A blast and heavy firing was reported near the Chinese consulate in Karachi's Clifton area on Friday morning, Pakistan media report said.

Pakistan's Geo TV news channel said the men hurled grenades and fired shots near Clifton's Block 4 near the Chinese consulate.

"There were three attackers and all three have been killed ... They could not even get in the compound. They tried to get into the visa section," the police chief, Amir Shaikh

Reports said two policemen have been killed in the firing. A security guard was injured in the attack.

The gunment tried to enter the consulate but were intercepted by security guards at a checkpoint, a police official said.&nbsp;Sindh chief minister Murad Ali Shah contacted the Chinese consul general and assured him that the situation will be taken under control.

A separatist militant group from the Pakistani province of Balochistan has claimed responsibility for an attack on the Chinese consulate in Karachi that left at least two people dead, its spokesman told AFP.

"We have carried out this attack and our action is continuing," the spokesman for the Balochistan Liberation Army, Geand Baloch, told AFP.&nbsp;

Authorities cordoned off the area and deployed contingents of police and Pakistani Rangers to deal with the situation.&nbsp;

Several consulates and High Commissions are located in the upmarket Clifton area including the British High Commission, Italian consulate, Russian consulate among others.&nbsp;Nearby schools and eateries have been locked down until the area is cleared.

A blast and heavy firing was reported near the Chinese consulate in Karachi's Clifton area on Friday morning, Pakistan media report said. Pakistan's Geo TV news channel said the men hurled grenades and fired shots near Clifton's Block 4 near the Chinese consulate.

A blast and heavy firing was reported near the Chinese consulate in Karachi's Clifton area on Friday morning, Pakistan media report said. Pakistan's Geo TV news channel said the men hurled grenades and fired shots near Clifton's Block 4 near the Chinese consulate. "There were three attackers and all three have been killed ... They could not even get in the compound. They tried to get into the visa section," the police chief, Amir Shaikh Reports said two policemen have been killed in the firing. A security guard was injured in the attack. The gunment tried to enter the consulate but were intercepted by security guards at a checkpoint, a police official said. Sindh chief minister Murad Ali Shah contacted the Chinese consul general and assured him that the situation will be taken under control. A separatist militant group from the Pakistani province of Balochistan has claimed responsibility for an attack on the Chinese consulate in Karachi that left at least two people dead, its spokesman told AFP. "We have carried out this attack and our action is continuing," the spokesman for the Balochistan Liberation Army, Geand Baloch, told AFP. Authorities cordoned off the area and deployed contingents of police and Pakistani Rangers to deal with the situation. Several consulates and High Commissions are located in the upmarket Clifton area including the British High Commission, Italian consulate, Russian consulate among others. Nearby schools and eateries have been locked down until the area is cleared.

Blast, firing outside Chinese consulate in Pakistan's Karachi; 3 attackers killed

The violent attack on China's Consulate General in the Pakistani city of Karachi will not negatively affect the construction of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said on Friday.

Geng told a regular press conference in Beijing that China strongly condemns the attack, and said that the attack will not affect the process of the CPEC construction.

"China and Pakistan are all-weather strategic cooperative partners. The bilateral pragmatic cooperation in various fields has brought tangible benefits and interests to the two countries and their peoples. Constructing the CPEC is a significant consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, and is of great importance to promoting steady development, peace and prosperity of the two countries and the region. It has also won wide support from the two peoples and is being proceeded in an orderly manner," Geng said.

China will continue to work with Pakistan to unswervingly advance the construction of the CPEC and bring more benefits to the two peoples and people of other countries in the region, he added.

According to the spokesman, three gunmen that were trying to break into the consulate building at about 12:00 Beijing time (09:00 local time in Pakistan, 0400 GMT) on Friday were discovered by the Pakistani security guards on duty there and were all killed in the exchange of gunfire that ensued. Unfortunately, two security guards were also killed in the crossfire.

A separatist group, Balochistan Liberation Army, reportedly claimed responsibility for the attack, but there is no official confirmation on it.

The CPEC was proposed by Chinese Premier Li Keqiang during a visit to Pakistan in May 2013. The 3,000-kilometer-long corridor starts from Kashi in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region and ends at Pakistan's Gwadar on the Indian Ocean. It connects the Silk Road Economic Belt in the north and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road in the south. It is a trade network of highways, railways, pipelines and optical cables and is a flagship project under the Belt and Road Initiative.

The violent attack on China's Consulate General in the Pakistani city of Karachi will not negatively affect the construction of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said on Friday.

The violent attack on China's Consulate General in the Pakistani city of Karachi will not negatively affect the construction of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said on Friday. Geng told a regular press conference in Beijing that China strongly condemns the attack, and said that the attack will not affect the process of the CPEC construction. "China and Pakistan are all-weather strategic cooperative partners. The bilateral pragmatic cooperation in various fields has brought tangible benefits and interests to the two countries and their peoples. Constructing the CPEC is a significant consensus reached by the leaders of the two countries, and is of great importance to promoting steady development, peace and prosperity of the two countries and the region. It has also won wide support from the two peoples and is being proceeded in an orderly manner," Geng said. China will continue to work with Pakistan to unswervingly advance the construction of the CPEC and bring more benefits to the two peoples and people of other countries in the region, he added. According to the spokesman, three gunmen that were trying to break into the consulate building at about 12:00 Beijing time (09:00 local time in Pakistan, 0400 GMT) on Friday were discovered by the Pakistani security guards on duty there and were all killed in the exchange of gunfire that ensued. Unfortunately, two security guards were also killed in the crossfire. A separatist group, Balochistan Liberation Army, reportedly claimed responsibility for the attack, but there is no official confirmation on it. The CPEC was proposed by Chinese Premier Li Keqiang during a visit to Pakistan in May 2013. The 3,000-kilometer-long corridor starts from Kashi in northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region and ends at Pakistan's Gwadar on the Indian Ocean. It connects the Silk Road Economic Belt in the north and the 21st Century Maritime Silk Road in the south. It is a trade network of highways, railways, pipelines and optical cables and is a flagship project under the Belt and Road Initiative.

Karachi attack not to affect China-Pakistan Economic Corridor: Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman

India condemns Pakistan over diplomat's harassment

A powerful bomb blast ripped through a busy market outside a religious seminary in Pakistan's restive Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Friday, killing at least 30 people and injuring over 40 others, officials said.

The explosive material was planted in a bike in the Friday Market (Juma Bazar) near an imambargah, a Shia religious place, in Orakzai tribal district's Kalaya area.

People were buying warm clothes when the bomb went off, officials said.

At least 30 people were killed while more than 40 others injured, Geo news quoted district administration officials as saying.

Officials said that most of the victims were minority Shia Muslims, who in the past were also targeted in the area.

"Three children were among those killed. The remote-controlled bomb was attached to a motorcycle," officials said.

The area has been cordoned off and investigation into the incident is underway.

An emergency has been declared in the region's hospitals to handle the situation.

Human Rights Minister Shireen Mazari blamed the US failure in Afghanistan for the attack and warned Pakistan to be prepared for more such incidents. 
Condemn the horrific terror attack in Orakzai tribal area.

"As the US fails in Afghanistan, Pakistan should be prepared for fallout and we must ensure greater security for our tribal areas especially protection of our people," she said tweets.

No group claimed responsibility of the attack but the Taliban militants often carry out such attacks.

Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police are on high alert following the Orakzai blast and a separate attack on the Chinese Consulate in Karachi on Friday morning.

"Our enemies are not happy with peace in the province," provincial Chief Minister Mehmood Khan said after the attack.

It was the second attack on Friday as security forces foiled a bid by militants to enter the Chinese consulate in Karachi and killed three attackers.

In 2011, 30 people including 10 cops, were killed and over 50 injured when a suicide bomber rammed his explosive-laden van into the building of the Communication and Works Department.&nbsp;

A powerful bomb blast ripped through a busy market outside a religious seminary in Pakistan's restive Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Friday, killing at least 30 people and injuring over 40 others, officials said.

A powerful bomb blast ripped through a busy market outside a religious seminary in Pakistan's restive Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province on Friday, killing at least 30 people and injuring over 40 others, officials said. The explosive material was planted in a bike in the Friday Market (Juma Bazar) near an imambargah, a Shia religious place, in Orakzai tribal district's Kalaya area. People were buying warm clothes when the bomb went off, officials said. At least 30 people were killed while more than 40 others injured, Geo news quoted district administration officials as saying. Officials said that most of the victims were minority Shia Muslims, who in the past were also targeted in the area. "Three children were among those killed. The remote-controlled bomb was attached to a motorcycle," officials said. The area has been cordoned off and investigation into the incident is underway. An emergency has been declared in the region's hospitals to handle the situation. Human Rights Minister Shireen Mazari blamed the US failure in Afghanistan for the attack and warned Pakistan to be prepared for more such incidents. Condemn the horrific terror attack in Orakzai tribal area. "As the US fails in Afghanistan, Pakistan should be prepared for fallout and we must ensure greater security for our tribal areas especially protection of our people," she said tweets. No group claimed responsibility of the attack but the Taliban militants often carry out such attacks. Khyber Pakhtunkhwa police are on high alert following the Orakzai blast and a separate attack on the Chinese Consulate in Karachi on Friday morning. "Our enemies are not happy with peace in the province," provincial Chief Minister Mehmood Khan said after the attack. It was the second attack on Friday as security forces foiled a bid by militants to enter the Chinese consulate in Karachi and killed three attackers. In 2011, 30 people including 10 cops, were killed and over 50 injured when a suicide bomber rammed his explosive-laden van into the building of the Communication and Works Department.

30 killed, 40 injured in powerful blast in Pakistan's northwest

A fearless woman officer of Karachi Police, who was once abandoned by relatives in her village for joining a private school, on Friday saved the lives of many Chinese diplomatic staff when <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-firing-reported-outside-chinese-consulate-in-karachi-178903">heavily-armed terrorists stormed the mission in the Pakistani city</a>.

Senior Superintendent Police Suhai Aziz Talpur led the security operation that foiled the brazen attack by members of the Baloch Liberation Army, or BLA, in Karachi.

She ensured the terrorists, armed with nine hand-grenades, assault rifles, magazines and explosives, did not reach the diplomatic staff inside the consulate building. Police said the terrorists were carrying food supplies and medicines, suggesting they had planned to take hostages.

But as soon as they reached the gates of the consulate, the police team took positions and retaliated. Two police officials were killed in the gunfight in which all the attackers were also neutralised.

Suhai hails from a lower middle-class family of Bhai Khan Talpur village in Tando Muhammad Khan district of Sindh province. She joined the police force after clearing elite Central Superior Services exam in 2013, The Express Tribune reported.

