A hard-line Islamist party in Pakistan on Wednesday called for the death of the chief justice of the Supreme Court and two other judges who overturned the death sentence of a Christian woman convicted of blasphemy.

The leader of the Tehreek-e-Labaik (TLP) party also called for the ouster of Prime Minister Imran Khan's government over the case of Asia Bibi, who was ordered freed by a Supreme Court panel earlier in the day.

"The patron in chief of TLP, Muhammad Afzal Qadri, has issued the edict that says the chief justice and all those who ordered the release of Asia deserve death," said party spokesman Ejaz Ashrafi.

The party has launched street protests blocking roads in major cities to condemn the ruling, which was welcomed by human rights advocates.

A hard-line Islamist party in Pakistan on Wednesday called for the death of the chief justice of the Supreme Court and two other judges who overturned the death sentence of a Christian woman convicted of blasphemy.

A hard-line Islamist party in Pakistan on Wednesday called for the death of the chief justice of the Supreme Court and two other judges who overturned the death sentence of a Christian woman convicted of blasphemy. The leader of the Tehreek-e-Labaik (TLP) party also called for the ouster of Prime Minister Imran Khan's government over the case of Asia Bibi, who was ordered freed by a Supreme Court panel earlier in the day. "The patron in chief of TLP, Muhammad Afzal Qadri, has issued the edict that says the chief justice and all those who ordered the release of Asia deserve death," said party spokesman Ejaz Ashrafi. The party has launched street protests blocking roads in major cities to condemn the ruling, which was welcomed by human rights advocates.

Pakistani Islamist party calls for death of judges who freed Christian woman sentenced for blasphemy

Pakistan's Supreme Court on Wednesday&nbsp;acquitted Asia Bibi,&nbsp;a Christian woman who had been sentenced to death over allegations of blasphemy.

Asia Bibi was the first woman to be sentenced to death under Pakistan's draconian blasphemy laws. Her case had drawn global attention and condemnation.

A mother of four, Asia Bibi was convicted for allegedly making derogatory remarks about Islam after neighbours objected to her drinking water from their glass because she was not Muslim.

She had been living on death row since 2010.&nbsp;

A special three-person bench headed by Pakistan's top judge, Chief Justice Saqib Nasir,&nbsp;delivered the verdict today.

Insulting Islam's prophet is punishable by death under Pakistani law, and blasphemy accusations stir such emotions that they are almost impossible to defend against. Dozens have been killed following blasphemy claims, sometimes by mobs of men.

Rights groups say the blasphemy law is increasingly exploited by religious extremists as well as ordinary Pakistanis to settle personal scores. The law does not define blasphemy and evidence might not be reproduced in court for fear of committing a fresh offence.

Bibi had always denied blaspheming and her representatives had claimed she was involved in a dispute with her neighbours and that her accusers had contradicted themselves.

(With inputs from Reuters)

&nbsp;

Pakistan's Supreme Court on Wednesday acquitted Asia Bibi, a Christian woman who had been sentenced to death over allegations of blasphemy. Asia Bibi was the first woman to be sentenced to death under Pakistan's draconian blasphemy laws.

Pakistan's Supreme Court on Wednesday acquitted Asia Bibi, a Christian woman who had been sentenced to death over allegations of blasphemy. Asia Bibi was the first woman to be sentenced to death under Pakistan's draconian blasphemy laws. Her case had drawn global attention and condemnation. A mother of four, Asia Bibi was convicted for allegedly making derogatory remarks about Islam after neighbours objected to her drinking water from their glass because she was not Muslim. She had been living on death row since 2010. A special three-person bench headed by Pakistan's top judge, Chief Justice Saqib Nasir, delivered the verdict today. Insulting Islam's prophet is punishable by death under Pakistani law, and blasphemy accusations stir such emotions that they are almost impossible to defend against. Dozens have been killed following blasphemy claims, sometimes by mobs of men. Rights groups say the blasphemy law is increasingly exploited by religious extremists as well as ordinary Pakistanis to settle personal scores. The law does not define blasphemy and evidence might not be reproduced in court for fear of committing a fresh offence. Bibi had always denied blaspheming and her representatives had claimed she was involved in a dispute with her neighbours and that her accusers had contradicted themselves. (With inputs from Reuters)

Pakistan SC acquits Asia Bibi, Christian woman sentenced to death for blasphemy

Pakistan's parliament on Monday unanimously passed a resolution condemning the alleged violence against people in Kashmir by the Indian security forces.

The resolution was presented in the National Assembly, the lower house of the parliament, by Pakistan's Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Ali Amin Gandapur.

The house said in the resolution that Kashmir issue should be resolved in light of United Nations Security Council resolutions.

Pakistan's parliament on Monday unanimously passed a resolution condemning the alleged violence against people in Kashmir by the Indian security forces. The resolution was presented in the National Assembly, the lower house of the parliament, by Pakistan's Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Ali Amin Gandapur.

Pakistan's parliament on Monday unanimously passed a resolution condemning the alleged violence against people in Kashmir by the Indian security forces. The resolution was presented in the National Assembly, the lower house of the parliament, by Pakistan's Minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan Ali Amin Gandapur. The house said in the resolution that Kashmir issue should be resolved in light of United Nations Security Council resolutions.

Pakistan parliament passes resolution condemning 'violence' against Kashmiris

Security was beefed up and cellular and internet services suspended in major cities of Pakistan on Tuesday to maintain law and order during the observance of Chehlum.

Processions will be held in different parts of the country by Shiite Muslims and the government has deployed thousands of troops along the routes and around the venues where the marches will terminate by the evening, officials said.

Chehlum is observed to commemorate the 40th day of the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, the grandson of the Prophet, in 680 in Karbala in modern Iraq.

Officials said the security was tightened to avert any tragedy on the occasion of the Chehlum.

Extremist Sunni groups in the past have attacked such rallies with suicide bombings.

Earlier, interior ministry received applications from home departments of all the four provinces to suspend the mobile phone and internet services, the officials said.

Local TV reports showed major cities like Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar, Quetta, Rawalpindi, Muzaffarabad, Multan facing complete or partial suspension of services.

Modern communication services are used by terrorist to plan and carry out acts of terrorism, security officials said.&nbsp;

Security was beefed up and cellular and internet services suspended in major cities of Pakistan on Tuesday to maintain law and order during the observance of Chehlum.

Security was beefed up and cellular and internet services suspended in major cities of Pakistan on Tuesday to maintain law and order during the observance of Chehlum. Processions will be held in different parts of the country by Shiite Muslims and the government has deployed thousands of troops along the routes and around the venues where the marches will terminate by the evening, officials said. Chehlum is observed to commemorate the 40th day of the martyrdom of Imam Hussain, the grandson of the Prophet, in 680 in Karbala in modern Iraq. Officials said the security was tightened to avert any tragedy on the occasion of the Chehlum. Extremist Sunni groups in the past have attacked such rallies with suicide bombings. Earlier, interior ministry received applications from home departments of all the four provinces to suspend the mobile phone and internet services, the officials said. Local TV reports showed major cities like Lahore, Karachi, Peshawar, Quetta, Rawalpindi, Muzaffarabad, Multan facing complete or partial suspension of services. Modern communication services are used by terrorist to plan and carry out acts of terrorism, security officials said.

Security beefed up, cellular, internet services shut down for Chehlum in Pakistan

&nbsp;A minibus fell into the Indus River in Pakistan's north Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, killing at least 18 people, including three women and a child, officials said.

The vehicle, carrying 18 passengers, was on its way to Rawalpindi city in east Punjab province on Sunday night when the accident took place, the officials were quoted as saying by the Geo news.

The bus, authorities said, was travelling from Gilgit-Baltistan's district Ghizer to Pindi when, midway he driver lost control and it plummeted into the river, the report said.

Hamidur Rehman, Kohistan district commissioner, confirmed the accident and said bodies were recovered.&nbsp;

The rescue work had been completed and all the dead bodies have been moved to a nearby hospital.

However, one woman miraculously survived in the accident, but her condition is not yet known.

Road accidents are common in Pakistan. Most of the mishaps are caused due to reckless driving and bad roads.&nbsp;

A minibus fell into the Indus River in Pakistan's north Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, killing at least 18 people, including three women and a child, officials said.

A minibus fell into the Indus River in Pakistan's north Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, killing at least 18 people, including three women and a child, officials said. The vehicle, carrying 18 passengers, was on its way to Rawalpindi city in east Punjab province on Sunday night when the accident took place, the officials were quoted as saying by the Geo news. The bus, authorities said, was travelling from Gilgit-Baltistan's district Ghizer to Pindi when, midway he driver lost control and it plummeted into the river, the report said. Hamidur Rehman, Kohistan district commissioner, confirmed the accident and said bodies were recovered. The rescue work had been completed and all the dead bodies have been moved to a nearby hospital. However, one woman miraculously survived in the accident, but her condition is not yet known. Road accidents are common in Pakistan. Most of the mishaps are caused due to reckless driving and bad roads.

18 killed as passenger bus falls into Indus River in Pakistan

Condemning the remark made by Congress Member of Parliament (MP) Shashi Tharoor on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Minister and senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Giriraj Singh on Sunday said Tharoor would have been silenced if he had made the remark in Pakistan.

"Had Tharoor been in Pakistan, he would have been made to shut his mouth. He has not only insulted the Prime Minister but crores of Hindus and followers of Lord Shiva in this country. How can Rahul Gandhi claim to be a follower of Lord Shiva when his party man can say such a thing? He should come out and apologise on behalf of Tharoor. The Congress has crossed all limits now," Singh told ANI.

Accusing the Congress of practising politics of "division and hatred," senior BJP leader Anil Vij added, "It (Tharoor's remark) is extremely condemnable. The Congress party is strategically imparting a politics of division and hatred. On one hand, Rahul Gandhi claims to be a devout follower of Lord Shiva, on the other hand, the Congress leaders, in some way or the other, are humiliating the Hindus of this country. It's time we reject this."

Earlier in the day, Tharoor, while speaking at an event in Bengaluru, had said Prime Minister Modi was, in a way, like a "scorpion sitting on a Shivling."

However, the Congress leader later clarified that the comment was made by an unnamed member of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) six years ago, and not by him.&nbsp;

Condemning the remark made by Congress Member of Parliament (MP) Shashi Tharoor on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Minister and senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Giriraj Singh on Sunday said Tharoor would have been silenced if he had made the remark in Pakistan.

Condemning the remark made by Congress Member of Parliament (MP) Shashi Tharoor on Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Minister and senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Giriraj Singh on Sunday said Tharoor would have been silenced if he had made the remark in Pakistan. "Had Tharoor been in Pakistan, he would have been made to shut his mouth. He has not only insulted the Prime Minister but crores of Hindus and followers of Lord Shiva in this country. How can Rahul Gandhi claim to be a follower of Lord Shiva when his party man can say such a thing? He should come out and apologise on behalf of Tharoor. The Congress has crossed all limits now," Singh told ANI. Accusing the Congress of practising politics of "division and hatred," senior BJP leader Anil Vij added, "It (Tharoor's remark) is extremely condemnable. The Congress party is strategically imparting a politics of division and hatred. On one hand, Rahul Gandhi claims to be a devout follower of Lord Shiva, on the other hand, the Congress leaders, in some way or the other, are humiliating the Hindus of this country. It's time we reject this." Earlier in the day, Tharoor, while speaking at an event in Bengaluru, had said Prime Minister Modi was, in a way, like a "scorpion sitting on a Shivling." However, the Congress leader later clarified that the comment was made by an unnamed member of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) six years ago, and not by him.

Had this been Pakistan, Tharoor would've been silenced: Giriraj Singh

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan Sunday launched a special portal to address the grievances and complaints of the general public.

Pakistan Citizens' Portal (PCP) is a complete grievance redressal system which is connected with all the government departments. The Prime Minister's office will monitor the entire procedure, according to Radio Pakistan.

A citizen of Pakistan can lodge his or her complaint through a smartphone app, website, e-mail or Facebook.

A complaint can also be registered through a toll free number. All complaints will be resolved in a given time-frame in a transparent manner to the satisfaction of the complainant.

