Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday reacted to Donald Trump's latest tirade on Islamabad. In a series of tweets, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-insaf chief stated that "no Pakistani was involved in 9/11 but Pak decided to participate in US war on terror."

Khan's comments came after US President tweeted out slamming Pakistan for not doing "<a href="http://www.wionews.com/americas/pakistan-knew-bin-laden-was-there-but-didnt-do-a-damn-thing-says-donald-trump-178108">a damn thing</a>" for America in curbing terrorism. &nbsp;

Trump's remark angered Pak leaders, including the Prime Minister who launched a scathing attack on the US President stating that "record needs to be put straight on Mr Trump's tirade against Pakistan."

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Record needs to be put straight on Mr Trump's tirade against Pakistan: 1. No Pakistani was involved in 9/11 but Pak decided to participate in US War on Terror. 2. Pakistan suffered 75,000 casualties in this war &amp; over $123 bn was lost to economy. US "aid" was a miniscule $20 bn.
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/1064482777054220289?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Pakistan's Prime Minister said "Pakistan suffered 75,000 casualties" by participating in US war against terror, "over $123 billion was lost to the economy. US "aid" was a minuscule $20 billion," Khan tweeted out.&nbsp;

"Our tribal areas were devastated and millions of people were uprooted from their homes. The war drastically impacted lives of ordinary Pakistanis. Pak continues to provide free lines of ground and air communications (GLOCs/ALOCs). Can Mr Trump name another ally that gave such sacrifices?" Khan's tweet read.&nbsp;

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3. Our tribal areas were devastated &amp; millions of ppl uprooted from their homes. The war drastically impacted lives of ordinary Pakistanis. 4. Pak continues to provide free lines of ground &amp; air communications(GLOCs/ALOCs).Can Mr Trump name another ally that gave such sacrifices?
— Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ImranKhanPTI/status/1064483393335898113?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Pak Prime Minister added that the United States is making Pakistan "a scapegoat of their failures." He asked Washington to "do a serious assessment" on why Taliban is stronger than &nbsp;ever "despite 140,000 NATO troops plus 250,000 Afghan troops and reportedly $1 trillion spent on war in Afghanistan."

Khan's remarks came shortly after his Human Rights Minister <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/president-trumps-tirade-against-pakistan-shows-he-suffers-from-perpetual-historic-amnesia-minister-178210">Shireen Mazari slammed US President</a> Donald Trump saying he "suffers conveniently from perpetual historic amnesia!"

"Trump's tirade against Pak and his claim that that Pak does not do 'a damn thing' for the US shd be a lesson for those Pak ldrs who kept appeasing the US esp after 9/11! The renditions; the loss of Pak lives in US WoT (war on terrorism); the free space for Raymond Davis &amp; other operatives; etc etc," Mazari tweeted.

The developments come after a high-level meeting at Pakistan's foreign office after comments of US President.

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The United States has foolishly given Pakistan more than 33 billion dollars in aid over the last 15 years, and they have given us nothing but lies &amp; deceit, thinking of our leaders as fools. They give safe haven to the terrorists we hunt in Afghanistan, with little help. No more!
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) <a href="https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/947802588174577664?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">January 1, 2018</a></blockquote>
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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 Al Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden in the garrison city of Abbottabad.&nbsp;

The US president in an interview to FOX had slammed Pakistan due terror inaction and justified aid cut. He had said,"And we give Pakistan $1.3 billion a year . ... [bin Laden] lived in Pakistan, we’re supporting Pakistan, we’re giving them $1.3 billion a year -- which we don’t give them anymore, by the way. I ended it because they don’t do anything for us, they don’t do a damn thing for us."

The relationship between the 2 former allies have deteriorated and it believed it beyond the point of return. US President Donald Trump didn't also call Imran Khan after being elected a PM of Pakistan. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had visited for few hours after Imran Khan took oath and has been asking Pakistan to do more on the issue terror.

The development comes even has ties been US and Pakistan's arch-rival India has increased. Indian PM Modi met US Vice President Mike Pence on the sidelines of 13th east Asia summit and discussed terror. PM Modi is likely to meet US President Trump on the sidelines of G20 in Argentina later this month.

Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday reacted to Donald Trump's latest tirade on Islamabad. In a series of tweets, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-insaf chief stated that "no Pakistani was involved in 9/11 but Pak decided to participate in US war on terror.

Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan on Monday reacted to Donald Trump's latest tirade on Islamabad. In a series of tweets, the Pakistan Tehreek-e-insaf chief stated that "no Pakistani was involved in 9/11 but Pak decided to participate in US war on terror." Khan's comments came after US President tweeted out slamming Pakistan for not doing "a damn thing" for America in curbing terrorism. Trump's remark angered Pak leaders, including the Prime Minister who launched a scathing attack on the US President stating that "record needs to be put straight on Mr Trump's tirade against Pakistan." Record needs to be put straight on Mr Trump's tirade against Pakistan: 1. No Pakistani was involved in 9/11 but Pak decided to participate in US War on Terror. 2. Pakistan suffered 75,000 casualties in this war & over $123 bn was lost to economy. US "aid" was a miniscule $20 bn. — Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) November 19, 2018 × Pakistan's Prime Minister said "Pakistan suffered 75,000 casualties" by participating in US war against terror, "over $123 billion was lost to the economy. US "aid" was a minuscule $20 billion," Khan tweeted out. "Our tribal areas were devastated and millions of people were uprooted from their homes. The war drastically impacted lives of ordinary Pakistanis. Pak continues to provide free lines of ground and air communications (GLOCs/ALOCs). Can Mr Trump name another ally that gave such sacrifices?" Khan's tweet read. 3. Our tribal areas were devastated & millions of ppl uprooted from their homes. The war drastically impacted lives of ordinary Pakistanis. 4. Pak continues to provide free lines of ground & air communications(GLOCs/ALOCs).Can Mr Trump name another ally that gave such sacrifices? — Imran Khan (@ImranKhanPTI) November 19, 2018 × Pak Prime Minister added that the United States is making Pakistan "a scapegoat of their failures." He asked Washington to "do a serious assessment" on why Taliban is stronger than ever "despite 140,000 NATO troops plus 250,000 Afghan troops and reportedly $1 trillion spent on war in Afghanistan." Khan's remarks came shortly after his Human Rights Minister Shireen Mazari slammed US President Donald Trump saying he "suffers conveniently from perpetual historic amnesia!" "Trump's tirade against Pak and his claim that that Pak does not do 'a damn thing' for the US shd be a lesson for those Pak ldrs who kept appeasing the US esp after 9/11! The renditions; the loss of Pak lives in US WoT (war on terrorism); the free space for Raymond Davis & other operatives; etc etc," Mazari tweeted. The developments come after a high-level meeting at Pakistan's foreign office after comments of US President. The United States has foolishly given Pakistan more than 33 billion dollars in aid over the last 15 years, and they have given us nothing but lies & deceit, thinking of our leaders as fools. They give safe haven to the terrorists we hunt in Afghanistan, with little help. No more! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 1, 2018 × 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 Al Qaeda chief Osama bin Laden in the garrison city of Abbottabad. The US president in an interview to FOX had slammed Pakistan due terror inaction and justified aid cut. He had said,"And we give Pakistan $1.3 billion a year . ... [bin Laden] lived in Pakistan, we’re supporting Pakistan, we’re giving them $1.3 billion a year -- which we don’t give them anymore, by the way. I ended it because they don’t do anything for us, they don’t do a damn thing for us." The relationship between the 2 former allies have deteriorated and it believed it beyond the point of return. US President Donald Trump didn't also call Imran Khan after being elected a PM of Pakistan. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo had visited for few hours after Imran Khan took oath and has been asking Pakistan to do more on the issue terror. The development comes even has ties been US and Pakistan's arch-rival India has increased. Indian PM Modi met US Vice President Mike Pence on the sidelines of 13th east Asia summit and discussed terror. PM Modi is likely to meet US President Trump on the sidelines of G20 in Argentina later this month.

Pak lost over $123 bn by joining US war on terror; aid received was minuscule: Imran Khan on Trump's tirade

A 20-member Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) delegation on Monday left for Beijing on visit during which it will be briefed on China's political history and review the ruling Communist party's successes in eradicating poverty and corruption in the world's most populous country.

The week-long visit by a jumbo delegation of Pakistan's ruling party comes weeks after Prime Miinister Imran Khan, who is also the chief of the PTI, made his first visit to China on November 2.

PTI Central Secretary General Arshad Daad is leading the delegation, which was invited by the Communist Party of China (CPC), state-run Radio Pakistan reported.

Both parties are expected to hold meetings where they discuss matters of "bilateral value", the report said.&nbsp;

A briefing on China's political history and inter-departmental arrangements will also be given to the PTI delegation, along with a review of Beijing's successes in eradication of poverty and corruption from the country, it said.

Chinese President Xi Jinping has launched a massive crackdown on corruption and under this, many top leaders, including ex-army generals have been arrested for alleged graft.

Prime Minister Khan has often praised the Chinese government's efforts for poverty alleviation.

"This is where we admire China so much. No country in human history, has ever taken 700 million people out of poverty in 30 years as China has done," he said while delivering a speech at the CPC's Central Party School during his visit to Beijing.

China and Pakistan view each other as 'all-weather' allies and Beijing is Pakistan's major source of defence equipment. China has also agreed to provide financial aid to cash-strapped Pakistan government to tide over the current financial problem.

A 20-member Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) delegation on Monday left for Beijing on visit during which it will be briefed on China's political history and review the ruling Communist party's successes in eradicating poverty and corruption in the world's most populous country.

A 20-member Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) delegation on Monday left for Beijing on visit during which it will be briefed on China's political history and review the ruling Communist party's successes in eradicating poverty and corruption in the world's most populous country. The week-long visit by a jumbo delegation of Pakistan's ruling party comes weeks after Prime Miinister Imran Khan, who is also the chief of the PTI, made his first visit to China on November 2. PTI Central Secretary General Arshad Daad is leading the delegation, which was invited by the Communist Party of China (CPC), state-run Radio Pakistan reported. Both parties are expected to hold meetings where they discuss matters of "bilateral value", the report said. A briefing on China's political history and inter-departmental arrangements will also be given to the PTI delegation, along with a review of Beijing's successes in eradication of poverty and corruption from the country, it said. Chinese President Xi Jinping has launched a massive crackdown on corruption and under this, many top leaders, including ex-army generals have been arrested for alleged graft. Prime Minister Khan has often praised the Chinese government's efforts for poverty alleviation. "This is where we admire China so much. No country in human history, has ever taken 700 million people out of poverty in 30 years as China has done," he said while delivering a speech at the CPC's Central Party School during his visit to Beijing. China and Pakistan view each other as 'all-weather' allies and Beijing is Pakistan's major source of defence equipment. China has also agreed to provide financial aid to cash-strapped Pakistan government to tide over the current financial problem.

Jumbo delegation of Imran Khan's PTI leaves for China on 7-day visit

Pakistan Monday reacted angrily to Donald Trump's latest tirade against it for not doing "a damn thing" for America in curbing terrorism, saying the US President "suffers conveniently from perpetual historic amnesia!"

Human Rights Minister Shireen Mazari's terse remarks came a day after President Trump 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.&nbsp;

The minister, known to be a hawk, in a series of tweets said that whether China or Iran, US policies of "containment and isolation" do not coincide with Pakistan's strategic interests.