"When my parents decided to enrol me at a school, most of our relatives started taunting my family. So much so, that my family had to leave our village and move to a nearby town," she told the daily.

Her father Aziz Talpur, a political activist and writer, always dreamt big for his daughter.

"My relatives cut off ties with me because I wanted Suhai to study as they were only in favour of religious education," Aziz told the daily. "But I vowed to provide my daughter quality education."

Suhai started her primary education at a private school in Tando Muhammad Khan and joined Bahria Foundation for her intermediate studies.

Her educational path then led her to pursue B.Com from the Zubaida Girls College, Hyderabad in Sindh province.

"My family wanted me to become a chartered accountant but I found the job to be very dull as it had no social value," she said. "That is when I appeared for CSS and cleared it in the first attempt."

She credited her success to hard work and her upbringing. "My parents are nationalists. As a child, they used to emphasise that I memorise Sindhi poetry.

This developed my interest in literature and history, leading me to secure top marks in both the subjects in the CSS (Central Superior Services) exams."

A fearless woman officer of Karachi Police, who was once abandoned by relatives in her village for joining a private school, on Friday saved the lives of many Chinese diplomatic staff when heavily-armed terrorists stormed the mission in the Pakistani city.

A fearless woman officer of Karachi Police, who was once abandoned by relatives in her village for joining a private school, on Friday saved the lives of many Chinese diplomatic staff when heavily-armed terrorists stormed the mission in the Pakistani city. Senior Superintendent Police Suhai Aziz Talpur led the security operation that foiled the brazen attack by members of the Baloch Liberation Army, or BLA, in Karachi. She ensured the terrorists, armed with nine hand-grenades, assault rifles, magazines and explosives, did not reach the diplomatic staff inside the consulate building. Police said the terrorists were carrying food supplies and medicines, suggesting they had planned to take hostages. But as soon as they reached the gates of the consulate, the police team took positions and retaliated. Two police officials were killed in the gunfight in which all the attackers were also neutralised. Suhai hails from a lower middle-class family of Bhai Khan Talpur village in Tando Muhammad Khan district of Sindh province. She joined the police force after clearing elite Central Superior Services exam in 2013, The Express Tribune reported. "When my parents decided to enrol me at a school, most of our relatives started taunting my family. So much so, that my family had to leave our village and move to a nearby town," she told the daily. Her father Aziz Talpur, a political activist and writer, always dreamt big for his daughter. "My relatives cut off ties with me because I wanted Suhai to study as they were only in favour of religious education," Aziz told the daily. "But I vowed to provide my daughter quality education." Suhai started her primary education at a private school in Tando Muhammad Khan and joined Bahria Foundation for her intermediate studies. Her educational path then led her to pursue B.Com from the Zubaida Girls College, Hyderabad in Sindh province. "My family wanted me to become a chartered accountant but I found the job to be very dull as it had no social value," she said. "That is when I appeared for CSS and cleared it in the first attempt." She credited her success to hard work and her upbringing. "My parents are nationalists. As a child, they used to emphasise that I memorise Sindhi poetry. This developed my interest in literature and history, leading me to secure top marks in both the subjects in the CSS (Central Superior Services) exams."

Karachi Police woman officer prevented terrorists from reaching Chinese consulate staff

At least nine people were killed and 27 wounded when a blast ripped through a marketplace in Pakistan's restive northwestern tribal region Friday, officials said.&nbsp;

"We are trying to ascertain the nature of the blast" in Kalaya, a town in Orakzai agency, senior local official Khalid Iqbal told AFP. A second official confirmed the toll.&nbsp;

Orakzai is one of seven restive semi-autonomous tribal regions on the Afghan border, an area that has long been a focal point in the global war on terror.

Washington has insisted that the region provides safe havens to militants including the Afghan Taliban and Al Qaeda -- an allegation that Islamabad denies.&nbsp;

Pakistan has been battling Islamist groups in the tribal belt since 2004, after its army entered the region to search for Al-Qaeda fighters who had fled across the border following the US-led invasion of Afghanistan.

It has carried out multiple bloody military operations in the area, officially known as the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA).

Earlier this year Pakistan passed legislation which paves the way for the tribal areas to be merged into neighbouring Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, bringing them into the political mainstream.&nbsp;

At least nine people were killed and 27 wounded when a blast ripped through a marketplace in Pakistan's restive northwestern tribal region Friday, officials said.

At least nine people were killed and 27 wounded when a blast ripped through a marketplace in Pakistan's restive northwestern tribal region Friday, officials said. "We are trying to ascertain the nature of the blast" in Kalaya, a town in Orakzai agency, senior local official Khalid Iqbal told AFP. A second official confirmed the toll. Orakzai is one of seven restive semi-autonomous tribal regions on the Afghan border, an area that has long been a focal point in the global war on terror. Washington has insisted that the region provides safe havens to militants including the Afghan Taliban and Al Qaeda -- an allegation that Islamabad denies. Pakistan has been battling Islamist groups in the tribal belt since 2004, after its army entered the region to search for Al-Qaeda fighters who had fled across the border following the US-led invasion of Afghanistan. It has carried out multiple bloody military operations in the area, officially known as the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA). Earlier this year Pakistan passed legislation which paves the way for the tribal areas to be merged into neighbouring Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, bringing them into the political mainstream.

Nine killed, several injured in blast in Pakistan's northwestern tribal region

A bomb targeting Haqqani network militants in their hideout in Pakistan`s tribal areas bordering Afghanistan killed three people on Thursday, including two militants, a security official and a militant source said.&nbsp;

No group claimed responsibility for the blast.

The Haqqani network is known for bloody attacks against government institutions and foreign forces in Afghanistan, and its presence inside Pakistan is a major source of friction between Washington and Islamabad.&nbsp;

The United States and Afghanistan accuse Pakistan of providing a safe haven to senior Haqqani commanders and allege the group operates freely on Pakistan`s side of the porous frontier, charges that Pakistan has repeatedly denied.&nbsp;

"It was the office of our commander Naik Muhammad," a Haqqani network source told Reuters about the attack near the Pakistan-Afghanistan border in Pakistan`s South Waziristan region.&nbsp;

"At the present we can not say who is behind this blast. It damaged our office," he said.&nbsp;

When asked what he meant by term "office", the source said it was a meeting place for Haqqani and other militants.&nbsp;

One of those wounded was regional Haqqani commander Jamshed Khan, he added.&nbsp;

A Pakistani security official in the region said three people were killed in the attack, including two Haqqani militants, and 11 were wounded.&nbsp;

US officials have urged Pakistan to act against Haqqani militants but scant progress has been made. Privately, Pakistani officials say they fear such a move could see Haqqani militants turn their guns on Pakistani targets.

Since coming to office, US President Donald Trump has taken a hardline stance on Pakistan, recently saying during an interview with Fox News that the South Asian country doesn`t "do a damn thing" for the US despite receiving billions of dollars in aid.

Trump`s comments have further frayed the already fragile relationship between the two countries. Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan hit back at Trump by saying the United States is turning Pakistan into a "scapegoat" to mask its own failures in Afghanistan.&nbsp;

A bomb targeting Haqqani network militants in their hideout in Pakistan`s tribal areas bordering Afghanistan killed three people on Thursday, including two militants, a security official and a militant source said.

A bomb targeting Haqqani network militants in their hideout in Pakistan`s tribal areas bordering Afghanistan killed three people on Thursday, including two militants, a security official and a militant source said. No group claimed responsibility for the blast. The Haqqani network is known for bloody attacks against government institutions and foreign forces in Afghanistan, and its presence inside Pakistan is a major source of friction between Washington and Islamabad. The United States and Afghanistan accuse Pakistan of providing a safe haven to senior Haqqani commanders and allege the group operates freely on Pakistan`s side of the porous frontier, charges that Pakistan has repeatedly denied. "It was the office of our commander Naik Muhammad," a Haqqani network source told Reuters about the attack near the Pakistan-Afghanistan border in Pakistan`s South Waziristan region. "At the present we can not say who is behind this blast. It damaged our office," he said. When asked what he meant by term "office", the source said it was a meeting place for Haqqani and other militants. One of those wounded was regional Haqqani commander Jamshed Khan, he added. A Pakistani security official in the region said three people were killed in the attack, including two Haqqani militants, and 11 were wounded. US officials have urged Pakistan to act against Haqqani militants but scant progress has been made. Privately, Pakistani officials say they fear such a move could see Haqqani militants turn their guns on Pakistani targets. Since coming to office, US President Donald Trump has taken a hardline stance on Pakistan, recently saying during an interview with Fox News that the South Asian country doesn`t "do a damn thing" for the US despite receiving billions of dollars in aid. Trump`s comments have further frayed the already fragile relationship between the two countries. Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan hit back at Trump by saying the United States is turning Pakistan into a "scapegoat" to mask its own failures in Afghanistan.

Bomb attack on hideout of Haqqani militants kills three in Pakistan

Pakistan said Thursday that it would <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/expect-good-news-says-pakistan-after-india-decides-to-build-kartarpur-corridor-178740">open the Kartarpur corridor</a> for Guru Nanak's 550th birth anniversary.&nbsp;

"Pakistan has already conveyed to India its decision to open Kartarpura Corridor for Baba Guru Nanak’s 550th birth anniversary," Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi tweeted Thursday.&nbsp;

"PM Imran Khan will do break ground at Kartarpura facilities on 28th November. We welcome the Sikh community to Pakistan for this auspicious occasion," he added.&nbsp;

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Pakistan has already conveyed to India it's decision to open Kartarpura Corridor for Baba Guru Nanak’s 550th birth anniversary. PM Imran Khan will do break ground at Kartarpura facilities on 28th November. We welcome the Sikh community to Pakistan for this auspicious occasion.
— Shah Mahmood Qureshi (@SMQureshiPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/SMQureshiPTI/status/1065544884973654016?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Nanak was born in 1469. His 550th birth anniversary&nbsp;is next year.&nbsp;

Indian Home Minister Rajnath Singh had said earlier Thursday that India would build and develop a corridor from Dera Baba Nanak in (Indian) Punjab's Gurdaspur district to the International Border to facilitate Sikh pilgrims visiting Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur on the banks of the Ravi river in Pakistan.

Kartarpur Sahib, located just across the International Border in Pakistan, is <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/kartarpur-sahib-pakistani-gurudwara-where-guru-nanak-spent-final-18-years-of-his-life-178745">the final resting place of Guru Nanak</a> — the founder of Sikhism — and one of the holiest shrines of the Sikhs.

The decision was taken at a meeting of the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to commemorate the 550th birth anniversary this year of Guru Nanak.