Addressing the launch of PCP, Khan said indigenous development of this app was appreciable and it showed that old colonial mind-set had been replaced with accountability for all including government, politicians and public servants.

Pakistan had immense potential and "we need to work hard to make this country better".

He said Pakistan Citizens' Portal will enable the government to understand the performance of ministries and departments.

Khan said PCP is a step forward towards E-governance, improving governance and attracting foreign investments in Pakistan.

He said 'Naya' (new) Pakistan will be created when people start owning the system after having confidence on the government.

Khan said he will get reports on a weekly basis to check the performance of various government departments.&nbsp;

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan Sunday launched a special portal to address the grievances and complaints of the general public. Pakistan Citizens' Portal (PCP) is a complete grievance redressal system which is connected with all the government departments.

Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan Sunday launched a special portal to address the grievances and complaints of the general public. Pakistan Citizens' Portal (PCP) is a complete grievance redressal system which is connected with all the government departments. The Prime Minister's office will monitor the entire procedure, according to Radio Pakistan. A citizen of Pakistan can lodge his or her complaint through a smartphone app, website, e-mail or Facebook. A complaint can also be registered through a toll free number. All complaints will be resolved in a given time-frame in a transparent manner to the satisfaction of the complainant. Addressing the launch of PCP, Khan said indigenous development of this app was appreciable and it showed that old colonial mind-set had been replaced with accountability for all including government, politicians and public servants. Pakistan had immense potential and "we need to work hard to make this country better". He said Pakistan Citizens' Portal will enable the government to understand the performance of ministries and departments. Khan said PCP is a step forward towards E-governance, improving governance and attracting foreign investments in Pakistan. He said 'Naya' (new) Pakistan will be created when people start owning the system after having confidence on the government. Khan said he will get reports on a weekly basis to check the performance of various government departments.

Pak launches special portal for people's grievance redressal

A report by the Indian think tank Strategic Foresight Group (SFG) and Oxford University says&nbsp;there is the possibility that Mumbai terror attack mastermind and terrorist outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba chief Hafiz Saeed could in the near future become Pakistan's prime minister.

The report,&nbsp;titled 'Humanity at Risk-Global Terror Threat Indicant', came up with the hypothetical scenario post-2020. It predicted that the dominance of terrorists and extremists could lead to attacks targeting India's political and financial systems with the "open support of the Pakistan military".&nbsp;

The report also predicted that extremist and religious political parties in Pakistan would become increasingly popular.

"Extremist and religious political parties in Pakistan (are) become increasingly popular. Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) is able to build its party infrastructure and contest the federal elections successfully in alliance with other extremist groups and active unofficial support from the military. Pakistan [could] then elect Hafiz Saeed as the head of government," the report&nbsp;mentioned.

The report also placed Pakistan at the top of the list of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-responsible-for-three-times-the-terror-risk-to-humanity-than-syria-report-173753">countries that pose a threat</a> to "humanity" and "global peace".&nbsp;

The report goes on to warn about the threat of a full-scale war between India and Pakistan following Pakistan-sponsored terror attacks.

"LeT is able to build its party infrastructure and contest the federal elections successfully, in alliance with other extremist groups and active unofficial support from the military. Pakistan then elects LeT founder Hafiz Saeed as the head of government," it said.&nbsp;

The study also predicted that eastern Afghanistan and western Pakistan, the two relatively lawless border areas between the two countries, could become a single breakaway Taliban state.&nbsp;

The report also predicted that al-Qaida would gain a foothold by co-opting other separatist and ethnic movements in Myanmar, Bangladesh and Thailand.&nbsp;

"The US summarily exits Afghanistan and Iraq under the leadership of a right-wing president inaugurated in January 2029, throwing those countries into major chaos. China's involvement in Afghanistan, specifically the attempt to play interlocutor with the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan, backfires. Incensed Pakistani and Afghan terror groups incite violence within China, thereby emboldening Uighur militants to launch a major attack in Beijing or Shanghai," the report said.

'Global Terror Threat Indicant' (GTTI) concludes that LeT and JeM are greater threats to humanity than the Islamic State/Daesh. 
&nbsp;

A report by the Indian think tank Strategic Foresight Group (SFG) and Oxford University says there is the possibility that Mumbai terror attack mastermind and terrorist outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba chief Hafiz Saeed could in the near future become Pakistan's prime minister.

A report by the Indian think tank Strategic Foresight Group (SFG) and Oxford University says there is the possibility that Mumbai terror attack mastermind and terrorist outfit Lashkar-e-Taiba chief Hafiz Saeed could in the near future become Pakistan's prime minister. The report, titled 'Humanity at Risk-Global Terror Threat Indicant', came up with the hypothetical scenario post-2020. It predicted that the dominance of terrorists and extremists could lead to attacks targeting India's political and financial systems with the "open support of the Pakistan military". The report also predicted that extremist and religious political parties in Pakistan would become increasingly popular. "Extremist and religious political parties in Pakistan (are) become increasingly popular. Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) is able to build its party infrastructure and contest the federal elections successfully in alliance with other extremist groups and active unofficial support from the military. Pakistan [could] then elect Hafiz Saeed as the head of government," the report mentioned. The report also placed Pakistan at the top of the list of countries that pose a threat to "humanity" and "global peace". The report goes on to warn about the threat of a full-scale war between India and Pakistan following Pakistan-sponsored terror attacks. "LeT is able to build its party infrastructure and contest the federal elections successfully, in alliance with other extremist groups and active unofficial support from the military. Pakistan then elects LeT founder Hafiz Saeed as the head of government," it said. The study also predicted that eastern Afghanistan and western Pakistan, the two relatively lawless border areas between the two countries, could become a single breakaway Taliban state. The report also predicted that al-Qaida would gain a foothold by co-opting other separatist and ethnic movements in Myanmar, Bangladesh and Thailand. "The US summarily exits Afghanistan and Iraq under the leadership of a right-wing president inaugurated in January 2029, throwing those countries into major chaos. China's involvement in Afghanistan, specifically the attempt to play interlocutor with the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan, backfires. Incensed Pakistani and Afghan terror groups incite violence within China, thereby emboldening Uighur militants to launch a major attack in Beijing or Shanghai," the report said. 'Global Terror Threat Indicant' (GTTI) concludes that LeT and JeM are greater threats to humanity than the Islamic State/Daesh.

'Mumbai terror attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed could become Pakistan PM'

It took rickshaw driver Mohammad Rasheed a year to save 300 rupees to buy his daughter a bike, so when he found three billion rupees ($22.5 million) had passed through an unused bank account in his name, he was stunned ... and scared.

"I started sweating and shivering," said the 43-year-old &nbsp;-- just the latest victim of a money laundering scheme that Pakistan's new prime minister, Imran Khan, has vowed to crush.

When he got a call from the Federal Investigation Agency, Rasheed's first inclination was to go into hiding, but friends and family members finally convinced him to cooperate with officials. &nbsp;

His case mirrors dozens of similar stories in recent weeks that have filled newspapers in Pakistan and riled a populace long accustomed to extravagant tales of corruption and theft.

The incidents follow a similar arc -- bank accounts in poor residents' names are flooded with cash, then suddenly emptied in a laundering scheme that has likely seen hundreds of millions of dollars moved out of the country.

Rasheed's name was eventually cleared, but his anxiety remained.

"I stopped driving my rented rickshaw on the roads because of the fear that some other investigating agencies might pick me up," he said.&nbsp;

"My wife fell sick because of the tension."

Only weeks before the fiasco he had finally been able to buy a 300-rupee bike with worn tyres for his daughter -- the fruit of a year's careful saving.

'Stolen money'&nbsp;

The revelation of the laundering frenzy comes as the newly elected Khan has vowed to squash rampant corruption and recover billions siphoned from the country as his government scrambles to shore up Pakistan's deteriorating finances.

"This is your stolen money," said the former cricketer during a televised address to the nation Wednesday.&nbsp;

"It was stolen on public contracts... and transferred into these accounts, then laundered abroad.

"I will spare no corrupt man in this country," he promised.

But for victims like Mohammad Qadir the damage has already been done. &nbsp;

"I have never even seen a bank from the inside," said the 52-year-old ice cream vendor.

Transactions were nevertheless made in his name for 2.25 billion rupees.

Since news of the incident spread Qadir says he is regularly mocked by his neighbours and also fears being kidnapped by criminal elements who believe he has billions of rupees to spare for hefty ransoms.

"He is a penniless billionaire," one of Qadir's acquaintances laughed while driving past his ice cream cart in the Karachi slum of Orangi town.

"People make fun of me, but I ended up with nothing at all from this situation," said Qadir. "It is such a tragedy."

Sarwat Zehra, a 56-year-old official, says she has suffered from high-blood pressure after being handed a bill for 13 million rupees in back taxes.

"I was told that a company had illegally passed 14 or 15 billion rupees through my account," she said.

Pakistan's poor have long been used as fronts for the elite to dodge taxes and hide assets.

But the scale of the bank account scheme is unprecedented, with authorities pointing the finger at some of Karachi's wealthiest power brokers including figures with links to former president Asif Zardari.

'Blacklist'&nbsp;

In September, Pakistan's Supreme Court established a commission&nbsp;to investigate the scourge, finding that at least 400 million dollars had passed through "thousands of false accounts", using the names of impoverished people.

Some 600 companies and individuals "are associated with the scandal", the commission concluded.

It is all the more embarrassing for Khan as his administration scrambles to secure billions of dollars in foreign financial assistance, while also entering talks with the International Monetary Fund for a potential bailout amid a widening balance of payment crisis. &nbsp;

The brazen laundering schemes come as Pakistan was again placed on a watchlist this year by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) -- an anti money-laundering monitor based in Paris -- for failing to do enough to combat terror financing.

It took rickshaw driver Mohammad Rasheed a year to save 300 rupees to buy his daughter a bike, so when he found three billion rupees ($22.5 million) had passed through an unused bank account in his name, he was stunned .

It took rickshaw driver Mohammad Rasheed a year to save 300 rupees to buy his daughter a bike, so when he found three billion rupees ($22.5 million) had passed through an unused bank account in his name, he was stunned ... and scared. "I started sweating and shivering," said the 43-year-old -- just the latest victim of a money laundering scheme that Pakistan's new prime minister, Imran Khan, has vowed to crush. When he got a call from the Federal Investigation Agency, Rasheed's first inclination was to go into hiding, but friends and family members finally convinced him to cooperate with officials. His case mirrors dozens of similar stories in recent weeks that have filled newspapers in Pakistan and riled a populace long accustomed to extravagant tales of corruption and theft. The incidents follow a similar arc -- bank accounts in poor residents' names are flooded with cash, then suddenly emptied in a laundering scheme that has likely seen hundreds of millions of dollars moved out of the country. Rasheed's name was eventually cleared, but his anxiety remained. "I stopped driving my rented rickshaw on the roads because of the fear that some other investigating agencies might pick me up," he said. "My wife fell sick because of the tension." Only weeks before the fiasco he had finally been able to buy a 300-rupee bike with worn tyres for his daughter -- the fruit of a year's careful saving. 'Stolen money' The revelation of the laundering frenzy comes as the newly elected Khan has vowed to squash rampant corruption and recover billions siphoned from the country as his government scrambles to shore up Pakistan's deteriorating finances. "This is your stolen money," said the former cricketer during a televised address to the nation Wednesday. "It was stolen on public contracts... and transferred into these accounts, then laundered abroad. "I will spare no corrupt man in this country," he promised. But for victims like Mohammad Qadir the damage has already been done. "I have never even seen a bank from the inside," said the 52-year-old ice cream vendor. Transactions were nevertheless made in his name for 2.25 billion rupees. Since news of the incident spread Qadir says he is regularly mocked by his neighbours and also fears being kidnapped by criminal elements who believe he has billions of rupees to spare for hefty ransoms. "He is a penniless billionaire," one of Qadir's acquaintances laughed while driving past his ice cream cart in the Karachi slum of Orangi town. "People make fun of me, but I ended up with nothing at all from this situation," said Qadir. "It is such a tragedy." Sarwat Zehra, a 56-year-old official, says she has suffered from high-blood pressure after being handed a bill for 13 million rupees in back taxes. "I was told that a company had illegally passed 14 or 15 billion rupees through my account," she said. Pakistan's poor have long been used as fronts for the elite to dodge taxes and hide assets. But the scale of the bank account scheme is unprecedented, with authorities pointing the finger at some of Karachi's wealthiest power brokers including figures with links to former president Asif Zardari. 'Blacklist' In September, Pakistan's Supreme Court established a commission to investigate the scourge, finding that at least 400 million dollars had passed through "thousands of false accounts", using the names of impoverished people. Some 600 companies and individuals "are associated with the scandal", the commission concluded. It is all the more embarrassing for Khan as his administration scrambles to secure billions of dollars in foreign financial assistance, while also entering talks with the International Monetary Fund for a potential bailout amid a widening balance of payment crisis. The brazen laundering schemes come as Pakistan was again placed on a watchlist this year by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) -- an anti money-laundering monitor based in Paris -- for failing to do enough to combat terror financing.

