Prime Minister Imran Khan Thursday conceded that it was not in the interest of Pakistan to allow its territories to be used for terror activities in other countries and said he was ready to hold talks with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi to bring peace between the two neighbours.

Khan's remarks came a day after External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj categorically ruled out the possibility of holding talks with Pakistan unless it stops cross-border terror activities in India.

Referring to his call for improving ties with India, Khan at the same time said the one-sided initiative will not last long and that Pakistan was willing to wait for reciprocity from India till general elections are held there.

"It is not in our interest to allow use of Pakistan's territory for terror outside our country," Khan, who completed 100 days in office Thursday, told a group of Indian journalists.&nbsp;

After a spate of terror attacks by Pakistan-based terror groups including on the Pathankot air force base, India refused to engage with Pakistan till it contains cross-border terrorism.

Khan said that people in Pakistan want peace with India and he will be happy to meet Modi and talk to him on any issue, adding the mindset of Pakistani people have changed and they want peace.

"I am ready for talks on any issue. There can't be a military solution for Kashmir," he said, adding "nothing is impossible" when asked whether it is possible to resolve the vexed Kashmir issue.

Asked whether his government will take action against India's 'Most Wanted' terrorist Dawood Ibrahim, Khan evaded a direct reply saying, "We can't live in the past. We should leave behind the past and look forward. We also have a list of wanted people in India."

On whether Pakistan will show some "grand gesture" like taking action against Mumbai attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed to make the ground for normalisation of relations with India, Khan skipped a direct response, but suggested that India's response to peace overtures was important for any possible grand gesture.

"There are UN sanctions against Hafiz Saeed and his organisation. The sanctions are severe. There is already a clampdown on him," he said.&nbsp; 
Saeed's Jamat-ud Dawah (JuD) was declared as a foreign terrorist organisation by the US in June 2014. The group is a front for the Lashkar-e-Taiba terror outfit.

Saeed is the co-founder of the Lashkar-e-Taiba, which was responsible for the attacks in which 166 people were killed in November 2008. He was put under house arrest after the 26/11 attack, but was freed by a court in 2009.

On trail of the 26/11 accused, Khan said he inherited the issue and that the case is sub judice.

"I canot take responsibility for the past," he said.

Elaborating on the Kashmir issue, Khan said, "India should look at the Kashmir issue differently and not as a territorial issue. If nothing else, we want the government of India to o something for people of Kashmir."

On India taking objection to his mentioning of the Kashmir issue during his address at the ground-breaking ceremony of the Kartarpur Corridor on Wednesday, Khan said he was only trying to explain that a solution to the issue is not impossible if both sides sit together and talk.

The Pakistan Prime Minister emphasised that Kashmir was a major issue between the two countries and said even former prime minister Manmohan Singh few years back had commented that the Kashmir issue was holding both India and Pakistan back.

Khan also referred to meeting with Atal Bihari Vajpayee and quoted the former prime minister as saying that if the BJP had not lost 2004 elections, there was a possibility of resolution of the Kashmir issue.

"I said nothing is impossible. In that context, I mentioned Kashmir (at Kartarpur event)," said Khan.

"From the very first day I have been saying that we want to improve ties with India? Why would anyone be scared of dialogue," he said.

Prime Minister Imran Khan Thursday conceded that it was not in the interest of Pakistan to allow its territories to be used for terror activities in other countries and said he was ready to hold talks with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi to bring peace between the two neighbours.

Prime Minister Imran Khan Thursday conceded that it was not in the interest of Pakistan to allow its territories to be used for terror activities in other countries and said he was ready to hold talks with his Indian counterpart Narendra Modi to bring peace between the two neighbours. Khan's remarks came a day after External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj categorically ruled out the possibility of holding talks with Pakistan unless it stops cross-border terror activities in India. Referring to his call for improving ties with India, Khan at the same time said the one-sided initiative will not last long and that Pakistan was willing to wait for reciprocity from India till general elections are held there. "It is not in our interest to allow use of Pakistan's territory for terror outside our country," Khan, who completed 100 days in office Thursday, told a group of Indian journalists. After a spate of terror attacks by Pakistan-based terror groups including on the Pathankot air force base, India refused to engage with Pakistan till it contains cross-border terrorism. Khan said that people in Pakistan want peace with India and he will be happy to meet Modi and talk to him on any issue, adding the mindset of Pakistani people have changed and they want peace. "I am ready for talks on any issue. There can't be a military solution for Kashmir," he said, adding "nothing is impossible" when asked whether it is possible to resolve the vexed Kashmir issue. Asked whether his government will take action against India's 'Most Wanted' terrorist Dawood Ibrahim, Khan evaded a direct reply saying, "We can't live in the past. We should leave behind the past and look forward. We also have a list of wanted people in India." On whether Pakistan will show some "grand gesture" like taking action against Mumbai attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed to make the ground for normalisation of relations with India, Khan skipped a direct response, but suggested that India's response to peace overtures was important for any possible grand gesture. "There are UN sanctions against Hafiz Saeed and his organisation. The sanctions are severe. There is already a clampdown on him," he said. Saeed's Jamat-ud Dawah (JuD) was declared as a foreign terrorist organisation by the US in June 2014. The group is a front for the Lashkar-e-Taiba terror outfit. Saeed is the co-founder of the Lashkar-e-Taiba, which was responsible for the attacks in which 166 people were killed in November 2008. He was put under house arrest after the 26/11 attack, but was freed by a court in 2009. On trail of the 26/11 accused, Khan said he inherited the issue and that the case is sub judice. "I canot take responsibility for the past," he said. Elaborating on the Kashmir issue, Khan said, "India should look at the Kashmir issue differently and not as a territorial issue. If nothing else, we want the government of India to o something for people of Kashmir." On India taking objection to his mentioning of the Kashmir issue during his address at the ground-breaking ceremony of the Kartarpur Corridor on Wednesday, Khan said he was only trying to explain that a solution to the issue is not impossible if both sides sit together and talk. The Pakistan Prime Minister emphasised that Kashmir was a major issue between the two countries and said even former prime minister Manmohan Singh few years back had commented that the Kashmir issue was holding both India and Pakistan back. Khan also referred to meeting with Atal Bihari Vajpayee and quoted the former prime minister as saying that if the BJP had not lost 2004 elections, there was a possibility of resolution of the Kashmir issue. "I said nothing is impossible. In that context, I mentioned Kashmir (at Kartarpur event)," said Khan. "From the very first day I have been saying that we want to improve ties with India? Why would anyone be scared of dialogue," he said.

Not in our interest to allow territories to be used for terror activities in other countries: Khan

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/happy-to-meet-pm-modi-there-cant-be-a-military-solution-to-kashmir-imran-khan-at-media-interaction-180244">Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan</a>-led government unveiled their first 100 days performance report on Thursday at a ceremony arranged by Jinnah Convention Centre of Islamabad, Dawn News reported.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/us-suspended-3-billion-in-security-assistance-to-pakistan-in-2018-sources-180203">Khan's government</a> also vowed to pursue development in every field and also focus on economic growth throughout its tenure till 2023.

Prime minister addressed the ceremony and credited his wife, Bushra Bibi for keeping up with his tight schedule. He also mentioned that in his 100 days he only took one day off.

Khan also talked about corruption saying that they were seeking details of accounts through which money was laundered abroad.

Speaking about the government's performance Khan said the government was also devising a system to alleviate poverty in Pakistan. Also trying to introduce a uniform education curriculum across the country and also formed a task force to fix governments hospitals. He said that he made policies which could benefit the common man and same reason behind friendship with India as it will help increase trade between the two countries.

Shehzad Arbab, adviser to prime minister stated that the government till now have achieved 18 out of 13 34 targets and that work is underway for other 16 projects. He was also responsible for 100-day agenda and mentioned that the government worked mostly in six fields, including transformation of governance, strengthening the federation, revitalization of economic growth, uplift of agriculture and conserving water, revolutionizing of social service and ensuring national security.&nbsp;

Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi also addressed the gathering and said, "In last five years, there was no one to present Pakistan`s stance before the world." Talking about Pakistan's bilateral relations with India he said, ''Tensions with India are not hidden from anyone but our approach is people-centric and we need peace for people to prosper. We need peace in order to speed up the development of our country."

Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan-led government unveiled their first 100 days performance report on Thursday at a ceremony arranged by Jinnah Convention Centre of Islamabad, Dawn News reported.

Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan-led government unveiled their first 100 days performance report on Thursday at a ceremony arranged by Jinnah Convention Centre of Islamabad, Dawn News reported. Khan's government also vowed to pursue development in every field and also focus on economic growth throughout its tenure till 2023. Prime minister addressed the ceremony and credited his wife, Bushra Bibi for keeping up with his tight schedule. He also mentioned that in his 100 days he only took one day off. Khan also talked about corruption saying that they were seeking details of accounts through which money was laundered abroad. Speaking about the government's performance Khan said the government was also devising a system to alleviate poverty in Pakistan. Also trying to introduce a uniform education curriculum across the country and also formed a task force to fix governments hospitals. He said that he made policies which could benefit the common man and same reason behind friendship with India as it will help increase trade between the two countries. Shehzad Arbab, adviser to prime minister stated that the government till now have achieved 18 out of 13 34 targets and that work is underway for other 16 projects. He was also responsible for 100-day agenda and mentioned that the government worked mostly in six fields, including transformation of governance, strengthening the federation, revitalization of economic growth, uplift of agriculture and conserving water, revolutionizing of social service and ensuring national security. Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi also addressed the gathering and said, "In last five years, there was no one to present Pakistan`s stance before the world." Talking about Pakistan's bilateral relations with India he said, ''Tensions with India are not hidden from anyone but our approach is people-centric and we need peace for people to prosper. We need peace in order to speed up the development of our country."

Pak PM Imran Khan-led government unveils first 100-day performance report

Union Minister for Food Processing Industries Harsimrat Kaur Badal on Wednesday took a jibe at Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu and said that he seems to be getting more love and respect from Pakistan than India.

Badal`s statement comes after Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan during the groundbreaking ceremony of Kartarpur Corridor across the border said that Sidhu can also win elections in his country.

Reacting to the same, Badal told ANI, "He (Imran Khan) offered him (Navjot Singh Sidhu) to fight elections from Pakistan. He (Sidhu) seems to have more love and respect in Pakistan than what I noticed over here. He has some good relationships over there."

Earlier at the ceremony of the Kartarpur Corridor, Imran Khan said, "I heard there was a lot of criticism of Sidhu when he went back after my oath-taking ceremony. I don`t know what he was criticised for. He was just talking about peace and brotherhood. He can come and contest election here in Pakistan`s Punjab. He will win."

Badal further said it was an "emotional and a historic" moment for her to attend the ceremony.

"In last 48 hours, I have seen history and miracles taking place in front of my eye. There is so much joy on both sides (India and Pakistan). If the Berlin wall came down, if North and South Korea could settle their differences, if Germany and France can settle their differences, it`s time that our wall of hatred should come down too," she said.

Several dignitaries and ministers from both the countries attended the Kartarpur Corridor groundbreaking ceremony held in Lahore.

The Kartarpur route along the India-Pakistan border is three kilometres away from Gurdaspur, Punjab. Once opened, it would allow Sikh pilgrims a direct access to the historic gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur, Pakistan, where Guru Nanak died in 1539.

Union Minister for Food Processing Industries Harsimrat Kaur Badal on Wednesday took a jibe at Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu and said that he seems to be getting more love and respect from Pakistan than India.

Union Minister for Food Processing Industries Harsimrat Kaur Badal on Wednesday took a jibe at Congress leader Navjot Singh Sidhu and said that he seems to be getting more love and respect from Pakistan than India. Badal`s statement comes after Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan during the groundbreaking ceremony of Kartarpur Corridor across the border said that Sidhu can also win elections in his country. Reacting to the same, Badal told ANI, "He (Imran Khan) offered him (Navjot Singh Sidhu) to fight elections from Pakistan. He (Sidhu) seems to have more love and respect in Pakistan than what I noticed over here. He has some good relationships over there." Earlier at the ceremony of the Kartarpur Corridor, Imran Khan said, "I heard there was a lot of criticism of Sidhu when he went back after my oath-taking ceremony. I don`t know what he was criticised for. He was just talking about peace and brotherhood. He can come and contest election here in Pakistan`s Punjab. He will win." Badal further said it was an "emotional and a historic" moment for her to attend the ceremony. "In last 48 hours, I have seen history and miracles taking place in front of my eye. There is so much joy on both sides (India and Pakistan). If the Berlin wall came down, if North and South Korea could settle their differences, if Germany and France can settle their differences, it`s time that our wall of hatred should come down too," she said. Several dignitaries and ministers from both the countries attended the Kartarpur Corridor groundbreaking ceremony held in Lahore. The Kartarpur route along the India-Pakistan border is three kilometres away from Gurdaspur, Punjab. Once opened, it would allow Sikh pilgrims a direct access to the historic gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur, Pakistan, where Guru Nanak died in 1539.

More love and respect for Sidhu in Pakistan than in India: Harsimrat Kaur Badal

Pakistan's cabinet is all set to meet today to discuss the provisional status of Gilgit-Baltistan, a day after Prime Minister Imran Khan gave his nod to change the region`s status to that of an interim province in principle.

Gilgit-Baltistan, a part of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, has witnessed regular protests by activists over alleged human rights violations in the region. It is a part of what India refers to as Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) as Pakistan broke up its part of the annexed area into two parts - `Azad` Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan.

Giving provincial status to Gilgit-Baltistan will be taken as the annexation of what Pakistan calls `Azad` Kashmir - The decision will be in direct conflict with Pakistan`s earlier stance on the region, which they have termed as "free".

Earlier this month, a high-level reforms committee was established by Khan to look into the constitutional, administrative and governance reforms for Gilgit-Baltistan, as per directives issued by the Supreme Court of Pakistan.

The Prime Minister had, on Wednesday, asked for the recommendations of the reforms committee with regards to the legal status of the region to be presented in front of the Cabinet, while granting approval for the change in the status of Gilgit-Baltistan.

The high-level reforms committee was of the view that the region should be given provisional status and representation in the National Assembly and Senate.

Reports suggest three seats each have been proposed for GB in both houses of parliament besides representation in constitutional bodies.

During Thursday's meeting, which will be presided over by Khan, Ali Amin Gandapur, the Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan, would be presenting a summary of the recommendations put forth by the reforms committee, according to The Express Tribune.

Pakistan's cabinet is all set to meet today to discuss the provisional status of Gilgit-Baltistan, a day after Prime Minister Imran Khan gave his nod to change the region`s status to that of an interim province in principle.

Pakistan's cabinet is all set to meet today to discuss the provisional status of Gilgit-Baltistan, a day after Prime Minister Imran Khan gave his nod to change the region`s status to that of an interim province in principle. Gilgit-Baltistan, a part of the erstwhile state of Jammu and Kashmir, has witnessed regular protests by activists over alleged human rights violations in the region. It is a part of what India refers to as Pakistan occupied Kashmir (PoK) as Pakistan broke up its part of the annexed area into two parts - `Azad` Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan. Giving provincial status to Gilgit-Baltistan will be taken as the annexation of what Pakistan calls `Azad` Kashmir - The decision will be in direct conflict with Pakistan`s earlier stance on the region, which they have termed as "free". Earlier this month, a high-level reforms committee was established by Khan to look into the constitutional, administrative and governance reforms for Gilgit-Baltistan, as per directives issued by the Supreme Court of Pakistan. The Prime Minister had, on Wednesday, asked for the recommendations of the reforms committee with regards to the legal status of the region to be presented in front of the Cabinet, while granting approval for the change in the status of Gilgit-Baltistan. The high-level reforms committee was of the view that the region should be given provisional status and representation in the National Assembly and Senate. Reports suggest three seats each have been proposed for GB in both houses of parliament besides representation in constitutional bodies. During Thursday's meeting, which will be presided over by Khan, Ali Amin Gandapur, the Federal Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan, would be presenting a summary of the recommendations put forth by the reforms committee, according to The Express Tribune.

Pak Cabinet to mull over provisional status to Gilgit-Baltistan today

Watch: WION Gravitas, 28th November, 2018

Pakistan govt to soon declare Gilgit-Baltistan as it's interim province

WION Gravitas: Gilgit-Baltistan to become interim Pakistan province

Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday said that former cricketer-turned-politician Navjot Singh Sidhu is so popular in Pakistan that he can contest and win an election here.

Imran Khan was speaking on the occasion of foundation <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-updates-paks-imran-khan-to-lay-foundation-stone-for-kartarpur-corridor-today-179875">stone-laying ceremony of Kartarpur Corridor.</a>

"Sidhu can come and contest election here in Pakistan's Punjab, he'll win. I hope we don't have to wait for Sidhu to become Indian PM for everlasting friendship b/w our nations," said Imran Khan.