Mazari, a close aide of Prime Minister Imran Khan, said Trump's latest criticism of Pakistan should be a "lesson" to those Pakistani leaders who "appeased" America, especially after the 9/11 terror attacks.

"Trump's tirade against Pak &amp; his claim that that Pak does not do 'a damn thing' for the US shd be a lesson for those Pak ldrs who kept appeasing the US esp after 9/11! The renditions; the loss of Pak lives in US WoT (war on terrorism); the free space for Raymond Davis &amp; other operatives; etc etc," she tweeted.

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Trump's tirade against Pak &amp; his claim that that Pak does not do "a damn thing" for the US shd be a lesson for those Pak ldrs who kept appeasing the US esp after 9/11! The renditions; the loss of Pak lives in US WoT; the free space for Raymond Davis &amp; other operatives; etc etc
— Shireen Mazari (@ShireenMazari1) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShireenMazari1/status/1064352254231289863?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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"The illegal killings by drone attacks; the list is endless but once again history shows appeasement does not work. Also, whether China or Iran, US policies of containment &amp; isolation do not coincide with Pak strategic interests," Mazari said.

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The illegal killings by drone attacks; the list is endless but once again history shows appeasement does not work. Also, whether China or Iran, US policies of containment &amp; isolation do not coincide with Pak strategic interests. <a href="https://t.co/tFBe9BentG">https://t.co/tFBe9BentG</a>
— Shireen Mazari (@ShireenMazari1) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShireenMazari1/status/1064353325146169345?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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In reply to another tweet calling out Trump over his remarks, Mazari said: "@realDonaldTrump suffers conveniently from perpetual historic amnesia!"

Former foreign minister Khawaja Asif said Pakistan continues to "pay in blood" for what it did for the USA and described the bilateral ties as a "relationship of betrayals &amp; sanctions."

"We continue to pay in blood for what we did for USA from Beda Ber to fighting wars wich weren't ours. Reinvented our religion to suit US interests, destroyed our tolerant ethos, replaced it with bigotry &amp; intolerance. A relationship of betrayals &amp; sanctions," Asif tweeted.

Referring to bin Laden and his hideout in Abbottabad, Trump in an interview to Fox News on Sunday said, "You know, living, think of this&nbsp;living in Pakistan, beautifully in Pakistan in what I guess they considered a nice mansion, I don't know, I've seen nicer."

The compound was demolished shortly after US Naval Special Warfare Development Group forces, in a daring helicopter raid, killed bin Laden in 2011. 
"But living in Pakistan right next to the military academy, everybody in Pakistan knew he was there," he added.

"And we give Pakistan US $1.3 billion a year. ... (Laden] lived in Pakistan, we're supporting Pakistan, we're giving them US $1.3 billion a year -- which we don't give them anymore, by the way, I ended it because they don't do anything for us, they don't do a damn thing for us," he said.

The ties between the two countries strained after Trump, while announcing his Afghanistan and South Asia policy in August last year, hit out at Pakistan for providing safe havens to "agents of chaos" that kill Americans in Afghanistan and warned Islamabad that it has "much to lose" by harbouring terrorists.

In September, the Trump administration cancelled US $300 million in military aid to Islamabad for not doing enough against terror groups like the Haqqani Network and Taliban active on its soil.

Pakistan Monday reacted angrily to Donald Trump's latest tirade against it for not doing "a damn thing" for America in curbing terrorism, saying the US President "suffers conveniently from perpetual historic amnesia!

Pakistan Monday reacted angrily to Donald Trump's latest tirade against it for not doing "a damn thing" for America in curbing terrorism, saying the US President "suffers conveniently from perpetual historic amnesia!" Human Rights Minister Shireen Mazari's terse remarks came a day after President Trump 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 minister, known to be a hawk, in a series of tweets said that whether China or Iran, US policies of "containment and isolation" do not coincide with Pakistan's strategic interests. Mazari, a close aide of Prime Minister Imran Khan, said Trump's latest criticism of Pakistan should be a "lesson" to those Pakistani leaders who "appeased" America, especially after the 9/11 terror attacks. "Trump's tirade against Pak & his claim that that Pak does not do 'a damn thing' for the US shd be a lesson for those Pak ldrs who kept appeasing the US esp after 9/11! The renditions; the loss of Pak lives in US WoT (war on terrorism); the free space for Raymond Davis & other operatives; etc etc," she tweeted. Trump's tirade against Pak & his claim that that Pak does not do "a damn thing" for the US shd be a lesson for those Pak ldrs who kept appeasing the US esp after 9/11! The renditions; the loss of Pak lives in US WoT; the free space for Raymond Davis & other operatives; etc etc — Shireen Mazari (@ShireenMazari1) November 19, 2018 × "The illegal killings by drone attacks; the list is endless but once again history shows appeasement does not work. Also, whether China or Iran, US policies of containment & isolation do not coincide with Pak strategic interests," Mazari said. The illegal killings by drone attacks; the list is endless but once again history shows appeasement does not work. Also, whether China or Iran, US policies of containment & isolation do not coincide with Pak strategic interests. https://t.co/tFBe9BentG — Shireen Mazari (@ShireenMazari1) November 19, 2018 × In reply to another tweet calling out Trump over his remarks, Mazari said: "@realDonaldTrump suffers conveniently from perpetual historic amnesia!" Former foreign minister Khawaja Asif said Pakistan continues to "pay in blood" for what it did for the USA and described the bilateral ties as a "relationship of betrayals & sanctions." "We continue to pay in blood for what we did for USA from Beda Ber to fighting wars wich weren't ours. Reinvented our religion to suit US interests, destroyed our tolerant ethos, replaced it with bigotry & intolerance. A relationship of betrayals & sanctions," Asif tweeted. Referring to bin Laden and his hideout in Abbottabad, Trump in an interview to Fox News on Sunday said, "You know, living, think of this living in Pakistan, beautifully in Pakistan in what I guess they considered a nice mansion, I don't know, I've seen nicer." The compound was demolished shortly after US Naval Special Warfare Development Group forces, in a daring helicopter raid, killed bin Laden in 2011. "But living in Pakistan right next to the military academy, everybody in Pakistan knew he was there," he added. "And we give Pakistan US $1.3 billion a year. ... (Laden] lived in Pakistan, we're supporting Pakistan, we're giving them US $1.3 billion a year -- which we don't give them anymore, by the way, I ended it because they don't do anything for us, they don't do a damn thing for us," he said. The ties between the two countries strained after Trump, while announcing his Afghanistan and South Asia policy in August last year, hit out at Pakistan for providing safe havens to "agents of chaos" that kill Americans in Afghanistan and warned Islamabad that it has "much to lose" by harbouring terrorists. In September, the Trump administration cancelled US $300 million in military aid to Islamabad for not doing enough against terror groups like the Haqqani Network and Taliban active on its soil.

President Trump's tirade against Pakistan shows he suffers from 'perpetual historic amnesia': Minister

Pakistan's Human Rights Minister Shireen Mazari on Monday said US President <a href="http://www.wionews.com/americas/pakistan-knew-bin-laden-was-there-but-didnt-do-a-damn-thing-says-donald-trump-178108">Donald Trump’s recent tirade </a>against Pakistan should be a lesson to those leaders who kept appeasing the US.

Reacting to US president Trump statement against her country she tweeted that, "the policies of the United States do not coincide with Pakistan’s strategic interests and the war on terror after the 9/11 led to death and destruction in Pakistan." Mazari added that&nbsp;the US President "suffers conveniently from perpetual historic amnesia!"

Minister took to Twitter to remind the US President Donald Trump of the losses incurred by Pakistan over the years in helping the US in the war on terror.&nbsp;

"Trump's tirade against Pakistan and his claim that that Pak does not do "a damn thing" for the US shd be a lesson for those Pak leaders who kept appeasing the US esp after 9/11! The renditions; the loss of Pak lives in US 'War on Terror'; the free space for Raymond Davis &amp; other operatives. The illegal killings by drone attacks; the list is endless but once again history shows appeasement does not work. Also, whether China or Iran, US policies of containment &amp; isolation do not coincide with Pak strategic interests," tweeted Shireen Mazari.

"@realDonaldTrump suffers conveniently from perpetual historic amnesia!" the tweet read. 
&nbsp;

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The illegal killings by drone attacks; the list is endless but once again history shows appeasement does not work. Also, whether China or Iran, US policies of containment &amp; isolation do not coincide with Pak strategic interests. <a href="https://t.co/tFBe9BentG">https://t.co/tFBe9BentG</a>
— Shireen Mazari (@ShireenMazari1) <a href="https://twitter.com/ShireenMazari1/status/1064353325146169345?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">November 19, 2018</a></blockquote>
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On Sunday while speaking to a news channel, Trump defended his administration's decision to stop hundreds of millions of dollars in military aid to Pakistan, saying the country does not do "a damn thing" for the US and its government had helped Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden hide near its garrison city.

(With inputs from agencies)

Pakistan's Human Rights Minister Shireen Mazari on Monday said US President Donald Trump’s recent tirade against Pakistan should be a lesson to those leaders who kept appeasing the US.

Pakistan's Human Rights Minister Shireen Mazari on Monday said US President Donald Trump’s recent tirade against Pakistan should be a lesson to those leaders who kept appeasing the US. Reacting to US president Trump statement against her country she tweeted that, "the policies of the United States do not coincide with Pakistan’s strategic interests and the war on terror after the 9/11 led to death and destruction in Pakistan." Mazari added that the US President "suffers conveniently from perpetual historic amnesia!" Minister took to Twitter to remind the US President Donald Trump of the losses incurred by Pakistan over the years in helping the US in the war on terror. "Trump's tirade against Pakistan and his claim that that Pak does not do "a damn thing" for the US shd be a lesson for those Pak leaders who kept appeasing the US esp after 9/11! The renditions; the loss of Pak lives in US 'War on Terror'; the free space for Raymond Davis & other operatives. The illegal killings by drone attacks; the list is endless but once again history shows appeasement does not work. Also, whether China or Iran, US policies of containment & isolation do not coincide with Pak strategic interests," tweeted Shireen Mazari. "@realDonaldTrump suffers conveniently from perpetual historic amnesia!" the tweet read. The illegal killings by drone attacks; the list is endless but once again history shows appeasement does not work. Also, whether China or Iran, US policies of containment & isolation do not coincide with Pak strategic interests. https://t.co/tFBe9BentG — Shireen Mazari (@ShireenMazari1) November 19, 2018 × On Sunday while speaking to a news channel, Trump defended his administration's decision to stop hundreds of millions of dollars in military aid to Pakistan, saying the country does not do "a damn thing" for the US and its government had helped Al Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden hide near its garrison city. (With inputs from agencies)

Trump's tirade shows he suffers from 'perpetual historic amnesia': Pakistan minister

Lauding the United States President Donald Trump's statement on Pakistan's role in promoting terrorism, the Voice of Karachi (VOK) chairman and Mohajir leader, Nadeem Nusrat said that Trump deserves an applaud for taking a strong stand and publicly discussing Islamabad's role in terrorism.

In his latest interview to Fox News, Trump said, "<a href="http://www.wionews.com/americas/pakistan-knew-bin-laden-was-there-but-didnt-do-a-damn-thing-says-donald-trump-178108">Pakistan doesn't do a damn thing for us</a>," while defending his administration's decision to pull hundreds of millions of dollars in military aid to the Asian country.

Trump further charged that the Pakistan government helped wanted terrorist Osama Bin Laden to hide in their country.