India had on Thursday also urged the Pakistan government to build a corridor — on its side of the border — to Katarpur Sahib to facilitate the easy movement of Indian pilgrims to the shrine.

(With inputs from PTI)

Pakistan said Thursday that it would open the Kartarpur corridor for Guru Nanak's 550th birth anniversary. "Pakistan has already conveyed to India its decision to open Kartarpura Corridor for Baba Guru Nanak’s 550th birth anniversary," Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi tweeted Thursday.

Pakistan said Thursday that it would open the Kartarpur corridor for Guru Nanak's 550th birth anniversary. "Pakistan has already conveyed to India its decision to open Kartarpura Corridor for Baba Guru Nanak’s 550th birth anniversary," Pakistan Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi tweeted Thursday. "PM Imran Khan will do break ground at Kartarpura facilities on 28th November. We welcome the Sikh community to Pakistan for this auspicious occasion," he added. Pakistan has already conveyed to India it's decision to open Kartarpura Corridor for Baba Guru Nanak’s 550th birth anniversary. PM Imran Khan will do break ground at Kartarpura facilities on 28th November. We welcome the Sikh community to Pakistan for this auspicious occasion. — Shah Mahmood Qureshi (@SMQureshiPTI) November 22, 2018 × Nanak was born in 1469. His 550th birth anniversary is next year. Indian Home Minister Rajnath Singh had said earlier Thursday that India would build and develop a corridor from Dera Baba Nanak in (Indian) Punjab's Gurdaspur district to the International Border to facilitate Sikh pilgrims visiting Gurdwara Darbar Sahib Kartarpur on the banks of the Ravi river in Pakistan. Kartarpur Sahib, located just across the International Border in Pakistan, is the final resting place of Guru Nanak — the founder of Sikhism — and one of the holiest shrines of the Sikhs. The decision was taken at a meeting of the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to commemorate the 550th birth anniversary this year of Guru Nanak. India had on Thursday also urged the Pakistan government to build a corridor — on its side of the border — to Katarpur Sahib to facilitate the easy movement of Indian pilgrims to the shrine. (With inputs from PTI)

Pakistan says will open Kartarpur Corridor for Guru Nanak's 550th birth anniversary

Ram Madhav, National General Secretary of the Bharatiya Janata Party on Thursday took back his comment that the alliance between PDP, Congress and National Conference was made on Pakistan's behest after Omar Abdullah asked him to prove his allegation.&nbsp;

Earlier the two leaders clashed on Twitter, a day after Governor Satya Pal Malik dissolved the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly.

Former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Omar Abdullah objected to Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) General Secretary, Ram Madhav suggesting that Abdullah's National Conference (NC) had tied up with arch-rival Mehbooba Mufti-led Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to form a government on "instructions from across the border".

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Just landed@Aizawl n saw this. Now tht u deny any external pressure I take back my comment, bt, now tht u proved it ws genuine love btw NC n PDP tht prompted a failed govt formation attempt,u shud fight nxt elections 2gether. 😂Mind u it’s pol comnt,not personal <a href="https://t.co/DsOYiwwXmo">https://t.co/DsOYiwwXmo</a>
— Ram Madhav (@rammadhavbjp) <a href="https://twitter.com/rammadhavbjp/status/1065524861676728320?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 22, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"No, misplaced attempts at humour won`t work. You HAVE claimed my party has been acting at the behest of Pakistan. I dare you to prove it! Place the evidence of your allegation of NC boycott of ULB polls at Pak behest in the public domain. It`s an open challenge to you &amp; your Govt.," Omar Abdullah tweeted.

In an exclusive interview with ANI on Thursday, Madhav had said, "The PDP and NC boycotted local body polls last month because they had instructions from across the border. Probably they had fresh instructions from across the border to come together and form a government.

"On Wednesday, arch rivals PDP, NC along with Congress confirmed that they stitched up an alliance to form the government in Jammu and Kashmir, which has been under Governor`s rule since June when the BJP ended its ruling alliance with the PDP. Madhav was quick to clarify that he didn`t mean to offend Abdullah."Just take it in your stride @OmarAbdullah Not questioning your patriotism at all. But d sudden love between NC n PDP nd hurry to form government leads to many suspicions n political comments. Not to offend u," Madhav said in a Tweet.

(With inputs from ANI)

Ram Madhav, National General Secretary of the Bharatiya Janata Party on Thursday took back his comment that the alliance between PDP, Congress and National Conference was made on Pakistan's behest after Omar Abdullah asked him to prove his allegation.

Ram Madhav, National General Secretary of the Bharatiya Janata Party on Thursday took back his comment that the alliance between PDP, Congress and National Conference was made on Pakistan's behest after Omar Abdullah asked him to prove his allegation. Earlier the two leaders clashed on Twitter, a day after Governor Satya Pal Malik dissolved the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly. Former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Omar Abdullah objected to Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) General Secretary, Ram Madhav suggesting that Abdullah's National Conference (NC) had tied up with arch-rival Mehbooba Mufti-led Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to form a government on "instructions from across the border". Just landed@Aizawl n saw this. Now tht u deny any external pressure I take back my comment, bt, now tht u proved it ws genuine love btw NC n PDP tht prompted a failed govt formation attempt,u shud fight nxt elections 2gether. 😂Mind u it’s pol comnt,not personal https://t.co/DsOYiwwXmo — Ram Madhav (@rammadhavbjp) November 22, 2018 × "No, misplaced attempts at humour won`t work. You HAVE claimed my party has been acting at the behest of Pakistan. I dare you to prove it! Place the evidence of your allegation of NC boycott of ULB polls at Pak behest in the public domain. It`s an open challenge to you & your Govt.," Omar Abdullah tweeted. In an exclusive interview with ANI on Thursday, Madhav had said, "The PDP and NC boycotted local body polls last month because they had instructions from across the border. Probably they had fresh instructions from across the border to come together and form a government. "On Wednesday, arch rivals PDP, NC along with Congress confirmed that they stitched up an alliance to form the government in Jammu and Kashmir, which has been under Governor`s rule since June when the BJP ended its ruling alliance with the PDP. Madhav was quick to clarify that he didn`t mean to offend Abdullah."Just take it in your stride @OmarAbdullah Not questioning your patriotism at all. But d sudden love between NC n PDP nd hurry to form government leads to many suspicions n political comments. Not to offend u," Madhav said in a Tweet. (With inputs from ANI)

Ram Madhav takes back his 'Pakistan behind J&K alliance' comment after Omar dare

Punjab chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Wednesday said that the grenade used in the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/3-dead-10-injured-in-grenade-attack-at-amritsars-rajasansi-village-178012">attack on a religious congregation</a> on the city outskirts of Amritsar was made under license by Pakistan ordinance factory and added that Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) masterminded the attack.&nbsp;

The grenade used in the attack is the same used against the Indian forces in Kashmir, he said and added Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence is quite active in fomenting trouble in Punjab, Singh said.

Three persons were killed and at least 10 injured in the attack.&nbsp;

The CM said that 26-year-old Bikramjit Singh has been arrested in connection with the attack and another accused will be captured soon.&nbsp;

''I'm happy to announce that police nabbed one of the two persons involved. The other man will also be arrested soon. His name is Avtar Singh,'' he said.&nbsp;

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The person who is the mastermind is Inter-Services Intelligence. These (Harmeet Singh ‘PhD’ alias Happy) are only touts which they were using: Punjab CM Captain Amarinder Singh <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/Amritsar?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#Amritsar</a> blast at Nirankari Mission congregation that claimed 3 lives <a href="https://t.co/cFVPDF8HOm">pic.twitter.com/cFVPDF8HOm</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1065200442194518016?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 21, 2018</a></blockquote>
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The attack took place inside the Nirankari Bhavan at Adliwal village near Amritsar's Rajasansi, close to the international airport, police said.

Ruling out the communal angle, the Punjab CM said it's a pure case of terrorism.&nbsp;

''They were targeted as they were easy targets. We had information in the past about other organisations being targeted but we took precautionary measures and prevented them from happening,'' the Punjab CM said.&nbsp;

Punjab chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Wednesday said that the grenade used in the attack on a religious congregation on the city outskirts of Amritsar was made under license by Pakistan ordinance factory and added that Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) masterminded the attack.

Punjab chief minister Captain Amarinder Singh on Wednesday said that the grenade used in the attack on a religious congregation on the city outskirts of Amritsar was made under license by Pakistan ordinance factory and added that Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) masterminded the attack. The grenade used in the attack is the same used against the Indian forces in Kashmir, he said and added Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence is quite active in fomenting trouble in Punjab, Singh said. Three persons were killed and at least 10 injured in the attack. The CM said that 26-year-old Bikramjit Singh has been arrested in connection with the attack and another accused will be captured soon. ''I'm happy to announce that police nabbed one of the two persons involved. The other man will also be arrested soon. His name is Avtar Singh,'' he said. The person who is the mastermind is Inter-Services Intelligence. These (Harmeet Singh ‘PhD’ alias Happy) are only touts which they were using: Punjab CM Captain Amarinder Singh #Amritsar blast at Nirankari Mission congregation that claimed 3 lives pic.twitter.com/cFVPDF8HOm — ANI (@ANI) November 21, 2018 × The attack took place inside the Nirankari Bhavan at Adliwal village near Amritsar's Rajasansi, close to the international airport, police said. Ruling out the communal angle, the Punjab CM said it's a pure case of terrorism. ''They were targeted as they were easy targets. We had information in the past about other organisations being targeted but we took precautionary measures and prevented them from happening,'' the Punjab CM said.

ISI masterminded Amritsar attack, grenade made in Pakistan: Punjab CM Amarinder Singh

Margaret Thatcher was famously not for turning, but Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan has declared U-turns to be a "hallmark of great leadership", in comments provoking criticism from opponents and a slew of jokes from Pakistanis.

Khan, the cricketer-turned-premier, has come under fire since he took office in August for a string of apparent about-faces.

They include backtracking from his claim that as prime minister he would only fly by commercial airliner, caving to Islamist pressure over his decision to appoint a member of a persecuted religious minority as an economic advisor, and allying himself with politicians he has previously declared corrupt.

With the opposition branding him 'U-turn Khan', he has defended himself to journalists.

"Both Hitler and Napoleon faced defeat as they did not change their strategies according to the situation... Leaders should always be ready to take U-turns," he was quoted as saying by the English-language daily Dawn newspaper on Saturday.

Some supporters attempted to explain that Khan was misusing the term "U-turn", and simply meant that leaders must be flexible.

"While dictators find it difficult to do course correction, leading their countries into disaster, democratic leaders have ability to do timely course correction when needed!" wrote human rights minister Shireen Mazari.