Imran himself performed the groundbreaking of the corridor connecting Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur area of Narowal district with Dera Baba Nanak in India's Gurdaspur District.

"The happiness I saw today was like of those Muslims who are standing 4 km away from Medina on another side of the border but are unable to visit it, but when they get chance to visit it, the happiness they get is the happiness they are relishing today," he said.

Navjot Singh Sidhu also recited poetry in praise of Pakistan PM Imran Khan at the ground-breaking ceremony of Kartarpur Corridor in Pakistan.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WATCH?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WATCH</a>: Navjot Singh Sidhu recites poetry in praise of Pakistan PM Imran Khan at the ground-breaking ceremony of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/KartarpurCorridor?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#KartarpurCorridor</a> in Pakistan. <a href="https://t.co/DJqXG8pa4j">pic.twitter.com/DJqXG8pa4j</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1067722598342115329?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Navjot Singh Sidhu along with Harsimrat Kaur Badal and Hardeep S Puri &nbsp;was India’s face on the ground and called Kartarpur a “corridor of infinite possibilities.”

Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday said that former cricketer-turned-politician Navjot Singh Sidhu is so popular in Pakistan that he can contest and win an election here.

Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan on Wednesday said that former cricketer-turned-politician Navjot Singh Sidhu is so popular in Pakistan that he can contest and win an election here. Imran Khan was speaking on the occasion of foundation stone-laying ceremony of Kartarpur Corridor. "Sidhu can come and contest election here in Pakistan's Punjab, he'll win. I hope we don't have to wait for Sidhu to become Indian PM for everlasting friendship b/w our nations," said Imran Khan. Imran himself performed the groundbreaking of the corridor connecting Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur area of Narowal district with Dera Baba Nanak in India's Gurdaspur District. "The happiness I saw today was like of those Muslims who are standing 4 km away from Medina on another side of the border but are unable to visit it, but when they get chance to visit it, the happiness they get is the happiness they are relishing today," he said. Navjot Singh Sidhu also recited poetry in praise of Pakistan PM Imran Khan at the ground-breaking ceremony of Kartarpur Corridor in Pakistan. #WATCH: Navjot Singh Sidhu recites poetry in praise of Pakistan PM Imran Khan at the ground-breaking ceremony of #KartarpurCorridor in Pakistan. pic.twitter.com/DJqXG8pa4j — ANI (@ANI) November 28, 2018 × Navjot Singh Sidhu along with Harsimrat Kaur Badal and Hardeep S Puri was India’s face on the ground and called Kartarpur a “corridor of infinite possibilities.”

Navjot Sidhu should contest election in Pakistan's Punjab, he will win surely, says Imran Khan

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has turned down Pakistan's invite to the SAARC summit which is to be held in Islamabad.&nbsp;

The announcement was made by India's External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj.&nbsp;

"We are not responding to it (Pakistan's invitation to Modi to the SAARC summit) positively because as I said unless and until Pakistan stops terror activities in India, there will be no dialogue. So we will not participate in SAARC," ANI quoted Swaraj as saying.&nbsp;

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EAM Sushma Swaraj: We are not responding to it( invitation by Pakistan for SAARC summit) positively because as I said unless and until Pakistan stops terror activities in India, there will be no dialogue, so we will not participate in SAARC <a href="https://t.co/ufb2H9UDuD">pic.twitter.com/ufb2H9UDuD</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1067686478627700736?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 28, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Swaraj had earlier said that India and Pakistan were not going to start talking just becuase they are in the process of opening the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/live-updates-paks-imran-khan-to-lay-foundation-stone-for-kartarpur-corridor-today-179875">Kartarpur Corridor</a>.&nbsp;

The foundation stone-laying ceremony fo the corridor is taking place today in Kartarpur, Pakistan.&nbsp;

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kartarpur-corridor-not-connected-with-dialogue-process-with-pak-sushma-swaraj-179919">Terror and talks cannot go together</a>, Swaraj said.&nbsp;

Pakistan Foreign Office spokesman Mohammad Faisal had on Tuesday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would be invited for the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) summit.&nbsp;

Addressing a press conference in Islamabad, Faisal recalled that Prime Minister Imran Khan had said in his victory speech that if India takes one step forward, Pakistan would take two.

The 2016 SAARC summit was also supposed to have been held in Islamabad.&nbsp;

But after a deadly terrorist attack on an Indian Army camp in Uri in Jammu and Kashmir in September that year, India expressed its inability to participate in the summit due to "prevailing circumstances".

The summit was called off after Bangladesh, Bhutan and Afghanistan also declined to participate in the Islamabad meet. Maldives and Sri Lanka are the seventh and eighth members of the initiative.&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has turned down Pakistan's invite to the SAARC summit which is to be held in Islamabad. The announcement was made by India's External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has turned down Pakistan's invite to the SAARC summit which is to be held in Islamabad. The announcement was made by India's External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj. "We are not responding to it (Pakistan's invitation to Modi to the SAARC summit) positively because as I said unless and until Pakistan stops terror activities in India, there will be no dialogue. So we will not participate in SAARC," ANI quoted Swaraj as saying. EAM Sushma Swaraj: We are not responding to it( invitation by Pakistan for SAARC summit) positively because as I said unless and until Pakistan stops terror activities in India, there will be no dialogue, so we will not participate in SAARC pic.twitter.com/ufb2H9UDuD — ANI (@ANI) November 28, 2018 × Swaraj had earlier said that India and Pakistan were not going to start talking just becuase they are in the process of opening the Kartarpur Corridor. The foundation stone-laying ceremony fo the corridor is taking place today in Kartarpur, Pakistan. Terror and talks cannot go together, Swaraj said. Pakistan Foreign Office spokesman Mohammad Faisal had on Tuesday said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi would be invited for the South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation (SAARC) summit. Addressing a press conference in Islamabad, Faisal recalled that Prime Minister Imran Khan had said in his victory speech that if India takes one step forward, Pakistan would take two. The 2016 SAARC summit was also supposed to have been held in Islamabad. But after a deadly terrorist attack on an Indian Army camp in Uri in Jammu and Kashmir in September that year, India expressed its inability to participate in the summit due to "prevailing circumstances". The summit was called off after Bangladesh, Bhutan and Afghanistan also declined to participate in the Islamabad meet. Maldives and Sri Lanka are the seventh and eighth members of the initiative. (With inputs from PTI)

Modi turns down Pakistan invite to SAARC summit

Pakistan is likely to pay off an International Monetary Fund bailout before its loans from China come due, easing concerns that IMF funds will be used to pay back Chinese creditors, the US Treasury`s top diplomat said on Tuesday.

David Malpass, the Treasury`s undersecretary for international affairs, told a US Senate Foreign Relations subcommittee hearing that the Trump administration was pushing for more transparency in Chinese lending, including to Pakistan.&nbsp;

Pakistan is negotiating with the IMF over terms of its second bailout since 2013, a loan package valued at about $6 billion, according to local media, with a deal now expected in mid-January.

Pakistan`s new president, Imran Khan, requested the bailout in October to deal with a mounting balance-of-payments crisis.

Pakistan is a major recipient of China`s Belt and Road infrastructure initiative, with Beijing pledging to finance some $60 billion in port, road and railway projects there. But Pakistan`s debt woes have prompted Islamabad to scale back some of the projects.&nbsp;

"One of the challenges is that in many cases they haven`t disclosed the terms of that debt," Malpass said of the Chinese loans to Pakistan. "In general terms, we think the maturity of the Chinese debt comes after the IMF would have been repaid."

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said earlier this year that there was "no rationale" for a program that repays Pakistan`s loans to China.&nbsp; 
Malpass said the challenge in the Pakistan-IMF talks is to forge a program that will foster "substantial economic reform" in Pakistan and put its finances on sustainable path.

A US Treasury delegation was recently in Pakistan to work with local officials, he added.

Malpass also said a lack of transparency in Chinese lending was not unique to Pakistan, noting that basic terms like the interest rate and maturity are often not disclosed, sometimes even to some parts of the borrower governments.

"China is lending in many countries where the terms of the loan are simply not given and that gives China a lot of leverage within its program," Malpass said. "And it`s something that we`re pushing back on very hard in the Paris Club, in the OECD, in the IMF, the World Bank, at the G20 and in the G7."

Earlier on Tuesday, China`s ambassador to the United States, Cui Tiankai, pushed back against any suggestion that China`s infrastructure loans were causing debt crises.

