Pakistan's medium pacer Mohammad Abbas took four wickets off just 23 balls to leave Australia reeling and his side on the brink of victory in the second Test on Friday.

Australia were 155-7 at lunch on the fourth day as 28-year-old Abbas followed up his first innings figures of 5-33 with 4-56.

Australia's batsmen had no answers to his accurate seam bowling under cloudy conditions at Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

At the break Marnus Labuschagne was unbeaten on 43 runs and Nathan Lyon not out without scoring, meaning Pakistan need another two wickets to win the match and the two-match series.

The first Test ended in a draw in Dubai last week.

Australian opener Usman Khawaja was unlikely to bat after suffering a recurrence of a knee injury during practice on Thursday.

Abbas jolted the Australians in the seventh over of the day when he removed a solid-looking Travis Head for 36, getting an edge to substitute wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan, deputising for Sarfraz Ahmed.

Sarfraz, who was hit on the helmet by a rising Mitchell Starc delivery on Thursday, had gone for a precautionary scan.

Head and Aaron Finch added 61 runs for the second wicket.

Abbas then had Mitchell Marsh (five) and Finch (31) leg-before wicket and dismissed Tim Paine for nought -- before leg-spinner Yasir Shah removed Mitchell Starc (28) and Peter Siddle for three.

Pakistan's medium pacer Mohammad Abbas took four wickets off just 23 balls to leave Australia reeling and his side on the brink of victory in the second Test on Friday.

Pakistan's medium pacer Mohammad Abbas took four wickets off just 23 balls to leave Australia reeling and his side on the brink of victory in the second Test on Friday. Australia were 155-7 at lunch on the fourth day as 28-year-old Abbas followed up his first innings figures of 5-33 with 4-56. Australia's batsmen had no answers to his accurate seam bowling under cloudy conditions at Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi. At the break Marnus Labuschagne was unbeaten on 43 runs and Nathan Lyon not out without scoring, meaning Pakistan need another two wickets to win the match and the two-match series. The first Test ended in a draw in Dubai last week. Australian opener Usman Khawaja was unlikely to bat after suffering a recurrence of a knee injury during practice on Thursday. Abbas jolted the Australians in the seventh over of the day when he removed a solid-looking Travis Head for 36, getting an edge to substitute wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan, deputising for Sarfraz Ahmed. Sarfraz, who was hit on the helmet by a rising Mitchell Starc delivery on Thursday, had gone for a precautionary scan. Head and Aaron Finch added 61 runs for the second wicket. Abbas then had Mitchell Marsh (five) and Finch (31) leg-before wicket and dismissed Tim Paine for nought -- before leg-spinner Yasir Shah removed Mitchell Starc (28) and Peter Siddle for three.

Pak vs Aus, 2nd Test, Day 4: Four-wicket Abbas brings Pakistan to verge of victory

After an on-site assessment of the steps taken by Pakistan to curb terror financing and money laundering, a visiting Financial Action Task Force (FATF) team has finalised a report with 40 recommendations for de-listing Islamabad from its grey list from September next year, according to a media report Friday.

Currently placed on the FATF's 'grey list', Pakistan has been scrambling in recent months to avoid being added to a list of countries deemed non-compliant with anti-money laundering and terrorist financing regulations by the Paris-based FATF, a measure that officials here fear could further hurt its economy.

A nine-member team of the FATF's Asia-Pacific Group (APG) arrived here on October 8 to review the measures as promised by Pakistan in June to tackle the concerns about money laundering and terror financing.

Dawn reported that the AGP suggested measures in its report on Thursday after the on-site assessment of prevailing legal and institutional framework during its 11 days of engagement with stakeholders, to curb terror financing and money laundering in Pakistan.

A source privy to meetings told Dawn that the report which is termed "Exit Report" will be submitted formally to the government on Friday, the last day of the stay of the global experts in Pakistan.

The report, according to the source, will be discussed at a meeting to be attended by senior officers of all leading government departments and agencies, especially the Federal Investigation Agency, the Financial Monitoring Unit, the Federal Board of Revenue and the Anti-Narcotics Force to respond to queries raised in the exit report.

The report includes 40 recommendations which were segregated in 11 outcomes performance benchmarks.

According to the source, Pakistan is compliant in more than 50 per cent of the recommendations. However, it said it was not clear whether it would be sufficient for Pakistan to come out of the grey list.

Pakistan was placed on the grey list by the FATF in June for failing to curb anti-terror financing.

In August, the APG as part of the pre-site mutual evaluation identified a series of deficiencies in Pakistan's anti-money laundering or counter-terror financing (AML/CFT) laws and mechanisms. The report was sent to Pakistan with recommendations.

In response, Pakistan has provided details of measures taken in compliance with the recommendations.

On October 5, Pakistan received another technical compliance annexure from the APG which further highlighted deficiencies in the AML/CFT measures that Islamabad needs to take.

During the current meetings, the assessment team and agency officials extensively discussed with senior Pakistani officials Islamabad's compliance with international AML/CFT measures, draft of the technical compliance annexure sent on October 5, Pakistan's response to these measures and commitment on how the country will meet core issue of the immediate outcomes.

According to the source, it has been highlighted in the last meetings that Pakistan is mostly compliant in legislation of various laws for AML/CFT but issues were mostly related to structural arrangements for the effective implementation of these laws.

Officials of the ministries of interior, finance, foreign affairs and law besides the State Bank of Pakistan, the Securities and Exchange Commission of

Pakistan, the National Counter-Terrorism Authority, the FIA, the Federal Board of Revenue, the National Accountability Bureau, the Anti-Narcotics Force, the FMU, the Central Directorate of National Savings and provincial counter-terrorism departments attended the briefings and explanations.

The purpose of the Mutual Evaluation on-site visit is to assess the effectiveness of Pakistan's anti-money laundering or counter-terror financing regime under FATF's effectiveness methodology.

The visiting team included Ian Collins of the United Kingdom's Scotland Yard, James Prussing of the United States Department of the Treasury, Ashraf Abdullah of the Financial Intelligence Unit of the Maldives, Bobby Wahyu Hernawan of the Indonesian Ministry of Finance, Gong Jingyan of the Peoples Bank of China and Mustafa Necmeddin Oztop of the Turkish Ministry of Justice.&nbsp;

The three members of the APG secretariat include Executive Secretary Gordon Hook, Deputy Directors Mohammad Al-Rashdan and Shannon Rutherford.

The APG Mutual Evaluation Assessment Team also called on Finance Minister Asad Umar on Thursday.

The team, headed by Hook, briefed the minister about the purpose of their visit and meetings with Pakistan's anti-money laundering or counter-terror financing stakeholders.