Pakistan's 'penniless billionaires' expose money laundering frenzy

It took rickshaw driver Mohammad Rasheed a year to save 300 rupees to buy his daughter a bike, so when he found three billion rupees ($22.5 million) had passed through an unused bank account in his name, he was stunned ... and scared.

"I started sweating and shivering," said the 43-year-old &nbsp;-- just the latest victim of a money laundering scheme that Pakistan's new prime minister, Imran Khan, has vowed to crush.

When he got a call from the Federal Investigation Agency, Rasheed's first inclination was to go into hiding, but friends and family members finally convinced him to cooperate with officials. &nbsp;

His case mirrors dozens of similar stories in recent weeks that have filled newspapers in Pakistan and riled a populace long accustomed to extravagant tales of corruption and theft.

The incidents follow a similar arc -- bank accounts in poor residents' names are flooded with cash, then suddenly emptied in a laundering scheme that has likely seen hundreds of millions of dollars moved out of the country.

Rasheed's name was eventually cleared, but his anxiety remained.

"I stopped driving my rented rickshaw on the roads because of the fear that some other investigating agencies might pick me up," he said.&nbsp;

"My wife fell sick because of the tension."

Only weeks before the fiasco he had finally been able to buy a 300-rupee bike with worn tyres for his daughter -- the fruit of a year's careful saving.

'Stolen money'

The revelation of the laundering frenzy comes as the newly elected Khan has vowed to squash rampant corruption and recover billions syphoned from the country as his government scrambles to shore up Pakistan's deteriorating finances.

"This is your stolen money," said the former cricketer during a televised address to the nation Wednesday.&nbsp;

"It was stolen on public contracts... and transferred into these accounts, then laundered abroad.

"I will spare no corrupt man in this country," he promised.

But for victims like Mohammad Qadir the damage has already been done. &nbsp;

"I have never even seen a bank from the inside," said the 52-year-old ice cream vendor.

Transactions were nevertheless made in his name for 2.25 billion rupees.

Since news of the incident spread Qadir says he is regularly mocked by his neighbours and also fears being kidnapped by criminal elements who believe he has billions of rupees to spare for hefty ransoms.

"He is a penniless billionaire," one of Qadir's acquaintances laughed while driving past his ice cream cart in the Karachi slum of Orangi town.

"People make fun of me, but I ended up with nothing at all from this situation," said Qadir. "It is such a tragedy."

Sarwat Zehra, a 56-year-old official, says she has suffered from high-blood pressure after being handed a bill for 13 million rupees in back taxes.

"I was told that a company had illegally passed 14 or 15 billion rupees through my account," she said.

Pakistan's poor have long been used as fronts for the elite to dodge taxes and hide assets.

But the scale of the bank account scheme is unprecedented, with authorities pointing the finger at some of Karachi's wealthiest power brokers including figures with links to former president Asif Zardari.

'Blacklist'

In September, Pakistan's Supreme Court established a commission to investigate the scourge, finding that at least 400 million dollars had passed through "thousands of false accounts", using the names of impoverished people.

Some 600 companies and individuals "are associated with the scandal", the commission concluded.

It is all the more embarrassing for Khan as his administration scrambles to secure billions of dollars in foreign financial assistance, while also entering talks with the International Monetary Fund for a potential bailout amid a widening balance of payment crisis. &nbsp;

The brazen laundering schemes come as Pakistan was again placed on a watchlist this year by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) -- an anti money-laundering monitor based in Paris -- for failing to do enough to combat terror financing.

It took rickshaw driver Mohammad Rasheed a year to save 300 rupees to buy his daughter a bike, so when he found three billion rupees ($22.5 million) had passed through an unused bank account in his name, he was stunned ... and scared. "I started sweating and shivering," said the 43-year-old -- just the latest victim of a money laundering scheme that Pakistan's new prime minister, Imran Khan, has vowed to crush. When he got a call from the Federal Investigation Agency, Rasheed's first inclination was to go into hiding, but friends and family members finally convinced him to cooperate with officials. His case mirrors dozens of similar stories in recent weeks that have filled newspapers in Pakistan and riled a populace long accustomed to extravagant tales of corruption and theft. The incidents follow a similar arc -- bank accounts in poor residents' names are flooded with cash, then suddenly emptied in a laundering scheme that has likely seen hundreds of millions of dollars moved out of the country. Rasheed's name was eventually cleared, but his anxiety remained. "I stopped driving my rented rickshaw on the roads because of the fear that some other investigating agencies might pick me up," he said. "My wife fell sick because of the tension." Only weeks before the fiasco he had finally been able to buy a 300-rupee bike with worn tyres for his daughter -- the fruit of a year's careful saving. 'Stolen money' The revelation of the laundering frenzy comes as the newly elected Khan has vowed to squash rampant corruption and recover billions syphoned from the country as his government scrambles to shore up Pakistan's deteriorating finances. "This is your stolen money," said the former cricketer during a televised address to the nation Wednesday. "It was stolen on public contracts... and transferred into these accounts, then laundered abroad. "I will spare no corrupt man in this country," he promised. But for victims like Mohammad Qadir the damage has already been done. "I have never even seen a bank from the inside," said the 52-year-old ice cream vendor. Transactions were nevertheless made in his name for 2.25 billion rupees. Since news of the incident spread Qadir says he is regularly mocked by his neighbours and also fears being kidnapped by criminal elements who believe he has billions of rupees to spare for hefty ransoms. "He is a penniless billionaire," one of Qadir's acquaintances laughed while driving past his ice cream cart in the Karachi slum of Orangi town. "People make fun of me, but I ended up with nothing at all from this situation," said Qadir. "It is such a tragedy." Sarwat Zehra, a 56-year-old official, says she has suffered from high-blood pressure after being handed a bill for 13 million rupees in back taxes. "I was told that a company had illegally passed 14 or 15 billion rupees through my account," she said. Pakistan's poor have long been used as fronts for the elite to dodge taxes and hide assets. But the scale of the bank account scheme is unprecedented, with authorities pointing the finger at some of Karachi's wealthiest power brokers including figures with links to former president Asif Zardari. 'Blacklist' In September, Pakistan's Supreme Court established a commission to investigate the scourge, finding that at least 400 million dollars had passed through "thousands of false accounts", using the names of impoverished people. Some 600 companies and individuals "are associated with the scandal", the commission concluded. It is all the more embarrassing for Khan as his administration scrambles to secure billions of dollars in foreign financial assistance, while also entering talks with the International Monetary Fund for a potential bailout amid a widening balance of payment crisis. The brazen laundering schemes come as Pakistan was again placed on a watchlist this year by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) -- an anti money-laundering monitor based in Paris -- for failing to do enough to combat terror financing.

A former Pakistan judge named Sikandar Hayat was on Saturday found to have 2,200 cars registered under his name, news agency DAWN reported.&nbsp;

The 82-year-old former judge received a chalaan a few days back for a car he did not own. According to his legal counsel, Hayat only owns one car.&nbsp;

2,224 cars were registered in the name of my client," the counsel said, as quoted by ANI.&nbsp;

Upon contacting the Punjab Excise and Taxation Department, it emerged that an eye-watering 2,224 vehicles had been registered in Hayat's name.

After hearing the lawyer, the top court sought a reply from the secretary and director of the Punjab excise department within a week.

A former Pakistan judge named Sikandar Hayat was on Saturday found to have 2,200 cars registered under his name, news agency DAWN reported. The 82-year-old former judge received a chalaan a few days back for a car he did not own.

A former Pakistan judge named Sikandar Hayat was on Saturday found to have 2,200 cars registered under his name, news agency DAWN reported. The 82-year-old former judge received a chalaan a few days back for a car he did not own. According to his legal counsel, Hayat only owns one car. 2,224 cars were registered in the name of my client," the counsel said, as quoted by ANI. Upon contacting the Punjab Excise and Taxation Department, it emerged that an eye-watering 2,224 vehicles had been registered in Hayat's name. After hearing the lawyer, the top court sought a reply from the secretary and director of the Punjab excise department within a week.

Over 2,200 cars registered in name of former Pak judge

Pakistan President Arif Alvi on Sunday ruled out establishing any kind of relations with Israel as he strongly rejected reports that an Israeli aircraft carrying some officials secretly landed in Islamabad and flew away after several hours at the airport here.

"Islamabad is not establishing any kind of relations with Israel," Alvi told the media before his departure for Turkey on a three-day official visit in the wee hours of Sunday.

It all started when an Israeli journalist Avi Scharf tweeted on October 25 that an Israeli business jet flew from Tel Aviv to Islamabad where it was on the ground for 10 hours, before flying back to Tel Aviv.

Social media users took note and flayed the Pakistan government with the Opposition also joining in to demand an explanation about the "secret Israeli mission".

Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi also dismissed reports of an Israeli aircraft landing in Pakistan as fake and baseless.&nbsp;

Qureshi said that something which is not even real does not warrant a response.

Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry has also rejected the reports and said the "government would not negotiate in secret with either Israel or India".

He regretted such reports despite the fact that the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) had also denied reports of the presence of any Israeli aircraft in Pakistani airspace or at its airports.

Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz leader Ahsan Iqbal, who earlier led the Opposition's barrage, said Chaudhry's reaction showed the government was trying to hide something.

"The parliament should be taken into confidence over the issue," he demanded.

BBC Urdu reported that the aircraft in question was a Canadian-manufactured Bombardier Global Express with the serial number 9394. It was registered on February 22, 2017 in the Isle of Man in the UK by a company called Multibird Overseas Ltd.

The Israeli journalist later said he was not "100 per cent sure" if the plane had landed in Islamabad.

Pakistan and Israel do not have diplomatic relations and their aircraft are not allowed to use each other's airspace.&nbsp;

Pakistan President Arif Alvi on Sunday ruled out establishing any kind of relations with Israel as he strongly rejected reports that an Israeli aircraft carrying some officials secretly landed in Islamabad and flew away after several hours at the airport here.

Pakistan President Arif Alvi on Sunday ruled out establishing any kind of relations with Israel as he strongly rejected reports that an Israeli aircraft carrying some officials secretly landed in Islamabad and flew away after several hours at the airport here. "Islamabad is not establishing any kind of relations with Israel," Alvi told the media before his departure for Turkey on a three-day official visit in the wee hours of Sunday. It all started when an Israeli journalist Avi Scharf tweeted on October 25 that an Israeli business jet flew from Tel Aviv to Islamabad where it was on the ground for 10 hours, before flying back to Tel Aviv. Social media users took note and flayed the Pakistan government with the Opposition also joining in to demand an explanation about the "secret Israeli mission". Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi also dismissed reports of an Israeli aircraft landing in Pakistan as fake and baseless. Qureshi said that something which is not even real does not warrant a response. Information Minister Fawad Chaudhry has also rejected the reports and said the "government would not negotiate in secret with either Israel or India". He regretted such reports despite the fact that the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) had also denied reports of the presence of any Israeli aircraft in Pakistani airspace or at its airports. Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz leader Ahsan Iqbal, who earlier led the Opposition's barrage, said Chaudhry's reaction showed the government was trying to hide something. "The parliament should be taken into confidence over the issue," he demanded. BBC Urdu reported that the aircraft in question was a Canadian-manufactured Bombardier Global Express with the serial number 9394. It was registered on February 22, 2017 in the Isle of Man in the UK by a company called Multibird Overseas Ltd. The Israeli journalist later said he was not "100 per cent sure" if the plane had landed in Islamabad. Pakistan and Israel do not have diplomatic relations and their aircraft are not allowed to use each other's airspace.