"How can you say building roads and bridges will hurt their economies?" Cui told Reuters in an interview.

"If they do not need it, they will not ask us to build it. That`s quite clear. All these things are done based on mutual agreement between the countries concerned and China."&nbsp;

Pakistan is likely to pay off an International Monetary Fund bailout before its loans from China come due, easing concerns that IMF funds will be used to pay back Chinese creditors, the US Treasury`s top diplomat said on Tuesday.

Pakistan is likely to pay off an International Monetary Fund bailout before its loans from China come due, easing concerns that IMF funds will be used to pay back Chinese creditors, the US Treasury`s top diplomat said on Tuesday. David Malpass, the Treasury`s undersecretary for international affairs, told a US Senate Foreign Relations subcommittee hearing that the Trump administration was pushing for more transparency in Chinese lending, including to Pakistan. Pakistan is negotiating with the IMF over terms of its second bailout since 2013, a loan package valued at about $6 billion, according to local media, with a deal now expected in mid-January. Pakistan`s new president, Imran Khan, requested the bailout in October to deal with a mounting balance-of-payments crisis. Pakistan is a major recipient of China`s Belt and Road infrastructure initiative, with Beijing pledging to finance some $60 billion in port, road and railway projects there. But Pakistan`s debt woes have prompted Islamabad to scale back some of the projects. "One of the challenges is that in many cases they haven`t disclosed the terms of that debt," Malpass said of the Chinese loans to Pakistan. "In general terms, we think the maturity of the Chinese debt comes after the IMF would have been repaid." Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said earlier this year that there was "no rationale" for a program that repays Pakistan`s loans to China. Malpass said the challenge in the Pakistan-IMF talks is to forge a program that will foster "substantial economic reform" in Pakistan and put its finances on sustainable path. A US Treasury delegation was recently in Pakistan to work with local officials, he added. Malpass also said a lack of transparency in Chinese lending was not unique to Pakistan, noting that basic terms like the interest rate and maturity are often not disclosed, sometimes even to some parts of the borrower governments. "China is lending in many countries where the terms of the loan are simply not given and that gives China a lot of leverage within its program," Malpass said. "And it`s something that we`re pushing back on very hard in the Paris Club, in the OECD, in the IMF, the World Bank, at the G20 and in the G7." Earlier on Tuesday, China`s ambassador to the United States, Cui Tiankai, pushed back against any suggestion that China`s infrastructure loans were causing debt crises. "How can you say building roads and bridges will hurt their economies?" Cui told Reuters in an interview. "If they do not need it, they will not ask us to build it. That`s quite clear. All these things are done based on mutual agreement between the countries concerned and China."

Pakistan likely to pay back IMF before Chinese debt: US Treasury official

Pakistani PM Imran Khan to invite PM Modi for SAARC meet

Punjab Cabinet Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu on Tuesday said that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/sidhus-decision-to-visit-pakistan-his-way-of-thinking-amarinder-singh-179604">Kartarpur corridor</a> will be a bridge between Pakistan and India and erase enmity between the two neighbouring South Asian countries.

Sidhu, who is in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/relations-cant-improve-till-pakistan-army-is-tamed-amarinder-singh-177816">Pakistan</a> to attend the break ground ceremony of the Pakistan side of Kartarpur corridor, addressed the media persons in Lahore.&nbsp;

The corridor will promote peace and prosperity and foster people to people contact, he said.&nbsp;

''I see infinite possibilities of peace, of prosperity, of opening up of trade relations,'' said former cricketer-turned-politician.&nbsp;

Sidhu was invited by Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi to attend the groundbreaking ceremony of Kartarpur Corridor on November 28.

Earlier, Sidhu paid obeisance to Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib in Pakistan from the Indian side of the international border.&nbsp;

Sidhu has drawn much flak from within the Congress party over his decision to visit the ground-breaking ceremony of Kartarpur Sahib Corridor on Wednesday.&nbsp;

Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh has already turned down Pakistan`s invitation citing state-sponsored cross-border terrorism from Islamabad.

Sidhu reached Dera Baba Nanak via Amritsar from Madhya Pradesh on Monday morning.&nbsp;

"Ardas (prayers) of 13 crore `Guru Nanak Naam Leva Sangat`, which have been praying for the past 70 years for a darshan of gurdwaras on Pakistan side has borne the fruit," said Sidhu.

Pakistan government on November 23 had extended invitation to External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, Amarinder Singh and Navjot Singh Sidhu for the event.&nbsp;

Swaraj citing her prior commitments turned down the invite. Union Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal and Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs Hardeep Singh Puri would represent the Indian government at the groundbreaking ceremony of Kartarpur Sahib Corridor on Pakistan side.

Punjab Cabinet Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu on Tuesday said that Kartarpur corridor will be a bridge between Pakistan and India and erase enmity between the two neighbouring South Asian countries.

Punjab Cabinet Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu on Tuesday said that Kartarpur corridor will be a bridge between Pakistan and India and erase enmity between the two neighbouring South Asian countries. Sidhu, who is in Pakistan to attend the break ground ceremony of the Pakistan side of Kartarpur corridor, addressed the media persons in Lahore. The corridor will promote peace and prosperity and foster people to people contact, he said. ''I see infinite possibilities of peace, of prosperity, of opening up of trade relations,'' said former cricketer-turned-politician. Sidhu was invited by Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi to attend the groundbreaking ceremony of Kartarpur Corridor on November 28. Earlier, Sidhu paid obeisance to Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib in Pakistan from the Indian side of the international border. Sidhu has drawn much flak from within the Congress party over his decision to visit the ground-breaking ceremony of Kartarpur Sahib Corridor on Wednesday. Punjab Chief Minister Captain Amarinder Singh has already turned down Pakistan`s invitation citing state-sponsored cross-border terrorism from Islamabad. Sidhu reached Dera Baba Nanak via Amritsar from Madhya Pradesh on Monday morning. "Ardas (prayers) of 13 crore `Guru Nanak Naam Leva Sangat`, which have been praying for the past 70 years for a darshan of gurdwaras on Pakistan side has borne the fruit," said Sidhu. Pakistan government on November 23 had extended invitation to External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, Amarinder Singh and Navjot Singh Sidhu for the event. Swaraj citing her prior commitments turned down the invite. Union Minister Harsimrat Kaur Badal and Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs Hardeep Singh Puri would represent the Indian government at the groundbreaking ceremony of Kartarpur Sahib Corridor on Pakistan side.

In Pakistan, Sidhu says Kartarpur corridor will erase enmity

China on Tuesday said Pakistan has assured that it will provide full security to its citizens and the CPEC projects following the recent terrorist attack on its Consulate in Karachi and that any attempt to sabotage their friendship would not succeed.

Three heavily-armed suicide bombers stormed the Chinese consulate in Pakistan's largest city on November 23, killing four people including two policemen before being shot dead by security forces which foiled the daring attack in the high-security zone.

The attack was soon claimed by the outlawed Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) which said it would not tolerate "any Chinese military expansionist endeavours on Baloch soil".

"Pakistan has made it clear that they will get to the bottom of this attack, crackdown on the terrorist organisation and enhance the security of Chinese citizens, institutions and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told reporters here.

Praising the swift action by Pakistan's security personnel in warding off the attack, Geng said, "this attack once again showcased the mutual trust, mutual support and friendship between the two governments and two peoples."

He said once again it proved that China-Pakistan relationship is higher than mountains and deeper than the sea.&nbsp;

"We stand by each other through everything and we are all-weather strategic partners in every way," he said.

"I want to reiterate that no attempt to sabotage our friendship will succeed. We will maintain a close communication with Pakistani side. We believe in their ability to ensure domestic security, stability and in taking tough measures to ensure Chinese interests in Pakistan and ensuring the security of Chinese citizens and institutions there," he said.

Also, some institutions and netizens in China are collecting donations to help the families of the policemen killed and injured in the attack. 
Resource-rich Balochistan is at the heart of the Beijing's ambitious China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).&nbsp;

The BLA is opposed to the CPEC, which connects Gwadar Port in Balochistan with China's Xinjiang province, alleging that the project was aimed at exploiting the resources of the province.&nbsp;

China on Tuesday said Pakistan has assured that it will provide full security to its citizens and the CPEC projects following the recent terrorist attack on its Consulate in Karachi and that any attempt to sabotage their friendship would not succeed.