Umar reiterated the government's commitment to implement the AML/CFT standards and reaffirmed Pakistan's strong and unequivocal commitment to work with the APG/FATF in the fight against money laundering, terrorism financing and other financial crimes.

He also emphasised that Pakistan would continue to take all actions required to strengthen the country's anti-money laundering or counter-terror financing regime.&nbsp;

After an on-site assessment of the steps taken by Pakistan to curb terror financing and money laundering, a visiting Financial Action Task Force (FATF) team has finalised a report with 40 recommendations for de-listing Islamabad from its grey list from September next year, according to a media report Friday.

After an on-site assessment of the steps taken by Pakistan to curb terror financing and money laundering, a visiting Financial Action Task Force (FATF) team has finalised a report with 40 recommendations for de-listing Islamabad from its grey list from September next year, according to a media report Friday. Currently placed on the FATF's 'grey list', Pakistan has been scrambling in recent months to avoid being added to a list of countries deemed non-compliant with anti-money laundering and terrorist financing regulations by the Paris-based FATF, a measure that officials here fear could further hurt its economy. A nine-member team of the FATF's Asia-Pacific Group (APG) arrived here on October 8 to review the measures as promised by Pakistan in June to tackle the concerns about money laundering and terror financing. Dawn reported that the AGP suggested measures in its report on Thursday after the on-site assessment of prevailing legal and institutional framework during its 11 days of engagement with stakeholders, to curb terror financing and money laundering in Pakistan. A source privy to meetings told Dawn that the report which is termed "Exit Report" will be submitted formally to the government on Friday, the last day of the stay of the global experts in Pakistan. The report, according to the source, will be discussed at a meeting to be attended by senior officers of all leading government departments and agencies, especially the Federal Investigation Agency, the Financial Monitoring Unit, the Federal Board of Revenue and the Anti-Narcotics Force to respond to queries raised in the exit report. The report includes 40 recommendations which were segregated in 11 outcomes performance benchmarks. According to the source, Pakistan is compliant in more than 50 per cent of the recommendations. However, it said it was not clear whether it would be sufficient for Pakistan to come out of the grey list. Pakistan was placed on the grey list by the FATF in June for failing to curb anti-terror financing. In August, the APG as part of the pre-site mutual evaluation identified a series of deficiencies in Pakistan's anti-money laundering or counter-terror financing (AML/CFT) laws and mechanisms. The report was sent to Pakistan with recommendations. In response, Pakistan has provided details of measures taken in compliance with the recommendations. On October 5, Pakistan received another technical compliance annexure from the APG which further highlighted deficiencies in the AML/CFT measures that Islamabad needs to take. During the current meetings, the assessment team and agency officials extensively discussed with senior Pakistani officials Islamabad's compliance with international AML/CFT measures, draft of the technical compliance annexure sent on October 5, Pakistan's response to these measures and commitment on how the country will meet core issue of the immediate outcomes. According to the source, it has been highlighted in the last meetings that Pakistan is mostly compliant in legislation of various laws for AML/CFT but issues were mostly related to structural arrangements for the effective implementation of these laws. Officials of the ministries of interior, finance, foreign affairs and law besides the State Bank of Pakistan, the Securities and Exchange Commission of Pakistan, the National Counter-Terrorism Authority, the FIA, the Federal Board of Revenue, the National Accountability Bureau, the Anti-Narcotics Force, the FMU, the Central Directorate of National Savings and provincial counter-terrorism departments attended the briefings and explanations. The purpose of the Mutual Evaluation on-site visit is to assess the effectiveness of Pakistan's anti-money laundering or counter-terror financing regime under FATF's effectiveness methodology. The visiting team included Ian Collins of the United Kingdom's Scotland Yard, James Prussing of the United States Department of the Treasury, Ashraf Abdullah of the Financial Intelligence Unit of the Maldives, Bobby Wahyu Hernawan of the Indonesian Ministry of Finance, Gong Jingyan of the Peoples Bank of China and Mustafa Necmeddin Oztop of the Turkish Ministry of Justice. The three members of the APG secretariat include Executive Secretary Gordon Hook, Deputy Directors Mohammad Al-Rashdan and Shannon Rutherford. The APG Mutual Evaluation Assessment Team also called on Finance Minister Asad Umar on Thursday. The team, headed by Hook, briefed the minister about the purpose of their visit and meetings with Pakistan's anti-money laundering or counter-terror financing stakeholders. Umar reiterated the government's commitment to implement the AML/CFT standards and reaffirmed Pakistan's strong and unequivocal commitment to work with the APG/FATF in the fight against money laundering, terrorism financing and other financial crimes. He also emphasised that Pakistan would continue to take all actions required to strengthen the country's anti-money laundering or counter-terror financing regime.

FATF team finalises report with recommendations for de-listing Pak from grey list in Sep'19

Pakistan's former spy chief Asad Durrani was on Thursday denied relief from the high court here on his petition seeking lifting of a ban on his foreign travels following a row over a book he co-wrote with India's ex-intelligence chief.

Durrani's name was placed on a no-fly list on May 29 at the behest of the Pakistan Army due to the controversy generated by his book titled 'The Spy Chronicles' which he co-authored with Amarjit Singh Dulat, former chief of the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW).

Durrani had petitioned the Islamabad High Court (IHC) on October 2 to remove restrictions on his foreign travels.

He wrote that he wanted to go abroad for a conference on November 26-27 and his name should be removed from the Exit Control List (ECL) - a list of those who are barred from going abroad.

IHC Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kiyani refused to give immediate relief and ordered the interior ministry to submit why Durrani was not allowed to go out of Pakistan.

He also ordered the defence ministry to submit a report on an inquiry instituted by the army after it summoned Durrani on May 28 to explain his position on the controversial book.

Justice Kiyani further observed that the petition of Durrani will be decided after the replies by the ministers of interior and defence.

He also postponed the hearing until December 3, which meant that Durrani will miss the commitment to attend the November conference.

Pakistan's former spy chief Asad Durrani was on Thursday denied relief from the high court here on his petition seeking lifting of a ban on his foreign travels following a row over a book he co-wrote with India's ex-intelligence chief.