Pak President Alvi rules out establishing any kind of ties with Israel

An anti-terrorism court in Pakistan has sentenced a member of a religious outfit to 30-year imprisonment for opening fire and injuring former interior minister Ahsan Iqbal in the PML-N government in May.

The court in Gujranwala on Saturday also ordered confiscation of assets of 22-year-old Abid Hussain and imposed a fine of Rs 280,000 on him.

The convict would have to undergo an additional six-month imprisonment in case of his failure to pay the fine.

According to a court official, Judge Syed Imran Shah handed down 27-year imprisonment to Hussain for shooting at Iqbal and another three-year jail term for carrying illegal weapons.

The judge said the convict made an assassination attempt on the former interior minister in ex-Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi's Cabinet by shooting at him during an election rally in Narowal, some 100 kilometres from Lahore, on May 6.

The court acquitted four accomplices of the convict by giving them the benefit of doubt.

Hussain, a member of Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), in his statement to police said he had attacked Iqbal as his government hurt the sentiments of Muslims by attempting to change the law related to Khattam-e-Nubawat&nbsp; 
(finality of Prophethood).

The TLP is an Islamic political party in Pakistan with Islamic ideology. The party is known for widespread street power and massive protests in opposition to any change in the blasphemy law of Pakistan.&nbsp;

An anti-terrorism court in Pakistan has sentenced a member of a religious outfit to 30-year imprisonment for opening fire and injuring former interior minister Ahsan Iqbal in the PML-N government in May.

An anti-terrorism court in Pakistan has sentenced a member of a religious outfit to 30-year imprisonment for opening fire and injuring former interior minister Ahsan Iqbal in the PML-N government in May. The court in Gujranwala on Saturday also ordered confiscation of assets of 22-year-old Abid Hussain and imposed a fine of Rs 280,000 on him. The convict would have to undergo an additional six-month imprisonment in case of his failure to pay the fine. According to a court official, Judge Syed Imran Shah handed down 27-year imprisonment to Hussain for shooting at Iqbal and another three-year jail term for carrying illegal weapons. The judge said the convict made an assassination attempt on the former interior minister in ex-Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi's Cabinet by shooting at him during an election rally in Narowal, some 100 kilometres from Lahore, on May 6. The court acquitted four accomplices of the convict by giving them the benefit of doubt. Hussain, a member of Tehreek-e-Labbaik Pakistan (TLP), in his statement to police said he had attacked Iqbal as his government hurt the sentiments of Muslims by attempting to change the law related to Khattam-e-Nubawat (finality of Prophethood). The TLP is an Islamic political party in Pakistan with Islamic ideology. The party is known for widespread street power and massive protests in opposition to any change in the blasphemy law of Pakistan.

Pakistan court sentences member of religious outfit to 30 years in jail

Pakistan survived an onslaught by big hitter Glenn Maxwell to win the second Twenty20 international by 11 runs in a last over finish against Australia in Dubai on Friday.

Maxwell hit a chancy 37-ball 52 with four boundaries and a six but could not score the 23 runs required in the final over as Australia -- chasing 148 to win -- ended up at 136-8 in their 20 overs at Dubai stadium.

Pakistan were lifted to 147-6 by Babar Azam (45) and Mohammad Hafeez (40) after Sarfraz Ahmed won the toss and opted to bat.

Pakistan won the first match by 66 runs in Abu Dhabi. The third and final match is also in Dubai on Sunday.

The win is skipper Sarfraz's 10th T20 series win since taking over as captain in September 2016, including a tri-series win in Zimbabwe in July this year.

That highlights Pakistan's number one ranking in the shortest format as they powered Australia for a second match running.

Australia were once again derailed at the outset with D'Arcy Short run out for two in a controversial manner with replays showing he had grounded the bat but was given out by television umpire Riaz Rashid.

Sarfraz was full of praise for his team and Shaheen.

"It's not easy to win 10 series on the trot in the T20 format," said Sarfraz. "The way we have played and improved has been very good. We have improved batting, bowling and fielding, and our management deserves credit.

"I was confident of Shaheen bowling the last over, he may be inexperienced but he showed that he has the capacity to be a big bowler."

Australian captain Finch said his players were too cautious.

"We were probably just a bit tentative in the first six overs of batting," said Finch. "Being six down last game, we tried to be conservative. And when Pakistan put the squeeze on you, it can get tough. They are No.1 for a reason."

Finch (three) and big hitter Chris Lynn (seven) failed for a second match running as Australia were struggling at 31-3.

Maxwell, dropped thrice on 18, 34 and 52, then added 30 for the fourth wicket with Mitchell Marsh (27) but Pakistan continued to take wickets to keep the Australian chase in check.

When Marsh and Ben McDermott (three) fell in quick succession Australia were in danger of falling to another under-100 total but Maxwell and Nathan Coulter-Nile fought hard during their 59-run seventh wicket stand.

When Shaheen Shah Afridi started the last over Australia needed 23 to win. Coulter-Nile hit a towering six off the first ball and then took a single but Maxwell holed out off the next ball to end all hopes of an Australian win.

Shaheen took 2-35 while spinner Shadab Khan finished with 2-30.

Pakistan's total was built around a solid 70-run partnership between Azam and Hafeez who built the innings after Fakhar Zaman was out for 11 with the score at 29.

Azam hit three boundaries in his 44-ball knock while Hafeez was in a more punishing mood, smashing two sixes and three boundaries off 34 deliveries.

Shoaib Malik, who came in for Hussian Talat in the team, made 14 while Faheem Ashraf made 17 not out.

Coulter Nile was the best Australian bowler with 3-18 while Billy Stanlake took 2-36.

Pakistan survived an onslaught by big hitter Glenn Maxwell to win the second Twenty20 international by 11 runs in a last over finish against Australia in Dubai on Friday.

Pakistan survived an onslaught by big hitter Glenn Maxwell to win the second Twenty20 international by 11 runs in a last over finish against Australia in Dubai on Friday. Maxwell hit a chancy 37-ball 52 with four boundaries and a six but could not score the 23 runs required in the final over as Australia -- chasing 148 to win -- ended up at 136-8 in their 20 overs at Dubai stadium. Pakistan were lifted to 147-6 by Babar Azam (45) and Mohammad Hafeez (40) after Sarfraz Ahmed won the toss and opted to bat. Pakistan won the first match by 66 runs in Abu Dhabi. The third and final match is also in Dubai on Sunday. The win is skipper Sarfraz's 10th T20 series win since taking over as captain in September 2016, including a tri-series win in Zimbabwe in July this year. That highlights Pakistan's number one ranking in the shortest format as they powered Australia for a second match running. Australia were once again derailed at the outset with D'Arcy Short run out for two in a controversial manner with replays showing he had grounded the bat but was given out by television umpire Riaz Rashid. Sarfraz was full of praise for his team and Shaheen. "It's not easy to win 10 series on the trot in the T20 format," said Sarfraz. "The way we have played and improved has been very good. We have improved batting, bowling and fielding, and our management deserves credit. "I was confident of Shaheen bowling the last over, he may be inexperienced but he showed that he has the capacity to be a big bowler." Australian captain Finch said his players were too cautious. "We were probably just a bit tentative in the first six overs of batting," said Finch. "Being six down last game, we tried to be conservative. And when Pakistan put the squeeze on you, it can get tough. They are No.1 for a reason." Finch (three) and big hitter Chris Lynn (seven) failed for a second match running as Australia were struggling at 31-3. Maxwell, dropped thrice on 18, 34 and 52, then added 30 for the fourth wicket with Mitchell Marsh (27) but Pakistan continued to take wickets to keep the Australian chase in check. When Marsh and Ben McDermott (three) fell in quick succession Australia were in danger of falling to another under-100 total but Maxwell and Nathan Coulter-Nile fought hard during their 59-run seventh wicket stand. When Shaheen Shah Afridi started the last over Australia needed 23 to win. Coulter-Nile hit a towering six off the first ball and then took a single but Maxwell holed out off the next ball to end all hopes of an Australian win. Shaheen took 2-35 while spinner Shadab Khan finished with 2-30. Pakistan's total was built around a solid 70-run partnership between Azam and Hafeez who built the innings after Fakhar Zaman was out for 11 with the score at 29. Azam hit three boundaries in his 44-ball knock while Hafeez was in a more punishing mood, smashing two sixes and three boundaries off 34 deliveries. Shoaib Malik, who came in for Hussian Talat in the team, made 14 while Faheem Ashraf made 17 not out. Coulter Nile was the best Australian bowler with 3-18 while Billy Stanlake took 2-36.

Pakistan beat Australia by 11 runs, clinch T20 series

Army Chief Bipin Rawat accused Pakistan Saturday of wanting to stall&nbsp;development in Kashmir.

Rawat, who was visiting the Amar Jawan Jyoti in Delhi on Infantry Day, said&nbsp;Pakistan was fully aware that "they can never succeed", and that therefore "terror is another way by them to keep the pot boiling".

He added that the "Indian state is strong enough to counter everything".

"Pakistan is fully aware they can never succeed, terror is another way by them to keep the pot boiling. They want to stall development in Kashmir but Indian state is strong enough to counter everything, and we are fully capable of carrying out different ops," Rawat said.&nbsp;

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Pakistan is fully aware they can never succeed, terror is another way by them to keep the pot boiling. They want to stall development in Kashmir but Indian state is strong enough to counter everything, and we are fully capable of carrying out different ops: Army Chief Bipin Rawat <a href="https://t.co/PZC28d4Nrn">pic.twitter.com/PZC28d4Nrn</a>
— ANI (@ANI) <a href="https://twitter.com/ANI/status/1056040275901140993?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
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Rawat also attacked stone pelters in Kashmir for the killing of a&nbsp;soldier Friday.&nbsp; Rajendra Singh died in Anantnag after being hit on the head.&nbsp;

"Jawan who lost his life after being attacked by stone pelters was guarding a border roads team which was constructing roads, and then we have some people saying don't treat stone pelters like OGWs(over ground workers) of terrorists," Rawat said.&nbsp;

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Delhi: Army Chief General Bipin Rawat pays tribute at Amar Jawan Jyoti on <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/InfantryDay?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#InfantryDay</a> <a href="https://t.co/VAN7IEQu3E">pic.twitter.com/VAN7IEQu3E</a>
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Singh had been part of a Quick Reaction Team providing security to a Border Roads Organisation convoy. He was hit on the head after some unidentified persons threw stones at the convoy as it was passing.&nbsp;

&nbsp;

Army Chief Bipin Rawat accused Pakistan Saturday of wanting to stall development in Kashmir. Rawat, who was visiting the Amar Jawan Jyoti in Delhi on Infantry Day, said Pakistan was fully aware that "they can never succeed", and that therefore "terror is another way by them to keep the pot boiling".

Army Chief Bipin Rawat accused Pakistan Saturday of wanting to stall development in Kashmir. Rawat, who was visiting the Amar Jawan Jyoti in Delhi on Infantry Day, said Pakistan was fully aware that "they can never succeed", and that therefore "terror is another way by them to keep the pot boiling". He added that the "Indian state is strong enough to counter everything". "Pakistan is fully aware they can never succeed, terror is another way by them to keep the pot boiling. They want to stall development in Kashmir but Indian state is strong enough to counter everything, and we are fully capable of carrying out different ops," Rawat said. Pakistan is fully aware they can never succeed, terror is another way by them to keep the pot boiling. They want to stall development in Kashmir but Indian state is strong enough to counter everything, and we are fully capable of carrying out different ops: Army Chief Bipin Rawat pic.twitter.com/PZC28d4Nrn — ANI (@ANI) October 27, 2018 × Rawat also attacked stone pelters in Kashmir for the killing of a soldier Friday. Rajendra Singh died in Anantnag after being hit on the head. "Jawan who lost his life after being attacked by stone pelters was guarding a border roads team which was constructing roads, and then we have some people saying don't treat stone pelters like OGWs(over ground workers) of terrorists," Rawat said. Delhi: Army Chief General Bipin Rawat pays tribute at Amar Jawan Jyoti on #InfantryDay pic.twitter.com/VAN7IEQu3E — ANI (@ANI) October 27, 2018 × Singh had been part of a Quick Reaction Team providing security to a Border Roads Organisation convoy. He was hit on the head after some unidentified persons threw stones at the convoy as it was passing.