Nusrat, in a statement released by the Voice of Karachi, said that Trump's candid comments on Pakistan's dubious role in dealing with terrorism and providing refuge to Osama bin Laden have once again posed serious questions about Pakistani deep state's role in sponsoring religious extremism and terrorism worldwide.

The statement further pointed out that Trump's statement cannot be overestimated as it is the first time a president has talked about Pakistan's role in the hiding of terrorist Osama bin Laden.

"For years Pakistan's officials kept denying the presence of Osama on Pakistani soil, but in the end, he was found and killed by American special forces operatives in a Pakistani town, widely considered as a fort for Pakistani military," the press release stated.

The statement asserted that Trump's remark has reiterated the claims made by The Voice of Karachi that Pakistan regime and military play a key role in promoting extremism and using religious terrorism as a tool for foreign policy."

The VOK chairman added that these latest comments of President Trump have merely confirmed what the Voice of Karachi leadership has been pointing out for a while. Pakistan's military establishment's role in promoting and using religious terrorism as a foreign policy tool is not a secret anymore," the statement read.

Nusrat also claimed that several Pakistan citizens have also fell prey to the "mindless policy" of the country and urged the international community to also closely scrutinize Pakistani security forces'&nbsp;inhuman treatment of the country's ethnic and religious minorities.

"On behalf of Pakistan's oppressed ethnic and religious groups, I commend President Trump`s bold, yet honest, comments about Pakistani deep state's role and assure him on behalf of all suppressed ethnic and religious groups their full support for the current administration`s policy on South Asia," Nusrat said.

The statement also revealed that as many as 25,000 Mohajirs have been killed by Pakistani security forces and similar acts of state brutalities are also a part of everyday life in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan and Gilgit Baltistan.

Lauding the United States President Donald Trump's statement on Pakistan's role in promoting terrorism, the Voice of Karachi (VOK) chairman and Mohajir leader, Nadeem Nusrat said that Trump deserves an applaud for taking a strong stand and publicly discussing Islamabad's role in terrorism.

Lauding the United States President Donald Trump's statement on Pakistan's role in promoting terrorism, the Voice of Karachi (VOK) chairman and Mohajir leader, Nadeem Nusrat said that Trump deserves an applaud for taking a strong stand and publicly discussing Islamabad's role in terrorism. In his latest interview to Fox News, Trump said, "Pakistan doesn't do a damn thing for us," while defending his administration's decision to pull hundreds of millions of dollars in military aid to the Asian country. Trump further charged that the Pakistan government helped wanted terrorist Osama Bin Laden to hide in their country. Nusrat, in a statement released by the Voice of Karachi, said that Trump's candid comments on Pakistan's dubious role in dealing with terrorism and providing refuge to Osama bin Laden have once again posed serious questions about Pakistani deep state's role in sponsoring religious extremism and terrorism worldwide. The statement further pointed out that Trump's statement cannot be overestimated as it is the first time a president has talked about Pakistan's role in the hiding of terrorist Osama bin Laden. "For years Pakistan's officials kept denying the presence of Osama on Pakistani soil, but in the end, he was found and killed by American special forces operatives in a Pakistani town, widely considered as a fort for Pakistani military," the press release stated. The statement asserted that Trump's remark has reiterated the claims made by The Voice of Karachi that Pakistan regime and military play a key role in promoting extremism and using religious terrorism as a tool for foreign policy." The VOK chairman added that these latest comments of President Trump have merely confirmed what the Voice of Karachi leadership has been pointing out for a while. Pakistan's military establishment's role in promoting and using religious terrorism as a foreign policy tool is not a secret anymore," the statement read. Nusrat also claimed that several Pakistan citizens have also fell prey to the "mindless policy" of the country and urged the international community to also closely scrutinize Pakistani security forces' inhuman treatment of the country's ethnic and religious minorities. "On behalf of Pakistan's oppressed ethnic and religious groups, I commend President Trump`s bold, yet honest, comments about Pakistani deep state's role and assure him on behalf of all suppressed ethnic and religious groups their full support for the current administration`s policy on South Asia," Nusrat said. The statement also revealed that as many as 25,000 Mohajirs have been killed by Pakistani security forces and similar acts of state brutalities are also a part of everyday life in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Balochistan and Gilgit Baltistan.

Voice of Karachi chairman lauds Trump's comments about Pakistan's role in terror

In a development that confirms the deteriorating US-Pakistan ties, US President Donald Trump justified the aid cut to Pakistan, slamming inaction on its part to curb terror.

In an interview to Fox news channel on Sunday, Trump said, "And we give Pakistan $1.3 billion a year. ... [<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/bin-laden-raid-commander-to-trump-revoke-my-security-clearance-too-159688">bin Laden</a>] lived in Pakistan, we’re supporting Pakistan, we’re giving them $1.3 billion a year - which we don’t give them any more, by the way. I ended it because they don’t do anything for us, they don’t do a damn thing for us."

The first tweet this year by US President was on <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-pm-meets-abu-dhabi-crown-prince-amid-reports-of-uae-package-178070">Pakistan aid cut</a> and the "lies and deceit". He tweeted on January 1, 2018, "The United States has foolishly given Pakistan more than 33 billion dollars in aid over the last 15 years, and they have given us nothing but lies &amp; deceit, thinking of our leaders as fools. They give safe haven to the terrorists we hunt in Afghanistan, with little help. No more!"

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The United States has foolishly given Pakistan more than 33 billion dollars in aid over the last 15 years, and they have given us nothing but lies &amp; deceit, thinking of our leaders as fools. They give safe haven to the terrorists we hunt in Afghanistan, with little help. No more!
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He slammed Pakistan for providing a safe haven to 9/11 mastermind <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/bin-laden-raid-commander-to-trump-revoke-my-security-clearance-too-159688">Osama Bin Laden</a>. He said, "You know, living - think of this - living in Pakistan, beautifully in Pakistan in what I guess they considered a nice mansion, I don’t know, I’ve seen nicer. But living in Pakistan right next to the military academy, everybody in Pakistan knew he was there," he added."

In an operation on April 2, 2011, US special forces raided Osama Bin Laden's compound in the Pakistani city of Abbottabad and killed him.

Pakistan is likely to summon US&nbsp;Chargé d’Affaires in Islamabad Ambassador Paul W&nbsp;Jones after the comments.

The relationship between Islamabad and Washington has come under pressure. US Secretary of state Mike Pompeo had visited Islamabad after the formation of New government led by Imran Khan and asked to do more on the issue of terror.&nbsp;

The comments by US president comes days after PM Modi met US Vice President Mike Pence in Singapore on the sidelines of 13th East Asia summit and raised with him the issue of terror originating from Pakistan. Speaking to the media after the Modi-Pence meet, foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale said, "Prime Minister reminded that in one way or another all the traces or all the leads in global terror attacks ultimately leads to a single source, a single place of origin".

PM Modi also raised the issue of mainstreaming of terrorism by Pakistan. Gokhale said PM Modi "did point out that the mainstreaming of the people involved in Mumbai terror attacks in a political process which had taken place in a recent election in Pakistan should be a matter of serious concern not just to the two countries i.e. India and the United States but to the International community."

The remarks by Trump comes a week before India marks the anniversary of 26/11 Mumbai attacks. US Vice President Mike Pence during his meeting had referred to the coming 10th anniversary of the Mumbai terror attacks.

The remarks also come before a likely Modi-Trump meet on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Argentina by the end of this month.

In a development that confirms the deteriorating US-Pakistan ties, US President Donald Trump justified the aid cut to Pakistan, slamming inaction on its part to curb terror.

In a development that confirms the deteriorating US-Pakistan ties, US President Donald Trump justified the aid cut to Pakistan, slamming inaction on its part to curb terror. In an interview to Fox news channel on Sunday, Trump said, "And we give Pakistan $1.3 billion a year. ... [bin Laden] lived in Pakistan, we’re supporting Pakistan, we’re giving them $1.3 billion a year - which we don’t give them any more, by the way. I ended it because they don’t do anything for us, they don’t do a damn thing for us." The first tweet this year by US President was on Pakistan aid cut and the "lies and deceit". He tweeted on January 1, 2018, "The United States has foolishly given Pakistan more than 33 billion dollars in aid over the last 15 years, and they have given us nothing but lies & deceit, thinking of our leaders as fools. They give safe haven to the terrorists we hunt in Afghanistan, with little help. No more!" The United States has foolishly given Pakistan more than 33 billion dollars in aid over the last 15 years, and they have given us nothing but lies & deceit, thinking of our leaders as fools. They give safe haven to the terrorists we hunt in Afghanistan, with little help. No more! — Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 1, 2018 × He slammed Pakistan for providing a safe haven to 9/11 mastermind Osama Bin Laden. He said, "You know, living - think of this - living in Pakistan, beautifully in Pakistan in what I guess they considered a nice mansion, I don’t know, I’ve seen nicer. But living in Pakistan right next to the military academy, everybody in Pakistan knew he was there," he added." In an operation on April 2, 2011, US special forces raided Osama Bin Laden's compound in the Pakistani city of Abbottabad and killed him. Pakistan is likely to summon US Chargé d’Affaires in Islamabad Ambassador Paul W Jones after the comments. The relationship between Islamabad and Washington has come under pressure. US Secretary of state Mike Pompeo had visited Islamabad after the formation of New government led by Imran Khan and asked to do more on the issue of terror. The comments by US president comes days after PM Modi met US Vice President Mike Pence in Singapore on the sidelines of 13th East Asia summit and raised with him the issue of terror originating from Pakistan. Speaking to the media after the Modi-Pence meet, foreign secretary Vijay Gokhale said, "Prime Minister reminded that in one way or another all the traces or all the leads in global terror attacks ultimately leads to a single source, a single place of origin". PM Modi also raised the issue of mainstreaming of terrorism by Pakistan. Gokhale said PM Modi "did point out that the mainstreaming of the people involved in Mumbai terror attacks in a political process which had taken place in a recent election in Pakistan should be a matter of serious concern not just to the two countries i.e. India and the United States but to the International community." The remarks by Trump comes a week before India marks the anniversary of 26/11 Mumbai attacks. US Vice President Mike Pence during his meeting had referred to the coming 10th anniversary of the Mumbai terror attacks. The remarks also come before a likely Modi-Trump meet on the sidelines of the G20 summit in Argentina by the end of this month.

Ended aid to Pakistan as they don't do a damn thing for us: Donald Trump

Prime Minister Imran Khan held talks with the crown prince of Abu Dhabi on Sunday and discussed matters of bilateral, regional and mutual interest, amid reports that the UAE is ready to extend financial assistance to Pakistan to minimise the cash-strapped country's dependence on an IMF bailout package.

Khan, who is visiting the UAE for the second time in the last two months, met Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE's Armed Forces, at the Presidential Palace in Abu Dhabi.

He was accompanied by Finance Minister Asad Umar, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Chief of Army Staff Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa.

Khan is also expected to meet Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, vice president and prime minister of the UAE.

During his last visit to Abu Dhabi on September 19, the two countries had agreed to strengthen their economic, trade and investment relations.

The government had, during a later visit of an Emirati delegation to Islamabad, made a formal request for assistance, the daily said.

The signals from the UAE were positive and the government was hopeful of getting what officials are calling "a good package", the paper said.

The paper said the financial assistance is likely to be comparable with the Saudi bailout of US $6 billion&nbsp;US $3 billion in balance of payments support and a deferred payment facility on oil imports worth US $3 billion.

