage shaming their oppressors is a "refreshing" change. "Only an animal will not support #MeToo movement. Women with frankness and courage, shaming their oppressors, is a refreshing sign of changing times. "Women have been long oppressed throughout the course of history and it's high time to end this Tribal mindset of treating them like properties or trophies, and now they walk hand in hand and shoulder to shoulder with men," he added. Malik has repeatedly denied all the allegations. His lawyer had even stated at the time that the #MeToo movement was being used for his client's "character assassination". Following the allegations, the music composer stepped down as a jury member from 'Indian Idol', a singing reality show of which he was part since its inception in 2004. Mohapatra was quick to hit back at Nigam. "So, now, my identity has become 'wife'. Not only does your reporter refer to me as that, so does the defender of a serial sexual predator. Big hurray for the boys club & big hurrah to patriarchy, not," she wrote while tagging news report on the matter.

Me Too: Sona Mohapatra lashes out at Sonu Nigam for speaking in defence of Anu Malik

Hamid Nihal Ansari, who returned to India on Tuesday after six years in jails in Pakistan, told WION&nbsp;on Wednesday that his message to the governments of Inda and Pakistan is that: "Humanity is bigger than any religion".&nbsp;

He added that "all religions teach humanity". And that the two governments should therefore both work towards freeing the innoncent prisoners languishing in each others jails.&nbsp;

Hamid had crossed over into Pakistan from Afghanistan in 2012, reportedly to meet a girl he had befriended online. He had in time been sentenced to three years in jail for travelling on a fake passport.&nbsp;

Hamid is a software engineer from Mumbai.&nbsp;

He had had <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/hamid-nihal-ansari-in-jail-in-pak-for-6-years-crosses-back-over-into-india-185105">a tearful reunion with his family</a> on Tuesday at the Wagah border in Punjab.&nbsp;

WION had asked him what it had felt like to see his mother after six long years.&nbsp;

"That's an emotional thing," he had answered. "Cannot express it in words."&nbsp;

But he did, saying that "as soon as the gates opened... I saw my parents, my brother..."&nbsp;

Hamid said he broke down when he realised that "my mom is here".&nbsp;

"I'll break all barriers... I want to reach you," Hamid added.&nbsp;

Hamid and his mother Fauzia had earlier in the day also had an emotional meeting with India's External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj.&nbsp;

"Mera Bharat mahaan, meri madam mahaan, sab madam ne hi kiya hai," Hamid's mother had told Swaraj.&nbsp;

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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a> Indian National Hamid Ansari who came to India after being released from a Pakistan jail yesterday, meets External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj in Delhi. His mother tells EAM "Mera Bharat mahaan, meri madam mahaan, sab madam ne hi kiya hai." <a href="https://t.co/FQEzz99Ohm">pic.twitter.com/FQEzz99Ohm</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1075276364167700480?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">December 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Hamid said "madam" had "hugged me like a child".&nbsp;

He added that she said "Beta waapis aa gaya hai. Mubarak ho."&nbsp;

Hamid Nihal Ansari, who returned to India on Tuesday after six years in jails in Pakistan, told WION on Wednesday that his message to the governments of Inda and Pakistan is that: "Humanity is bigger than any religion".

Hamid Nihal Ansari, who returned to India on Tuesday after six years in jails in Pakistan, told WION on Wednesday that his message to the governments of Inda and Pakistan is that: "Humanity is bigger than any religion". He added that "all religions teach humanity". And that the two governments should therefore both work towards freeing the innoncent prisoners languishing in each others jails. Hamid had crossed over into Pakistan from Afghanistan in 2012, reportedly to meet a girl he had befriended online. He had in time been sentenced to three years in jail for travelling on a fake passport. Hamid is a software engineer from Mumbai. He had had a tearful reunion with his family on Tuesday at the Wagah border in Punjab. WION had asked him what it had felt like to see his mother after six long years. "That's an emotional thing," he had answered. "Cannot express it in words." But he did, saying that "as soon as the gates opened... I saw my parents, my brother..." Hamid said he broke down when he realised that "my mom is here". "I'll break all barriers... I want to reach you," Hamid added. Hamid and his mother Fauzia had earlier in the day also had an emotional meeting with India's External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj. "Mera Bharat mahaan, meri madam mahaan, sab madam ne hi kiya hai," Hamid's mother had told Swaraj. #WATCH Indian National Hamid Ansari who came to India after being released from a Pakistan jail yesterday, meets External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj in Delhi. His mother tells EAM "Mera Bharat mahaan, meri madam mahaan, sab madam ne hi kiya hai." pic.twitter.com/FQEzz99Ohm — ANI (@ANI) December 19, 2018 × Hamid said "madam" had "hugged me like a child". He added that she said "Beta waapis aa gaya hai. Mubarak ho."