Pakistan's former spy chief Asad Durrani was on Thursday denied relief from the high court here on his petition seeking lifting of a ban on his foreign travels following a row over a book he co-wrote with India's ex-intelligence chief. Durrani's name was placed on a no-fly list on May 29 at the behest of the Pakistan Army due to the controversy generated by his book titled 'The Spy Chronicles' which he co-authored with Amarjit Singh Dulat, former chief of the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW). Durrani had petitioned the Islamabad High Court (IHC) on October 2 to remove restrictions on his foreign travels. He wrote that he wanted to go abroad for a conference on November 26-27 and his name should be removed from the Exit Control List (ECL) - a list of those who are barred from going abroad. IHC Justice Mohsin Akhtar Kiyani refused to give immediate relief and ordered the interior ministry to submit why Durrani was not allowed to go out of Pakistan. He also ordered the defence ministry to submit a report on an inquiry instituted by the army after it summoned Durrani on May 28 to explain his position on the controversial book. Justice Kiyani further observed that the petition of Durrani will be decided after the replies by the ministers of interior and defence. He also postponed the hearing until December 3, which meant that Durrani will miss the commitment to attend the November conference.

Pakistan court bars former spy chief from travelling abroad

A top Republican lawmaker has urged the Trump administration to immediately designate Pakistan as a state sponsor of terrorism and terminate its non-NATO ally status, asserting that Islamabad consistently defends Mumbai terror attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed and condemns US' counterterrorism efforts.

Congressman Ted Poe said in the House of Representatives that Pakistan will not receive any financial support from the US if terrorists continue to live safely in the country.

"Now is the day of reckoning. All assistance to Pakistan must end, its Major non-NATO ally status must be terminated, and the State Department should immediately designate it as a state sponsor of terrorism," Poe said last week, according to Congressional records.

In his remarks, the Republican Congressman from Texas slammed Pakistan's Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi for what he described as lecturing the US on aid.

"While I do not oppose open engagement with Pakistan, our position must be clear: Pakistan will not receive a dime of US support if terrorists continue to live safely on their soil," he said.

"For too long the opposite has been the case. Fortunately, President Donald Trump has disrupted the status quo and suspended most of the funding we give to Pakistan, specifically calling them out for their support to terrorism. But more should be done," he said.

Poe said if Qureshi was truly interested in restoring the relationship between the two countries, he would accept responsibility and acknowledge that countless terrorists still live inside Pakistan.

"His country has been the epicenter for extremism for decades, where extremists are still able to hold massive public rallies to incite young men to violence. This isn't conjecture, the evidence is well documented," he asserted.

Poe said Mumbai terror attack mastermind and the founder of the US and UN-designated terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba Hafiz Saeed operated freely in Pakistan.

Despite his role in the 2008 Mumbai attack, Saeed leads public rallies and can raise money for extremists causes, he said.

"Yet, Pakistan, including its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, consistently defends Saeed and condemns US counterterrorism efforts," Poe said.

He said Qureshi even claimed terrorist groups that target Pakistan had safe haven in Afghanistan under the US' watch.

"Yet it is Pakistani officials who somehow claim there is a 'good' Taliban, while the US makes no distinction," he said.

"If the Foreign Minister wanted to earn our trust, his government could demonstrate good faith by taking action. This includes handing over Saeed, the leaders of the

Taliban and Haqqani Network, and banning all extremist groups on its soil. But this is a fantasy," Poe said.

The relations between Pakistan and the US nosedived this January after President Trump accused Islamabad of giving nothing to Washington but "lies and deceit" and providing "safe haven" to terrorists.

The US Congress also passed a bill to slash Pakistan's defence aid to $ 150 million, significantly below the historic level of more than $ one billion per year.

The Trump administration had announced early this year that it was suspending security assistance to Pakistan over differences on Afghanistan.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

A top Republican lawmaker has urged the Trump administration to immediately designate Pakistan as a state sponsor of terrorism and terminate its non-NATO ally status, asserting that Islamabad consistently defends Mumbai terror attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed and condemns US' counterterrorism efforts.

A top Republican lawmaker has urged the Trump administration to immediately designate Pakistan as a state sponsor of terrorism and terminate its non-NATO ally status, asserting that Islamabad consistently defends Mumbai terror attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed and condemns US' counterterrorism efforts. Congressman Ted Poe said in the House of Representatives that Pakistan will not receive any financial support from the US if terrorists continue to live safely in the country. "Now is the day of reckoning. All assistance to Pakistan must end, its Major non-NATO ally status must be terminated, and the State Department should immediately designate it as a state sponsor of terrorism," Poe said last week, according to Congressional records. In his remarks, the Republican Congressman from Texas slammed Pakistan's Foreign Minister Makhdoom Shah Mahmood Qureshi for what he described as lecturing the US on aid. "While I do not oppose open engagement with Pakistan, our position must be clear: Pakistan will not receive a dime of US support if terrorists continue to live safely on their soil," he said. "For too long the opposite has been the case. Fortunately, President Donald Trump has disrupted the status quo and suspended most of the funding we give to Pakistan, specifically calling them out for their support to terrorism. But more should be done," he said. Poe said if Qureshi was truly interested in restoring the relationship between the two countries, he would accept responsibility and acknowledge that countless terrorists still live inside Pakistan. "His country has been the epicenter for extremism for decades, where extremists are still able to hold massive public rallies to incite young men to violence. This isn't conjecture, the evidence is well documented," he asserted. Poe said Mumbai terror attack mastermind and the founder of the US and UN-designated terrorist group Lashkar-e-Taiba Hafiz Saeed operated freely in Pakistan. Despite his role in the 2008 Mumbai attack, Saeed leads public rallies and can raise money for extremists causes, he said. "Yet, Pakistan, including its Ministry of Foreign Affairs, consistently defends Saeed and condemns US counterterrorism efforts," Poe said. He said Qureshi even claimed terrorist groups that target Pakistan had safe haven in Afghanistan under the US' watch. "Yet it is Pakistani officials who somehow claim there is a 'good' Taliban, while the US makes no distinction," he said. "If the Foreign Minister wanted to earn our trust, his government could demonstrate good faith by taking action. This includes handing over Saeed, the leaders of the Taliban and Haqqani Network, and banning all extremist groups on its soil. But this is a fantasy," Poe said. The relations between Pakistan and the US nosedived this January after President Trump accused Islamabad of giving nothing to Washington but "lies and deceit" and providing "safe haven" to terrorists. The US Congress also passed a bill to slash Pakistan's defence aid to $ 150 million, significantly below the historic level of more than $ one billion per year. The Trump administration had announced early this year that it was suspending security assistance to Pakistan over differences on Afghanistan.

US Congressman seeks immediate designation of Pakistan as state sponsor of terrorism

A Chinese mining company has claimed to have successfully test-fired a supersonic missile, touted as a potential competitor to the Indo-Russian joint venture BrahMos missile, according to the Chinese state media.

The test conducted on Monday at a discreet location in North China verified the launch, power and flight control systems, state-run Global Times reported while indicating that Beijing's all-weather ally, Pakistan could be one of its buyers.