The UAE is one of the major oil suppliers to Pakistan.

The government has also been in talks with the Chinese government for an assistance package after Khan's visit to Beijing.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the negotiations with the International Monetary Fund for a loan facility are concluding next week, with Finance Minister Umar optimistic about reaching a basic agreement with the Fund by November 20.

Finance Minister Umar, however, had denied that there is any link between the IMF conditions and the PM's UAE visit.

Pakistan is facing a US $12 billion financing gap for the current fiscal year.

The Pakistan government is keen to minimise the amount borrowed from the IMF by getting loans from "friendly" countries like Saudi Arabia, China and Malaysia as officials in Islamabad believe that the global lender could attach tough conditions.

Prime Minister Imran Khan held talks with the crown prince of Abu Dhabi on Sunday and discussed matters of bilateral, regional and mutual interest, amid reports that the UAE is ready to extend financial assistance to Pakistan to minimise the cash-strapped country's dependence on an IMF bailout package.

Prime Minister Imran Khan held talks with the crown prince of Abu Dhabi on Sunday and discussed matters of bilateral, regional and mutual interest, amid reports that the UAE is ready to extend financial assistance to Pakistan to minimise the cash-strapped country's dependence on an IMF bailout package. Khan, who is visiting the UAE for the second time in the last two months, met Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE's Armed Forces, at the Presidential Palace in Abu Dhabi. He was accompanied by Finance Minister Asad Umar, Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi and Chief of Army Staff Gen Qamar Javed Bajwa. Khan is also expected to meet Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid, vice president and prime minister of the UAE. During his last visit to Abu Dhabi on September 19, the two countries had agreed to strengthen their economic, trade and investment relations. The government had, during a later visit of an Emirati delegation to Islamabad, made a formal request for assistance, the daily said. The signals from the UAE were positive and the government was hopeful of getting what officials are calling "a good package", the paper said. The paper said the financial assistance is likely to be comparable with the Saudi bailout of US $6 billion US $3 billion in balance of payments support and a deferred payment facility on oil imports worth US $3 billion. The UAE is one of the major oil suppliers to Pakistan. The government has also been in talks with the Chinese government for an assistance package after Khan's visit to Beijing. Meanwhile, the negotiations with the International Monetary Fund for a loan facility are concluding next week, with Finance Minister Umar optimistic about reaching a basic agreement with the Fund by November 20. Finance Minister Umar, however, had denied that there is any link between the IMF conditions and the PM's UAE visit. Pakistan is facing a US $12 billion financing gap for the current fiscal year. The Pakistan government is keen to minimise the amount borrowed from the IMF by getting loans from "friendly" countries like Saudi Arabia, China and Malaysia as officials in Islamabad believe that the global lender could attach tough conditions.

Pakistan PM meets Abu Dhabi crown prince amid reports of UAE package

Opposition Pakistan People's Party accused the defence ministry of refusing to tell the Senate that under which law the country's powerful intelligence agency Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) was functioning.&nbsp;

PPP Senator Farhatullah Babar speaking at "Pakistan: The Way Forward" in the 4th International Faiz Festival at Alhamra Arts Council here on Saturday said politics of resistance was being diminished because of "aliens (a reference to military establishment) and weakness of politicians".&nbsp;

"When the Senate asked under which law the ISI was functioning it was told that 'it is secret and sensitive' and couldn't be shared with it (Senate)," Babar said.

He said the time had gone when there would have been a 'direct attack' on democracy in the form of martial law.&nbsp;

Left wing politician and former head of Human Rights Commission of Pakistan Afrasiab Khattak has said the country was in crisis under he leadership of Prime Minister Imran Khan.&nbsp;

And this (PTI) government had been installed under a 'stopgap arrangement' in which a number of technocrats had been included. "In the next phase there will be a government of technocrats," he said.

Opposition Pakistan People's Party accused the defence ministry of refusing to tell the Senate that under which law the country's powerful intelligence agency Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) was functioning.

Opposition Pakistan People's Party accused the defence ministry of refusing to tell the Senate that under which law the country's powerful intelligence agency Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) was functioning. PPP Senator Farhatullah Babar speaking at "Pakistan: The Way Forward" in the 4th International Faiz Festival at Alhamra Arts Council here on Saturday said politics of resistance was being diminished because of "aliens (a reference to military establishment) and weakness of politicians". "When the Senate asked under which law the ISI was functioning it was told that 'it is secret and sensitive' and couldn't be shared with it (Senate)," Babar said. He said the time had gone when there would have been a 'direct attack' on democracy in the form of martial law. Left wing politician and former head of Human Rights Commission of Pakistan Afrasiab Khattak has said the country was in crisis under he leadership of Prime Minister Imran Khan. And this (PTI) government had been installed under a 'stopgap arrangement' in which a number of technocrats had been included. "In the next phase there will be a government of technocrats," he said.

PPP accuses Pakistan government of not disclosing law over ISI's functioning

Men's Hockey World Cup 2018: All teams and their squad list

Pakistan has received a "big" package of aid from its all-weather ally, China, Prime Minister Imran Khan said Friday, but will not reveal the quantum of financial support as President Xi Jinping has asked him not to reveal it, a media report said.

PM Khan made his maiden visit to Beijing earlier this month and met President Xi and Premier Li Keqiang and other Chinese leaders and sought aid to overcome the financial woes faced by his cash-strapped government.

The Pakistan government is facing grave economic challenges as it struggles to avoid a financial crisis and keep the economy afloat.

During an interaction with journalists at the PM House, Khan said that Pakistan has received a "big" package of aid from China but will not reveal it, Geo News quoted Khan as saying.

The prime minister said he did not want to reveal the quantum of aid from Beijing as other countries will start demanding more money from China, the report said.

Chinese President Xi has asked Khan not to announce the quantum of financial support, the Geo News report quoted the Pakistani prime minister as saying.&nbsp;

Unlike Saudi Arabia, which has announced a USD 6 billion aid package to Pakistan, Beijing has not revealed the quantum of its financial aid to Islamabad.

After his talks with Khan on November 3, Premier Li said China will provide the "necessary support" to Pakistan to tide over the present financial crisis.&nbsp;

Speaking about his recent trip to China, Khan said, "Concrete results of my visit are beginning to show. We are receiving all forms of aid from China and are satisfied."

"No other previous premiers' tours to China were as successful as mine was," he claimed.&nbsp;

Khan, whose government is currently negotiating a bailout package with the International Monetary Fund, appeared confident that Pakistan's economy will overcome the current difficulties by next year.

"The next three to six months are difficult but from next year onward our economic situation is going to improve significantly and we will be on the right track," he said.

Commenting on the ongoing money-laundering probe and the foreign assets owned by Pakistanis, Imran said, "We have traced USD 15 billion that was sent to Dubai from Pakistan."

"Work is underway to bring back looted wealth," he added. "We have also signed agreements with Britain and Switzerland," he said.&nbsp;

While speaking about his party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's decision to not give chairmanship of Public Accounts Committee to the Leader of the Opposition, Shehbaz Sharif, Khan said, "Those facing corruption cases cannot be appointed PAC chairperson."

"We will not appoint Shehbaz Sharif as PAC chairperson under any circumstances," he asserted.&nbsp;

Shehbaz, the younger brother of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif and ex-chief minister of Punjab province, is currently in the custody of the National Accountability Bureau on charges of corruption linked to a housing scheme.&nbsp;

Pakistan has received a "big" package of aid from its all-weather ally, China, Prime Minister Imran Khan said Friday, but will not reveal the quantum of financial support as President Xi Jinping has asked him not to reveal it, a media report said.

Pakistan has received a "big" package of aid from its all-weather ally, China, Prime Minister Imran Khan said Friday, but will not reveal the quantum of financial support as President Xi Jinping has asked him not to reveal it, a media report said. PM Khan made his maiden visit to Beijing earlier this month and met President Xi and Premier Li Keqiang and other Chinese leaders and sought aid to overcome the financial woes faced by his cash-strapped government. The Pakistan government is facing grave economic challenges as it struggles to avoid a financial crisis and keep the economy afloat. During an interaction with journalists at the PM House, Khan said that Pakistan has received a "big" package of aid from China but will not reveal it, Geo News quoted Khan as saying. The prime minister said he did not want to reveal the quantum of aid from Beijing as other countries will start demanding more money from China, the report said. Chinese President Xi has asked Khan not to announce the quantum of financial support, the Geo News report quoted the Pakistani prime minister as saying. Unlike Saudi Arabia, which has announced a USD 6 billion aid package to Pakistan, Beijing has not revealed the quantum of its financial aid to Islamabad. After his talks with Khan on November 3, Premier Li said China will provide the "necessary support" to Pakistan to tide over the present financial crisis. Speaking about his recent trip to China, Khan said, "Concrete results of my visit are beginning to show. We are receiving all forms of aid from China and are satisfied." "No other previous premiers' tours to China were as successful as mine was," he claimed. Khan, whose government is currently negotiating a bailout package with the International Monetary Fund, appeared confident that Pakistan's economy will overcome the current difficulties by next year. "The next three to six months are difficult but from next year onward our economic situation is going to improve significantly and we will be on the right track," he said. Commenting on the ongoing money-laundering probe and the foreign assets owned by Pakistanis, Imran said, "We have traced USD 15 billion that was sent to Dubai from Pakistan." "Work is underway to bring back looted wealth," he added. "We have also signed agreements with Britain and Switzerland," he said. While speaking about his party Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's decision to not give chairmanship of Public Accounts Committee to the Leader of the Opposition, Shehbaz Sharif, Khan said, "Those facing corruption cases cannot be appointed PAC chairperson." "We will not appoint Shehbaz Sharif as PAC chairperson under any circumstances," he asserted. Shehbaz, the younger brother of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif and ex-chief minister of Punjab province, is currently in the custody of the National Accountability Bureau on charges of corruption linked to a housing scheme.

Got 'big' aid from China; won't reveal amount under instructions from President Xi: Imran Khan

Prime Minister Imran Khan said Friday that the Pakistani elite was involved in transferring national wealth abroad through money laundering, in a veiled attack on ousted premier Nawaz Sharif.

Sharif, his daughter Maryam Nawaz and his son-in-law retired captain Mohammad Safdar were sentenced to 11 years, eight years and one year respectively in prison in the Avenfield properties case related to their purchase of four luxury flats in London through corrupt practices.

Talking to a delegation of columnists here, Prime Minister Khan, without naming anyone, said the recent development of tracing the money stashed abroad to the tune of Rs 700 billion shows as to why the former rulers were seeking work permits.

"It is estimated that about a trillion dollars are transferred to rich countries from poor countries like Pakistan," Khan said.

The government has signed agreements with Switzerland, the UK and the US to have information about the ill-gotten money stashed in these countries by Pakistanis, he said.

Khan said his government inherited a huge deficit of current and fiscal account and was endeavouring to overcome the financial crisis.

The government decided to approach friendly countries to deal with this situation and overcame the financial crunch and balance of payments issue, Khan said, adding that his visit to China was highly successful.

"We need a permanent solution to strengthen the economy on sound footing," he said.

The government is focusing on four areas including enhancing exports, promoting investment, boosting remittances and curbing the money laundering, Khan said.

Currently, remittances worth $15 to 20 billion are being received through legal channels whereas almost the same amount is being channelised through illegal means including Hawala, he said.