But the comments ignited social media, especially after Khan doubled down on his statement with a fresh tweet on Sunday.

"Doing a U-turn to reach one's objective is the hallmark of great leadership just as lying to save ill-gotten wealth is the hallmark of crooks," he wrote.

The tweet prompted a wave of jokes on Twitter.

"I was going to take a bath. I took U-turn when I realised that water is cold," tweeted one user from Peshawar.

"This morning I woke up to drink tea, then I took a U-turn and slept again. Now, I have become a real leader," tweeted another.

Others posted memes including an image of a circular racetrack captioned "Road to Leadership".

Khan did not appear to respond, but his party's official Twitter account posted video clip of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos stating: "People who are right a lot change their minds".

Margaret Thatcher was famously not for turning, but Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan has declared U-turns to be a "hallmark of great leadership", in comments provoking criticism from opponents and a slew of jokes from Pakistanis.

Margaret Thatcher was famously not for turning, but Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan has declared U-turns to be a "hallmark of great leadership", in comments provoking criticism from opponents and a slew of jokes from Pakistanis. Khan, the cricketer-turned-premier, has come under fire since he took office in August for a string of apparent about-faces. They include backtracking from his claim that as prime minister he would only fly by commercial airliner, caving to Islamist pressure over his decision to appoint a member of a persecuted religious minority as an economic advisor, and allying himself with politicians he has previously declared corrupt. With the opposition branding him 'U-turn Khan', he has defended himself to journalists. "Both Hitler and Napoleon faced defeat as they did not change their strategies according to the situation... Leaders should always be ready to take U-turns," he was quoted as saying by the English-language daily Dawn newspaper on Saturday. Some supporters attempted to explain that Khan was misusing the term "U-turn", and simply meant that leaders must be flexible. "While dictators find it difficult to do course correction, leading their countries into disaster, democratic leaders have ability to do timely course correction when needed!" wrote human rights minister Shireen Mazari. But the comments ignited social media, especially after Khan doubled down on his statement with a fresh tweet on Sunday. "Doing a U-turn to reach one's objective is the hallmark of great leadership just as lying to save ill-gotten wealth is the hallmark of crooks," he wrote. The tweet prompted a wave of jokes on Twitter. "I was going to take a bath. I took U-turn when I realised that water is cold," tweeted one user from Peshawar. "This morning I woke up to drink tea, then I took a U-turn and slept again. Now, I have become a real leader," tweeted another. Others posted memes including an image of a circular racetrack captioned "Road to Leadership". Khan did not appear to respond, but his party's official Twitter account posted video clip of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos stating: "People who are right a lot change their minds".

Pakistan PM Imran Khan's defence of the political U-turn sparks mirth

The Trump administration has suspended <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-remains-a-critical-partner-to-us-south-asia-strategy-pentagon-178292">security assistance to Pakistan</a>&nbsp;because it failed to address the problem of militant safe havens inside its territory, the White House has said.

"The (Trump) Administration has been clear to Pakistani leaders that it expects them to constructively address the problem of militant safe havens in Pakistan," an official from the National Security Council, the White House, told PTI.

"Because Pakistan failed to address the problem, the Administration suspended security assistance," the official said, requesting anonymity.

"We remain hopeful that Pakistan will realize it is in its own interest to cooperate with the US strategy in Afghanistan," said the official responding to Pakistani <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-lost-over-123-billion-by-joining-us-war-on-terror-aid-received-was-minuscule-20-bn-imran-khan-on-trumps-tirade-178222">Prime Minister Imran Khan</a> accusing President Donald Trump of false assertion in his country's fight against terror.

First in an interview to Fox News on Sunday and then in two tweets on Monday, Trump had accused Pakistan of not doing "a damn thing" for the United States.&nbsp;

He alleged that Pakistan knew that Osama bin Laden, the al Qaida leader, was living in a mansion on the outskirts of its garrison city of Abbottabad and all the aid being given to Pakistan, which is $1.3 billion per annum, was a waste.

As a result, Trump defended his decision to cut all security assistance to Pakistan.

The Pakistani prime minister responded with a tweet saying that his country had suffered enough by fighting terrorism on behalf of the United States.&nbsp;

"Now we will do what is best for our people &amp; our interests," the cricketer-turned-politician said on Twitter.&nbsp;

Trump's latest interview and tweets, which were a statement of fact being said and felt by top US officials for long, has furthered deteriorated US-Pak relationship.&nbsp;

Senator Rand Paul, who has for the last several years, sought to cut all assistance to Pakistan, supported Trump's decision.&nbsp;

"I agree completely. That's why we should push hard on Pakistan to let persecuted Christian Asia Bibi find asylum in America," he said retweeting Trump's posts.

Paul has urged Trump to grant political asylum and refugee status to Asia Bibi.

"Until Asia Bibi is freed, Pakistan should not receive a penny of US&nbsp;Aid! Not one penny should go to any nation that persecutes or kills Christians!" Paul wrote in an op-ed in Breitbart News.

"During my time in Congress, I have introduced legislation to directly go after Pakistan's foreign aid and turn up the pressure on them to release Asia Bibi and stop persecuting religious minorities," he said.

In fact, over the past few years, a consensus seems to have emerged in the US Congress, think-tank and the administration that Pakistan has not been doing enough in the fight against terrorism and that it is playing a double game.

"Because they enjoy safe haven in Pakistan. Next question," Jeff M Smith of The Heritage Foundation think-tank said responding to a tweet from Imran Khan in which he said that "Instead of making Pakistan a scapegoat for their failures, the US should do a serious assessment of why, despite 140000 NATO troops plus 250,000 Afghan troops &amp; reportedly $1 trillion spent on war in Afghanistan, the Taliban today are stronger than before."&nbsp;

The Trump administration has suspended security assistance to Pakistan because it failed to address the problem of militant safe havens inside its territory, the White House has said.

The Trump administration has suspended security assistance to Pakistan because it failed to address the problem of militant safe havens inside its territory, the White House has said. "The (Trump) Administration has been clear to Pakistani leaders that it expects them to constructively address the problem of militant safe havens in Pakistan," an official from the National Security Council, the White House, told PTI. "Because Pakistan failed to address the problem, the Administration suspended security assistance," the official said, requesting anonymity. "We remain hopeful that Pakistan will realize it is in its own interest to cooperate with the US strategy in Afghanistan," said the official responding to Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan accusing President Donald Trump of false assertion in his country's fight against terror. First in an interview to Fox News on Sunday and then in two tweets on Monday, Trump had accused Pakistan of not doing "a damn thing" for the United States. He alleged that Pakistan knew that Osama bin Laden, the al Qaida leader, was living in a mansion on the outskirts of its garrison city of Abbottabad and all the aid being given to Pakistan, which is $1.3 billion per annum, was a waste. As a result, Trump defended his decision to cut all security assistance to Pakistan. The Pakistani prime minister responded with a tweet saying that his country had suffered enough by fighting terrorism on behalf of the United States. "Now we will do what is best for our people & our interests," the cricketer-turned-politician said on Twitter. Trump's latest interview and tweets, which were a statement of fact being said and felt by top US officials for long, has furthered deteriorated US-Pak relationship. Senator Rand Paul, who has for the last several years, sought to cut all assistance to Pakistan, supported Trump's decision. "I agree completely. That's why we should push hard on Pakistan to let persecuted Christian Asia Bibi find asylum in America," he said retweeting Trump's posts. Paul has urged Trump to grant political asylum and refugee status to Asia Bibi. "Until Asia Bibi is freed, Pakistan should not receive a penny of US Aid! Not one penny should go to any nation that persecutes or kills Christians!" Paul wrote in an op-ed in Breitbart News. "During my time in Congress, I have introduced legislation to directly go after Pakistan's foreign aid and turn up the pressure on them to release Asia Bibi and stop persecuting religious minorities," he said. In fact, over the past few years, a consensus seems to have emerged in the US Congress, think-tank and the administration that Pakistan has not been doing enough in the fight against terrorism and that it is playing a double game. "Because they enjoy safe haven in Pakistan. Next question," Jeff M Smith of The Heritage Foundation think-tank said responding to a tweet from Imran Khan in which he said that "Instead of making Pakistan a scapegoat for their failures, the US should do a serious assessment of why, despite 140000 NATO troops plus 250,000 Afghan troops & reportedly $1 trillion spent on war in Afghanistan, the Taliban today are stronger than before."

Suspended security assistance to Pak for failure to address militant safe havens: US

Debutant spinner Ajaz Patel claimed five wickets in the second innings as New Zealand beat Pakistan by four runs on a dramatic fourth day of the opening Test in Abu Dhabi on Monday.

Pakistan resumed the day on 37 for no loss, needing 139 runs for a victory to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, but suffered two separate batting collapses that resulted in a tense finish at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium.

Pakistan were eventually dismissed for 171 in 58.4 overs as the visitors wrapped up the fifth-smallest win by runs in Test history.

"We knew the surface wasn't an easy one. There was turn from day one and all the spinners bowled well," New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson said.

"It's a great advertisement for Test cricket. In the end, it came down to the wire. We'll sit down and review our performance and the things to improve upon. The attitude, certainly today and throughout the game, was brilliant."

Azhar Ali (65), who stitched together an 82-run stand with Asad Shafiq (45) to keep Pakistan's hopes alive, was the last batsman to fall when he was trapped in front of the wicket by Patel who finished with 5-59.

"It's a dream come true. We know Pakistan have got good players of spin, but we kept chipping in there," left-armer Patel said.

Earlier, Patel dismissed opener Imam-ul-Haq leg-before and spin partner Ish Sodhi struck twice to remove Mohammad Hafeez and Haris Sohail as Pakistan lost three batsmen in eight balls to find themselves in trouble at 48-3.

Shafiq edged pace bowler Neil Wagner to wicketkeeper BJ Watling before lunch and Babar Azam was run out after the break. Pakistan skipper Sarfraz Ahmed was then caught behind off Patel for three with his team down 154-6 and needing 22 runs to win.

Bilal Asif was bowled for a duck as he attempted to slog Patel and Wagner had Yasir Shah caught at slip. Hasan Ali was the next to go, offering a simple catch to substitute fielder Tim Southee off Patel.

Azhar played more cautiously as the wickets continued to tumble, but despite the 33-year-old's battling effort, Pakistan could not avoid defeat.

The second Test will be played in Dubai from Nov. 24-28 before the teams return to Abu Dhabi for the final Test from Dec. 3-7.

Debutant spinner Ajaz Patel claimed five wickets in the second innings as New Zealand beat Pakistan by four runs on a dramatic fourth day of the opening Test in Abu Dhabi on Monday.