All parameters for the supersonic flight of the HD-1 missile achieved their estimated values, it quoted a statement released by Guangdong Hongda Blasting Company located in southern China.

"The test flight shows that the HD-1's core components are now mature, with its aerodynamic design, materials and overall structure already proven viable," Wei Dongxu, a Beijing-based military analyst, told the daily.

Hongda independently invested in and developed the HD-1 missile, the statement said.

Wei said the mining company's move to build and test a supersonic missile is an excellent example of military-civilian integration.

Established in 1988, Hongda is a mining company based in Guangzhou, capital of South China's Guangdong Province that also manufactures blasting and military equipment.

The HD-1's advanced solid fuel ramjet needs less fuel than its competitors, rendering the lighter missile able to fly faster and farther, Wei said.

After governmental approval, Hongda intends to sign deals and mass-produce the HD-1 for export, the report said.

There are not many such supersonic missiles available on the international defence market, Wei said.

Pakistan and Middle Eastern countries are likely to show interest given the weapon's potential to break anti-missile systems at supersonic speeds, he said, claiming that the new missile could be cheaper than the BrahMos.

"The BrahMos missile is a more expensive, less useful supersonic cruise missile developed by India and Russia," Wei claimed.

Hongda will participate in Airshow China 2018 in Zhuhai, South China's Guangdong Province next month, a company spokesperson said.

The HD-1 is a comprehensive weapon system consisting of missile, launch, command and control, target indication and comprehensive support systems, Hongda had said in a separate statement released earlier.

The HD-1 can be adapted to aircraft and ships as well as the basic ground-based vehicle version, the company said.

The total investment in HD-1 is expected to top 1.3 billion yuan (about USD 188 million).

A Chinese mining company has claimed to have successfully test-fired a supersonic missile, touted as a potential competitor to the Indo-Russian joint venture BrahMos missile, according to the Chinese state media.

A Chinese mining company has claimed to have successfully test-fired a supersonic missile, touted as a potential competitor to the Indo-Russian joint venture BrahMos missile, according to the Chinese state media. The test conducted on Monday at a discreet location in North China verified the launch, power and flight control systems, state-run Global Times reported while indicating that Beijing's all-weather ally, Pakistan could be one of its buyers. All parameters for the supersonic flight of the HD-1 missile achieved their estimated values, it quoted a statement released by Guangdong Hongda Blasting Company located in southern China. "The test flight shows that the HD-1's core components are now mature, with its aerodynamic design, materials and overall structure already proven viable," Wei Dongxu, a Beijing-based military analyst, told the daily. Hongda independently invested in and developed the HD-1 missile, the statement said. Wei said the mining company's move to build and test a supersonic missile is an excellent example of military-civilian integration. Established in 1988, Hongda is a mining company based in Guangzhou, capital of South China's Guangdong Province that also manufactures blasting and military equipment. The HD-1's advanced solid fuel ramjet needs less fuel than its competitors, rendering the lighter missile able to fly faster and farther, Wei said. After governmental approval, Hongda intends to sign deals and mass-produce the HD-1 for export, the report said. There are not many such supersonic missiles available on the international defence market, Wei said. Pakistan and Middle Eastern countries are likely to show interest given the weapon's potential to break anti-missile systems at supersonic speeds, he said, claiming that the new missile could be cheaper than the BrahMos. "The BrahMos missile is a more expensive, less useful supersonic cruise missile developed by India and Russia," Wei claimed. Hongda will participate in Airshow China 2018 in Zhuhai, South China's Guangdong Province next month, a company spokesperson said. The HD-1 is a comprehensive weapon system consisting of missile, launch, command and control, target indication and comprehensive support systems, Hongda had said in a separate statement released earlier. The HD-1 can be adapted to aircraft and ships as well as the basic ground-based vehicle version, the company said. The total investment in HD-1 is expected to top 1.3 billion yuan (about USD 188 million).

Pakistan may buy China's supersonic missile that's 'better than' BrahMos: Report

Pakistan on Wednesday informed Iran that it had launched "active" efforts to locate 11 Iranian security personnel, including Revolutionary Guards intelligence officers, who were abducted near the countries' shared border.

The Guards blamed "terrorist groups that are guided and supported by foreign forces" for the abductions on Tuesday on the southeastern border with Pakistan.

Pakistan's foreign ministry said Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi met his Iranian counterpart Javad Zarif in Islamabad and briefed him "about the active efforts launched by the Pakistan law enforcement agencies to ascertain the whereabouts of the missing Iranian guards, in coordination with the Iranian military and intelligence counterparts".

Qureshi blamed the kidnapping on "our common enemies unhappy with the existing close, friendly relations between Pakistan and Iran", the foreign ministry said in a statement.

The group kidnapped was involved in "a security operation" and included two members of the elite Revolutionary Guards intelligence unit and seven Basij militiamen as well as regular border guards, said the Young Journalists' Club (YJC), an Iranian state-owned news website, in an article that was later deleted.

The abduction took place around the Sistan-Baluchistan province, which has long been a flashpoint, with Pakistan-based Baluchi separatists and jihadists carrying out regular cross-border raids against Iranian security posts.

The province has a large, mainly Sunni Muslim ethnic Baluchi community which straddles the border.

Pakistan on Wednesday informed Iran that it had launched "active" efforts to locate 11 Iranian security personnel, including Revolutionary Guards intelligence officers, who were abducted near the countries' shared border.

Pakistan on Wednesday informed Iran that it had launched "active" efforts to locate 11 Iranian security personnel, including Revolutionary Guards intelligence officers, who were abducted near the countries' shared border. The Guards blamed "terrorist groups that are guided and supported by foreign forces" for the abductions on Tuesday on the southeastern border with Pakistan. Pakistan's foreign ministry said Foreign Minister Shah Mahmood Qureshi met his Iranian counterpart Javad Zarif in Islamabad and briefed him "about the active efforts launched by the Pakistan law enforcement agencies to ascertain the whereabouts of the missing Iranian guards, in coordination with the Iranian military and intelligence counterparts". Qureshi blamed the kidnapping on "our common enemies unhappy with the existing close, friendly relations between Pakistan and Iran", the foreign ministry said in a statement. The group kidnapped was involved in "a security operation" and included two members of the elite Revolutionary Guards intelligence unit and seven Basij militiamen as well as regular border guards, said the Young Journalists' Club (YJC), an Iranian state-owned news website, in an article that was later deleted. The abduction took place around the Sistan-Baluchistan province, which has long been a flashpoint, with Pakistan-based Baluchi separatists and jihadists carrying out regular cross-border raids against Iranian security posts. The province has a large, mainly Sunni Muslim ethnic Baluchi community which straddles the border.