The expatriate Pakistanis were being facilitated to remit money through banking channels to enhance national revenues, Khan said.

Talking about massive losses in state-owned entities, he said unfortunately no one ever made any effort to promote true democracy in the country.

Khan said "kleptocracy was promoted wherein the rulers abused their powers for their own vested interests".

Sharif, 68, was disqualified by the Supreme Court in the Panama Papers case in July, 2017 and subsequently jailed for 10 years in Avenfield corruption case. His sentence was, however, suspended. The three-time former prime minister and his family have denied any wrongdoing.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Imran Khan said Friday that the Pakistani elite was involved in transferring national wealth abroad through money laundering, in a veiled attack on ousted premier Nawaz Sharif.

Prime Minister Imran Khan said Friday that the Pakistani elite was involved in transferring national wealth abroad through money laundering, in a veiled attack on ousted premier Nawaz Sharif. Sharif, his daughter Maryam Nawaz and his son-in-law retired captain Mohammad Safdar were sentenced to 11 years, eight years and one year respectively in prison in the Avenfield properties case related to their purchase of four luxury flats in London through corrupt practices. Talking to a delegation of columnists here, Prime Minister Khan, without naming anyone, said the recent development of tracing the money stashed abroad to the tune of Rs 700 billion shows as to why the former rulers were seeking work permits. "It is estimated that about a trillion dollars are transferred to rich countries from poor countries like Pakistan," Khan said. The government has signed agreements with Switzerland, the UK and the US to have information about the ill-gotten money stashed in these countries by Pakistanis, he said. Khan said his government inherited a huge deficit of current and fiscal account and was endeavouring to overcome the financial crisis. The government decided to approach friendly countries to deal with this situation and overcame the financial crunch and balance of payments issue, Khan said, adding that his visit to China was highly successful. "We need a permanent solution to strengthen the economy on sound footing," he said. The government is focusing on four areas including enhancing exports, promoting investment, boosting remittances and curbing the money laundering, Khan said. Currently, remittances worth $15 to 20 billion are being received through legal channels whereas almost the same amount is being channelised through illegal means including Hawala, he said. The expatriate Pakistanis were being facilitated to remit money through banking channels to enhance national revenues, Khan said. Talking about massive losses in state-owned entities, he said unfortunately no one ever made any effort to promote true democracy in the country. Khan said "kleptocracy was promoted wherein the rulers abused their powers for their own vested interests". Sharif, 68, was disqualified by the Supreme Court in the Panama Papers case in July, 2017 and subsequently jailed for 10 years in Avenfield corruption case. His sentence was, however, suspended. The three-time former prime minister and his family have denied any wrongdoing.

Pak elite transferred national wealth abroad through money laundering: Imran khan

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/cia-has-concluded-saudi-crown-prince-ordered-journalists-killing-report-177782">CIA has concluded Saudi crown prince ordered journalist's killing: Report</a>

The CIA has concluded that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman ordered the assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in Istanbul, the Washington Post reported on Friday, a finding that contradicts Saudi government assertions that he was not involved.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/over-1000-missing-71-dead-in-california-wildfire-177802">Over 1000 missing, 71 dead in California wildfire</a>

The number of people missing in a devastating wildfire in northern California jumped to more than 1,000 on Friday, authorities said, as the remains of eight other victims were found by rescuers.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-explosion-in-karachi-kills-two-injures-eight-177790">Pakistan: Explosion in Karachi kills 2, injures 8</a>

A bomb killed at least two people and wounded eight others in Pakistan's port city of Karachi Friday, police and hospital officials said.

The blast reportedly damaged buildings and triggered panic in the densely populated Malir district.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-embraces-maldives-as-new-leader-mohamed-solih-takes-office-china-out-of-favour-177785">PM Modi embraces </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-embraces-maldives-as-new-leader-mohamed-solih-takes-office-china-out-of-favour-177785">Maldives</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-embraces-maldives-as-new-leader-mohamed-solih-takes-office-china-out-of-favour-177785"> as new leader Mohamed Solih takes office, China out of favour</a>

Maldives' President-elect Ibrahim Mohamed Solih takes office on Saturday, seeking help from India and the United States to climb out from under a mountain of Chinese debt that his predecessor racked up in a breakneck development of the coral islands.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/us-judge-orders-white-house-to-restore-press-pass-to-cnns-acosta-177783">US judge orders White House to restore press pass to CNN's Acosta</a>

A US judge on Friday ordered the White House to temporarily restore CNN correspondent Jim Acosta's press pass, which was revoked after a contentious news conference last week with President Donald Trump.

The White House withdrew Acosta's credentials on November 7 in an escalation of the Republican president's attacks on news organizations, who he has called enemies of the people.

CIA has concluded Saudi crown prince ordered journalist's killing: Report The CIA has concluded that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman ordered the assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in Istanbul, the Washington Post reported on Friday, a finding that contradicts Saudi government assertions that he was not involved.

CIA has concluded Saudi crown prince ordered journalist's killing: Report The CIA has concluded that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman ordered the assassination of journalist Jamal Khashoggi in Istanbul, the Washington Post reported on Friday, a finding that contradicts Saudi government assertions that he was not involved. Over 1000 missing, 71 dead in California wildfire The number of people missing in a devastating wildfire in northern California jumped to more than 1,000 on Friday, authorities said, as the remains of eight other victims were found by rescuers. Pakistan: Explosion in Karachi kills 2, injures 8 A bomb killed at least two people and wounded eight others in Pakistan's port city of Karachi Friday, police and hospital officials said. The blast reportedly damaged buildings and triggered panic in the densely populated Malir district. PM Modi embraces Maldives as new leader Mohamed Solih takes office, China out of favour Maldives' President-elect Ibrahim Mohamed Solih takes office on Saturday, seeking help from India and the United States to climb out from under a mountain of Chinese debt that his predecessor racked up in a breakneck development of the coral islands. US judge orders White House to restore press pass to CNN's Acosta A US judge on Friday ordered the White House to temporarily restore CNN correspondent Jim Acosta's press pass, which was revoked after a contentious news conference last week with President Donald Trump. The White House withdrew Acosta's credentials on November 7 in an escalation of the Republican president's attacks on news organizations, who he has called enemies of the people.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday justified taking 'U-turns' in politics. Khan, even cited the example of former German dictator Adolf Hitler to support his argument that a politician who does not take 'U-turns' according to the situation is not a real leader.

"Hitler and Napoleon (Bonaparte) suffered huge defeats and caused losses as they did not take U-turns," Geo News quoted Khan, as saying.

Khan was interacting with journalists here when he made these comments.

"If you are walking and there is a wall in front of you, then you will have to change and find another way and a leader who does not know how to take U-turns is not successful," Khan was quoted by a journalist who attended the interaction.

The Prime Minister's comments have drawn sharp criticism.

"Imran Khan is Hitler and is taking U-turns to avoid losses," said Pakistan Peoples' Party leader Khursheed Shah.

He asserted that the prime minister was sending a message that Hitler had failed because he did not take a U-turn otherwise he would be successful.

On Friday, Khan also talked about his visit to China.

"Concrete results of my visit are beginning to show. We are receiving all forms of aid from China and are satisfied," Khan commented on his recent trip to China.

On the economic condition, Khan assured that situation will start improving from next year.

"The next three to six months are difficult but from next year onward our economic situation is going to improve significantly and we will be on the right track," he claimed.

Recently, Imran Khan-led-government announced the unveiling of a comprehensive package on education, health and poverty alleviation after the completion of its first 100 days.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday justified taking 'U-turns' in politics. Khan, even cited the example of former German dictator Adolf Hitler to support his argument that a politician who does not take 'U-turns' according to the situation is not a real leader.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan on Friday justified taking 'U-turns' in politics. Khan, even cited the example of former German dictator Adolf Hitler to support his argument that a politician who does not take 'U-turns' according to the situation is not a real leader. "Hitler and Napoleon (Bonaparte) suffered huge defeats and caused losses as they did not take U-turns," Geo News quoted Khan, as saying. Khan was interacting with journalists here when he made these comments. "If you are walking and there is a wall in front of you, then you will have to change and find another way and a leader who does not know how to take U-turns is not successful," Khan was quoted by a journalist who attended the interaction. The Prime Minister's comments have drawn sharp criticism. "Imran Khan is Hitler and is taking U-turns to avoid losses," said Pakistan Peoples' Party leader Khursheed Shah. He asserted that the prime minister was sending a message that Hitler had failed because he did not take a U-turn otherwise he would be successful. On Friday, Khan also talked about his visit to China. "Concrete results of my visit are beginning to show. We are receiving all forms of aid from China and are satisfied," Khan commented on his recent trip to China. On the economic condition, Khan assured that situation will start improving from next year. "The next three to six months are difficult but from next year onward our economic situation is going to improve significantly and we will be on the right track," he claimed. Recently, Imran Khan-led-government announced the unveiling of a comprehensive package on education, health and poverty alleviation after the completion of its first 100 days.

Imran Khan cites Hitler to defend 'U-turns' in politics

Prime Minister Imran Khan's ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party bagged two more Senate seats in the by-polls held in Punjab province Thursday, improving its tally in the upper house to 14.

Both seats had fallen vacant following the disqualification of two Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Senators - Haroon Akhtar and Sadia Abbasi by the Supreme Court for holding dual nationalities.

Abbasi is the wife of former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi.

After losing two seats in the Senate, the strength of the PML-N led by deposed prime minister Nawaz Sharif has reduced to 17.

Poet of East Dr Muhammad Iqbal's grandson and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) nominee Waleed Iqbal won the Senate seat defeating PML-N's Saud Majeed with eight votes.

Waleed got 184 and Majeed 176 votes. PTI's Seemi Aizdi, sister of Prime Minister Khan's close friend Jahangir Khan Tareen, received 183 votes and defeated PML-N's former minister Saira Afzal Tarar.

The by-polls were held in the Punjab Assembly.

Of the total of 371 members, 360 cast their votes.

In the 104-member Senate, Independents are leading with 29 seats (of them most belonging to Balochistan and tribal areas), followed by Bilawal Bhutto's Pakistan People's Party with 20. The PML-N has 17, the PTI 14 and the MQM 5 seats.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Imran Khan's ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party bagged two more Senate seats in the by-polls held in Punjab province Thursday, improving its tally in the upper house to 14.

Prime Minister Imran Khan's ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf party bagged two more Senate seats in the by-polls held in Punjab province Thursday, improving its tally in the upper house to 14. Both seats had fallen vacant following the disqualification of two Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) Senators - Haroon Akhtar and Sadia Abbasi by the Supreme Court for holding dual nationalities. Abbasi is the wife of former prime minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi. After losing two seats in the Senate, the strength of the PML-N led by deposed prime minister Nawaz Sharif has reduced to 17. Poet of East Dr Muhammad Iqbal's grandson and Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) nominee Waleed Iqbal won the Senate seat defeating PML-N's Saud Majeed with eight votes. Waleed got 184 and Majeed 176 votes. PTI's Seemi Aizdi, sister of Prime Minister Khan's close friend Jahangir Khan Tareen, received 183 votes and defeated PML-N's former minister Saira Afzal Tarar. The by-polls were held in the Punjab Assembly. Of the total of 371 members, 360 cast their votes. In the 104-member Senate, Independents are leading with 29 seats (of them most belonging to Balochistan and tribal areas), followed by Bilawal Bhutto's Pakistan People's Party with 20. The PML-N has 17, the PTI 14 and the MQM 5 seats.