Debutant spinner Ajaz Patel claimed five wickets in the second innings as New Zealand beat Pakistan by four runs on a dramatic fourth day of the opening Test in Abu Dhabi on Monday. Pakistan resumed the day on 37 for no loss, needing 139 runs for a victory to take a 1-0 lead in the three-match series, but suffered two separate batting collapses that resulted in a tense finish at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium. Pakistan were eventually dismissed for 171 in 58.4 overs as the visitors wrapped up the fifth-smallest win by runs in Test history. "We knew the surface wasn't an easy one. There was turn from day one and all the spinners bowled well," New Zealand skipper Kane Williamson said. "It's a great advertisement for Test cricket. In the end, it came down to the wire. We'll sit down and review our performance and the things to improve upon. The attitude, certainly today and throughout the game, was brilliant." Azhar Ali (65), who stitched together an 82-run stand with Asad Shafiq (45) to keep Pakistan's hopes alive, was the last batsman to fall when he was trapped in front of the wicket by Patel who finished with 5-59. "It's a dream come true. We know Pakistan have got good players of spin, but we kept chipping in there," left-armer Patel said. Earlier, Patel dismissed opener Imam-ul-Haq leg-before and spin partner Ish Sodhi struck twice to remove Mohammad Hafeez and Haris Sohail as Pakistan lost three batsmen in eight balls to find themselves in trouble at 48-3. Shafiq edged pace bowler Neil Wagner to wicketkeeper BJ Watling before lunch and Babar Azam was run out after the break. Pakistan skipper Sarfraz Ahmed was then caught behind off Patel for three with his team down 154-6 and needing 22 runs to win. Bilal Asif was bowled for a duck as he attempted to slog Patel and Wagner had Yasir Shah caught at slip. Hasan Ali was the next to go, offering a simple catch to substitute fielder Tim Southee off Patel. Azhar played more cautiously as the wickets continued to tumble, but despite the 33-year-old's battling effort, Pakistan could not avoid defeat. The second Test will be played in Dubai from Nov. 24-28 before the teams return to Abu Dhabi for the final Test from Dec. 3-7.

Ajaz Patel scythes down Pakistan as Kiwis seal four-run win in first test

A day after Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and US President Donald Trump slammed each other on twitter, Pakistan on Tuesday summoned American US Charge d'affaires CdA Ambassador Paul Jones.

According to Pakistan to the ministry of foreign affairs release Islamabad registered a "strong protest on the unwarranted and unsubstantiated allegations made against Pakistan".

American US Charge d'affaires was summoned by the Pakistani foreign secretary Tehmina Janjua and conveyed her Government's disappointment on the recent tweets and comments by the US President. The US CdA was told that such "baseless rhetoric about Pakistan was totally unacceptable."&nbsp;

Rejecting the insinuations about Osama Bin Laden, the Foreign Secretary reminded the US CdA "that it was Pakistan's intelligence cooperation that provided the initial evidence to trace the whereabouts of Osama Bin Laden."

The Imran-Trump tiff on tweeter started after US President in an interview to Fox news channel justified aid cut to Pakistan and said the country doesn't do "a damn thing" and was hiding Osama.

Explaining the US CdA that no other country had paid a heavier price than Pakistan in the fight against terrorism, Tehmina Janjua said, "US must not forget that scores of top AQ leaders were killed or captured by active Pakistani cooperation."

She also remined "Pakistan's continued support to the efforts of international community in Afghanistan" through Ground/ Air and Sea lines of communication was "unquestionably critical to the success of this Mission in Afghanistan."

Meanwhile, Diplomatic sources told WION that US CdA has assured Pakistan that America greatly values Pakistan sacrifices and needs its support. CdA also told Foreign secretary that diplomatic channels should remain open between Pakistan and US.

Slamming Pak on Twitter, Trump had tweeted, "We paid Pakistan Billions of Dollars &amp; they never told us he was living there.". Earlier, Pakistan's Prime Minister had tweeted that US was trying to make Pakistan a "scapegoat for their failures".

The relationship between the 2 erstwhile allies has suffered in last few years over Pakistan's inaction on terror which has miffed Washington. The first tweet this year by US President this year was on Pakistan saying he is the cutting aid to the country since it has only offered "lies and deceit".

A day after Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and US President Donald Trump slammed each other on twitter, Pakistan on Tuesday summoned American US Charge d'affaires CdA Ambassador Paul Jones.

A day after Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan and US President Donald Trump slammed each other on twitter, Pakistan on Tuesday summoned American US Charge d'affaires CdA Ambassador Paul Jones. According to Pakistan to the ministry of foreign affairs release Islamabad registered a "strong protest on the unwarranted and unsubstantiated allegations made against Pakistan". American US Charge d'affaires was summoned by the Pakistani foreign secretary Tehmina Janjua and conveyed her Government's disappointment on the recent tweets and comments by the US President. The US CdA was told that such "baseless rhetoric about Pakistan was totally unacceptable." Rejecting the insinuations about Osama Bin Laden, the Foreign Secretary reminded the US CdA "that it was Pakistan's intelligence cooperation that provided the initial evidence to trace the whereabouts of Osama Bin Laden." The Imran-Trump tiff on tweeter started after US President in an interview to Fox news channel justified aid cut to Pakistan and said the country doesn't do "a damn thing" and was hiding Osama. Explaining the US CdA that no other country had paid a heavier price than Pakistan in the fight against terrorism, Tehmina Janjua said, "US must not forget that scores of top AQ leaders were killed or captured by active Pakistani cooperation." She also remined "Pakistan's continued support to the efforts of international community in Afghanistan" through Ground/ Air and Sea lines of communication was "unquestionably critical to the success of this Mission in Afghanistan." Meanwhile, Diplomatic sources told WION that US CdA has assured Pakistan that America greatly values Pakistan sacrifices and needs its support. CdA also told Foreign secretary that diplomatic channels should remain open between Pakistan and US. Slamming Pak on Twitter, Trump had tweeted, "We paid Pakistan Billions of Dollars & they never told us he was living there.". Earlier, Pakistan's Prime Minister had tweeted that US was trying to make Pakistan a "scapegoat for their failures". The relationship between the 2 erstwhile allies has suffered in last few years over Pakistan's inaction on terror which has miffed Washington. The first tweet this year by US President this year was on Pakistan saying he is the cutting aid to the country since it has only offered "lies and deceit".

Pakistan summons US envoy over President Trump's tweets

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/suspended-security-assistance-as-pak-failed-to-act-on-militant-safe-havens-white-house-178294">Suspended security assistance to Pak for failure to address militant safe havens: US</a>

The Trump administration has suspended security assistance to Pakistan because it failed to address the problem of militant safe havens inside its territory, the White House has said.

"The (Trump) Administration has been clear to Pakistani leaders that it expects them to constructively address the problem of militant safe havens in Pakistan," an official from the National Security Council, the White House, told PTI.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/multiple-victims-after-shots-fired-at-chicago-hospital-police-178282">Four killed, including </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/multiple-victims-after-shots-fired-at-chicago-hospital-police-178282">gunman</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/multiple-victims-after-shots-fired-at-chicago-hospital-police-178282"> and police officer, in shooting at Chicago hospital</a>

Four people were killed and two others critically wounded in a shooting at a Chicago hospital on Monday, and among the dead was the gunman who started shooting in the parking lot and then burst into the medical facility and opened fire, according to local media.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/chhattisgarh-elections-polling-begins-in-second-phase-amid-heavy-security-178297">Chhattisgarh elections: Polling begins in </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/chhattisgarh-elections-polling-begins-in-second-phase-amid-heavy-security-178297">second</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/chhattisgarh-elections-polling-begins-in-second-phase-amid-heavy-security-178297"> phase amid heavy security</a>

Polling booths opened today in 72 assembly constituencies in Chhattisgarh today in the second phase of elections amid heavy security.

The state had gone to the polls for the first phase on November 12th in the 18 Naxal-affected seats which saw 70 per cent electorates exercising their franchise.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/encounter-underway-in-jks-shopian-district-2-terrorists-trapped-178291">Two terrorists reportedly killed in </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/encounter-underway-in-jks-shopian-district-2-terrorists-trapped-178291">encounter</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/encounter-underway-in-jks-shopian-district-2-terrorists-trapped-178291"> in Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian</a>

Two terrorists were reportedly killed in an encounter that broke out between terrorists and security forces at Nadigam village of Shopian district in Jammu and Kashmir in the wee hours of Tuesday.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-remains-a-critical-partner-to-us-south-asia-strategy-pentagon-178292">Pakistan remains a critical partner to US' South Asia strategy: Pentagon</a>

Pakistan remains a critical partner to America's South Asia strategy, the Pentagon said on Monday, a day after President Donald Trump said that Islamabad was not doing "a damn thing" for the US.

Suspended security assistance to Pak for failure to address militant safe havens: US The Trump administration has suspended security assistance to Pakistan because it failed to address the problem of militant safe havens inside its territory, the White House has said.

Suspended security assistance to Pak for failure to address militant safe havens: US The Trump administration has suspended security assistance to Pakistan because it failed to address the problem of militant safe havens inside its territory, the White House has said. "The (Trump) Administration has been clear to Pakistani leaders that it expects them to constructively address the problem of militant safe havens in Pakistan," an official from the National Security Council, the White House, told PTI. Four killed, including gunman and police officer, in shooting at Chicago hospital Four people were killed and two others critically wounded in a shooting at a Chicago hospital on Monday, and among the dead was the gunman who started shooting in the parking lot and then burst into the medical facility and opened fire, according to local media. Chhattisgarh elections: Polling begins in second phase amid heavy security Polling booths opened today in 72 assembly constituencies in Chhattisgarh today in the second phase of elections amid heavy security. The state had gone to the polls for the first phase on November 12th in the 18 Naxal-affected seats which saw 70 per cent electorates exercising their franchise. Two terrorists reportedly killed in encounter in Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian Two terrorists were reportedly killed in an encounter that broke out between terrorists and security forces at Nadigam village of Shopian district in Jammu and Kashmir in the wee hours of Tuesday. Pakistan remains a critical partner to US' South Asia strategy: Pentagon Pakistan remains a critical partner to America's South Asia strategy, the Pentagon said on Monday, a day after President Donald Trump said that Islamabad was not doing "a damn thing" for the US.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Pakistan's powerful Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa said on Tuesday that his country "has done much more for peace in Afghanistan than any other country", in an apparent reference to the US which is fighting the Taliban militants since 2001 to restore peace in the war-torn nation.

Gen Bajwa's remarks came in the midst of a war of words between Pakistan and US after President Donald Trump berated Islamabad for lack of cooperation in the war on terror.