Pakistan says 'active' efforts underway to recover Iran troops

Pakistan, who gained a commanding 137-run lead in the first innings, were 144-2 at stumps in their second innings on the second day of the second Test in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday.

Azhar Ali, who scored 54, and Haris Sohail, who made 17, were at the crease as Pakistan stretched their lead to 281 with eight-second innings wickets intact.

Earlier, Mohammad Abbas took five wickets to steer Pakistan into a dominating position in the second Test.&nbsp;

Abbas finished with five for 33 to bowl out Australia for a paltry 145.&nbsp;

With eight wickets in hand Pakistan were in a great position to force a 1-0 lead in the two-match series after the first Test ended in a fighting draw in Dubai last week.

It was once again debutant Fakhar Zaman who lifted Pakistan with a brilliant 66 following up his 94 in the first innings, before giving a return catch to Nathan Lyon.&nbsp;

Zaman hit seven boundaries in an enterprising knock.

Pakistan, who gained a commanding 137-run lead in the first innings, were 144-2 at stumps in their second innings on the second day of the second Test in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday.

Pakistan, who gained a commanding 137-run lead in the first innings, were 144-2 at stumps in their second innings on the second day of the second Test in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday. Azhar Ali, who scored 54, and Haris Sohail, who made 17, were at the crease as Pakistan stretched their lead to 281 with eight-second innings wickets intact. Earlier, Mohammad Abbas took five wickets to steer Pakistan into a dominating position in the second Test. Abbas finished with five for 33 to bowl out Australia for a paltry 145. With eight wickets in hand Pakistan were in a great position to force a 1-0 lead in the two-match series after the first Test ended in a fighting draw in Dubai last week. It was once again debutant Fakhar Zaman who lifted Pakistan with a brilliant 66 following up his 94 in the first innings, before giving a return catch to Nathan Lyon. Zaman hit seven boundaries in an enterprising knock.

2nd Test, Day 2: Pakistan 144-2 at stumps, lead by 281

Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed won the toss and elected to bat first in the second and final test against Australia in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, banking that a cover of grass on the wicket would quickly dry out and leave a featherbed pitch.

Pakistan named two debutants in Fakhar Zaman, who replaces the injured opening batsman Imam-ul-Haq, and left-arm seamer Mir Hamza, who came in for Wahab Riaz after the paceman went wicketless in the drawn first test in Dubai.

Tim Paine`s Australia, bidding to win their first series in Asia since 2011, are unchanged from Dubai, where they dug deep in an epic fourth innings rearguard to save the match.

Despite the green-tinged strip, Paine said he would also have chosen to bat first.

"I think we would have had a bat, but what`s the old saying? If there`s anything there, it will be there in the first hour, I guess," the wicketkeeper said.

"We certainly gained a lot from that second innings in particular (in Dubai), so we`ve got some momentum. Hopefully we can get a couple of early wickets and get right into their middle order."

Teams:

Pakistan - Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Hafeez, Azhar Ali, Haris Sohail, Babar Azam, Asad Shafiq, Sarfraz Ahmed (captain), Mir Hamza, Bilal Asif, Mohammad Abbas, Yasir Shah.

Australia - Usman Khawaja, Aaron Finch, Shaun Marsh, Mitchell Marsh, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschangne, Tim Paine (captain), Mitchell Starc, Peter Siddle, Nathan Lyon, Jon Holland.

Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed won the toss and elected to bat first in the second and final test against Australia in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, banking that a cover of grass on the wicket would quickly dry out and leave a featherbed pitch.

Pakistan captain Sarfraz Ahmed won the toss and elected to bat first in the second and final test against Australia in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday, banking that a cover of grass on the wicket would quickly dry out and leave a featherbed pitch. Pakistan named two debutants in Fakhar Zaman, who replaces the injured opening batsman Imam-ul-Haq, and left-arm seamer Mir Hamza, who came in for Wahab Riaz after the paceman went wicketless in the drawn first test in Dubai. Tim Paine`s Australia, bidding to win their first series in Asia since 2011, are unchanged from Dubai, where they dug deep in an epic fourth innings rearguard to save the match. Despite the green-tinged strip, Paine said he would also have chosen to bat first. "I think we would have had a bat, but what`s the old saying? If there`s anything there, it will be there in the first hour, I guess," the wicketkeeper said. "We certainly gained a lot from that second innings in particular (in Dubai), so we`ve got some momentum. Hopefully we can get a couple of early wickets and get right into their middle order." Teams: Pakistan - Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Hafeez, Azhar Ali, Haris Sohail, Babar Azam, Asad Shafiq, Sarfraz Ahmed (captain), Mir Hamza, Bilal Asif, Mohammad Abbas, Yasir Shah. Australia - Usman Khawaja, Aaron Finch, Shaun Marsh, Mitchell Marsh, Travis Head, Marnus Labuschangne, Tim Paine (captain), Mitchell Starc, Peter Siddle, Nathan Lyon, Jon Holland.

Pakistan opt to bat in second test against Australia

China on Tuesday said there will be more projects planned under the so-called China-Pakistan Economic Corridor or CPEC project amid concerns over Pakistan's rising debt and a bailout move by the global lender IMF.

Cash-strapped Pakistan has approached the International Monetary Fund for a bailout package as it faces a serious economic crisis.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang today said there will be more projects under the US $60 billion CPEC project a day after he said the CPEC debt liabilities were low. He said China-Pakistan ties will make new headway under the new government led by Prime Minister Imran Khan.

"China and Pakistan are all-weather strategic partners. In recent years, our bilateral relations are operating at a high level," Lu said, replying to question about the high-level visits planned between the two countries. "Going forward, we expect more high-level important exchanges and there will be more projects in the CPEC and practical cooperation in various fields," he said.

Khan is expected to visit Beijing on November 3 for talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping and other top leaders.<iframe frameborder="0" height="0" id="google_ads_iframe_/1068322/NDTV_News_ROS_Native_Outstream_0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" name="google_ads_iframe_/1068322/NDTV_News_ROS_Native_Outstream_0" scrolling="no" srcdoc="" title="3rd party ad content" width="100%"></iframe>After the new government took over in Pakistan, China has agreed to extend the CPEC projects to Balochistan province to address criticism that only the dominant Punjab province grabbed most of Chinese investments.

On Monday, while reacting to the move by Pakistan to approach IMF, Lu said China wants an "objective and professional" evaluation of the loans. The measures to be worked out by IMF should not affect the China-Pakistan relations, he said.

An IMF team is scheduled to arrive in Pakistan on November 7 to negotiate the programme, likely to span over a three-year period, Pakistan's Finance Minister Asad Umar said on Sunday after meeting IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde in Indonesia. He said Pakistan's current year debt repayments were about US $9 billion.