Message to India, Pak govts is 'humanity is bigger than any religion': Hamid Nihal Ansari to WION

The United Arab Emirates said on Wednesday that reconciliation talks it hosted between the United States and Taliban officials from Afghanistan produced tangible and positive results.

The two days of meetings aimed at ending Afghanistan's 17-year conflict were held in Abu Dhabi, with the attendance of Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.The "US-Taliban reconciliation talks" produced "tangible results that are positive for all parties concerned", state-run WAM news agency said.

A new round of talks would be held in Abu Dhabi "to complete the Afghanistan reconciliation process," WAM said without providing further details.

The meetings are the latest in a flurry of diplomatic efforts as Washington seeks a way out of the Afghan conflict, which began with the US invasion in 2001.

US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad said he had "productive" meetings in the UAE with Afghan and international partners "to promote intra-Afghan dialogue towards ending the conflict".

Khalilzad tweeted that he met with Pakistani officials on Wednesday to brief them, before plans to travel onwards to meet Afghan leaders in Kabul.

An Afghan negotiating team travelled to Abu Dhabi for "proximity dialogue" with the Taliban in preparation for face-to-face meetings, presidential spokesman Haroon Chakhansuri said Tuesday.

The Taliban has not confirmed meeting Afghan officials, saying Tuesday they had held "preliminary talks" with the US envoy.

They also said they had held "extensive" meetings with officials from Pakistan and Saudi Arabia and the UAE, repeating demands for international forces to be withdrawn from Afghanistan.

Those three countries were the only ones to recognise the Taliban government during its five-year rule from 1996.&nbsp;

The United Arab Emirates said on Wednesday that reconciliation talks it hosted between the United States and Taliban officials from Afghanistan produced tangible and positive results.

The United Arab Emirates said on Wednesday that reconciliation talks it hosted between the United States and Taliban officials from Afghanistan produced tangible and positive results. The two days of meetings aimed at ending Afghanistan's 17-year conflict were held in Abu Dhabi, with the attendance of Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.The "US-Taliban reconciliation talks" produced "tangible results that are positive for all parties concerned", state-run WAM news agency said. A new round of talks would be held in Abu Dhabi "to complete the Afghanistan reconciliation process," WAM said without providing further details. The meetings are the latest in a flurry of diplomatic efforts as Washington seeks a way out of the Afghan conflict, which began with the US invasion in 2001. US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad said he had "productive" meetings in the UAE with Afghan and international partners "to promote intra-Afghan dialogue towards ending the conflict". Khalilzad tweeted that he met with Pakistani officials on Wednesday to brief them, before plans to travel onwards to meet Afghan leaders in Kabul. An Afghan negotiating team travelled to Abu Dhabi for "proximity dialogue" with the Taliban in preparation for face-to-face meetings, presidential spokesman Haroon Chakhansuri said Tuesday. The Taliban has not confirmed meeting Afghan officials, saying Tuesday they had held "preliminary talks" with the US envoy. They also said they had held "extensive" meetings with officials from Pakistan and Saudi Arabia and the UAE, repeating demands for international forces to be withdrawn from Afghanistan. Those three countries were the only ones to recognise the Taliban government during its five-year rule from 1996.

UAE says 'positive' results from US-Taliban talks

26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed pens column in Pak newspaper

The Pakistani province of Punjab will be celebrating Basant in the second week of February next year, as the Punjab government here has given permission to celebrate the festival.

The festival was banned by the Supreme Court in 2005.