China on Tuesday said Pakistan has assured that it will provide full security to its citizens and the CPEC projects following the recent terrorist attack on its Consulate in Karachi and that any attempt to sabotage their friendship would not succeed. Three heavily-armed suicide bombers stormed the Chinese consulate in Pakistan's largest city on November 23, killing four people including two policemen before being shot dead by security forces which foiled the daring attack in the high-security zone. The attack was soon claimed by the outlawed Baloch Liberation Army (BLA) which said it would not tolerate "any Chinese military expansionist endeavours on Baloch soil". "Pakistan has made it clear that they will get to the bottom of this attack, crackdown on the terrorist organisation and enhance the security of Chinese citizens, institutions and the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) projects," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang told reporters here. Praising the swift action by Pakistan's security personnel in warding off the attack, Geng said, "this attack once again showcased the mutual trust, mutual support and friendship between the two governments and two peoples." He said once again it proved that China-Pakistan relationship is higher than mountains and deeper than the sea. "We stand by each other through everything and we are all-weather strategic partners in every way," he said. "I want to reiterate that no attempt to sabotage our friendship will succeed. We will maintain a close communication with Pakistani side. We believe in their ability to ensure domestic security, stability and in taking tough measures to ensure Chinese interests in Pakistan and ensuring the security of Chinese citizens and institutions there," he said. Also, some institutions and netizens in China are collecting donations to help the families of the policemen killed and injured in the attack. Resource-rich Balochistan is at the heart of the Beijing's ambitious China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The BLA is opposed to the CPEC, which connects Gwadar Port in Balochistan with China's Xinjiang province, alleging that the project was aimed at exploiting the resources of the province.

Pakistan assured full security to our nationals, CPEC following terror attack on Consulate: China

Pakistan minister announces facilities for Sikh pilgrims at Kartarpur

Describing the Mumbai terror attack as a "barbarity", the US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Monday called upon Pakistan and other nations to uphold their UN Security Council obligations to implement sanctions against those responsible for the atrocity, including Lashkar-e-Taiba and its affiliates.

On the 10th anniversary of the Mumbai terror attack, the state department's Rewards for Justice (RFJ) programme offered <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/2611-attacks-us-announces-5-million-reward-for-information-on-perpetrators-179416">a new reward for up to $5 million</a> for information leading to the arrest or conviction of any individual who was involved in planning or facilitating the 2008 Mumbai attack.

"It is an affront to the families of the victims that, after ten years, those who planned the Mumbai attack have still not been convicted for their involvement," Pompeo said in a statement on the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attack.

"We call upon all countries, particularly Pakistan, to uphold their UN Security Council obligations to implement sanctions against the terrorists responsible for this atrocity, including Lashkar-e-Tayyiba and its affiliates," Pompeo said.

Some 166 people, including Americans, were killed in the attack carried out by 10 LeT terrorists. Nine of the attackers were killed by the police while lone survivor Ajmal Kasab was captured and hanged after he was handed down death sentence by an Indian court.

The US, Pompeo said, is committed to seeing that those responsible for the attack face justice.&nbsp;

The RFJ programme is offering a new reward for up to USD 5 million for information leading to the arrest or conviction of any individual who was involved in planning or facilitating the 2008 Mumbai attack.

"On behalf of the Government of the United States of America and all Americans, I express my solidarity with the people of India and the city of Mumbai on the 10th anniversary of the Mumbai terrorist attack," Pompeo said.&nbsp;

"We stand with the families and friends of the victims, whose loved ones were lost in this act of barbarism, including six American citizens. The barbarity of 26/11 shocked the entire world," said the top American diplomat.&nbsp;

Describing the Mumbai terror attack as a "barbarity", the US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Monday called upon Pakistan and other nations to uphold their UN Security Council obligations to implement sanctions against those responsible for the atrocity, including Lashkar-e-Taiba and its affiliates.

Describing the Mumbai terror attack as a "barbarity", the US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Monday called upon Pakistan and other nations to uphold their UN Security Council obligations to implement sanctions against those responsible for the atrocity, including Lashkar-e-Taiba and its affiliates. On the 10th anniversary of the Mumbai terror attack, the state department's Rewards for Justice (RFJ) programme offered a new reward for up to $5 million for information leading to the arrest or conviction of any individual who was involved in planning or facilitating the 2008 Mumbai attack. "It is an affront to the families of the victims that, after ten years, those who planned the Mumbai attack have still not been convicted for their involvement," Pompeo said in a statement on the 10th anniversary of the terrorist attack. "We call upon all countries, particularly Pakistan, to uphold their UN Security Council obligations to implement sanctions against the terrorists responsible for this atrocity, including Lashkar-e-Tayyiba and its affiliates," Pompeo said. Some 166 people, including Americans, were killed in the attack carried out by 10 LeT terrorists. Nine of the attackers were killed by the police while lone survivor Ajmal Kasab was captured and hanged after he was handed down death sentence by an Indian court. The US, Pompeo said, is committed to seeing that those responsible for the attack face justice. The RFJ programme is offering a new reward for up to USD 5 million for information leading to the arrest or conviction of any individual who was involved in planning or facilitating the 2008 Mumbai attack. "On behalf of the Government of the United States of America and all Americans, I express my solidarity with the people of India and the city of Mumbai on the 10th anniversary of the Mumbai terrorist attack," Pompeo said. "We stand with the families and friends of the victims, whose loved ones were lost in this act of barbarism, including six American citizens. The barbarity of 26/11 shocked the entire world," said the top American diplomat.

US calls on Pakistan, others to implement UNSC sanctions against perpetrators of 26/11 attacks

Leg-spinner Yasir Shah took a career-best eight-wicket haul as New Zealand were forced to follow-on on the third day of the second Test in Dubai on Monday.

Yasir's 8-41 in 12.3 overs rocked New Zealand to 90 all out and after follow-on they were 39-1 at tea, needing another 289 runs with nine wickets left to avoid an innings defeat.

Tom Latham (19) and Ken Williamson (13) were at the crease as Yasir's destruction gave Pakistan a good chance of levelling the series after losing the first Test by four runs in Abu Dhabi last week.

Yasir dismissed opener Jeet Raval for his ninth wicket in the match, stumped for two.

Rain had delayed the start of the third day by an hour but when the action started Yasir was lightening, bowling to his best ability on a turning Dubai stadium pitch.

Yasir dismissed Latham (22), Ross Taylor (nought) and Henry Nicholls (nought) in his ninth over, triggering a collapse during which New Zealand lost all their ten wickets for just 40 runs after being well set on 50 without loss.

Yasir's bowling figures - his 15th five-wicket haul -&nbsp;beat his previous best of 7-76 against Sri Lanka at Galle in 2015 and also the best against New Zealand.

Intikhab Alam (7-52) held the record for Pakistan's best bowling against New Zealand, achieved at Dunedin in 1973.

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New Zealand reach the interval with the loss of just one wicket in their second innings. 
 
Yasir Shah has already taken nine wickets today, how many more can he get in the final session?<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PAKvNZ?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PAKvNZ</a> LIVE ⬇️<a href="https://t.co/sHrmQnbNyn">https://t.co/sHrmQnbNyn</a> <a href="https://t.co/6QwKrtbA9F">pic.twitter.com/6QwKrtbA9F</a>
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New Zealand, resuming at 27 without loss, lost Raval in an unfortunate way as he tried to reverse sweep Yasir but the ball deflected off his bat to his thigh and hit the stumps.

Raval top-scored with 31.

From 50-1 it became 61-2 when Yasir had Latham caught at short-leg by Imam-ul-Haq off the first ball of his ninth over.&nbsp;

Two balls later he bowled experienced Taylor with a beautiful delivery that turned and beat the forward push by the batsman.

Off his fifth ball Yasir bowled Nicholls through the gap between bat and pad.

It was Yasir who ran Bradley-John Watling run out soon after lunch for one before dismissing Ish Sodhi, Neil Wagner, Ajaz Patel and Trent Boult -- all without scoring in the space of nine balls.

Six New Zealand batsmen fell without scoring, making it the fifth occasion in a Test when six batsmen failed to score in an innings.

Williamson remained unbeaten on 28, watching wickets fell like nine pins at the other end.

With Sodhi's wicket Yasir also completed 100 wickets in 16 Tests in United Arab Emirates (Dubai, Sharja and Abu Dhabi).

Leg-spinner Yasir Shah took a career-best eight-wicket haul as New Zealand were forced to follow-on on the third day of the second Test in Dubai on Monday. Yasir's 8-41 in 12.