Pakistan has already announced plans to reduce a US $8.2 billion railway project between Karachi and Peshawar -- the biggest under the CPEC -- by $2 billion to cut debt burden.

China on Tuesday said there will be more projects planned under the so-called China-Pakistan Economic Corridor or CPEC project amid concerns over Pakistan's rising debt and a bailout move by the global lender IMF.

China on Tuesday said there will be more projects planned under the so-called China-Pakistan Economic Corridor or CPEC project amid concerns over Pakistan's rising debt and a bailout move by the global lender IMF. Cash-strapped Pakistan has approached the International Monetary Fund for a bailout package as it faces a serious economic crisis. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Lu Kang today said there will be more projects under the US $60 billion CPEC project a day after he said the CPEC debt liabilities were low. He said China-Pakistan ties will make new headway under the new government led by Prime Minister Imran Khan. "China and Pakistan are all-weather strategic partners. In recent years, our bilateral relations are operating at a high level," Lu said, replying to question about the high-level visits planned between the two countries. "Going forward, we expect more high-level important exchanges and there will be more projects in the CPEC and practical cooperation in various fields," he said. Khan is expected to visit Beijing on November 3 for talks with Chinese President Xi Jinping and other top leaders.After the new government took over in Pakistan, China has agreed to extend the CPEC projects to Balochistan province to address criticism that only the dominant Punjab province grabbed most of Chinese investments. On Monday, while reacting to the move by Pakistan to approach IMF, Lu said China wants an "objective and professional" evaluation of the loans. The measures to be worked out by IMF should not affect the China-Pakistan relations, he said. An IMF team is scheduled to arrive in Pakistan on November 7 to negotiate the programme, likely to span over a three-year period, Pakistan's Finance Minister Asad Umar said on Sunday after meeting IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde in Indonesia. He said Pakistan's current year debt repayments were about US $9 billion. Pakistan has already announced plans to reduce a US $8.2 billion railway project between Karachi and Peshawar -- the biggest under the CPEC -- by $2 billion to cut debt burden.

As Pakistan negotiates IMF bailout, China says more corridor projects planned

Imran Khan Government's 2nd Phase of Austerity Drive

Since picking up a wrench as one of the first female car mechanics in conservative Pakistan, Uzma Nawaz has faced two common reactions: shock and surprise. And then a bit of respect.

The 24-year-old spent years overcoming entrenched gender stereotypes and financial hurdles en route to earning a mechanical engineering degree and getting a job with an auto repairs garage in the eastern city of Multan.

"I took it up as a challenge against all odds and the meager financial resources of my family," Nawaz told AFP.

"When they see me doing this type of work they are really surprised."

Hailing from the small, impoverished town of Dunyapur in eastern Pakistan's Punjab province, Nawaz relied on scholarships and often skipped meals when she was broke while pursuing her degree.

Her achievements are rare. Women have long struggled for their rights in patriarchal Pakistan, an Islamic republic, and especially in rural areas are often encouraged to marry young and devote themselves entirely to family over career.

"No hardship could break my will and motivation," she says proudly.

The sacrifices cleared the way for steady work at a Toyota dealership in Multan following graduation, she adds.

Just a year into the job, and promoted to general repairs, Nawaz moves with the ease of a seasoned pro around the dealership's garage, removing tyres from raised vehicles, inspecting engines and handling a variety of tools -- a sight that initially jolted some customers.

"I was shocked to see a young girl lifting heavy spare tyres and then putting them back on vehicles after repairs," customer Arshad Ahmad told AFP.

But Nawaz's drive and expertise has impressed colleagues, who say she can more than hold her own.

"Whatever task we give her she does it like a man with hard work and dedication," said coworker M. Attaullah.

She has also convinced some of those who doubted her ability to make it in a male-dominated work environment, including members of her own family.

"There is no need in our society for girls to work at workshops, it doesn't seems nice, but it is her passion," said her father Muhammad Nawaz

"She can now set up the machinery and can work properly. I too am very happy."

Since picking up a wrench as one of the first female car mechanics in conservative Pakistan, Uzma Nawaz has faced two common reactions: shock and surprise. And then a bit of respect.

Since picking up a wrench as one of the first female car mechanics in conservative Pakistan, Uzma Nawaz has faced two common reactions: shock and surprise. And then a bit of respect. The 24-year-old spent years overcoming entrenched gender stereotypes and financial hurdles en route to earning a mechanical engineering degree and getting a job with an auto repairs garage in the eastern city of Multan. "I took it up as a challenge against all odds and the meager financial resources of my family," Nawaz told AFP. "When they see me doing this type of work they are really surprised." Hailing from the small, impoverished town of Dunyapur in eastern Pakistan's Punjab province, Nawaz relied on scholarships and often skipped meals when she was broke while pursuing her degree. Her achievements are rare. Women have long struggled for their rights in patriarchal Pakistan, an Islamic republic, and especially in rural areas are often encouraged to marry young and devote themselves entirely to family over career. "No hardship could break my will and motivation," she says proudly. The sacrifices cleared the way for steady work at a Toyota dealership in Multan following graduation, she adds. Just a year into the job, and promoted to general repairs, Nawaz moves with the ease of a seasoned pro around the dealership's garage, removing tyres from raised vehicles, inspecting engines and handling a variety of tools -- a sight that initially jolted some customers. "I was shocked to see a young girl lifting heavy spare tyres and then putting them back on vehicles after repairs," customer Arshad Ahmad told AFP. But Nawaz's drive and expertise has impressed colleagues, who say she can more than hold her own. "Whatever task we give her she does it like a man with hard work and dedication," said coworker M. Attaullah. She has also convinced some of those who doubted her ability to make it in a male-dominated work environment, including members of her own family. "There is no need in our society for girls to work at workshops, it doesn't seems nice, but it is her passion," said her father Muhammad Nawaz "She can now set up the machinery and can work properly. I too am very happy."

The female car mechanic driving change in patriarchal Pakistan

A special court in Pakistan on Monday ordered the formation of a high-level judicial commission to record Pervez Musharraf's statement in Dubai in a treason case after the former military dictator declined to appear before the court through video conferencing.

General (retd) Musharraf, 75, who has been living in Dubai since March 2016, is facing the treason case for suspending the Constitution in 2007, a punishable offence for which he was indicted in 2014.

A conviction for high treason carries the death penalty or life imprisonment.

The former army chief left for Dubai for medical treatment and has not returned since, citing security and health reasons.

Musharraf's lawyer told a special court bench comprising Justice Yawar Ali, Justice Tahira Safdar and Justice Nazar Akbar that his client was unable to record his statement via video link since he is "indisposed", Dawn news reported.