Pakistan wants to stall development in Kashmir: Army Chief Bipin Rawat

Pakistan, which remains the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/govt-hasnt-extended-ordinance-jud-no-longer-in-banned-list-saeeds-lawyer-tells-pak-court-173541">breeding ground and supporter of global terrorism</a>, is responsible for three times the terror risk to humanity that Syria poses, says a study — "Humanity at Risk - Global Terror Threat Indicant (GTTI)" — by Oxford University and Strategic Foresight Group (SFG).

As per the GTTI, while the Afghan Taliban and the Lashkar-e-Taiyyaba (LeT) pose the maximum threat to international security in future, Pakistan is placed on top of the list of countries with the <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/fatf-dissatisfied-over-pakistans-efforts-to-combat-terror-financing-report-172508">highest number of terrorist bases and safe havens</a>.

"If we look at the most dangerous terrorist groups, based on hard facts and statistics, we find that Pakistan hosts or aids the majority of them. Also, there are a significant number of groups based in Afghanistan, which operate with the support of Pakistan," the report says.

The over 80-page report, which has been prepared to discuss the challenges in the next decade, presents an analytical framework and tool to enable policymakers to look into the future.

"The rise of competitive extremism of all shades, misuse of weapons of mass destruction and economic disruptions can undermine human progress or even survival in the period from now until 2030. They are all interlinked with terrorism", the report reveals.

Strategic Foresight Group had analysed almost 200 groups actively involved in committing acts of terror in the first half decade of the twenty-first century. During that period, the groups motivated by their own interpretation of Jihadi ideology accounted for only a fourth of almost 200 groups around the world.

Among these groups, the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL)/Daesh has attracted much of media space in the last five years. But with swift rise and fall of ISIL/Daesh, the Al-Qaida remains the most resilient network. Until 2011, it was led by Osama bin Laden but now his son, Hamza bin Osama bin Laden has emerged, as what sections of the media describe, as the "new crown prince of terror".

The most significant factor influencing the future of Jihadi groups would be the support they get from states, intelligence agencies and criminal networks.

"The birth of Al-Qaida was in Pakistan and then Pakistan influenced Afghanistan. Osama Bin Laden had a safe haven in a huge compound near the Pakistani military establishment in Abbottabad. The compound was much larger than the surrounding houses of retired Pakistani military officers. The occupants of the compound often bought expensive goods from a neighbourhood shop that most people in the vicinity could not afford. The presence of an important family in the compound was nothing but conspicuous," the report reveals.

The report has also given a comprehensive detail about the global terror outfits operating from Pakistan, Afghanistan, Libya, Syria, Yemen and many other countries who have linkages with each other.

In Pakistan, the terror groups are based in FATA, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan Occupied Kashmir, Quetta and Kalat (Balochistan), Punjab and Sindh. Enjoying patronage of the law enforcement agencies, they easily plan and plot major attacks and raise funds for their activities.

In a shocking revelation report says: "The Jihadi thought processes have proved to be most resilient for almost 150 years, beginning in what is today Pakistan and parts of Afghanistan. Many extremist movements rose and collapsed. But the Jihadi movement has survived in Pakistan and Afghanistan, now firmly spreading to the Middle East and North and West Africa."

On Friday, Afghanistan's deputy Defence Minister, Hilaluddin Helal, said at the Beijing Xiangshan Forum on defence, that more than 50,000 militants from 21 terrorist organisations are currently operating in Afghanistan and out of these 70 per cent are Pakistanis.

Pakistan, which remains the breeding ground and supporter of global terrorism, is responsible for three times the terror risk to humanity that Syria poses, says a study — "Humanity at Risk - Global Terror Threat Indicant (GTTI)" — by Oxford University and Strategic Foresight Group (SFG).

Pakistan, which remains the breeding ground and supporter of global terrorism, is responsible for three times the terror risk to humanity that Syria poses, says a study — "Humanity at Risk - Global Terror Threat Indicant (GTTI)" — by Oxford University and Strategic Foresight Group (SFG). As per the GTTI, while the Afghan Taliban and the Lashkar-e-Taiyyaba (LeT) pose the maximum threat to international security in future, Pakistan is placed on top of the list of countries with the highest number of terrorist bases and safe havens. "If we look at the most dangerous terrorist groups, based on hard facts and statistics, we find that Pakistan hosts or aids the majority of them. Also, there are a significant number of groups based in Afghanistan, which operate with the support of Pakistan," the report says. The over 80-page report, which has been prepared to discuss the challenges in the next decade, presents an analytical framework and tool to enable policymakers to look into the future. "The rise of competitive extremism of all shades, misuse of weapons of mass destruction and economic disruptions can undermine human progress or even survival in the period from now until 2030. They are all interlinked with terrorism", the report reveals. Strategic Foresight Group had analysed almost 200 groups actively involved in committing acts of terror in the first half decade of the twenty-first century. During that period, the groups motivated by their own interpretation of Jihadi ideology accounted for only a fourth of almost 200 groups around the world. Among these groups, the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL)/Daesh has attracted much of media space in the last five years. But with swift rise and fall of ISIL/Daesh, the Al-Qaida remains the most resilient network. Until 2011, it was led by Osama bin Laden but now his son, Hamza bin Osama bin Laden has emerged, as what sections of the media describe, as the "new crown prince of terror". The most significant factor influencing the future of Jihadi groups would be the support they get from states, intelligence agencies and criminal networks. "The birth of Al-Qaida was in Pakistan and then Pakistan influenced Afghanistan. Osama Bin Laden had a safe haven in a huge compound near the Pakistani military establishment in Abbottabad. The compound was much larger than the surrounding houses of retired Pakistani military officers. The occupants of the compound often bought expensive goods from a neighbourhood shop that most people in the vicinity could not afford. The presence of an important family in the compound was nothing but conspicuous," the report reveals. The report has also given a comprehensive detail about the global terror outfits operating from Pakistan, Afghanistan, Libya, Syria, Yemen and many other countries who have linkages with each other. In Pakistan, the terror groups are based in FATA, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan Occupied Kashmir, Quetta and Kalat (Balochistan), Punjab and Sindh. Enjoying patronage of the law enforcement agencies, they easily plan and plot major attacks and raise funds for their activities. In a shocking revelation report says: "The Jihadi thought processes have proved to be most resilient for almost 150 years, beginning in what is today Pakistan and parts of Afghanistan. Many extremist movements rose and collapsed. But the Jihadi movement has survived in Pakistan and Afghanistan, now firmly spreading to the Middle East and North and West Africa." On Friday, Afghanistan's deputy Defence Minister, Hilaluddin Helal, said at the Beijing Xiangshan Forum on defence, that more than 50,000 militants from 21 terrorist organisations are currently operating in Afghanistan and out of these 70 per cent are Pakistanis.

Pakistan three times the terror risk that Syria is: Oxford report

China has not asked for military access to Pakistan's Chinese-funded, deepwater port of Gwadar, a senior Pakistani rear admiral said on Friday, amid persistent speculation in India and the United States it could become a Chinese naval base.

Gwadar, in the southwestern province of Baluchistan, is the crown jewel of China`s $60 billion investment in Belt and Road Initiative projects in Pakistan.

The plan is to turn Gwadar into a trans-shipment hub and megaport to be built alongside special economic zones from which export-focused industries will ship goods worldwide. A web of energy pipelines, roads and rail links will connect Gwadar to China`s western regions.

Last year the Pentagon singled out Pakistan as a possible location for a future Chinese military base, though China has said that is pure speculation. Diplomatic and security sources see Gwadar as the likely location.

Speaking at the Xiangshan Forum in Beijing, which China styles as its answer to the annual Shangri-La Dialogue security forum in Singapore, Rear Admiral Javaid Iqbal, Navy Secretary of the Pakistan Navy, said Gwadar is a "significant addition to the regional maritime landscape".

"Let me emphasise that the Gwadar port is purely a commercial venture and has no military overtones," he told the forum.

"Suitably located outside the potentially risky and confined waters of the Gulf, Gwadar has the potential to act not only as a transit port for China and Central Asia but also a trans shipment port impacting the prosperity of the entire region," Iqbal added.

Speaking later to Reuters, he said he was very specific about the non-military nature of the port.

"The Gwadar port has no military dimension. It will be just a commercial port," Iqbal said. "The Pakistan navy will maintain a presence to ensure maritime security, to ensure the security of the port."

"The geopolitical debate that somehow goes on in the media about Gwadar being used as a foreign military base is not correct at all."

Asked whether China had specifically asked for military access, he answered: "No, not at all".

China opened its first overseas military base, which it formally calls a logistics facility, in the Horn of Africa country Djibouti last year.

Djibouti's position on the northwestern edge of the Indian Ocean has fuelled worries in India that it would become another of China`s "string of pearls" of military alliances and assets ringing India, including Pakistan, Bangladesh, Myanmar and Sri Lanka.

China has repeatedly downplayed expectations it could be about to embark on a plan to build military bases around the world, even as it ramps up an impressive military modernisation programme.

China has not asked for military access to Pakistan's Chinese-funded, deepwater port of Gwadar, a senior Pakistani rear admiral said on Friday, amid persistent speculation in India and the United States it could become a Chinese naval base.

China has not asked for military access to Pakistan's Chinese-funded, deepwater port of Gwadar, a senior Pakistani rear admiral said on Friday, amid persistent speculation in India and the United States it could become a Chinese naval base. Gwadar, in the southwestern province of Baluchistan, is the crown jewel of China`s $60 billion investment in Belt and Road Initiative projects in Pakistan. The plan is to turn Gwadar into a trans-shipment hub and megaport to be built alongside special economic zones from which export-focused industries will ship goods worldwide. A web of energy pipelines, roads and rail links will connect Gwadar to China`s western regions. Last year the Pentagon singled out Pakistan as a possible location for a future Chinese military base, though China has said that is pure speculation. Diplomatic and security sources see Gwadar as the likely location. Speaking at the Xiangshan Forum in Beijing, which China styles as its answer to the annual Shangri-La Dialogue security forum in Singapore, Rear Admiral Javaid Iqbal, Navy Secretary of the Pakistan Navy, said Gwadar is a "significant addition to the regional maritime landscape". "Let me emphasise that the Gwadar port is purely a commercial venture and has no military overtones," he told the forum. "Suitably located outside the potentially risky and confined waters of the Gulf, Gwadar has the potential to act not only as a transit port for China and Central Asia but also a trans shipment port impacting the prosperity of the entire region," Iqbal added. Speaking later to Reuters, he said he was very specific about the non-military nature of the port. "The Gwadar port has no military dimension. It will be just a commercial port," Iqbal said. "The Pakistan navy will maintain a presence to ensure maritime security, to ensure the security of the port." "The geopolitical debate that somehow goes on in the media about Gwadar being used as a foreign military base is not correct at all." Asked whether China had specifically asked for military access, he answered: "No, not at all". China opened its first overseas military base, which it formally calls a logistics facility, in the Horn of Africa country Djibouti last year. Djibouti's position on the northwestern edge of the Indian Ocean has fuelled worries in India that it would become another of China`s "string of pearls" of military alliances and assets ringing India, including Pakistan, Bangladesh, Myanmar and Sri Lanka. China has repeatedly downplayed expectations it could be about to embark on a plan to build military bases around the world, even as it ramps up an impressive military modernisation programme.