Pak PM Imran's party snatches two Parliamentary seats from Sharif's PML-N in by-polls 

A top Republican Senator has urged US President Donald Trump to grant asylum and refugee status to Pakistani national Asia Bibi, a Christian woman recently freed from prison after her blasphemy conviction was overturned.

Bibi, a 47-year-old mother of four, was release from Multan jail earlier this month after the Supreme Court in its landmark decision acquitted her of blasphemy charges.

Senator Rand Paul said that he was worried that Bibi won't survive and he personally took up the matter with President Trump last week.

"I've been fighting for them to free Asia Bibi. I've talked to the President about granting her asylum and refugee status here," Paul told CNN in an interview.

A senior member from an American think-tank has also suggested that Bibi should request asylum.&nbsp;

"President Trump should invite Ms Bibi to come to America and request asylum. To do so would be just, moral and wise," Clifford D May, president of the Foundation for Defence of Democracies, said in an op-ed in The Washington Times this week.

A top Republican Senator has urged US President Donald Trump to grant asylum and refugee status to Pakistani national Asia Bibi, a Christian woman recently freed from prison after her blasphemy conviction was overturned.

A top Republican Senator has urged US President Donald Trump to grant asylum and refugee status to Pakistani national Asia Bibi, a Christian woman recently freed from prison after her blasphemy conviction was overturned. Bibi, a 47-year-old mother of four, was release from Multan jail earlier this month after the Supreme Court in its landmark decision acquitted her of blasphemy charges. Senator Rand Paul said that he was worried that Bibi won't survive and he personally took up the matter with President Trump last week. "I've been fighting for them to free Asia Bibi. I've talked to the President about granting her asylum and refugee status here," Paul told CNN in an interview. A senior member from an American think-tank has also suggested that Bibi should request asylum. "President Trump should invite Ms Bibi to come to America and request asylum. To do so would be just, moral and wise," Clifford D May, president of the Foundation for Defence of Democracies, said in an op-ed in The Washington Times this week.

US Senator seeks political asylum for Asia Bibi

A week after being freed from jail, Asia Bibi -- a Pakistani Christian woman on death row for eight years for blasphemy -- remains in limbo, with negotiations apparently under way to allow her to leave the country despite objections from Islamist hardliners demanding her execution.

Since the Supreme Court overturned Bibi's conviction last month, Pakistan has been rattled by violent protests from Islamists calling for her beheading, for mutiny in the armed forces and for the murder of the country's top judges.&nbsp;&nbsp;

&nbsp;Blasphemy is a massively inflammatory issue in Muslim-majority Pakistan, where even unproven allegations of insulting Islam and Prophet Mohammed can lead to lynchings and murders.

Earlier this month, the government struck a deal with the demonstrators after days of street protests saw large swathes of the country paralysed.

But questions remain over Bibi's whereabouts, the court's decision, and how hardliners may react to further developments.

Here's a brief rundown of where things stand and what might happen next.

Rumours are rife in Pakistan that she has already left the country, with fake reports claiming she met with Pope Francis in the Vatican. 
AFP has debunked the reports of Bibi meeting the pontiff.

The Pakistani government has repeatedly stated that Bibi is being held in a secure location in Pakistan after being released from a prison in central Multan last week, though her exact whereabouts are unknown.

She is not being allowed to leave the country as her case is subjected to a final review.

Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi reiterated the government's position again in Islamabad on Wednesday, saying: "We have clarified earlier and we clarify it again. She has not gone abroad. She is here. There is no controversy."&nbsp;

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan initially spoke forcefully against the protests, and vowed to confront any violence.

Since then he has stayed largely quiet about Bibi's fate.

The ruling from the Supreme Court is in the process of being reviewed following a petition request.

The petition essentially checks to see if any procedural or clerical errors were made by the court during its final ruling.

If there were not, then the decision will stand. The chances of the apex court's acquittal being overturned are slim, according to Bibi's lawyer. 
Where will she go next?

No one knows. However, it does appear that a deal may be in the works to move Bibi out of the country.

Earlier this week, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said that his government was holding talks with Pakistan over potentially offering asylum.

"There is a delicate domestic context that we respect which is why I don't want to say any more about that, but I will remind people Canada is a welcoming country," Trudeau told AFP.

The Tehreek-e-Labaik Pakistan (TLP) party, which led the violent demonstrations after Bibi's release, slammed Trudeau's comments.

"We strongly oppose even her release. And this is a view of millions of Pakistani Muslims," said TLP spokesman Ijaz Ashrafi.

Of course a big concern for any country that opens its doors to Bibi will be the potential blowback from hardliners in Pakistan.

Earlier this week, the Netherlands embassy pulled staff members from Pakistan over persistent threats, reportedly from hardliners angry over anti-Islam tweets by the far-right Dutch politician Geert Wilders.

A week after being freed from jail, Asia Bibi -- a Pakistani Christian woman on death row for eight years for blasphemy -- remains in limbo, with negotiations apparently under way to allow her to leave the country despite objections from Islamist hardliners demanding her execution.

A week after being freed from jail, Asia Bibi -- a Pakistani Christian woman on death row for eight years for blasphemy -- remains in limbo, with negotiations apparently under way to allow her to leave the country despite objections from Islamist hardliners demanding her execution. Since the Supreme Court overturned Bibi's conviction last month, Pakistan has been rattled by violent protests from Islamists calling for her beheading, for mutiny in the armed forces and for the murder of the country's top judges. Blasphemy is a massively inflammatory issue in Muslim-majority Pakistan, where even unproven allegations of insulting Islam and Prophet Mohammed can lead to lynchings and murders. Earlier this month, the government struck a deal with the demonstrators after days of street protests saw large swathes of the country paralysed. But questions remain over Bibi's whereabouts, the court's decision, and how hardliners may react to further developments. Here's a brief rundown of where things stand and what might happen next. Rumours are rife in Pakistan that she has already left the country, with fake reports claiming she met with Pope Francis in the Vatican. AFP has debunked the reports of Bibi meeting the pontiff. The Pakistani government has repeatedly stated that Bibi is being held in a secure location in Pakistan after being released from a prison in central Multan last week, though her exact whereabouts are unknown. She is not being allowed to leave the country as her case is subjected to a final review. Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi reiterated the government's position again in Islamabad on Wednesday, saying: "We have clarified earlier and we clarify it again. She has not gone abroad. She is here. There is no controversy." Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan initially spoke forcefully against the protests, and vowed to confront any violence. Since then he has stayed largely quiet about Bibi's fate. The ruling from the Supreme Court is in the process of being reviewed following a petition request. The petition essentially checks to see if any procedural or clerical errors were made by the court during its final ruling. If there were not, then the decision will stand. The chances of the apex court's acquittal being overturned are slim, according to Bibi's lawyer. Where will she go next? No one knows. However, it does appear that a deal may be in the works to move Bibi out of the country. Earlier this week, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said that his government was holding talks with Pakistan over potentially offering asylum. "There is a delicate domestic context that we respect which is why I don't want to say any more about that, but I will remind people Canada is a welcoming country," Trudeau told AFP. The Tehreek-e-Labaik Pakistan (TLP) party, which led the violent demonstrations after Bibi's release, slammed Trudeau's comments. "We strongly oppose even her release. And this is a view of millions of Pakistani Muslims," said TLP spokesman Ijaz Ashrafi. Of course a big concern for any country that opens its doors to Bibi will be the potential blowback from hardliners in Pakistan. Earlier this week, the Netherlands embassy pulled staff members from Pakistan over persistent threats, reportedly from hardliners angry over anti-Islam tweets by the far-right Dutch politician Geert Wilders.

Asia Bibi: Pakistani Christian woman in limbo after blasphemy verdict

The Pakistan government on Thursday constituted a committee to review the legal status of the Gilgit-Baltistan region, which India considers a part of Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;

Known as the Northern Areas, Pakistan plans to announce Gilgit-Baltistan as its fifth province, a move that is being vehemently opposed by India.

The Pakistan government's move to constitute a 10-member committee came in the wake of an instruction of a seven-judge bench of the Supreme Court headed by Chief Justice Saqib Nisar in October to review the legal status of the region to bring it at par with other provinces of Pakistan.

The apex court's direction followed the recommendations of a special panel set up by the then Nawaz Sharif government for constitutional and administrative reforms in the territory.

A member of the bench wondered if India has given special status to Jammu and Kashmir by amending Article 370 of its Constitution, why Pakistan could not grant provisional provincial status to Gilgit-Baltistan.

The court also observed that people of Gilgit-Baltistan are Pakistanis and should be given all rights.

The committee will suggest measures about how to give provisional provincial status to the region, which is disputed under the UN resolutions.

Although under the control of Pakistan, India considers Gilgit-Baltistan a part of Jammu and Kashmir.&nbsp;

The apex court had given the instructions while hearing 32 identical petitions concerning the constitutional status of the disputed territory. The main constitutional petition was filed by the Gilgit-Baltistan Bar Council through its vice-chairman Javed Ahmed.&nbsp;

The Pakistan government on Thursday constituted a committee to review the legal status of the Gilgit-Baltistan region, which India considers a part of Jammu and Kashmir.

The Pakistan government on Thursday constituted a committee to review the legal status of the Gilgit-Baltistan region, which India considers a part of Jammu and Kashmir. Known as the Northern Areas, Pakistan plans to announce Gilgit-Baltistan as its fifth province, a move that is being vehemently opposed by India. The Pakistan government's move to constitute a 10-member committee came in the wake of an instruction of a seven-judge bench of the Supreme Court headed by Chief Justice Saqib Nisar in October to review the legal status of the region to bring it at par with other provinces of Pakistan. The apex court's direction followed the recommendations of a special panel set up by the then Nawaz Sharif government for constitutional and administrative reforms in the territory. A member of the bench wondered if India has given special status to Jammu and Kashmir by amending Article 370 of its Constitution, why Pakistan could not grant provisional provincial status to Gilgit-Baltistan. The court also observed that people of Gilgit-Baltistan are Pakistanis and should be given all rights. The committee will suggest measures about how to give provisional provincial status to the region, which is disputed under the UN resolutions. Although under the control of Pakistan, India considers Gilgit-Baltistan a part of Jammu and Kashmir. The apex court had given the instructions while hearing 32 identical petitions concerning the constitutional status of the disputed territory. The main constitutional petition was filed by the Gilgit-Baltistan Bar Council through its vice-chairman Javed Ahmed.

Pak government constitutes panel to review legal status of disputed Gilgit-Baltistan region

Asserting that Islamabad's support to violence has not benefitted either Pakistan or Afghanistan, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has said that the "undeclared war" between the two neighbours must end.

Ghani said the spectre of violence needs to be removed and that Pakistan needs to support direct discussions between the Afghan government and the Taliban.

"The undeclared war between Afghanistan and Pakistan must end," he told a Washington audience through video conference from Kabul.

"We have not supported any movement against Pakistan from Afghanistan. The Afghan soil is not being used. We've exercised immense restraint and control because we seek a cooperative relationship," Ghani said in response to a question at the School of Advanced international Studies of the John Hopkins University on Monday.

Of the view that there is a need to define "what is a normal relationship" between Afghanistan and Pakistan, he said Kabul can offer a lot in the way of cooperation. "We are the key to Central Asia. How will Pakistan get to Central Asia without a stable Afghanistan?" he asked.