Army spokesman Major General Asif Ghafoor tweeted General Bajwa's views about Afghanistan and the war on terror.

"Pakistan has successfully fought against terrorism while also contributing to regional peace. Pakistan has done much more for peace in Afghanistan than any other country," Gen Bajwa said.

He said Pakistan has "paid the highest military, economic, political and social cost and the world should acknowledge that".

"We shall continue to contribute towards peace in Afghanistan," the army chief said, "but Pakistan's honour and Pakistan's security shall always stay premier".

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday reacted sharply to President Trump's remarks, saying that instead of making Pakistan a "scapegoat" for its failures in

Afghanistan, the US should find out why the Taliban has emerged stronger than before.

Pakistan on Tuesday summoned US charge d'affaires Paul Jones to register a strong protest over Trump's "baseless allegations" on harbouring al-Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden, saying it was a "closed chapter of history" and could seriously undermine bilateral ties.

Trump on Sunday defended his administration's decision to stop hundreds of millions of dollars in military aid to Pakistan for not doing enough to curb terrorism and criticised Islamabad for offering a hideout to slain al-Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden in the garrison city of Abbottabad.

The US, which is fighting the Taliban militants since 2001 in Afghanistan, continues to seek an exit strategy from the troubled country and in recent months

Washington has held direct talks with the Taliban representatives to end the 17 year long war.

Pakistan's powerful Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa said on Tuesday that his country "has done much more for peace in Afghanistan than any other country", in an apparent reference to the US which is fighting the Taliban militants since 2001 to restore peace in the war-torn nation.

Pakistan's powerful Army Chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa said on Tuesday that his country "has done much more for peace in Afghanistan than any other country", in an apparent reference to the US which is fighting the Taliban militants since 2001 to restore peace in the war-torn nation. Gen Bajwa's remarks came in the midst of a war of words between Pakistan and US after President Donald Trump berated Islamabad for lack of cooperation in the war on terror. Army spokesman Major General Asif Ghafoor tweeted General Bajwa's views about Afghanistan and the war on terror. "Pakistan has successfully fought against terrorism while also contributing to regional peace. Pakistan has done much more for peace in Afghanistan than any other country," Gen Bajwa said. He said Pakistan has "paid the highest military, economic, political and social cost and the world should acknowledge that". "We shall continue to contribute towards peace in Afghanistan," the army chief said, "but Pakistan's honour and Pakistan's security shall always stay premier". Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday reacted sharply to President Trump's remarks, saying that instead of making Pakistan a "scapegoat" for its failures in Afghanistan, the US should find out why the Taliban has emerged stronger than before. Pakistan on Tuesday summoned US charge d'affaires Paul Jones to register a strong protest over Trump's "baseless allegations" on harbouring al-Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden, saying it was a "closed chapter of history" and could seriously undermine bilateral ties. Trump on Sunday defended his administration's decision to stop hundreds of millions of dollars in military aid to Pakistan for not doing enough to curb terrorism and criticised Islamabad for offering a hideout to slain al-Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden in the garrison city of Abbottabad. The US, which is fighting the Taliban militants since 2001 in Afghanistan, continues to seek an exit strategy from the troubled country and in recent months Washington has held direct talks with the Taliban representatives to end the 17 year long war.

Pakistan has done more for peace in Afghanistan than any other country: General Bajwa

Slogans like "We want justice" and "Release all Baloch Missing Persons" echoed across Balochistan as a large number of women and children joined massive rallies against enforced disappearances in the Pakistani province on Monday.

In Dera Ghazi Khan, the protesters demanded the immediate release of hundreds of Baloch political activists, students and other intellectuals who had been illegally abducted by secret services and the Army in the past few months.

The family members of Baloch missing persons have been protesting for the past few months, but their voice is unheard by Islamabad. They demand enforced disappearances should be criminalised.

Among many women who have joined the protest for the safe release of their husband is Zarina Baloch, wife of Shabir Baloch. Zarina`s husband was abducted on 14 October 2016 and she has never heard of him again. She has travelled from Awaran to set up a protest camp in capital Quetta.

There are many such families who have been silently fighting for injustice. In Quetta, a large number of missing persons` families were joined by civil rights and human rights activists to work for the safe recovery of Baloch missing persons.

Nasurallah Baloch, Chairman of Voice of Baloch Missing Persons said in his address, "Baloch women and children have been protesting since morning to evening for the safe recovery of their sons and brothers. Now, every Baloch must stand and give support to mothers and children. We want to tell those powerful officials and politicians as how the revolution will take birth in Balochistan".

"I have high praise for our mothers and sisters who have come on streets to seek justice for their loved ones who are disappeared. The civil society activists and human rights organizations in Balochistan will stand with you," said Nasrullah while announcing an indefinite protest for enforced disappeared persons.

Baloch human rights activist Mama Qadeer Baloch also joined the protest rally in Quetta and demand justice for innocent Baloch who have been languishing in illegal detention centres. It is believed many of these missing persons were killed and their mutilated bodies were thrown in isolated places by the secret agencies.

Balochistan is a resource-rich province of Pakistan, which the indigenous people claim to be forcefully occupied. The Baloch, who have been fighting for independence from Pakistan, are being targeted by secret agencies like the ISI and Military Intelligence. The people, who are generally targetted are the journalists, youth leaders, doctors, teachers and other intellectual people, who have been resisting against Islamabad.

The number of enforced disappearances and target killings has increased in Balochistan since China launched its multi-billion dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in the region. Balochistan`s Gwadar Port is the prime transit point, in which China is investing huge money.

Slogans like "We want justice" and "Release all Baloch Missing Persons" echoed across Balochistan as a large number of women and children joined massive rallies against enforced disappearances in the Pakistani province on Monday.

Slogans like "We want justice" and "Release all Baloch Missing Persons" echoed across Balochistan as a large number of women and children joined massive rallies against enforced disappearances in the Pakistani province on Monday. In Dera Ghazi Khan, the protesters demanded the immediate release of hundreds of Baloch political activists, students and other intellectuals who had been illegally abducted by secret services and the Army in the past few months. The family members of Baloch missing persons have been protesting for the past few months, but their voice is unheard by Islamabad. They demand enforced disappearances should be criminalised. Among many women who have joined the protest for the safe release of their husband is Zarina Baloch, wife of Shabir Baloch. Zarina`s husband was abducted on 14 October 2016 and she has never heard of him again. She has travelled from Awaran to set up a protest camp in capital Quetta. There are many such families who have been silently fighting for injustice. In Quetta, a large number of missing persons` families were joined by civil rights and human rights activists to work for the safe recovery of Baloch missing persons. Nasurallah Baloch, Chairman of Voice of Baloch Missing Persons said in his address, "Baloch women and children have been protesting since morning to evening for the safe recovery of their sons and brothers. Now, every Baloch must stand and give support to mothers and children. We want to tell those powerful officials and politicians as how the revolution will take birth in Balochistan". "I have high praise for our mothers and sisters who have come on streets to seek justice for their loved ones who are disappeared. The civil society activists and human rights organizations in Balochistan will stand with you," said Nasrullah while announcing an indefinite protest for enforced disappeared persons. Baloch human rights activist Mama Qadeer Baloch also joined the protest rally in Quetta and demand justice for innocent Baloch who have been languishing in illegal detention centres. It is believed many of these missing persons were killed and their mutilated bodies were thrown in isolated places by the secret agencies. Balochistan is a resource-rich province of Pakistan, which the indigenous people claim to be forcefully occupied. The Baloch, who have been fighting for independence from Pakistan, are being targeted by secret agencies like the ISI and Military Intelligence. The people, who are generally targetted are the journalists, youth leaders, doctors, teachers and other intellectual people, who have been resisting against Islamabad. The number of enforced disappearances and target killings has increased in Balochistan since China launched its multi-billion dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) in the region. Balochistan`s Gwadar Port is the prime transit point, in which China is investing huge money.

Massive anti-Pakistan protests held across Balochistan

A team from the International Monetary Fund concluded its visit to Pakistan Tuesday, the government said, adding that "substantive progress" had been made but talks will continue on a possible bailout.

The IMF mission held "extensive talks" with Pakistani officials during the visit, which began on November 7, the finance ministry said in a statement.&nbsp;

"Substantive progress has been made by the government of Pakistan and the IMF Mission towards developing a common understanding on the policy and structural reforms framework for the prospective IMF programme," the statement continued.

"The positive engagement with the IMF will continue over the coming weeks to finalise the programme with the Fund."

Pakistan -- which has gone to the IMF repeatedly since the late 1980s -- is facing a widening balance of payments crisis.

But earlier this month finance minister Asad Umar said that unspecified assurances from China -- combined with a pledge made by Saudi Arabia in October -- meant that Pakistan's immediate fiscal woes were "over".&nbsp;

Riyadh pledged US $6 billion in funding and struck a 12-month deal for a balance of payments lifeline during a visit by Prime Minister Imran Khan.&nbsp;

No further announcement has been made about any Chinese assistance.

Despite the pledges, Pakistan has said it will still seek broader IMF support for the government's long-term economic planning.

In his statement, Umar said the reforms discussed included "fiscal and monetary measures, corrective interventions for balance of payments sustainability, pro-poor spending, governance and development of a business-friendly environment".

Khan's new government has been searching for ways to rally a struggling economy hit by inflation, and shore up Pakistan's dwindling foreign currency reserves.&nbsp;

The former cricketer has launched a highly-publicised austerity drive, including auctioning off government-owned luxury automobiles and buffaloes, in addition to seeking loans from "friendly countries" and making overtures to the IMF.

However, Islamabad has received billions of dollars in Chinese loans to finance ambitious infrastructure projects, and the US -- one of the IMF's biggest donors -- has raised fears that Pakistan could use any bailout money to repay its debts to Beijing.

Islamabad, which last received an IMF bailout in 2013 to the tune of US $6.6 billion, has refuted these claims.

A team from the International Monetary Fund concluded its visit to Pakistan Tuesday, the government said, adding that "substantive progress" had been made but talks will continue on a possible bailout.