Leg-spinner Yasir Shah took a career-best eight-wicket haul as New Zealand were forced to follow-on on the third day of the second Test in Dubai on Monday. Yasir's 8-41 in 12.3 overs rocked New Zealand to 90 all out and after follow-on they were 39-1 at tea, needing another 289 runs with nine wickets left to avoid an innings defeat. Tom Latham (19) and Ken Williamson (13) were at the crease as Yasir's destruction gave Pakistan a good chance of levelling the series after losing the first Test by four runs in Abu Dhabi last week. Yasir dismissed opener Jeet Raval for his ninth wicket in the match, stumped for two. Rain had delayed the start of the third day by an hour but when the action started Yasir was lightening, bowling to his best ability on a turning Dubai stadium pitch. Yasir dismissed Latham (22), Ross Taylor (nought) and Henry Nicholls (nought) in his ninth over, triggering a collapse during which New Zealand lost all their ten wickets for just 40 runs after being well set on 50 without loss. Yasir's bowling figures - his 15th five-wicket haul - beat his previous best of 7-76 against Sri Lanka at Galle in 2015 and also the best against New Zealand. Intikhab Alam (7-52) held the record for Pakistan's best bowling against New Zealand, achieved at Dunedin in 1973. New Zealand reach the interval with the loss of just one wicket in their second innings. Yasir Shah has already taken nine wickets today, how many more can he get in the final session?#PAKvNZ LIVE ⬇️https://t.co/sHrmQnbNyn pic.twitter.com/6QwKrtbA9F — ICC (@ICC) November 26, 2018 × New Zealand, resuming at 27 without loss, lost Raval in an unfortunate way as he tried to reverse sweep Yasir but the ball deflected off his bat to his thigh and hit the stumps. Raval top-scored with 31. From 50-1 it became 61-2 when Yasir had Latham caught at short-leg by Imam-ul-Haq off the first ball of his ninth over. Two balls later he bowled experienced Taylor with a beautiful delivery that turned and beat the forward push by the batsman. Off his fifth ball Yasir bowled Nicholls through the gap between bat and pad. It was Yasir who ran Bradley-John Watling run out soon after lunch for one before dismissing Ish Sodhi, Neil Wagner, Ajaz Patel and Trent Boult -- all without scoring in the space of nine balls. Six New Zealand batsmen fell without scoring, making it the fifth occasion in a Test when six batsmen failed to score in an innings. Williamson remained unbeaten on 28, watching wickets fell like nine pins at the other end. With Sodhi's wicket Yasir also completed 100 wickets in 16 Tests in United Arab Emirates (Dubai, Sharja and Abu Dhabi).

PAK vs NZ, 2nd Test: Yasir Shah's 8-wicket haul destroys New Zealand in first innings

26/11: 'Bring Mumbai attack perpetrators to Justice', says US

Another major terrorist attack in India of the magnitude similar to the 26/11 strike originating from Pakistan could easily escalate into a regional war, scholars, former diplomats and US officials have warned ahead of the 10th anniversary of the deadly Mumbai terror attack.

Some 166 people, including Americans, were killed in the attack carried out by Pakistan-based 10 Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists. Nine of the attackers were killed by police while lone survivor Ajmal Kasab was captured and hanged after handed down death sentence by an Indian court.

Perpetrators of the 26/11 attack, including its mastermind and banned Jamat-ud Dawa (JuD) chief Hafiz Saeed, continue to roam freely in Pakistan, indicating that Islamabad is not serious in bringing them to justice. The JuD is believed to be the front group for the LeT. The US has offered a $10 million bounty for Saeed.

The 26/11 attack case has entered into the 10th year but none of its seven suspects in Pakistan has been punished yet, showing that the case had never been in its priority list.

"The victims of 26/11 have yet to see the masterminds of the attack in the LeT and the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) face justice; unfortunately, that is virtually impossible in Pakistan," former Central Intelligence Agency official Bruce Riedel told PTI.

Riedel, senior fellow and director of Brookings Intelligence Project, believes that another terror attack in India of similar magnitude would result in a war between the two countries.

"If another attack of this magnitude occurs, there will be war," he said. 
Pakistan's former envoy to the US Husain Haqqani said: "With US-Pakistan relations in a tailspin and hawkish attitudes dominating the subcontinent, one cannot predict if and how the situation would be controlled in the event of another major terrorist attack in India, with clear linkages to groups in Pakistan".

Currently a senior fellow and Director for South and Central Asia at the Hudson Institute, Haqqani said Pakistan "must fulfil its promise of acting" against the masterminds of the 26/11 attack.

"That it has chosen to let them operate freely raises the justifiable concern that Pakistan's deep state does not want to deter or punish terrorists responsible for attacks in India.

"In 2008, Pakistan's promise of acting against the LeT and those involved in the Mumbai attack prevented escalation of India-Pakistan hostilities. The US also helped calm things down by sharing intelligence with both Pakistan and India," he said.

Agreed a senior Bush administration official, who was inside the White House at the time of the attack.

"That (India-Pakistan war) was a primary concern and a primary scenario that we wanted to avoid," Anish Goel, who was director of South Asia in the National Security Council of the White House at the time of the 26/11 attack, told PTI.

Noting that there was a lot of pressure on then prime minister Manmohan Singh "to react kinetically", Goel said then president George Bush and secretary of state Condoleezza Rice had to make a lot of efforts including several phone calls to New Delhi, Islamabad and leaders of several US allies to prevent such a scenario.

Bush was very concerned, and got on phone with Singh immediately, offering condolences and urging restraint, he said. Rice travelled to the region trying to cool things.

"There's a lot of public pressure. I think prime minister Singh himself was showing a lot of restraint and was not inclined to do a counter attack right away, but there was a lot of political pressure on him to do so," said Goel.

"The US, I believe -- I don't know for sure, you have to ask the Indian government to know -- having counseling or urging him to show restraint, gave him some sort of political leeway and maneuverability to resist the domestic political pressures from those calling for a quick counterstrike on Pakistan," he said, adding that at no point there was any evidence of military mobilisation.

"There was a sense of nervousness in the then Bush administration about a possible nuclear war in South Asia. The Mumbai terror attack started a day before Thanksgiving a national holiday in the US and did not end till Sunday, the last day of the long weekend. Bush not only held situation room meeting on Saturday, but also mobilised his entire administration to try and prevent escalation of the tension," Goel added.

A senior former Obama administration official said if another attack would have happened like that, it would "quickly escalates into a regional war".

The current government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has already "taken a tough line" against Islamabad including a surgical strike, the official said on anonymity.

"I could certainly foresee a situation where he (prime minister Modi) escalates those quite a bit in response to the terrorist attack. Then for the US government, I just don't know if the Trump administration would counsel restraint the way the Bush administration did," he said.

The Trump administration might say they (Indians) are justified, he said. 
"Not only are we not going to stop you, but we're going to help you. I don't know that they would do, but I don't know if they would carry the same message of constraints.

"So, when you're talking about what could happen in the region, if there was another Mumbai attack after the Pakistanis have promised there's no terrorists operating in our country and we're going after all of them, I could see a scenario which quickly escalates into a regional war," he added.&nbsp;

Another major terrorist attack in India of the magnitude similar to the 26/11 strike originating from Pakistan could easily escalate into a regional war, scholars, former diplomats and US officials have warned ahead of the 10th anniversary of the deadly Mumbai terror attack.