China not asked for military access to Gwadar, Pakistan admiral says

In a harrowing ordeal, nine members of a cargo ship crew, including five Indians, have been stranded on their vessel outside Pakistan's Karachi port for over a year as they have yet to be paid their dues totalling around $ 300,000.

Apart from the Indians, the crew includes four Pakistani nationals, two people from Myanmar and one each from Sudan and Kenya.

"We have been lucky because we can embark the ship and come and go as we please as we are Pakistani nationals," Muhammad Reza, a member of the crew, told PTI here.

Reza is among the Pakistanis who were also on the cargo ship 'MV Mishki' sailing under a Panama flag when it anchored outside Karachi in August, 2017.

"Since that time the ship has been here with cargo as the crew members have still not been paid their dues which comes to about USD 300,000," Reza said.

Ironically the stand-off persists despite the Sindh High Court recently passing an order that the cargo agent, a Pakistani national in Karachi, must make arrangements to pay off the dues to allow the crew members to return to their homes.

"These nine people including the five Indians are surviving in very poor conditions. Despite the court order the dues have not been cleared as yet and we will be filing a petition again in the court on Monday," said activist Ansar Burney of the Burney Welfare Trust.

Burney has been in touch with the ship crew since last year and said the owner is Somalian and his offices are in Dubai but he has been out of reach so far.

"I have personally called him several times and sent him messages but he is not responding," Burney said.

The ship sailed first from Karachi to Dubai to drop off some cargo last year then picked up more cargo to drop off in Karachi and then in Somalia.

"The problem arose when we reached Karachi port and anchored here and even unloaded half of the cargo. But we did not move on to Somalia because of the payment issues," Reza recalled.

He said it was true that the crew had refused to leave the ship until they were paid by the owner or agent.

"How can you expect these people to return to their homes empty-handed. One of the Indian nationals has a cancer patient at home. They have made it clear they will not leave the ship until they get their money," Burney said.

He said the Sindh High Court had ordered that the agent sell off the ship and clear the dues.

"The ship also is now in bad shape. It is tough on these people as they don't have visas and cannot even leave the ship and come ashore. A representative of the Indian High Commission visited them once but after that I don't know what they have done for them," Burney said.

The crew members are now surviving by selling some cargo and ship parts or on donations from the Burney's trust for their daily food, medical and generator fuel expenses.&nbsp;

In a harrowing ordeal, nine members of a cargo ship crew, including five Indians, have been stranded on their vessel outside Pakistan's Karachi port for over a year as they have yet to be paid their dues totalling around $ 300,000.

In a harrowing ordeal, nine members of a cargo ship crew, including five Indians, have been stranded on their vessel outside Pakistan's Karachi port for over a year as they have yet to be paid their dues totalling around $ 300,000. Apart from the Indians, the crew includes four Pakistani nationals, two people from Myanmar and one each from Sudan and Kenya. "We have been lucky because we can embark the ship and come and go as we please as we are Pakistani nationals," Muhammad Reza, a member of the crew, told PTI here. Reza is among the Pakistanis who were also on the cargo ship 'MV Mishki' sailing under a Panama flag when it anchored outside Karachi in August, 2017. "Since that time the ship has been here with cargo as the crew members have still not been paid their dues which comes to about USD 300,000," Reza said. Ironically the stand-off persists despite the Sindh High Court recently passing an order that the cargo agent, a Pakistani national in Karachi, must make arrangements to pay off the dues to allow the crew members to return to their homes. "These nine people including the five Indians are surviving in very poor conditions. Despite the court order the dues have not been cleared as yet and we will be filing a petition again in the court on Monday," said activist Ansar Burney of the Burney Welfare Trust. Burney has been in touch with the ship crew since last year and said the owner is Somalian and his offices are in Dubai but he has been out of reach so far. "I have personally called him several times and sent him messages but he is not responding," Burney said. The ship sailed first from Karachi to Dubai to drop off some cargo last year then picked up more cargo to drop off in Karachi and then in Somalia. "The problem arose when we reached Karachi port and anchored here and even unloaded half of the cargo. But we did not move on to Somalia because of the payment issues," Reza recalled. He said it was true that the crew had refused to leave the ship until they were paid by the owner or agent. "How can you expect these people to return to their homes empty-handed. One of the Indian nationals has a cancer patient at home. They have made it clear they will not leave the ship until they get their money," Burney said. He said the Sindh High Court had ordered that the agent sell off the ship and clear the dues. "The ship also is now in bad shape. It is tough on these people as they don't have visas and cannot even leave the ship and come ashore. A representative of the Indian High Commission visited them once but after that I don't know what they have done for them," Burney said. The crew members are now surviving by selling some cargo and ship parts or on donations from the Burney's trust for their daily food, medical and generator fuel expenses.

Indian crew stranded on ship outside Karachi port for over a year due to non-payment of dues

India's claim to the Gilgit-Baltistan region is much stronger than Pakistan's as it was handed over to the Pakistani army by two "deceitful" British military officials, BJP leader Ram Madhav said Thursday.

He said the region was strategically important to India as it provides a link to Afghanistan and further to Central Asia. The Belt Road Initiative of China, which has been opposed by India, also passes through this region, he said.

While Pakistan annexed parts of Jammu and Kashmir, the Gilgit-Baltistan region, then a part of the princely state of J&amp;K, was handed over to the Pakistani army by two "deceitful" British military officials, he said.

"Our case, as far as Gilgit Baltistan goes, is even more stronger for the important reason that when (the princely state of) Jammu and Kashmir acceded to India, technically Gilgit Baltistan was an integral part of the then state of Kashmir and Jammu, under Maharaja Hari Singh," Madhav said.

The region was not annexed through any army encroachment, he said.&nbsp;

Madhav was speaking at the launch of a book 'Gilgit Baltistan and its saga of unending human rights violation'.&nbsp;

Although under the control of Pakistan, India considers Gilgit-Baltistan a part of the state 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.&nbsp;

In 1935, with rising Soviet influence and its possible threat to the British Empire, the British took Gilgit Baltistan on lease for 60 years.&nbsp;

After the British terminated the lease, they loaned two of their officers -- Major W A Brown and Captain A S Mathieson -- to the Maharaja for the purpose of looking after the defence of Gilgit-Baltistan till an alternative arrangement was found.

Soon after, the locals of Gilgit-Baltistan rebelled against Maharaja Hari Singh and Major Brown imprisoned Brigadier Ghansara Singh.&nbsp;

On November 2, 1947, Brown declared that Gilgit was joining Pakistan. Soon after, the Pakistani army and tribals occupied the region and used it as a base to carry out attacks in nearby regions.

"The two British officers had decided that we should hand it over to Pakistan and they invited the Pakistani Army to take it over. It was taken over without any resistance in an illegal manner," Madhav said.

He added that legally, in 1935, the British had taken the region on lease from the then Maharaja and returned to him two days after the partition.

He also rued that there was least awareness about this particular region, five to six times bigger than the PoK.

Hitting out at Pakistan, he said while it has unleashed propaganda and its "proxies within India" over the human right violations, the Pakistani Army has been resorting to genocides and massacres in the Gilgit Baltistan region and the "world at large is silent about it".

Madhav, who was a key negotiators when the BJP and PDP decided to form a coalition government in the state, said one of the clauses in the Common Minimum Programme was to open a trade route from Kargil to Skardu, a town in the Gilgit-Baltistan region.

"We attach great significance to the issue of Gilgit Baltistan," he said.&nbsp;

India's claim to the Gilgit-Baltistan region is much stronger than Pakistan's as it was handed over to the Pakistani army by two "deceitful" British military officials, BJP leader Ram Madhav said Thursday.

India's claim to the Gilgit-Baltistan region is much stronger than Pakistan's as it was handed over to the Pakistani army by two "deceitful" British military officials, BJP leader Ram Madhav said Thursday. He said the region was strategically important to India as it provides a link to Afghanistan and further to Central Asia. The Belt Road Initiative of China, which has been opposed by India, also passes through this region, he said. While Pakistan annexed parts of Jammu and Kashmir, the Gilgit-Baltistan region, then a part of the princely state of J&K, was handed over to the Pakistani army by two "deceitful" British military officials, he said. "Our case, as far as Gilgit Baltistan goes, is even more stronger for the important reason that when (the princely state of) Jammu and Kashmir acceded to India, technically Gilgit Baltistan was an integral part of the then state of Kashmir and Jammu, under Maharaja Hari Singh," Madhav said. The region was not annexed through any army encroachment, he said. Madhav was speaking at the launch of a book 'Gilgit Baltistan and its saga of unending human rights violation'. Although under the control of Pakistan, India considers Gilgit-Baltistan a part of the state 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. In 1935, with rising Soviet influence and its possible threat to the British Empire, the British took Gilgit Baltistan on lease for 60 years. After the British terminated the lease, they loaned two of their officers -- Major W A Brown and Captain A S Mathieson -- to the Maharaja for the purpose of looking after the defence of Gilgit-Baltistan till an alternative arrangement was found. Soon after, the locals of Gilgit-Baltistan rebelled against Maharaja Hari Singh and Major Brown imprisoned Brigadier Ghansara Singh. On November 2, 1947, Brown declared that Gilgit was joining Pakistan. Soon after, the Pakistani army and tribals occupied the region and used it as a base to carry out attacks in nearby regions. "The two British officers had decided that we should hand it over to Pakistan and they invited the Pakistani Army to take it over. It was taken over without any resistance in an illegal manner," Madhav said. He added that legally, in 1935, the British had taken the region on lease from the then Maharaja and returned to him two days after the partition. He also rued that there was least awareness about this particular region, five to six times bigger than the PoK. Hitting out at Pakistan, he said while it has unleashed propaganda and its "proxies within India" over the human right violations, the Pakistani Army has been resorting to genocides and massacres in the Gilgit Baltistan region and the "world at large is silent about it". Madhav, who was a key negotiators when the BJP and PDP decided to form a coalition government in the state, said one of the clauses in the Common Minimum Programme was to open a trade route from Kargil to Skardu, a town in the Gilgit-Baltistan region. "We attach great significance to the issue of Gilgit Baltistan," he said.

Gilgit-Baltistan region was handed to Pak by two deceitful British officials: BJP leader Ram Madhav

A top Taliban commander held in Pakistani detention for more than eight years has been freed, sources said Thursday, in an apparent move to aid tentative talks between the United States and the militant group.

The release of Abdul Ghani Baradar -- the former right-hand man of Taliban founder Mullah Omar, who died in 2013 -- came less than two weeks after US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad met with the group's representatives in Qatar to discuss ending the Afghan conflict.

Baradar was among several senior Taliban leaders freed this week, after the Taliban demanded their release in direct talks with Khalilzad on October 12, a senior Taliban leader told AFP on the condition of anonymity.

"We believe that they were released at the US's request," the leader said.

He said Baradar would likely stay in Pakistan and shuttle between the Taliban's Doha office, Kabul and Islamabad.

"It was important for confidence building and all three will participate in the next round of talks with the US in Qatar," he added.

Baradar was the most high-profile Afghan Taliban leader detained by Pakistan since the 9/11 attacks in 2001.

He was arrested in the southern port city of Karachi in 2010, reportedly in an operation that was described as a huge blow to the militant group, which ruled

Afghanistan from 1996-2001 when it was toppled by a US-led invasion.

It was not clear what role, if any, he would play in peace talks.

"Baradar was freed yesterday afternoon and he joined his family," Afghan Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid told AFP in a WhatsApp message. 
A Pakistani intelligence official also said Baradar was "released a couple of days ago".

Baradar's release comes after the recent election of Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, who has long advocated talks with the Taliban and other Islamist insurgents in the region to bring an end to years of fighting.

Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi earlier this month also pledged to support negotiations with the Taliban as the country lobbies the United States to restore military aid.

The United States has long pressed Pakistan to crack down on the Taliban and other militant groups, which Washington says have safe havens in Pakistan's border areas and links to its shadowy military establishment -- charges Islamabad has repeatedly denied.

Khalilzad met with Taliban representatives in Doha as part of a regional trip designed to coordinate efforts to convince the group to negotiate an end to the war.