Ghani said Afghanistan and Pakistan need to together agree with the US and the rest of the world community on counter terrorism. These three sets of relationship, he said are the key.

"From the day that President Donald Trump announced the South Asia strategy, I extended the hand of friendship. We have engaged in several rounds of discussion," he said, adding that Afghanistan and the US have arrived at a document on what is their expectation, what needs to be done to translate commitments into reality and to help reduce the level of violence in moving forward to lasting peace.

Ghani said that he has not seen "urgency" from the new Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan regarding holding concrete dialogue with Afghanistan to fight terrorism or to assist in holding fruitful talks with the Taliban.

"We have not yet seen the sense of urgency. We hope that sense of urgency can be brought to the picture. We have a framework which is a Afghanistan-Pakistan agreement. The key is to move from talking to taking action," Ghani said.

"Our national interest is to keep engaging with Pakistan. We seek a stable Pakistan. We need to see substantive and measurable change. As of now that substantive and measurable change with the government of Prime Minister Imran Khan has not been seen. This is what needs to take place," said the Afghan president.

Ghani said that the Taliban is not in a winning position. "Let them disclose their casualties. Let them answer to the mothers who have lost their children. Let them answer to the wounded and let them answer to communities that because of their interference, have been deprived of education, of health, of services. Where is the positive model of the strength?" he said.

Asserting that Islamabad's support to violence has not benefitted either Pakistan or Afghanistan, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has said that the "undeclared war" between the two neighbours must end.

Asserting that Islamabad's support to violence has not benefitted either Pakistan or Afghanistan, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani has said that the "undeclared war" between the two neighbours must end. Ghani said the spectre of violence needs to be removed and that Pakistan needs to support direct discussions between the Afghan government and the Taliban. "The undeclared war between Afghanistan and Pakistan must end," he told a Washington audience through video conference from Kabul. "We have not supported any movement against Pakistan from Afghanistan. The Afghan soil is not being used. We've exercised immense restraint and control because we seek a cooperative relationship," Ghani said in response to a question at the School of Advanced international Studies of the John Hopkins University on Monday. Of the view that there is a need to define "what is a normal relationship" between Afghanistan and Pakistan, he said Kabul can offer a lot in the way of cooperation. "We are the key to Central Asia. How will Pakistan get to Central Asia without a stable Afghanistan?" he asked. Ghani said Afghanistan and Pakistan need to together agree with the US and the rest of the world community on counter terrorism. These three sets of relationship, he said are the key. "From the day that President Donald Trump announced the South Asia strategy, I extended the hand of friendship. We have engaged in several rounds of discussion," he said, adding that Afghanistan and the US have arrived at a document on what is their expectation, what needs to be done to translate commitments into reality and to help reduce the level of violence in moving forward to lasting peace. Ghani said that he has not seen "urgency" from the new Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan regarding holding concrete dialogue with Afghanistan to fight terrorism or to assist in holding fruitful talks with the Taliban. "We have not yet seen the sense of urgency. We hope that sense of urgency can be brought to the picture. We have a framework which is a Afghanistan-Pakistan agreement. The key is to move from talking to taking action," Ghani said. "Our national interest is to keep engaging with Pakistan. We seek a stable Pakistan. We need to see substantive and measurable change. As of now that substantive and measurable change with the government of Prime Minister Imran Khan has not been seen. This is what needs to take place," said the Afghan president. Ghani said that the Taliban is not in a winning position. "Let them disclose their casualties. Let them answer to the mothers who have lost their children. Let them answer to the wounded and let them answer to communities that because of their interference, have been deprived of education, of health, of services. Where is the positive model of the strength?" he said.

'Undeclared war' between Afghanistan, Pak must end: Ashraf Ghani

Pakistan certainly needs to do more in its fight against terrorism and the Trump administration expects Islamabad to act against terror groups like the Haqqani network and Lashkar-e-Taiba in same way as it did against al-Qaeda after the 9/11 attacks, a top American official has said.

State Department Coordinator for Counterterrorism Nathan Alexander Sales said during a Congressional hearing that the US was "very concerned" over the support for terrorism in any region of the world.

"And I can tell you we have communicated to the Pakistani government at the highest levels that we expect them to do more just like we expected them to act with us after 9/11," Sales said on Wednesday.

"Pakistan has in the past been a very effective counterpart in taking the fight to al-Qaeda. We need them to do the same thing with respect to the Haqqanis, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and the other terrorist groups that are active in the region," he said.

Sales said Pakistan "certainly needs to do more" in the fight against terrorism.

His remarks came after several Congressmen expressed concern over the continued resistance by Pakistan to take satisfactory action against terror groups operating from its soil.

The lawmakers alleged that Pakistan was not doing enough against the terror groups.

"I think they're not doing the job, despite terrorism, because the terrorists come in from Pakistan into Afghanistan, do their mischief, and run back across the border. I think they've been doing that for years," said Congressman Ted Poe, Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation, and Trade.

"They take our money, Million of dollars we give Pakistan every year. It befuddles me why we do that when they don't... And they allow a safe haven for terrorists in their own country that invade another country, namely Afghanistan," Poe alleged.

He, however, praised the State Department for not giving Pakistan funds for counterterrorism.

The State Department's Inspector General filed a report last year that found much of the antiterrorism assistance US had given to Pakistan was not being used, including dozens of courses not implemented.

"I am pleased to hear the Bureau has since repurposed many of the resources that had been sent to Pakistan to other more worthwhile programs. We cannot afford to throw good money after bad. Effective monitoring and evaluation programs are crucial to spotting what is not working and making changes that do," he said.

In his first tweet of the year, US President Donald Trump had expressed his dissatisfaction over Pakistan's reluctance in taking strong action against terrorists.

"The United States has foolishly given Pakistan more than 33 billion dollars in aid over the last 15 years, and they have given us nothing but lies and deceit, thinking of our leaders as fools. They give safe haven to the terrorists we hunt in Afghanistan, with little help. No more!" Trump tweeted.

He had ordered to stop all security financial assistance to Pakistan.

Pakistan certainly needs to do more in its fight against terrorism and the Trump administration expects Islamabad to act against terror groups like the Haqqani network and Lashkar-e-Taiba in same way as it did against al-Qaeda after the 9/11 attacks, a top American official has said.

Pakistan certainly needs to do more in its fight against terrorism and the Trump administration expects Islamabad to act against terror groups like the Haqqani network and Lashkar-e-Taiba in same way as it did against al-Qaeda after the 9/11 attacks, a top American official has said. State Department Coordinator for Counterterrorism Nathan Alexander Sales said during a Congressional hearing that the US was "very concerned" over the support for terrorism in any region of the world. "And I can tell you we have communicated to the Pakistani government at the highest levels that we expect them to do more just like we expected them to act with us after 9/11," Sales said on Wednesday. "Pakistan has in the past been a very effective counterpart in taking the fight to al-Qaeda. We need them to do the same thing with respect to the Haqqanis, Lashkar-e-Taiba, and the other terrorist groups that are active in the region," he said. Sales said Pakistan "certainly needs to do more" in the fight against terrorism. His remarks came after several Congressmen expressed concern over the continued resistance by Pakistan to take satisfactory action against terror groups operating from its soil. The lawmakers alleged that Pakistan was not doing enough against the terror groups. "I think they're not doing the job, despite terrorism, because the terrorists come in from Pakistan into Afghanistan, do their mischief, and run back across the border. I think they've been doing that for years," said Congressman Ted Poe, Chairman of the House Subcommittee on Terrorism, Nonproliferation, and Trade. "They take our money, Million of dollars we give Pakistan every year. It befuddles me why we do that when they don't... And they allow a safe haven for terrorists in their own country that invade another country, namely Afghanistan," Poe alleged. He, however, praised the State Department for not giving Pakistan funds for counterterrorism. The State Department's Inspector General filed a report last year that found much of the antiterrorism assistance US had given to Pakistan was not being used, including dozens of courses not implemented. "I am pleased to hear the Bureau has since repurposed many of the resources that had been sent to Pakistan to other more worthwhile programs. We cannot afford to throw good money after bad. Effective monitoring and evaluation programs are crucial to spotting what is not working and making changes that do," he said. In his first tweet of the year, US President Donald Trump had expressed his dissatisfaction over Pakistan's reluctance in taking strong action against terrorists. "The United States has foolishly given Pakistan more than 33 billion dollars in aid over the last 15 years, and they have given us nothing but lies and deceit, thinking of our leaders as fools. They give safe haven to the terrorists we hunt in Afghanistan, with little help. No more!" Trump tweeted. He had ordered to stop all security financial assistance to Pakistan.

Pakistan certainly needs to do more in its fight terrorism : US

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday ordered an inquiry into the death of a senior police officer who disappeared from Islamabad last month and whose body was found in Afghanistan.

The body of Tahir Dawar, a superintendent of police in the northwestern city of Peshawar, was recovered on Tuesday in the Afghan province of Nangarhar, nearly three weeks after he went missing.

Khan said he had ordered authorities to carry out "an inquiry immediately".

Pakistan's foreign office said it had twice summoned the Afghan Charge d'Affaires to "seek clarity". Afghan officials were not immediately available for comment.

"His abduction, move to (Afghanistan), murder and follow up behaviour of (Afghan) authorities raise questions which indicate involvement or resources more than a terrorist organisation," military spokesman Major General Asif Ghrafoor said on Twitter.

It was not immediately clear how he knew Dawar had been adducted and murdered.

The governor’s office in Nangarhar said it had delivered the body to tribal elders near the Pakistani border.

Rights activists have questioned how Dawar, who was visiting family in Islamabad from Peshawar on October 26, came to be in Afghanistan.

"The police cannot tell us anything and the entire state is silent about the investigation," parliamentarian Mohsin Dawar (no relation) told Reuters.

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday ordered an inquiry into the death of a senior police officer who disappeared from Islamabad last month and whose body was found in Afghanistan.

Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan on Thursday ordered an inquiry into the death of a senior police officer who disappeared from Islamabad last month and whose body was found in Afghanistan. The body of Tahir Dawar, a superintendent of police in the northwestern city of Peshawar, was recovered on Tuesday in the Afghan province of Nangarhar, nearly three weeks after he went missing. Khan said he had ordered authorities to carry out "an inquiry immediately". Pakistan's foreign office said it had twice summoned the Afghan Charge d'Affaires to "seek clarity". Afghan officials were not immediately available for comment. "His abduction, move to (Afghanistan), murder and follow up behaviour of (Afghan) authorities raise questions which indicate involvement or resources more than a terrorist organisation," military spokesman Major General Asif Ghrafoor said on Twitter. It was not immediately clear how he knew Dawar had been adducted and murdered. The governor’s office in Nangarhar said it had delivered the body to tribal elders near the Pakistani border. Rights activists have questioned how Dawar, who was visiting family in Islamabad from Peshawar on October 26, came to be in Afghanistan. "The police cannot tell us anything and the entire state is silent about the investigation," parliamentarian Mohsin Dawar (no relation) told Reuters.

Pakistan PM orders probe after policeman found dead in Afghanistan

Pakistan is failing to educate a huge proportion of the country's girls due to shortage of government schools, under-investment in schools, as well as gender discrimination and child marriage, Human Rights Watch, said in a report.&nbsp;

The 111-page report, 'Shall I Feed My Daughter, or Educate Her?': Barriers to Girls' Education in Pakistan,' said that many girls have no access to education.