Another major terrorist attack in India of the magnitude similar to the 26/11 strike originating from Pakistan could easily escalate into a regional war, scholars, former diplomats and US officials have warned ahead of the 10th anniversary of the deadly Mumbai terror attack. Some 166 people, including Americans, were killed in the attack carried out by Pakistan-based 10 Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) terrorists. Nine of the attackers were killed by police while lone survivor Ajmal Kasab was captured and hanged after handed down death sentence by an Indian court. Perpetrators of the 26/11 attack, including its mastermind and banned Jamat-ud Dawa (JuD) chief Hafiz Saeed, continue to roam freely in Pakistan, indicating that Islamabad is not serious in bringing them to justice. The JuD is believed to be the front group for the LeT. The US has offered a $10 million bounty for Saeed. The 26/11 attack case has entered into the 10th year but none of its seven suspects in Pakistan has been punished yet, showing that the case had never been in its priority list. "The victims of 26/11 have yet to see the masterminds of the attack in the LeT and the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) face justice; unfortunately, that is virtually impossible in Pakistan," former Central Intelligence Agency official Bruce Riedel told PTI. Riedel, senior fellow and director of Brookings Intelligence Project, believes that another terror attack in India of similar magnitude would result in a war between the two countries. "If another attack of this magnitude occurs, there will be war," he said. Pakistan's former envoy to the US Husain Haqqani said: "With US-Pakistan relations in a tailspin and hawkish attitudes dominating the subcontinent, one cannot predict if and how the situation would be controlled in the event of another major terrorist attack in India, with clear linkages to groups in Pakistan". Currently a senior fellow and Director for South and Central Asia at the Hudson Institute, Haqqani said Pakistan "must fulfil its promise of acting" against the masterminds of the 26/11 attack. "That it has chosen to let them operate freely raises the justifiable concern that Pakistan's deep state does not want to deter or punish terrorists responsible for attacks in India. "In 2008, Pakistan's promise of acting against the LeT and those involved in the Mumbai attack prevented escalation of India-Pakistan hostilities. The US also helped calm things down by sharing intelligence with both Pakistan and India," he said. Agreed a senior Bush administration official, who was inside the White House at the time of the attack. "That (India-Pakistan war) was a primary concern and a primary scenario that we wanted to avoid," Anish Goel, who was director of South Asia in the National Security Council of the White House at the time of the 26/11 attack, told PTI. Noting that there was a lot of pressure on then prime minister Manmohan Singh "to react kinetically", Goel said then president George Bush and secretary of state Condoleezza Rice had to make a lot of efforts including several phone calls to New Delhi, Islamabad and leaders of several US allies to prevent such a scenario. Bush was very concerned, and got on phone with Singh immediately, offering condolences and urging restraint, he said. Rice travelled to the region trying to cool things. "There's a lot of public pressure. I think prime minister Singh himself was showing a lot of restraint and was not inclined to do a counter attack right away, but there was a lot of political pressure on him to do so," said Goel. "The US, I believe -- I don't know for sure, you have to ask the Indian government to know -- having counseling or urging him to show restraint, gave him some sort of political leeway and maneuverability to resist the domestic political pressures from those calling for a quick counterstrike on Pakistan," he said, adding that at no point there was any evidence of military mobilisation. "There was a sense of nervousness in the then Bush administration about a possible nuclear war in South Asia. The Mumbai terror attack started a day before Thanksgiving a national holiday in the US and did not end till Sunday, the last day of the long weekend. Bush not only held situation room meeting on Saturday, but also mobilised his entire administration to try and prevent escalation of the tension," Goel added. A senior former Obama administration official said if another attack would have happened like that, it would "quickly escalates into a regional war". The current government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has already "taken a tough line" against Islamabad including a surgical strike, the official said on anonymity. "I could certainly foresee a situation where he (prime minister Modi) escalates those quite a bit in response to the terrorist attack. Then for the US government, I just don't know if the Trump administration would counsel restraint the way the Bush administration did," he said. The Trump administration might say they (Indians) are justified, he said. "Not only are we not going to stop you, but we're going to help you. I don't know that they would do, but I don't know if they would carry the same message of constraints. "So, when you're talking about what could happen in the region, if there was another Mumbai attack after the Pakistanis have promised there's no terrorists operating in our country and we're going after all of them, I could see a scenario which quickly escalates into a regional war," he added.

Another terror attack in India similar to 26/11 with footprints in Pak will lead to war: Experts

In pictures: 10 years of 26/11, how 2008 Mumbai terror attacks happened

Khadim Rizvi arrested for protest call over Asia Bibi's acquittal

Pakistan has invited External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj to visit the country to attend the groundbreaking ceremony of the Kartarpur corridor, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said on Saturday.&nbsp;

A long-pending demand of the Sikh community to build a religious corridor linking India's border district of Gurdaspur with a historic gurudwara in Pakistan may finally be fulfilled with both the countries announcing that stretches would be developed in their respective areas.

Prime Minister Imran Khan will inaugurate the groundbreaking ceremony of&nbsp;the facilities at on the Pakistan side on November 28.&nbsp;

Apart from Swaraj, Qureshi also invited Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh and cabinet minister Navjot Singh Sidhu to the ceremony.

"On behalf of Pakistan I have extended an invitation to External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj @SushmaSwaraj , Capt Amarinder Singh @capt_amarinder &amp; Navjot Singh Sidhu @sherryontopp to attend the groundbreaking ceremony at #Kartarpura on 28 Nov, 2018," Qureshi tweeted.&nbsp;

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On behalf of Pakistan I have extended an invitation to External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj <a href="https://twitter.com/SushmaSwaraj?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@SushmaSwaraj</a> ,Capt Amarinder Singh <a href="https://twitter.com/capt_amarinder?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@capt_amarinder</a> &amp; Navjot Singh Sidhu <a href="https://twitter.com/sherryontopp?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@sherryontopp</a> to attend the groundbreaking ceremony at <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Kartarpura?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Kartarpura</a> on 28 Nov, 2018.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/PakistanKartarpuraSpirit?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#PakistanKartarpuraSpirit</a>
— Shah Mahmood Qureshi (@SMQureshiPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/SMQureshiPTI/status/1066336238129618944?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 24, 2018</a></blockquote>
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India's Cabinet had cleared a proposal Thursday to develop a corridor from Dera Baba Nanak in Punjab's Gurdaspur district to the International Border to facilitate Indian pilgrims to visit Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur, Pakistan.&nbsp;

Pakistan has invited External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj to visit the country to attend the groundbreaking ceremony of the Kartarpur corridor, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said on Saturday.

Pakistan has invited External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj to visit the country to attend the groundbreaking ceremony of the Kartarpur corridor, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi said on Saturday. A long-pending demand of the Sikh community to build a religious corridor linking India's border district of Gurdaspur with a historic gurudwara in Pakistan may finally be fulfilled with both the countries announcing that stretches would be developed in their respective areas. Prime Minister Imran Khan will inaugurate the groundbreaking ceremony of the facilities at on the Pakistan side on November 28. Apart from Swaraj, Qureshi also invited Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh and cabinet minister Navjot Singh Sidhu to the ceremony. "On behalf of Pakistan I have extended an invitation to External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj @SushmaSwaraj , Capt Amarinder Singh @capt_amarinder & Navjot Singh Sidhu @sherryontopp to attend the groundbreaking ceremony at #Kartarpura on 28 Nov, 2018," Qureshi tweeted. On behalf of Pakistan I have extended an invitation to External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj @SushmaSwaraj ,Capt Amarinder Singh @capt_amarinder & Navjot Singh Sidhu @sherryontopp to attend the groundbreaking ceremony at #Kartarpura on 28 Nov, 2018.#PakistanKartarpuraSpirit — Shah Mahmood Qureshi (@SMQureshiPTI) November 24, 2018 × India's Cabinet had cleared a proposal Thursday to develop a corridor from Dera Baba Nanak in Punjab's Gurdaspur district to the International Border to facilitate Indian pilgrims to visit Gurdwara Darbar Sahib in Kartarpur, Pakistan.

Swaraj invited to Pakistan to attend Kartarpur corridor inauguration: Qureshi

WION Speed News: Watch top national and international news of the morning - November 24th 2018

Pakistani police have arrested over 100 members of the Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan, including the radical Islamist party's chief who had given a protest call for Sunday against the acquittal of Christian woman Aasia Bibi.

Last month, Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) disrupted daily life across Pakistan by staging widespread protests following Bibi's acquittal in a blasphemy case by the apex court.

"We have taken into custody more than 100 TLP leaders and activists including its chief Khadim Hussain Rizvi from Lahore and other parts of the Punjab province," a senior police officer told PTI on Saturday. 
 
He said a team comprising government officials and clerics tried to persuade Rizvi in Lahore late on Friday night to defer its November 25 protest, but he refused to budge.

"On this police arrested him and other leaders," the officer said.

"Khadim Hussain Rizvi has been taken into protective custody by police from Lahore. The action was prompted by TLP's refusal to withdraw its call for protest on November 25. It is to safeguard public life, property and order," Federal Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry tweeted.

The minister, however, clarified that the "arrest has nothing to do with Asia Bibi case".

"The TLP has become a continuous threat to the life and properties of the citizens and is doing politics under the guise of religion... The situation is fully under control, people should remain peaceful and fully cooperate with authorities," Chaudhry said.

He said the government did its best to convince the party against staging the protest, but they refused every offer and started to incite violence.

There were reports of TLP workers clashing with police in Lahore following Rizvi's arrest. Three policemen and seven workers are reported to have been injured.