A top Taliban commander held in Pakistani detention for more than eight years has been freed, sources said Thursday, in an apparent move to aid tentative talks between the United States and the militant group.

A top Taliban commander held in Pakistani detention for more than eight years has been freed, sources said Thursday, in an apparent move to aid tentative talks between the United States and the militant group. The release of Abdul Ghani Baradar -- the former right-hand man of Taliban founder Mullah Omar, who died in 2013 -- came less than two weeks after US envoy Zalmay Khalilzad met with the group's representatives in Qatar to discuss ending the Afghan conflict. Baradar was among several senior Taliban leaders freed this week, after the Taliban demanded their release in direct talks with Khalilzad on October 12, a senior Taliban leader told AFP on the condition of anonymity. "We believe that they were released at the US's request," the leader said. He said Baradar would likely stay in Pakistan and shuttle between the Taliban's Doha office, Kabul and Islamabad. "It was important for confidence building and all three will participate in the next round of talks with the US in Qatar," he added. Baradar was the most high-profile Afghan Taliban leader detained by Pakistan since the 9/11 attacks in 2001. He was arrested in the southern port city of Karachi in 2010, reportedly in an operation that was described as a huge blow to the militant group, which ruled Afghanistan from 1996-2001 when it was toppled by a US-led invasion. It was not clear what role, if any, he would play in peace talks. "Baradar was freed yesterday afternoon and he joined his family," Afghan Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid told AFP in a WhatsApp message. A Pakistani intelligence official also said Baradar was "released a couple of days ago". Baradar's release comes after the recent election of Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan, who has long advocated talks with the Taliban and other Islamist insurgents in the region to bring an end to years of fighting. Pakistan's Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi earlier this month also pledged to support negotiations with the Taliban as the country lobbies the United States to restore military aid. The United States has long pressed Pakistan to crack down on the Taliban and other militant groups, which Washington says have safe havens in Pakistan's border areas and links to its shadowy military establishment -- charges Islamabad has repeatedly denied. Khalilzad met with Taliban representatives in Doha as part of a regional trip designed to coordinate efforts to convince the group to negotiate an end to the war.

Pakistan frees Taliban leader after US talks with terrorists

The death of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi is proving to be a blessing in disguise for cash- strapped Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan. Khan’s blessing is also likely to offer Saudi Arabia geopolitical advantage.

On the principle of all good things are three, Khan struck gold on his second visit to the kingdom since coming to office in August.

Khan was rewarded for attending Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s showcase investors conference in Riyadh, dubbed Davos in the Desert, that was being shunned by numerous CEOs of Western financial institutions, tech entrepreneurs and media moguls as well as senior Western government officials because of the Khashoggi affair.

Saudi Arabia promised to deposit $3 billion in Pakistan’s central bank as balance of payments support and to defer up to $3 billion in payments for oil imports for a year.

Saudi Arabia declined Khan’s request for financial aid during his first visit to the kingdom in September but was willing to consider investing billions of dollars in a refinery in the Chinese-operated Arabian Sea port of Gwadar as well as in mining but was reluctant to acquiesce to Pakistani requests for financial relief.

Saudi Arabia’s subsequent agreement to provided finance is likely to help Khan reduce the size of the $8-12 billion bailout he is negotiating with the International Monetary Fund (IMF).

Speaking in an interview before leaving for Riyadh, Khan said he was attending the conference despite the “shocking” killing of&nbsp;Khashoggi because “unless we get loans from friendly countries or the IMF, we actually won’t have in another two or three months enough foreign exchange to service our debts or to pay for our imports. So we’re desperate at the moment.”

Pakistan’s foreign reserves dropped this month to $8.1 billion, a four-year low and barely enough to cover sovereign debt payments due through the end of the year. The current account deficit has swelled to about $18 billion.

Potential Saudi investment in the Reko Diq copper and gold mine as well as a refinery in Gwadar, both close to Pakistan’s border with Iran would give it a further foothold in the troubled province of Balochistan. Gwadar is a mere 70 kilometres down the coast from the Indian-backed Iranian port of Chabahar.

Pakistani militants reported last year that funds from the kingdom were flowing into the coffers of ultra-conservative anti-Shiite, anti-Iranian Sunni Muslim madrassahs or religious seminars in the region. It was unclear whether the funds originated with the Saudi government or Saudi nationals of Baloch descent and members of the two million-strong Pakistani Diaspora in the kingdom.

It was equally unclear how Saudi Arabia expected to capitalize on its rewarding of Khan in its competition with Iran for Pakistan’s favours.

Ensuring that Pakistan, home to the world’s largest Shiite minority, does not snuggle up too much to Iran has become even more crucial for Saudi Arabia as it seeks in the wake of Khashoggi’s death to enhance its indispensability to US President Donald J. Trump’s effort to isolate and cripple Iran economically, if not to engineer a change of regime in Tehran.

Trump sees Saudi Arabia as central to his strategy aimed at forcing the Islamic republic to halt its support for proxies in Yemen and Lebanon, withdraw its forces from Syria, and permanently dismantle its nuclear and ballistic missiles programs.

Saudi financial support means that Khan may find it more difficult to shield Pakistan from being sucked into the US-Saudi effort.

Insurgents last week kidnapped 14 Iranian security personnel, reportedly including Revolutionary Guards on the Iranian side of the border with Pakistan. Pakistan pledged to help liberate the abductees who are believed to have been taken across the border into Balochistan, long a militant and Baloch nationalist hotbed.

“Members of terrorist groups that are guided and supported by foreign forces carried this out through deceiving and bribing infiltrators,” the Guards said in a statement that appeared to blame Saudi Arabia and the United States without mentioning them by name.

The incident is likely to heighten Chinese concerns that in a worst-case scenario, Saudi investment rather than boosting economic activity and helping Gwadar get out of the starting blocks, could ensnare it too in one of the Middle East’s most debilitating conflicts.

China is further concerned that there would be a set of third-party eyes monitoring activity if and when it decides to use Gwadar not only for commercial purposes but also as a naval facility.

Saudi investment could further thwart potential Chinese plans to link the ports of Gwadar and Chabahar, a prospect that Pakistani and Iranian officials have in the past not excluded. With Saudi financial aid, that may no longer be an option that Khan can entertain.

Khan will have to take that into account when he travels to Beijing next week in a bid to secure Chinese financial support and convince Beijing to fast forward focusing the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a $45 billion plus infrastructure and energy generation-driven Belt and Road crown jewel, on issues such as job creation, manufacturing and agriculture.

Khan appeared to anticipate in his interview with Middle East Eye on the eve of his participation in the Riyadh investment conference that he would have reduced leeway by blaming the United States for increased tensions with Iran and hinting that Pakistan did not want to be drawn into conflict with the Islamic republic.

Said Khan: “The US-Iran situation is disturbing for all of us in the Muslim world... The last thing the Muslim world wants is another conflict. The worrying part is that the Trump administration is moving towards some sort of conflict with Iran.” 
 
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

The death of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi is proving to be a blessing in disguise for cash- strapped Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan. Khan’s blessing is also likely to offer Saudi Arabia geopolitical advantage.

The death of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi is proving to be a blessing in disguise for cash- strapped Pakistani Prime Minister Imran Khan. Khan’s blessing is also likely to offer Saudi Arabia geopolitical advantage. On the principle of all good things are three, Khan struck gold on his second visit to the kingdom since coming to office in August. Khan was rewarded for attending Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s showcase investors conference in Riyadh, dubbed Davos in the Desert, that was being shunned by numerous CEOs of Western financial institutions, tech entrepreneurs and media moguls as well as senior Western government officials because of the Khashoggi affair. Saudi Arabia promised to deposit $3 billion in Pakistan’s central bank as balance of payments support and to defer up to $3 billion in payments for oil imports for a year. Saudi Arabia declined Khan’s request for financial aid during his first visit to the kingdom in September but was willing to consider investing billions of dollars in a refinery in the Chinese-operated Arabian Sea port of Gwadar as well as in mining but was reluctant to acquiesce to Pakistani requests for financial relief. Saudi Arabia’s subsequent agreement to provided finance is likely to help Khan reduce the size of the $8-12 billion bailout he is negotiating with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Speaking in an interview before leaving for Riyadh, Khan said he was attending the conference despite the “shocking” killing of Khashoggi because “unless we get loans from friendly countries or the IMF, we actually won’t have in another two or three months enough foreign exchange to service our debts or to pay for our imports. So we’re desperate at the moment.” Pakistan’s foreign reserves dropped this month to $8.1 billion, a four-year low and barely enough to cover sovereign debt payments due through the end of the year. The current account deficit has swelled to about $18 billion. Potential Saudi investment in the Reko Diq copper and gold mine as well as a refinery in Gwadar, both close to Pakistan’s border with Iran would give it a further foothold in the troubled province of Balochistan. Gwadar is a mere 70 kilometres down the coast from the Indian-backed Iranian port of Chabahar. Pakistani militants reported last year that funds from the kingdom were flowing into the coffers of ultra-conservative anti-Shiite, anti-Iranian Sunni Muslim madrassahs or religious seminars in the region. It was unclear whether the funds originated with the Saudi government or Saudi nationals of Baloch descent and members of the two million-strong Pakistani Diaspora in the kingdom. It was equally unclear how Saudi Arabia expected to capitalize on its rewarding of Khan in its competition with Iran for Pakistan’s favours. Ensuring that Pakistan, home to the world’s largest Shiite minority, does not snuggle up too much to Iran has become even more crucial for Saudi Arabia as it seeks in the wake of Khashoggi’s death to enhance its indispensability to US President Donald J. Trump’s effort to isolate and cripple Iran economically, if not to engineer a change of regime in Tehran. Trump sees Saudi Arabia as central to his strategy aimed at forcing the Islamic republic to halt its support for proxies in Yemen and Lebanon, withdraw its forces from Syria, and permanently dismantle its nuclear and ballistic missiles programs. Saudi financial support means that Khan may find it more difficult to shield Pakistan from being sucked into the US-Saudi effort. Insurgents last week kidnapped 14 Iranian security personnel, reportedly including Revolutionary Guards on the Iranian side of the border with Pakistan. Pakistan pledged to help liberate the abductees who are believed to have been taken across the border into Balochistan, long a militant and Baloch nationalist hotbed. “Members of terrorist groups that are guided and supported by foreign forces carried this out through deceiving and bribing infiltrators,” the Guards said in a statement that appeared to blame Saudi Arabia and the United States without mentioning them by name. The incident is likely to heighten Chinese concerns that in a worst-case scenario, Saudi investment rather than boosting economic activity and helping Gwadar get out of the starting blocks, could ensnare it too in one of the Middle East’s most debilitating conflicts. China is further concerned that there would be a set of third-party eyes monitoring activity if and when it decides to use Gwadar not only for commercial purposes but also as a naval facility. Saudi investment could further thwart potential Chinese plans to link the ports of Gwadar and Chabahar, a prospect that Pakistani and Iranian officials have in the past not excluded. With Saudi financial aid, that may no longer be an option that Khan can entertain. Khan will have to take that into account when he travels to Beijing next week in a bid to secure Chinese financial support and convince Beijing to fast forward focusing the China Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), a $45 billion plus infrastructure and energy generation-driven Belt and Road crown jewel, on issues such as job creation, manufacturing and agriculture. Khan appeared to anticipate in his interview with Middle East Eye on the eve of his participation in the Riyadh investment conference that he would have reduced leeway by blaming the United States for increased tensions with Iran and hinting that Pakistan did not want to be drawn into conflict with the Islamic republic. Said Khan: “The US-Iran situation is disturbing for all of us in the Muslim world... The last thing the Muslim world wants is another conflict. The worrying part is that the Trump administration is moving towards some sort of conflict with Iran.” (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Khashoggi crisis a blessing in disguise for Imran Khan

Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan will visit China next week, authorities said Thursday, as the former cricketer mounts a desperate search for funds to prop up the nation's dire finances.

The confirmation of Khan’s first visit to China as premier comes days after Pakistan secured $6 billion dollars in funding from Saudi Arabia to help stave off a widening balance of payment crisis.