Justice Ali asked the lawyer whether Musharraf had been diagnosed with cancer, to which he responded that the former president had been diagnosed with heart problems, the report said.

"He says he is not a coward. He wishes to appear before the court himself and present the evidence in his defence," the lawyer said.

"The accused is in a foreign country right now. According to his lawyer, he is very ill," Justice Ali noted.

"Pervez Musharraf's previous record is before us. He is not ready to record a statement via video link," the prosecution lawyer said.

"We are told that Pervez Musharraf cannot appear in court due to his illness. He wishes to record his statement in the treason case," the bench observed.

The court decided to order the formation of the judicial commission that will go to the UAE to record Musharraf's statement in the case.

The members of the commission and its scope will be decided later and if anyone had objections, they could challenge the formation of the commission before the high court, the bench said.

The report said that Musharraf's statement will be recorded in Dubai in accordance with Section 342 of the Code of Criminal Procedure.

The case was adjourned until November 14.

Last week, the Supreme Court Chief told Musharraf that "there are good doctors in Pakistan" and directed him to appear before the apex court to record his statement.

Musharraf, who ruled Pakistan from 1999 to 2008, has been declared a fugitive in the Benazir Bhutto assassination case and the Red Mosque cleric killing case.

A special court in Pakistan on Monday ordered the formation of a high-level judicial commission to record Pervez Musharraf's statement in Dubai in a treason case after the former military dictator declined to appear before the court through video conferencing.

A special court in Pakistan on Monday ordered the formation of a high-level judicial commission to record Pervez Musharraf's statement in Dubai in a treason case after the former military dictator declined to appear before the court through video conferencing. General (retd) Musharraf, 75, who has been living in Dubai since March 2016, is facing the treason case for suspending the Constitution in 2007, a punishable offence for which he was indicted in 2014. A conviction for high treason carries the death penalty or life imprisonment. The former army chief left for Dubai for medical treatment and has not returned since, citing security and health reasons. Musharraf's lawyer told a special court bench comprising Justice Yawar Ali, Justice Tahira Safdar and Justice Nazar Akbar that his client was unable to record his statement via video link since he is "indisposed", Dawn news reported. Justice Ali asked the lawyer whether Musharraf had been diagnosed with cancer, to which he responded that the former president had been diagnosed with heart problems, the report said. "He says he is not a coward. He wishes to appear before the court himself and present the evidence in his defence," the lawyer said. "The accused is in a foreign country right now. According to his lawyer, he is very ill," Justice Ali noted. "Pervez Musharraf's previous record is before us. He is not ready to record a statement via video link," the prosecution lawyer said. "We are told that Pervez Musharraf cannot appear in court due to his illness. He wishes to record his statement in the treason case," the bench observed. The court decided to order the formation of the judicial commission that will go to the UAE to record Musharraf's statement in the case. The members of the commission and its scope will be decided later and if anyone had objections, they could challenge the formation of the commission before the high court, the bench said. The report said that Musharraf's statement will be recorded in Dubai in accordance with Section 342 of the Code of Criminal Procedure. The case was adjourned until November 14. Last week, the Supreme Court Chief told Musharraf that "there are good doctors in Pakistan" and directed him to appear before the apex court to record his statement. Musharraf, who ruled Pakistan from 1999 to 2008, has been declared a fugitive in the Benazir Bhutto assassination case and the Red Mosque cleric killing case.

Pak's high-level panel to record Musharraf's statement in Dubai in treason case

The improved poll performance by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) in the by-elections is "indicative of the times to come," party supremo and ousted prime minister Nawaz Sharif said on Monday.

Speaking to the media outside an accountability court here where he is facing corruption charges, a beaming Sharif said that in the by-polls held on Sunday, "We received more votes than we expected."

Cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) emerged as the single largest party in the July 25 general elections and formed a government with the support of smaller parties and independents.

In the by-elections, Sharif's PML-N managed not only to improve its position in the National Assembly by bagging four NA seats but also extended gains in the Punjab provincial assembly by securing five more seats.

Most of the seats where by-polls were held were been vacated by those elected from more than one seat in the July general elections, including Prime Minister Khan who won in all the five NA constituencies he had contested.

"For the first time in Pakistan's history, we are seeing such a result after a government has been in power for 50 to 60 days," Sharif, 68, who is facing three corruption cases, said.

Stating that despite the current situation, people came out in droves to vote for the PML-N, the three-time former premier said.&nbsp;

"(Former prime minister) Shahid Khaqan Abbasi emerged victorious in the by-election and we even nearly won from the Rawalpindi constituency. The other seats were not ours and we still defeated PTI," he said.

"These results send out a message and are indicative of the times to come," he cautioned Prime Minister Khan.

He also talked about his younger brother and president of the PML-N party Shehbaz Sharif, who was arrested by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on October 5 in a Rs 1,400 crore housing scam case.

Shahbaz, the Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly and former Punjab Chief Minister, was accused by the country's anti-graft body of corruption in the Ashiana Housing case.

Asserting that everyone should pray for the well-being of the country, Nawaz Sharif said, "As prime minister and Punjab chief minister, Shehbaz Sharif and I fulfilled our responsibilities with honesty and this can be cross-checked."

"During our time things were not this expensive and people were happy," he claimed.

Basic items were affordable and the poor were satisfied, he said. "It is owing to the prayers of these satisfied citizens that the PML-N is emerging victorious," he contended.&nbsp;

"All of a sudden everything changed. I was imprisoned and cases are being made against me while Shehbaz has been imprisoned and remanded in the National Accountability Bureau's custody."

"The world knows how cases are being made against Shehbaz and me and everyone has verified this," he said.

"Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and I are facing a treason case, but God willing these times will change," he said.

Polling for the by-election was held in 35 constituencies on Sunday, with 11 seats each of the National and Punjab assemblies, nine of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and two each of the Sindh and Balochistan up for grabs.&nbsp;

Results from the 11 NA constituencies saw Prime Minister Khan's PTI and the PML-N win four seats apiece.

The Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid-e-Azam (PML-Q) retained the two seats that were vacated by Chaudhry Pervez Elahi, while the Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal (MMA) won the NA-35 constituency in Bannu.&nbsp;

The PTI was unable to retain the two seats won by Prime Minister Khan in the general election.

The improved poll performance by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) in the by-elections is "indicative of the times to come," party supremo and ousted prime minister Nawaz Sharif said on Monday.