A team from the International Monetary Fund concluded its visit to Pakistan Tuesday, the government said, adding that "substantive progress" had been made but talks will continue on a possible bailout. The IMF mission held "extensive talks" with Pakistani officials during the visit, which began on November 7, the finance ministry said in a statement. "Substantive progress has been made by the government of Pakistan and the IMF Mission towards developing a common understanding on the policy and structural reforms framework for the prospective IMF programme," the statement continued. "The positive engagement with the IMF will continue over the coming weeks to finalise the programme with the Fund." Pakistan -- which has gone to the IMF repeatedly since the late 1980s -- is facing a widening balance of payments crisis. But earlier this month finance minister Asad Umar said that unspecified assurances from China -- combined with a pledge made by Saudi Arabia in October -- meant that Pakistan's immediate fiscal woes were "over". Riyadh pledged US $6 billion in funding and struck a 12-month deal for a balance of payments lifeline during a visit by Prime Minister Imran Khan. No further announcement has been made about any Chinese assistance. Despite the pledges, Pakistan has said it will still seek broader IMF support for the government's long-term economic planning. In his statement, Umar said the reforms discussed included "fiscal and monetary measures, corrective interventions for balance of payments sustainability, pro-poor spending, governance and development of a business-friendly environment". Khan's new government has been searching for ways to rally a struggling economy hit by inflation, and shore up Pakistan's dwindling foreign currency reserves. The former cricketer has launched a highly-publicised austerity drive, including auctioning off government-owned luxury automobiles and buffaloes, in addition to seeking loans from "friendly countries" and making overtures to the IMF. However, Islamabad has received billions of dollars in Chinese loans to finance ambitious infrastructure projects, and the US -- one of the IMF's biggest donors -- has raised fears that Pakistan could use any bailout money to repay its debts to Beijing. Islamabad, which last received an IMF bailout in 2013 to the tune of US $6.6 billion, has refuted these claims.

IMF team ends Pakistan visit as talks continue

Pakistan remains a critical partner to America's South Asia strategy, the Pentagon said on Monday, a day after President Donald Trump said that Islamabad was not doing "a damn thing" for the US.

In an interview to a television news channel on Sunday, Trump had defended his administration's decision to stop hundreds of millions of dollars in military aid to Pakistan for not doing enough to curb terrorism and criticised Islamabad for offering a hideout to Al Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden in the garrison city of Abbottabad.

"The US and Pakistan have a strong mutual interest in the region. As you know, they are critical (and) vital to the South Asia strategy and including the facilitation of a peace process that would lead to a stable and peaceful Afghanistan," Col Rob Manning, Director of Defense Press Operations, told reporters during an off-camera news conference.

"They remain a critical partner in our South Asia strategy and there's been no change to our military-to-military relationship with Pakistan,? Manning said, responding to question about the series of tweets by President Trump and his interview to Fox News that Pakistan has done nothing for the United States.

"I do not have any announcement on any change to the military to military relationship we have with Pakistan," Manning said, when asked that his answers reflects that the Pentagon differs with the views of President Trump on Pakistan.&nbsp;

Pakistan remains a critical partner to America's South Asia strategy, the Pentagon said on Monday, a day after President Donald Trump said that Islamabad was not doing "a damn thing" for the US.

Pakistan remains a critical partner to America's South Asia strategy, the Pentagon said on Monday, a day after President Donald Trump said that Islamabad was not doing "a damn thing" for the US. In an interview to a television news channel on Sunday, Trump had defended his administration's decision to stop hundreds of millions of dollars in military aid to Pakistan for not doing enough to curb terrorism and criticised Islamabad for offering a hideout to Al Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden in the garrison city of Abbottabad. "The US and Pakistan have a strong mutual interest in the region. As you know, they are critical (and) vital to the South Asia strategy and including the facilitation of a peace process that would lead to a stable and peaceful Afghanistan," Col Rob Manning, Director of Defense Press Operations, told reporters during an off-camera news conference. "They remain a critical partner in our South Asia strategy and there's been no change to our military-to-military relationship with Pakistan,? Manning said, responding to question about the series of tweets by President Trump and his interview to Fox News that Pakistan has done nothing for the United States. "I do not have any announcement on any change to the military to military relationship we have with Pakistan," Manning said, when asked that his answers reflects that the Pentagon differs with the views of President Trump on Pakistan.

Pakistan remains a critical partner to US' South Asia strategy: Pentagon

The lawyer for <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/un-denies-forcing-asia-bibis-lawyer-to-leave-for-netherlands-175962">Asia Bibi, a Pakistani Christian acquitted of capital blasphemy charges</a>, appealed on Tuesday (November 20) to Germany to give her whole family citizenship to start a new life in Europe.

Saiful Mulook told a news conference in Frankfurt that Bibi was now free but she and her family needed a passport to leave the country.

Bibi, 53, was convicted of blasphemy in 2010 over allegations she made derogatory remarks about Islam after neighbours objected to her drinking water from their glass because she was not Muslim.

The Supreme Court acquitted her last month.

It was unclear why citizenship, rather than a visa, was necessary for her to leave Pakistan, though Mulook said pressure from religious extremists was making it harder for Islamabad to arrange her departure.

She and her family are staying at a safe house in Pakistan, despite offers of asylum from countries including Canada.

Mulook said the status of a friend of Bibi's husband, who has a wife and five daughters, whom he would like to join them, was a sticking point. Another wife of Bibi's husband and her three daughters were not seeking to leave Pakistan with Bibi, he added.

German officials have said that they and a number of other countries are in talks with Bibi's family and the Pakistani government to find a way of rehousing her.

Mulook, who has himself sought refuge in the Netherlands after being threatened for taking on Bibi's case, said Bibi had no preference as to which country she would travel to for asylum.

The German government had no immediate comment on the request for a passport.

The lawyer for Asia Bibi, a Pakistani Christian acquitted of capital blasphemy charges, appealed on Tuesday (November 20) to Germany to give her whole family citizenship to start a new life in Europe.

The lawyer for Asia Bibi, a Pakistani Christian acquitted of capital blasphemy charges, appealed on Tuesday (November 20) to Germany to give her whole family citizenship to start a new life in Europe. Saiful Mulook told a news conference in Frankfurt that Bibi was now free but she and her family needed a passport to leave the country. Bibi, 53, was convicted of blasphemy in 2010 over allegations she made derogatory remarks about Islam after neighbours objected to her drinking water from their glass because she was not Muslim. The Supreme Court acquitted her last month. It was unclear why citizenship, rather than a visa, was necessary for her to leave Pakistan, though Mulook said pressure from religious extremists was making it harder for Islamabad to arrange her departure. She and her family are staying at a safe house in Pakistan, despite offers of asylum from countries including Canada. Mulook said the status of a friend of Bibi's husband, who has a wife and five daughters, whom he would like to join them, was a sticking point. Another wife of Bibi's husband and her three daughters were not seeking to leave Pakistan with Bibi, he added. German officials have said that they and a number of other countries are in talks with Bibi's family and the Pakistani government to find a way of rehousing her. Mulook, who has himself sought refuge in the Netherlands after being threatened for taking on Bibi's case, said Bibi had no preference as to which country she would travel to for asylum. The German government had no immediate comment on the request for a passport.

Asia Bibi unable to leave Pakistan without asylum offer: Lawyer

Bomb-proof, earthquake-resistant and cheap: thousands of Pakistanis are choosing to hunker down in caves northwest of Islamabad, snapping up the hobbit-like homes amid a nationwide housing shortage.

Located around 60 kilometres (40 miles) from Pakistan's capital, nearly 3,000 people live in caves in the village of Hasan Abdal, according to councilor Haji Abdul Rasheed -- whose own home is among the dwellings carved into the rugged, earthen hillside embankments.

Rasheed's spartan cave -- or "buray" as it is locally known -- consists of a few minimally furnished rooms complemented by a breezy veranda.&nbsp;

The caves are usually dug by hand, with residents using clay to plaster the walls -- a practice which serves as a bulwark against landslides, they say.

"There is nothing like it. If you build a mud house, it collapses during the rains. This does not collapse," says Rasheed.

"It's earthquake-proof and bomb-proof."

Although locals have been living in caves for at least five centuries since the area was settled by a Mughal tribe, a surge in housing prices has renewed the appetite for the cavernous homes, which cost much less than their urban counterparts.

"We bought this because it's cheaper... we dug it ourselves," says resident Ameer Ullah Khan. &nbsp;

The modern-day cave dwellers also recommend the structures as ideally suited to Pakistan's weather -- staying cool as summertime temperature soar past 40 degrees Celsius and providing a warm cocoon during the area's chilly winters.

"We mostly spend our summers here... using the caves as our residence and to store our belongings, including our wheat and corn harvest," says Muhammad Sohail, who lives elsewhere the rest of the year.

Life is not all easy however: lacking sufficient natural light, the caves rely on electricity cabled in from outside to power TV sets and mobile phones, while indoor plumbing is a rare luxury.&nbsp;

But with cave prices averaging around about 40,000 rupees (US $300 dollars) compared to brick homes that start around 250,000 rupees, locals and property experts say they are much more affordable than other rural options.

"Even in the countryside, you need at least half a million rupees to get a small piece of land to build a house," real estate agent Sakhi Riaz told AFP.&nbsp;

The lower costs have allowed some residents to splurge on extras, from rose gardens to terraced fruit orchards.&nbsp;

One local 'godman' has even gone so far as to build an huge residential complex to host hundreds of devotees who flock to the area for religious festivities. &nbsp;

The humble abodes are seen as an increasingly attractive option as Pakistan battles a dearth of affordable housing, with the country's rapidly growing population hovering around 207 million.

Freshly elected Prime Minister Imran Khan has vowed to address the crisis by building as many as five million new homes even as an ongoing financial crisis has raised questions about how he will pay for it.

Bomb-proof, earthquake-resistant and cheap: thousands of Pakistanis are choosing to hunker down in caves northwest of Islamabad, snapping up the hobbit-like homes amid a nationwide housing shortage.

Bomb-proof, earthquake-resistant and cheap: thousands of Pakistanis are choosing to hunker down in caves northwest of Islamabad, snapping up the hobbit-like homes amid a nationwide housing shortage. Located around 60 kilometres (40 miles) from Pakistan's capital, nearly 3,000 people live in caves in the village of Hasan Abdal, according to councilor Haji Abdul Rasheed -- whose own home is among the dwellings carved into the rugged, earthen hillside embankments. Rasheed's spartan cave -- or "buray" as it is locally known -- consists of a few minimally furnished rooms complemented by a breezy veranda. The caves are usually dug by hand, with residents using clay to plaster the walls -- a practice which serves as a bulwark against landslides, they say. "There is nothing like it. If you build a mud house, it collapses during the rains. This does not collapse," says Rasheed. "It's earthquake-proof and bomb-proof." Although locals have been living in caves for at least five centuries since the area was settled by a Mughal tribe, a surge in housing prices has renewed the appetite for the cavernous homes, which cost much less than their urban counterparts. "We bought this because it's cheaper... we dug it ourselves," says resident Ameer Ullah Khan. The modern-day cave dwellers also recommend the structures as ideally suited to Pakistan's weather -- staying cool as summertime temperature soar past 40 degrees Celsius and providing a warm cocoon during the area's chilly winters. "We mostly spend our summers here... using the caves as our residence and to store our belongings, including our wheat and corn harvest," says Muhammad Sohail, who lives elsewhere the rest of the year. Life is not all easy however: lacking sufficient natural light, the caves rely on electricity cabled in from outside to power TV sets and mobile phones, while indoor plumbing is a rare luxury. But with cave prices averaging around about 40,000 rupees (US $300 dollars) compared to brick homes that start around 250,000 rupees, locals and property experts say they are much more affordable than other rural options. "Even in the countryside, you need at least half a million rupees to get a small piece of land to build a house," real estate agent Sakhi Riaz told AFP. The lower costs have allowed some residents to splurge on extras, from rose gardens to terraced fruit orchards. One local 'godman' has even gone so far as to build an huge residential complex to host hundreds of devotees who flock to the area for religious festivities. The humble abodes are seen as an increasingly attractive option as Pakistan battles a dearth of affordable housing, with the country's rapidly growing population hovering around 207 million. Freshly elected Prime Minister Imran Khan has vowed to address the crisis by building as many as five million new homes even as an ongoing financial crisis has raised questions about how he will pay for it.