The apex court, in a three-member bench led by chief justice Saqib Nisar, issued the landmark verdict last month.&nbsp;

Following the verdict, the TLP had termed the chief justice and other judges in the bench "liable to be killed" and had called Army chief General Qmar Javed Bajwa a non-Muslim and urged Muslim generals to revolt against him.

Bibi was convicted in 2010 after being accused of insulting Islam in a row with her neighbours. She always maintained her innocence, but spent most of the past eight years in solitary confinement.

She has been released from the jail and the government says is in a 'safe' house. The government says she cannot leave the country till decision on the review petition against her acquittal. Chief Justice Nisar has ordered full protection to Bibi.&nbsp;

TLP is an Islamist political party with Islamic ideology. It is known for widespread street power and massive protests in opposition to any change to Pakistan's blasphemy law.&nbsp;

Pakistani police have arrested over 100 members of the Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan, including the radical Islamist party's chief who had given a protest call for Sunday against the acquittal of Christian woman Aasia Bibi.

Pakistani police have arrested over 100 members of the Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan, including the radical Islamist party's chief who had given a protest call for Sunday against the acquittal of Christian woman Aasia Bibi. Last month, Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP) disrupted daily life across Pakistan by staging widespread protests following Bibi's acquittal in a blasphemy case by the apex court. "We have taken into custody more than 100 TLP leaders and activists including its chief Khadim Hussain Rizvi from Lahore and other parts of the Punjab province," a senior police officer told PTI on Saturday. He said a team comprising government officials and clerics tried to persuade Rizvi in Lahore late on Friday night to defer its November 25 protest, but he refused to budge. "On this police arrested him and other leaders," the officer said. "Khadim Hussain Rizvi has been taken into protective custody by police from Lahore. The action was prompted by TLP's refusal to withdraw its call for protest on November 25. It is to safeguard public life, property and order," Federal Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry tweeted. The minister, however, clarified that the "arrest has nothing to do with Asia Bibi case". "The TLP has become a continuous threat to the life and properties of the citizens and is doing politics under the guise of religion... The situation is fully under control, people should remain peaceful and fully cooperate with authorities," Chaudhry said. He said the government did its best to convince the party against staging the protest, but they refused every offer and started to incite violence. There were reports of TLP workers clashing with police in Lahore following Rizvi's arrest. Three policemen and seven workers are reported to have been injured. The apex court, in a three-member bench led by chief justice Saqib Nisar, issued the landmark verdict last month. Following the verdict, the TLP had termed the chief justice and other judges in the bench "liable to be killed" and had called Army chief General Qmar Javed Bajwa a non-Muslim and urged Muslim generals to revolt against him. Bibi was convicted in 2010 after being accused of insulting Islam in a row with her neighbours. She always maintained her innocence, but spent most of the past eight years in solitary confinement. She has been released from the jail and the government says is in a 'safe' house. The government says she cannot leave the country till decision on the review petition against her acquittal. Chief Justice Nisar has ordered full protection to Bibi. TLP is an Islamist political party with Islamic ideology. It is known for widespread street power and massive protests in opposition to any change to Pakistan's blasphemy law.

Pakistan arrests over 100 Tehreek-i-Labbaik Pakistan members

Expressing his gratitude to the central government over its initiative to develop the proposed Gurudwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur corridor in Pakistan, Punjab Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu on Friday hoped that the corridor would "yield undeniable and implicit change and thaw" in the relations, adding that it will "build bridges, burn animosity and will act as a soothing balm for two neighbouring countries."

In a letter to External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, Sidhu wrote, "It fills my heart with joy unspeakable on learning that the Government of India has agreed to build a corridor for pilgrims to visit Kartarpur Sahib on 550th Birth Anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. As a Sikh devotee and as a man committed to the cause of Punjab and its people, I am extremely grateful and indebted for the steps initiated by the Government of India."

He said that the Kartarpur corridor has been a "long-standing demand of the Sikh community across the globe" and the recent step taken by the Centre "has brought a new ray of hope among pilgrims who anxiously await to pay obeisance at the historical Gurudwara Sahib across the border."

Recalling his meeting with Swaraj a few months ago, Sidhu added that he asked the central government to take up the issue of developing the corridor with Pakistan.

"During my visit to Pakistan, I was made aware about intent of Pakistan for opening the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor on 550th Parkash Utsav celebrations of Guru Nanak Dev Ji and this was further authenticated by Information Minister of Pakistan Fawad Chaudhary and yesterday the Foreign Affairs Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi further augmented the fact that the Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan is set to lay foundation stone for the corridor on their side on 28 November 2018," Sidhu wrote in the letter.

Underscoring that the positive steps by both the countries are "a great respite for the followers of Guru's (Nanak Dev) timeless teachings, and for the people of Punjab", the cricketer-turned-politician further said.

"I wish that the Government of India writes formally to Pakistan on visa and other related issues for easy passage for pilgrims once the corridor is complete," Sidhu said.

Earlier today, Sidhu took credit for the Kartarpur corridor in Pakistan saying that it was his hug to Pakistan Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa during his visit to Khan's swearing-in ceremony in August that pushed the Centre to take initiative in developing the proposed corridor.

On Thursday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a Note Verbale to the Pakistan government urging it to develop a corridor with suitable facilities in its territory from the International Border to Gurudwara Kartarpur Sahib.

The cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved to build and develop the proposed corridor from Dera Baba Nanak in Gurdaspur district to the International Border.

This would allow pilgrims from India to visit Gurudwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur.Sidhu's visit to Pakistan had turned controversial when he hugged General Bajwa during Khan`s oath-taking ceremony drawing flak from various quarters.

Expressing his gratitude to the central government over its initiative to develop the proposed Gurudwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur corridor in Pakistan, Punjab Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu on Friday hoped that the corridor would "yield undeniable and implicit change and thaw" in the relations, adding that it will "build bridges, burn animosity and will act as a soothing balm for two neighbouring countries.

Expressing his gratitude to the central government over its initiative to develop the proposed Gurudwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur corridor in Pakistan, Punjab Minister Navjot Singh Sidhu on Friday hoped that the corridor would "yield undeniable and implicit change and thaw" in the relations, adding that it will "build bridges, burn animosity and will act as a soothing balm for two neighbouring countries." In a letter to External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, Sidhu wrote, "It fills my heart with joy unspeakable on learning that the Government of India has agreed to build a corridor for pilgrims to visit Kartarpur Sahib on 550th Birth Anniversary of Guru Nanak Dev Ji. As a Sikh devotee and as a man committed to the cause of Punjab and its people, I am extremely grateful and indebted for the steps initiated by the Government of India." He said that the Kartarpur corridor has been a "long-standing demand of the Sikh community across the globe" and the recent step taken by the Centre "has brought a new ray of hope among pilgrims who anxiously await to pay obeisance at the historical Gurudwara Sahib across the border." Recalling his meeting with Swaraj a few months ago, Sidhu added that he asked the central government to take up the issue of developing the corridor with Pakistan. "During my visit to Pakistan, I was made aware about intent of Pakistan for opening the Kartarpur Sahib Corridor on 550th Parkash Utsav celebrations of Guru Nanak Dev Ji and this was further authenticated by Information Minister of Pakistan Fawad Chaudhary and yesterday the Foreign Affairs Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi further augmented the fact that the Prime Minister of Pakistan Imran Khan is set to lay foundation stone for the corridor on their side on 28 November 2018," Sidhu wrote in the letter. Underscoring that the positive steps by both the countries are "a great respite for the followers of Guru's (Nanak Dev) timeless teachings, and for the people of Punjab", the cricketer-turned-politician further said. "I wish that the Government of India writes formally to Pakistan on visa and other related issues for easy passage for pilgrims once the corridor is complete," Sidhu said. Earlier today, Sidhu took credit for the Kartarpur corridor in Pakistan saying that it was his hug to Pakistan Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa during his visit to Khan's swearing-in ceremony in August that pushed the Centre to take initiative in developing the proposed corridor. On Thursday, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) issued a Note Verbale to the Pakistan government urging it to develop a corridor with suitable facilities in its territory from the International Border to Gurudwara Kartarpur Sahib. The cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved to build and develop the proposed corridor from Dera Baba Nanak in Gurdaspur district to the International Border. This would allow pilgrims from India to visit Gurudwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur.Sidhu's visit to Pakistan had turned controversial when he hugged General Bajwa during Khan`s oath-taking ceremony drawing flak from various quarters.

Hope Kartarpur corridor acts as soothing balm for India, Pakistan: Sidhu

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