Nearly 22.5 million of Pakistan's children in a country with a population of just over 200 million are out of school, the majority of them girls. Thirty-two per cent of primary school age girls are out of school in Pakistan, compared with 21 per cent of boys. By ninth grade, only 13 per cent of girls are still in school.&nbsp;

"The Pakistan government's failure to educate children is having a devastating impact on millions of girls," women's rights director at Human Rights Watch Liesl Gerntholtz said adding that many of the girls are desperate to study, but instead are growing up without the education that would help them have options for their future.&nbsp;

Human Rights Watch interviewed 209 people for the report most of them with girls who never attended school or were unable to complete their education, and their families in all four of Pakistan's provinces: Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, and Sindh. Human Rights Watch also interviewed parents, educators, experts, and activists, and visited schools.&nbsp;

Human Rights Watch said factors keeping girls out of school include the government's under-investment in schools, lack of schools, prohibitive school fees and related costs, corporal punishment, and a failure to enforce compulsory education. Poor quality within both government and low-cost private schools, a lack of government regulation of private schools, and corruption also add to the reasons girls are forced to stay out of school.&nbsp;

In addition to these factors within the education system, girls are also blocked from attending school by external factors including child labour, gender discrimination, child marriage, sexual harassment, insecurity, and attacks on education.&nbsp;

The Pakistan government has consistently invested far less in education than is recommended by international standards. As of 2017, Pakistan was spending less than 2.8 per cent of its gross domestic product on education far below the recommended four to six per cent leaving the government's education system severely under-funded. Government schools are in such short supply that even in Pakistan's major cities, many children cannot reach a school on foot safely in a reasonable amount of time.&nbsp;

The situation is far worse in rural areas and there are many more schools for boys than for girls, the rights group said.&nbsp;

"Even parents who are not educated themselves understand that their daughters' future depends on them going to school, but the government is abandoning these families," Gerntholtz said.&nbsp;

Pakistan is failing to educate a huge proportion of the country's girls due to shortage of government schools, under-investment in schools, as well as gender discrimination and child marriage, Human Rights Watch, said in a report.

Pakistan is failing to educate a huge proportion of the country's girls due to shortage of government schools, under-investment in schools, as well as gender discrimination and child marriage, Human Rights Watch, said in a report. The 111-page report, 'Shall I Feed My Daughter, or Educate Her?': Barriers to Girls' Education in Pakistan,' said that many girls have no access to education. Nearly 22.5 million of Pakistan's children in a country with a population of just over 200 million are out of school, the majority of them girls. Thirty-two per cent of primary school age girls are out of school in Pakistan, compared with 21 per cent of boys. By ninth grade, only 13 per cent of girls are still in school. "The Pakistan government's failure to educate children is having a devastating impact on millions of girls," women's rights director at Human Rights Watch Liesl Gerntholtz said adding that many of the girls are desperate to study, but instead are growing up without the education that would help them have options for their future. Human Rights Watch interviewed 209 people for the report most of them with girls who never attended school or were unable to complete their education, and their families in all four of Pakistan's provinces: Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Punjab, and Sindh. Human Rights Watch also interviewed parents, educators, experts, and activists, and visited schools. Human Rights Watch said factors keeping girls out of school include the government's under-investment in schools, lack of schools, prohibitive school fees and related costs, corporal punishment, and a failure to enforce compulsory education. Poor quality within both government and low-cost private schools, a lack of government regulation of private schools, and corruption also add to the reasons girls are forced to stay out of school. In addition to these factors within the education system, girls are also blocked from attending school by external factors including child labour, gender discrimination, child marriage, sexual harassment, insecurity, and attacks on education. The Pakistan government has consistently invested far less in education than is recommended by international standards. As of 2017, Pakistan was spending less than 2.8 per cent of its gross domestic product on education far below the recommended four to six per cent leaving the government's education system severely under-funded. Government schools are in such short supply that even in Pakistan's major cities, many children cannot reach a school on foot safely in a reasonable amount of time. The situation is far worse in rural areas and there are many more schools for boys than for girls, the rights group said. "Even parents who are not educated themselves understand that their daughters' future depends on them going to school, but the government is abandoning these families," Gerntholtz said.

Pakistan failing to educate girls due to shortage of government schools: Human Rights Watch

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Monday talks are underway with the Pakistani government over a Pakistani Christian woman whose acquittal on blasphemy charges against Islam last month sparked mass protests in the South Asian country.

Asia Bibi, who spent eight years on death row in Pakistan before being released, is in protective custody because her life is in danger from those who disagree with the acquittal. Bibi's husband, Ashiq Masih, has appealed for help to Britain, Canada, Italy and the United States.&nbsp;

"We are in discussions with the Pakistani government," Trudeau said in an interview with Agence France Presse in Paris, where he attended a ceremony marking the end of World War One. His comments were confirmed by a spokesman in Ottawa.

"There is a delicate domestic context that we respect which is why I don't want to say any more about that, but I will remind people Canada is a welcoming country," he added.

While AFP said the discussions were about potentially offering Bibi and her family asylum, this was not confirmed by the spokesman in Ottawa.

Islamists have threatened to escalate protests in Pakistan if Bibi is permitted to leave the country. The government has indicated it will bar her from travelling abroad.

Last week, Canada urged Pakistan to ensure Bibi's well-being and Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland said the government was "extremely engaged in this issue".

Bibi was convicted of blasphemy in 2010 after neighbours said she made derogatory remarks about Islam when they objected to her drinking water from their glass because she was not Muslim. She is a Protestant and denies committing blasphemy.

Islamists shut down roads in major cities in Pakistan during three days of demonstrations against Bibi's acquittal at the end of last month.

Bibi's lawyer, Saiful Mulook, fled to the Netherlands earlier this week because of fears for the safety of his family.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Monday talks are underway with the Pakistani government over a Pakistani Christian woman whose acquittal on blasphemy charges against Islam last month sparked mass protests in the South Asian country.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Monday talks are underway with the Pakistani government over a Pakistani Christian woman whose acquittal on blasphemy charges against Islam last month sparked mass protests in the South Asian country. Asia Bibi, who spent eight years on death row in Pakistan before being released, is in protective custody because her life is in danger from those who disagree with the acquittal. Bibi's husband, Ashiq Masih, has appealed for help to Britain, Canada, Italy and the United States. "We are in discussions with the Pakistani government," Trudeau said in an interview with Agence France Presse in Paris, where he attended a ceremony marking the end of World War One. His comments were confirmed by a spokesman in Ottawa. "There is a delicate domestic context that we respect which is why I don't want to say any more about that, but I will remind people Canada is a welcoming country," he added. While AFP said the discussions were about potentially offering Bibi and her family asylum, this was not confirmed by the spokesman in Ottawa. Islamists have threatened to escalate protests in Pakistan if Bibi is permitted to leave the country. The government has indicated it will bar her from travelling abroad. Last week, Canada urged Pakistan to ensure Bibi's well-being and Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland said the government was "extremely engaged in this issue". Bibi was convicted of blasphemy in 2010 after neighbours said she made derogatory remarks about Islam when they objected to her drinking water from their glass because she was not Muslim. She is a Protestant and denies committing blasphemy. Islamists shut down roads in major cities in Pakistan during three days of demonstrations against Bibi's acquittal at the end of last month. Bibi's lawyer, Saiful Mulook, fled to the Netherlands earlier this week because of fears for the safety of his family.

Canada in talks with Pakistan over Asia Bibi: Justin Trudeau

Pakistan prime minister Imran Khan cuts Diwali cake in Karachi; greets members of  Hindu community

The Netherlands resumed visa and passport services in Pakistan on Monday following a brief suspension, denying that its embassy had closed over security concerns after the country gave shelter to the lawyer of a Christian woman in a blasphemy case.

Hard-line Islamists in Pakistan have blocked streets and called for the killing of judges after the Supreme Court overturned on October&nbsp;31 the conviction of Asia Bibi, a mother of five, who had been on death row for eight years.

Bibi's lawyer, Saiful Mulook, fled to the Netherlands soon after the verdict, citing death threats. The Dutch government said on Thursday that it had offered him temporary shelter.

On Friday the Dutch government said in a statement that its embassy in Pakistan, which is in a tightly guarded "diplomatic enclave", had temporarily halted issuing visas "due to circumstances beyond our control".

On Monday evening, the embassy updated the statement: "The Netherlands embassy in Pakistan has resumed all consular/visa related services."

Pakistani media reported that the embassy had been forced to close because of threats. But the Dutch Foreign Ministry said reports of the embassy's closure were mistaken.

"The Dutch embassy in Pakistan is open," the ministry said. "I can add that we take the security of the embassy and our employees very seriously. This is also the subject of consultations between the Netherlands and Pakistan," an official at the Dutch foreign office said.

No one answered the telephone at the Dutch embassy after office hours on Monday.

Bibi, 53, was convicted of blasphemy in 2010 over allegations she made derogatory remarks about Islam, which is punishable by death in Pakistan. She always denied having committed blasphemy.

The militant Tehreek-e-Labaik (TLP) party, which has made blasphemy a rallying cry, took to the streets after the Supreme Court ruling and blocked main cities and highways for three days.

The protests ended after the government of Prime Minister Imran Khan struck a deal with the TLP that the state would not block a petition to review Bibi's acquittal in light of sharia Islamic religious law and ensure she wouldn't leave country until that was decided.

Pakistani government officials have said Bibi is in a secure location while the court considers her case.

The Netherlands resumed visa and passport services in Pakistan on Monday following a brief suspension, denying that its embassy had closed over security concerns after the country gave shelter to the lawyer of a Christian woman in a blasphemy case.

The Netherlands resumed visa and passport services in Pakistan on Monday following a brief suspension, denying that its embassy had closed over security concerns after the country gave shelter to the lawyer of a Christian woman in a blasphemy case. Hard-line Islamists in Pakistan have blocked streets and called for the killing of judges after the Supreme Court overturned on October 31 the conviction of Asia Bibi, a mother of five, who had been on death row for eight years. Bibi's lawyer, Saiful Mulook, fled to the Netherlands soon after the verdict, citing death threats. The Dutch government said on Thursday that it had offered him temporary shelter. On Friday the Dutch government said in a statement that its embassy in Pakistan, which is in a tightly guarded "diplomatic enclave", had temporarily halted issuing visas "due to circumstances beyond our control". On Monday evening, the embassy updated the statement: "The Netherlands embassy in Pakistan has resumed all consular/visa related services." Pakistani media reported that the embassy had been forced to close because of threats. But the Dutch Foreign Ministry said reports of the embassy's closure were mistaken. "The Dutch embassy in Pakistan is open," the ministry said. "I can add that we take the security of the embassy and our employees very seriously. This is also the subject of consultations between the Netherlands and Pakistan," an official at the Dutch foreign office said. No one answered the telephone at the Dutch embassy after office hours on Monday. Bibi, 53, was convicted of blasphemy in 2010 over allegations she made derogatory remarks about Islam, which is punishable by death in Pakistan. She always denied having committed blasphemy. The militant Tehreek-e-Labaik (TLP) party, which has made blasphemy a rallying cry, took to the streets after the Supreme Court ruling and blocked main cities and highways for three days. The protests ended after the government of Prime Minister Imran Khan struck a deal with the TLP that the state would not block a petition to review Bibi's acquittal in light of sharia Islamic religious law and ensure she wouldn't leave country until that was decided. Pakistani government officials have said Bibi is in a secure location while the court considers her case.

Netherlands resumes visa service in Pakistan after brief halt

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