In Pakistani village, home is where the cave is

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?q=pakistan+cricket+team">Pakistan&nbsp;Women's cricket team</a> was knocked out of the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?q=icc+women%27s">Women's World T20</a> but there are a number of fans who are still oblivious of the fact that their team is not in the title race and questioned the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/search?q=icc">International Cricket Council (ICC)</a> for the same.

ICC, the global governing body of cricket, duly noted the comments posted by few of the fans on ICC's Twitter poll, asking the fans to predict which team will reach the final, and responded with another hilarious tweet.

The ICC started a Twitter poll on Monday asking fans and followers to vote for their choice of finalists for the tournament. The options for the poll were India vs West Indies, India vs Australia, England vs Australia and England vs West Indies, given these were the four teams to qualify for the semi-finals.

The semi-finals are scheduled to take place on November 22 when West Indies take on Australia and India take on England.

Pakistani's fans got furious and asked ICC why Pakistan was not included in the top four. While ICC replied, "The absolute state of these mentions! Pakistan didn't get out of the #WT20 group stage guys."

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
The absolute state of these mentions! 😂 
 
Pakistan didn't get out of the <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WT20?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WT20</a> group stage guys 🙃
— ICC (@ICC) <a href="https://twitter.com/ICC/status/1064356925352173568?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
<a class="close-mark close-div" href="#" id="jqclosemark">×</a></div>

Here are the few comments.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Where is Pakistan. 😔😯😠
— GHULAM SHABEER (@Shabeer_jattak) <a href="https://twitter.com/Shabeer_jattak/status/1064327110783901696?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Pakistan is No. one T20 team you forgot to mention it
— شکیل اجمل (@shakeelajmal) <a href="https://twitter.com/shakeelajmal/status/1064336535976329216?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Pakistan is number one in t20 ranking but you didn't mention it.
— Shamim Balti (@imalone96) <a href="https://twitter.com/imalone96/status/1064376857246748673?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Recently, ICC&nbsp;trolled the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Twitter after the unveiling of the TUC Cup 2018 T20I series trophy.

The International cricket board had&nbsp;witty responses to the design of the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/sports/icc-trolls-pakistan-cricket-board-over-trophy-resembling-a-biscuit-173145">biscuit-shaped trophy</a>.&nbsp;

The post read, "Giving taking the biscuit a whole new meaning!"&nbsp;

Pakistan Women's cricket team was knocked out of the Women's World T20 but there are a number of fans who are still oblivious of the fact that their team is not in the title race and questioned the International Cricket Council (ICC) for the same.

Pakistan Women's cricket team was knocked out of the Women's World T20 but there are a number of fans who are still oblivious of the fact that their team is not in the title race and questioned the International Cricket Council (ICC) for the same. ICC, the global governing body of cricket, duly noted the comments posted by few of the fans on ICC's Twitter poll, asking the fans to predict which team will reach the final, and responded with another hilarious tweet. The ICC started a Twitter poll on Monday asking fans and followers to vote for their choice of finalists for the tournament. The options for the poll were India vs West Indies, India vs Australia, England vs Australia and England vs West Indies, given these were the four teams to qualify for the semi-finals. The semi-finals are scheduled to take place on November 22 when West Indies take on Australia and India take on England. Pakistani's fans got furious and asked ICC why Pakistan was not included in the top four. While ICC replied, "The absolute state of these mentions! Pakistan didn't get out of the #WT20 group stage guys." The absolute state of these mentions! 😂 Pakistan didn't get out of the #WT20 group stage guys 🙃 — ICC (@ICC) November 19, 2018 × Here are the few comments. Where is Pakistan. 😔😯😠 — GHULAM SHABEER (@Shabeer_jattak) November 19, 2018 × Pakistan is No. one T20 team you forgot to mention it — شکیل اجمل (@shakeelajmal) November 19, 2018 × Pakistan is number one in t20 ranking but you didn't mention it. — Shamim Balti (@imalone96) November 19, 2018 × Recently, ICC trolled the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) on Twitter after the unveiling of the TUC Cup 2018 T20I series trophy. The International cricket board had witty responses to the design of the biscuit-shaped trophy. The post read, "Giving taking the biscuit a whole new meaning!"

Here is why ICC trolls Pakistan cricket fans

The IMF has demanded <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/suspended-security-assistance-as-pak-failed-to-act-on-militant-safe-havens-white-house-178294">Pakistan provide all details </a>of China's financial support to the cash-strapped country to avail a bailout package from it, according to media reports.&nbsp;

The International Monetary Fund mission is in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-pm-imran-khans-defence-of-the-political-u-turn-sparks-mirth-178340">Pakistan and holding talks</a> with officials over arranging an unspecified amount to help in addressing the balance of payment issue.

As talks enter the final phase, the IMF set stricter conditions for Pakistan to implement in exchange for a bailout package much needed for economic revival.

Some of the major conditions include the imposition of more taxes worth Rs 150 billion, further reduction in the rupee value as well as a tighter monetary policy. It also sought from Pakistan all details of Chinese financial&nbsp;support for any bailout package to Pakistan.&nbsp;

Led by its mission chief Harald Finger, the IMF delegation is holding meetings with government officials to know their viewpoint on the reforms.&nbsp;

There was no indication that the two sides are close to any agreement, Dawn reported.

Finance Minister Asad Umar said on Monday that the talks were moving ahead positively but there were still differences, the report said.

"There are still gaps in the position of the IMF and the position that we have," Umar said after a series of meetings with an IMF team.

Umar said the IMF visit would conclude on Tuesday and he had no funding emergency to worry about day after tomorrow.

He said that $1 billion of the $3 billion committed by Saudi Arabia had been remitted to the State Bank of Pakistan on Monday and the remaining $2 billion would follow over the next few days.

Pakistan looks forward to about $6 billion financial bailouts for averting its balance of payments crisis

Informed sources said the two sides had a wide gap in their positions on the need for increase in electricity tariff, upward revision in the revenue target and additional tax measures on matters relating to Chinese assistance and its impact both inflow and outflow.

The sources said the IMF also demanded that the provincial governments finance the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), instead of the federal government, and wanted committed cash surpluses to minimise the consolidated fiscal deficit.&nbsp;

Regarding the Chinese financing, the minister said there was complete transparency in the Chinese assistance and whatever the external debt was would have to be shared with the IMF as part of the programme, the report said.

The sources said the IMF mission wanted a clear roadmap for elimination of power sector circular debt that currently stood at Rs1.2tr and welcomed administrative measures to recover some arrears, but insisted on further increasing electricity rates for full cost recovery of power supply, it said.

The sources said the IMF team was not satisfied with the power sector reforms plan and wanted the government to surrender its powers to set electricity tariff and let these be independently dealt with by the power regulator.&nbsp;

Pakistan's current account deficit widened 43 per cent to $18 billion in the fiscal year that ended in June, while the fiscal deficit has ballooned to 6.6 per cent of gross domestic product.

The IMF has demanded Pakistan provide all details of China's financial support to the cash-strapped country to avail a bailout package from it, according to media reports.

The IMF has demanded Pakistan provide all details of China's financial support to the cash-strapped country to avail a bailout package from it, according to media reports. The International Monetary Fund mission is in Pakistan and holding talks with officials over arranging an unspecified amount to help in addressing the balance of payment issue. As talks enter the final phase, the IMF set stricter conditions for Pakistan to implement in exchange for a bailout package much needed for economic revival. Some of the major conditions include the imposition of more taxes worth Rs 150 billion, further reduction in the rupee value as well as a tighter monetary policy. It also sought from Pakistan all details of Chinese financial support for any bailout package to Pakistan. Led by its mission chief Harald Finger, the IMF delegation is holding meetings with government officials to know their viewpoint on the reforms. There was no indication that the two sides are close to any agreement, Dawn reported. Finance Minister Asad Umar said on Monday that the talks were moving ahead positively but there were still differences, the report said. "There are still gaps in the position of the IMF and the position that we have," Umar said after a series of meetings with an IMF team. Umar said the IMF visit would conclude on Tuesday and he had no funding emergency to worry about day after tomorrow. He said that $1 billion of the $3 billion committed by Saudi Arabia had been remitted to the State Bank of Pakistan on Monday and the remaining $2 billion would follow over the next few days. Pakistan looks forward to about $6 billion financial bailouts for averting its balance of payments crisis Informed sources said the two sides had a wide gap in their positions on the need for increase in electricity tariff, upward revision in the revenue target and additional tax measures on matters relating to Chinese assistance and its impact both inflow and outflow. The sources said the IMF also demanded that the provincial governments finance the Benazir Income Support Programme (BISP), instead of the federal government, and wanted committed cash surpluses to minimise the consolidated fiscal deficit. Regarding the Chinese financing, the minister said there was complete transparency in the Chinese assistance and whatever the external debt was would have to be shared with the IMF as part of the programme, the report said. The sources said the IMF mission wanted a clear roadmap for elimination of power sector circular debt that currently stood at Rs1.2tr and welcomed administrative measures to recover some arrears, but insisted on further increasing electricity rates for full cost recovery of power supply, it said. The sources said the IMF team was not satisfied with the power sector reforms plan and wanted the government to surrender its powers to set electricity tariff and let these be independently dealt with by the power regulator. Pakistan's current account deficit widened 43 per cent to $18 billion in the fiscal year that ended in June, while the fiscal deficit has ballooned to 6.6 per cent of gross domestic product.

IMF demands details of Pakistan's financial assistance deal with China: Report

Watch: WION Dispatch, 19th November, 2018

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