Khan said in a televised address Wednesday that he was working to nail down Saudi-style financing packages from two additional, unnamed countries to reduce the size of a potential loan from the International Monetary Fund.

The foreign affairs ministry said Khan would meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang on the November 2-5 trip which will take in Beijing and the commercial hub of Shanghai.

"The visit will provide an opportunity for the two countries to review the entire spectrum of bilateral relations with special reference to CPEC," foreign ministry spokesman Muhammad Faisal told AFP, referring to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor.

CPEC is a multi-billion-dollar infrastructure project aimed at building energy and transport links connecting the western Chinese region of Xinjiang with the Arabian Sea via Pakistan.

However, given Pakistan's deteriorating finances, in recent months there have been concerns that portions of the ambitious agreement may have to be scaled down.

Analysts said Khan will be pushing for financial assistance from Beijing during the visit.

"Pakistan would certainly like China to play its role in supporting our balance of payments and this is going to be one major subject of discussions," said economist Salman Shah.

"China has been providing financial support to Pakistan in difficult times and this will not be something new if they come forward this time also."

Since taking power in August, Khan has sought loans from "friendly" countries like Saudi Arabia, vowed to recover funds stolen by corrupt officials, and embarked on a series of populist austerity drives to raise cash.

Pakistan has gone to the IMF repeatedly since the late 1980s.

The last time was in 2013, when Islamabad got a $6.6 billion loan to tackle a similar crisis.

Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan will visit China next week, authorities said Thursday, as the former cricketer mounts a desperate search for funds to prop up the nation's dire finances.

Pakistan's Prime Minister Imran Khan will visit China next week, authorities said Thursday, as the former cricketer mounts a desperate search for funds to prop up the nation's dire finances. The confirmation of Khan’s first visit to China as premier comes days after Pakistan secured $6 billion dollars in funding from Saudi Arabia to help stave off a widening balance of payment crisis. Khan said in a televised address Wednesday that he was working to nail down Saudi-style financing packages from two additional, unnamed countries to reduce the size of a potential loan from the International Monetary Fund. The foreign affairs ministry said Khan would meet with Chinese President Xi Jinping and Premier Li Keqiang on the November 2-5 trip which will take in Beijing and the commercial hub of Shanghai. "The visit will provide an opportunity for the two countries to review the entire spectrum of bilateral relations with special reference to CPEC," foreign ministry spokesman Muhammad Faisal told AFP, referring to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. CPEC is a multi-billion-dollar infrastructure project aimed at building energy and transport links connecting the western Chinese region of Xinjiang with the Arabian Sea via Pakistan. However, given Pakistan's deteriorating finances, in recent months there have been concerns that portions of the ambitious agreement may have to be scaled down. Analysts said Khan will be pushing for financial assistance from Beijing during the visit. "Pakistan would certainly like China to play its role in supporting our balance of payments and this is going to be one major subject of discussions," said economist Salman Shah. "China has been providing financial support to Pakistan in difficult times and this will not be something new if they come forward this time also." Since taking power in August, Khan has sought loans from "friendly" countries like Saudi Arabia, vowed to recover funds stolen by corrupt officials, and embarked on a series of populist austerity drives to raise cash. Pakistan has gone to the IMF repeatedly since the late 1980s. The last time was in 2013, when Islamabad got a $6.6 billion loan to tackle a similar crisis.

Pakistan PM to visit China, seeking funds as IMF bailout looms

After Saudi Arabia agreed to provide financial assistance to Pakistan on Tuesday, Prime Minister Imran Khan said that the package had eased pressure on Pak's depleting foreign exchange reserves.

He further added that soon Pakistan will become a country that would be offering loans to others instead of borrowing.&nbsp;

"The time is not far when Pakistan would be offering loans to the other countries instead of taking, stay strong, May Allah help us all", he said.

Praising Saudi Arabia's assistance he said that the financial package from Saudi will strengthen Pakistan's bargaining position in case the government approached the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a bailout.

He said even if the government was forced to seek IMF assistance, it would not need as much money as it would have needed in the absence of the Saudi assistance.&nbsp;

Saudi Arabia's deal with Pakistan was announced on Tuesday after Imran Khan called on Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz. The country has assured Pakistan US $3 billion in foreign currency support for a year in addition to a loan worth up to US $3 billion in deferred payments.&nbsp;

"We were facing really hard times. We were under high pressure to pay heavy debts. But thanks to Saudi Arab's extension of assistance, we are out of the pressure," Khan said.

He said people should not worry as the difficult time would pass and Pakistan will emerge as a much stronger and prosperous country in the coming years.&nbsp;

He also hinted on taking financial assistance from two other "friendly countries".

Khan is set to visit Malaysia later this month and China on November 3.

Pakistan's Finance Minister Asad Umar recently said the country may need more than US $12 billion to plug its finances as the current-account deficit widens and foreign-currency reserves plummet.&nbsp;

The Khan criticised the previous governments and held them responsible for the current economic crisis.

He said the country's debt was Rs 6,000 billion in 2008 which snowballed to Rs 30,000 billion in 2018.

Khan said the government was doing audit of the massive debt and threatened that the corrupt element would face merciless accountability.

&nbsp;

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(With inputs from agencies)

After Saudi Arabia agreed to provide financial assistance to Pakistan on Tuesday, Prime Minister Imran Khan said that the package had eased pressure on Pak's depleting foreign exchange reserves.

After Saudi Arabia agreed to provide financial assistance to Pakistan on Tuesday, Prime Minister Imran Khan said that the package had eased pressure on Pak's depleting foreign exchange reserves. He further added that soon Pakistan will become a country that would be offering loans to others instead of borrowing. "The time is not far when Pakistan would be offering loans to the other countries instead of taking, stay strong, May Allah help us all", he said. Praising Saudi Arabia's assistance he said that the financial package from Saudi will strengthen Pakistan's bargaining position in case the government approached the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for a bailout. He said even if the government was forced to seek IMF assistance, it would not need as much money as it would have needed in the absence of the Saudi assistance. Saudi Arabia's deal with Pakistan was announced on Tuesday after Imran Khan called on Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz. The country has assured Pakistan US $3 billion in foreign currency support for a year in addition to a loan worth up to US $3 billion in deferred payments. "We were facing really hard times. We were under high pressure to pay heavy debts. But thanks to Saudi Arab's extension of assistance, we are out of the pressure," Khan said. He said people should not worry as the difficult time would pass and Pakistan will emerge as a much stronger and prosperous country in the coming years. He also hinted on taking financial assistance from two other "friendly countries". Khan is set to visit Malaysia later this month and China on November 3. Pakistan's Finance Minister Asad Umar recently said the country may need more than US $12 billion to plug its finances as the current-account deficit widens and foreign-currency reserves plummet. The Khan criticised the previous governments and held them responsible for the current economic crisis. He said the country's debt was Rs 6,000 billion in 2008 which snowballed to Rs 30,000 billion in 2018. Khan said the government was doing audit of the massive debt and threatened that the corrupt element would face merciless accountability. (With inputs from agencies)

Time is not far when Pakistan would be offering loans to other countries: Imran Khan

Saudi Arabia's USD 6 billion assistance package of loans and deferred payments to Pakistan will immediately relieve pressure on the cash-strapped government and improve its negotiating position during the tough bailout negotiations with the IMF, media reports said Wednesday.

In the deal announced Tuesday after Prime Minister Imran Khan called on Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz, Riyadh said it will give Pakistan USD 3 billion in foreign currency support for a year and a further loan worth up to USD 3 billion in deferred payments for oil imports.

Pakistan's Finance Minister Asad Umar recently said the country may need more than USD 12 billion to plug its finances as the current-account deficit widens and foreign-currency reserves plummet.

The Saudi assistance will immediately push the official foreign currency reserves back to double-digit in addition to lessening the stress on the external sector.

Saudi Arabia will place USD 3 billion cash deposits with the State Bank of Pakistan, in addition to providing a one-year deferred payment facility for the import of oil, worth up to USD 3 billion, according to the Pakistan Foreign Office.

The cash injection will immediately relieve pressure on the government and improve its negotiating position during the upcoming programme loan talks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), starting from November 7, the Express Tribune said.

The cash assistance will lower the requirements to devalue the rupee, as the one-off assistance will for the time being improve the macroeconomic projections, the report quoted some independent economists as saying.

The Saudi package may provide breathing space to the government for dealing with economic challenges, but would not be enough to avoid the IMF facility, the Dawn newspaper reported.

It is believed that improved foreign exchange reserves would strengthen Pakistan's negotiating position in talks with the IMF, it added.

The situation could further improve if China also makes some commitments to rescue its 'all-weather friend', it said, noting that Khan is scheduled to travel to China on November 3 for his first visit.

Saudi Arabia agreed to bail out Pakistan during the second visit of the prime minister, as the agreement could not be reached during his September visit to the kingdom, it said.

Prime minister Khan is keen to avoid the IMF bailout package and had requested Saudi Arabia, China and the United Arab Emirates for placement of deposits in the central bank to artificially inflate the foreign currency reserves, it said.

Earlier, Saudi Arabia gave USD 1.5 billion grant in 2014 when Pakistan's economy was facing similar pressures.

Saudi Arabia had also given oil on deferred payments in the 1990s, but Pakistan never repaid the amount, according to the officials of the finance ministry.

Pakistan is in search of USD 12 billion foreign loans and aid to avoid default on international debt obligations, as the country is required to return USD 11.7 billion loans to foreign countries. 
&nbsp;

Saudi Arabia's USD 6 billion assistance package of loans and deferred payments to Pakistan will immediately relieve pressure on the cash-strapped government and improve its negotiating position during the tough bailout negotiations with the IMF, media reports said Wednesday.

Saudi Arabia's USD 6 billion assistance package of loans and deferred payments to Pakistan will immediately relieve pressure on the cash-strapped government and improve its negotiating position during the tough bailout negotiations with the IMF, media reports said Wednesday. In the deal announced Tuesday after Prime Minister Imran Khan called on Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz, Riyadh said it will give Pakistan USD 3 billion in foreign currency support for a year and a further loan worth up to USD 3 billion in deferred payments for oil imports. Pakistan's Finance Minister Asad Umar recently said the country may need more than USD 12 billion to plug its finances as the current-account deficit widens and foreign-currency reserves plummet. The Saudi assistance will immediately push the official foreign currency reserves back to double-digit in addition to lessening the stress on the external sector. Saudi Arabia will place USD 3 billion cash deposits with the State Bank of Pakistan, in addition to providing a one-year deferred payment facility for the import of oil, worth up to USD 3 billion, according to the Pakistan Foreign Office. The cash injection will immediately relieve pressure on the government and improve its negotiating position during the upcoming programme loan talks with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), starting from November 7, the Express Tribune said. The cash assistance will lower the requirements to devalue the rupee, as the one-off assistance will for the time being improve the macroeconomic projections, the report quoted some independent economists as saying. The Saudi package may provide breathing space to the government for dealing with economic challenges, but would not be enough to avoid the IMF facility, the Dawn newspaper reported. It is believed that improved foreign exchange reserves would strengthen Pakistan's negotiating position in talks with the IMF, it added. The situation could further improve if China also makes some commitments to rescue its 'all-weather friend', it said, noting that Khan is scheduled to travel to China on November 3 for his first visit. Saudi Arabia agreed to bail out Pakistan during the second visit of the prime minister, as the agreement could not be reached during his September visit to the kingdom, it said. Prime minister Khan is keen to avoid the IMF bailout package and had requested Saudi Arabia, China and the United Arab Emirates for placement of deposits in the central bank to artificially inflate the foreign currency reserves, it said. Earlier, Saudi Arabia gave USD 1.5 billion grant in 2014 when Pakistan's economy was facing similar pressures. Saudi Arabia had also given oil on deferred payments in the 1990s, but Pakistan never repaid the amount, according to the officials of the finance ministry. Pakistan is in search of USD 12 billion foreign loans and aid to avoid default on international debt obligations, as the country is required to return USD 11.7 billion loans to foreign countries.

Saudi help to give breathing space to Pakistan government: Pakistan finance minister

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