"This historical cultural festival of Lahore will be revived, and InshaAllah we will celebrate Basant in the second week of February," The News International quoted Punjab's Minister for Information and Culture Fayyazul Hassan Chohan as saying.

The ban was imposed after citizens lost their lives across the province due to recurring mishaps during the festival including the sharp strings which slit the throats of the victims, the death of civilians due to celebratory gunshots being fired and fatal falls from rooftops.

The festivities will be strictly monitored to prevent the mishaps from occurring when the festival is revived next year.

The Pakistani province of Punjab will be celebrating Basant in the second week of February next year, as the Punjab government here has given permission to celebrate the festival.

The Pakistani province of Punjab will be celebrating Basant in the second week of February next year, as the Punjab government here has given permission to celebrate the festival. The festival was banned by the Supreme Court in 2005. "This historical cultural festival of Lahore will be revived, and InshaAllah we will celebrate Basant in the second week of February," The News International quoted Punjab's Minister for Information and Culture Fayyazul Hassan Chohan as saying. The ban was imposed after citizens lost their lives across the province due to recurring mishaps during the festival including the sharp strings which slit the throats of the victims, the death of civilians due to celebratory gunshots being fired and fatal falls from rooftops. The festivities will be strictly monitored to prevent the mishaps from occurring when the festival is revived next year.

Pakistan lifts ban from Basant festival

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/videos/pakistan-jail-sets-free-hamid-ansari-after-6-years-185086">Hamid Nehal Ansari</a>, who was, who was released on Tuesday from Mardan Central Jail of Pakistan, met with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Wednesday in New Delhi.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/hamid-nihal-ansaris-emotional-homecoming-kisses-indian-soil-hugs-and-consoles-teary-eyed-mother-185173">Ansari reached Delhi</a> early morning the same day. He told reports upon landing that he is very happy to be back home.

Having been detained and imprisoned in Pakistan for a total of six years over charges of espionage, 33-year-old Mumbai-based Hamid Ansari returned to India on Tuesday.

A former teacher at the Mumbai Management College, Ansari went to Pakistan in 2012 to meet a woman whom he had befriended through social media.&nbsp;

Ansari went missing after he was apprehended by the Pakistan intelligence agencies and local police from Kohat district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan in November 2012.

He was awarded a three-year imprisonment sentence by a military court in December 2015 after being slapped with charges of espionage and involvement in anti-state activities.

The court gave the verdict after Pakistan`s Ministry of Interior appraised that Ansari will be repatriated to India after completion of his prison term on December 15.

Pakistani security agencies had claimed that Hamid had used fake identity card in the name of "Hamza" and had entered Pakistan through Afghanistan without travel documents.

(With inputs from ANI)

Hamid Nehal Ansari, who was, who was released on Tuesday from Mardan Central Jail of Pakistan, met with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Wednesday in New Delhi.

Hamid Nehal Ansari, who was, who was released on Tuesday from Mardan Central Jail of Pakistan, met with External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj on Wednesday in New Delhi. Ansari reached Delhi early morning the same day. He told reports upon landing that he is very happy to be back home. Having been detained and imprisoned in Pakistan for a total of six years over charges of espionage, 33-year-old Mumbai-based Hamid Ansari returned to India on Tuesday. A former teacher at the Mumbai Management College, Ansari went to Pakistan in 2012 to meet a woman whom he had befriended through social media. Ansari went missing after he was apprehended by the Pakistan intelligence agencies and local police from Kohat district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province of Pakistan in November 2012. He was awarded a three-year imprisonment sentence by a military court in December 2015 after being slapped with charges of espionage and involvement in anti-state activities. The court gave the verdict after Pakistan`s Ministry of Interior appraised that Ansari will be repatriated to India after completion of his prison term on December 15. Pakistani security agencies had claimed that Hamid had used fake identity card in the name of "Hamza" and had entered Pakistan through Afghanistan without travel documents. (With inputs from ANI)

Video: Day after release from Pak prison, Hamid Ansari meets Sushma Swaraj in New Delhi

Hamid Nehal Ansari's emotional homecoming; family hopes for a fresh start

WION Your Story: Hamid Nehal Ansari's emotional homecoming; kisses ground at Wagah border

Watch: WION Dispatch, 18th December, 2018

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