The improved poll performance by the Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) in the by-elections is "indicative of the times to come," party supremo and ousted prime minister Nawaz Sharif said on Monday. Speaking to the media outside an accountability court here where he is facing corruption charges, a beaming Sharif said that in the by-polls held on Sunday, "We received more votes than we expected." Cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan's Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) emerged as the single largest party in the July 25 general elections and formed a government with the support of smaller parties and independents. In the by-elections, Sharif's PML-N managed not only to improve its position in the National Assembly by bagging four NA seats but also extended gains in the Punjab provincial assembly by securing five more seats. Most of the seats where by-polls were held were been vacated by those elected from more than one seat in the July general elections, including Prime Minister Khan who won in all the five NA constituencies he had contested. "For the first time in Pakistan's history, we are seeing such a result after a government has been in power for 50 to 60 days," Sharif, 68, who is facing three corruption cases, said. Stating that despite the current situation, people came out in droves to vote for the PML-N, the three-time former premier said. "(Former prime minister) Shahid Khaqan Abbasi emerged victorious in the by-election and we even nearly won from the Rawalpindi constituency. The other seats were not ours and we still defeated PTI," he said. "These results send out a message and are indicative of the times to come," he cautioned Prime Minister Khan. He also talked about his younger brother and president of the PML-N party Shehbaz Sharif, who was arrested by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB) on October 5 in a Rs 1,400 crore housing scam case. Shahbaz, the Leader of the Opposition in the National Assembly and former Punjab Chief Minister, was accused by the country's anti-graft body of corruption in the Ashiana Housing case. Asserting that everyone should pray for the well-being of the country, Nawaz Sharif said, "As prime minister and Punjab chief minister, Shehbaz Sharif and I fulfilled our responsibilities with honesty and this can be cross-checked." "During our time things were not this expensive and people were happy," he claimed. Basic items were affordable and the poor were satisfied, he said. "It is owing to the prayers of these satisfied citizens that the PML-N is emerging victorious," he contended. "All of a sudden everything changed. I was imprisoned and cases are being made against me while Shehbaz has been imprisoned and remanded in the National Accountability Bureau's custody." "The world knows how cases are being made against Shehbaz and me and everyone has verified this," he said. "Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and I are facing a treason case, but God willing these times will change," he said. Polling for the by-election was held in 35 constituencies on Sunday, with 11 seats each of the National and Punjab assemblies, nine of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and two each of the Sindh and Balochistan up for grabs. Results from the 11 NA constituencies saw Prime Minister Khan's PTI and the PML-N win four seats apiece. The Pakistan Muslim League-Quaid-e-Azam (PML-Q) retained the two seats that were vacated by Chaudhry Pervez Elahi, while the Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal (MMA) won the NA-35 constituency in Bannu. The PTI was unable to retain the two seats won by Prime Minister Khan in the general election.

By-election results 'indicative of the times to come': Nawaz Sharif

Prime Minister Imran Khan will embark on his first visit to China on November 3 and is expected to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping and other top leaders and discuss ways to boost defence ties as well as the controversy-hit China-Pakistan Economic Corridor projects, according to a media report on Monday.

Prime Minister Khan's visit to China, Pakistan's "all weather" ally, will come ahead of a visit to Islamabad by officials of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for formal discussions on a bailout package for the cash-strapped country.

The IMF delegation is expected to visit Pakistan on November 7, Finance Minister Asad Umar said last week.&nbsp;

The US has said that the debts accrued on the CPEC projects were to blame for Pakistan's current economic crisis. Both China and Pakistan have rejected Washington's statement.

The three-day visit to China will be the cricketer-turned-politician's third foreign trip since assuming office in August.&nbsp;

He went on an official visit to Saudi Arabia and from there to the United Arab Emirates last month.&nbsp;

Prime Minister Khan will reach China on November 3 and is expected to hold talks over economic and defence cooperation as well as the CPEC projects, Geo News reported.

He will also attend the Chinese International Import Expo 2018 in Shanghai on November 5, it said.

Chinese Premier Li Keqiang invited his new Pakistani counterpart when he telephoned Khan to congratulate him on his election victory.

Premier Li said China wishes to work closely with the new Pakistani government and hoped that the CPEC project will be completed on time.

The over US $50 billion CPEC is a network of infrastructure projects that are currently under construction throughout Pakistan that will connect China's Xinjiang province with Gwadar port in Pakistan's Balochistan province.

China has historically come to Pakistan's rescue with economic, political and military assistance and the leadership of the two countries have often described their ties as "all weather".&nbsp;

Prime Minister Imran Khan will embark on his first visit to China on November 3 and is expected to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping and other top leaders and discuss ways to boost defence ties as well as the controversy-hit China-Pakistan Economic Corridor projects, according to a media report on Monday.

Prime Minister Imran Khan will embark on his first visit to China on November 3 and is expected to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping and other top leaders and discuss ways to boost defence ties as well as the controversy-hit China-Pakistan Economic Corridor projects, according to a media report on Monday. Prime Minister Khan's visit to China, Pakistan's "all weather" ally, will come ahead of a visit to Islamabad by officials of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) for formal discussions on a bailout package for the cash-strapped country. The IMF delegation is expected to visit Pakistan on November 7, Finance Minister Asad Umar said last week. The US has said that the debts accrued on the CPEC projects were to blame for Pakistan's current economic crisis. Both China and Pakistan have rejected Washington's statement. The three-day visit to China will be the cricketer-turned-politician's third foreign trip since assuming office in August. He went on an official visit to Saudi Arabia and from there to the United Arab Emirates last month. Prime Minister Khan will reach China on November 3 and is expected to hold talks over economic and defence cooperation as well as the CPEC projects, Geo News reported. He will also attend the Chinese International Import Expo 2018 in Shanghai on November 5, it said. Chinese Premier Li Keqiang invited his new Pakistani counterpart when he telephoned Khan to congratulate him on his election victory. Premier Li said China wishes to work closely with the new Pakistani government and hoped that the CPEC project will be completed on time. The over US $50 billion CPEC is a network of infrastructure projects that are currently under construction throughout Pakistan that will connect China's Xinjiang province with Gwadar port in Pakistan's Balochistan province. China has historically come to Pakistan's rescue with economic, political and military assistance and the leadership of the two countries have often described their ties as "all weather".

Pakistan PM Imran Khan to embark on first visit China from November 3

A day before the model code of conduct came into effect in poll-bound Rajasthan, the BJP-led state government relaxed its policy for allotting residential plots to Pakistani Hindu migrants.&nbsp;

The Urban Development and Housing department had rolled out a policy on allotment of land to Pakistani Hindu migrants in May, and a fresh circular was issued on October 5 to amend it.&nbsp;

Under the amended policy, Hindu migrants from Pakistan would be able purchase land at a concessional rate anywhere in the state.&nbsp;

"The state government will conduct a lottery to allot residential plots. It will benefit 200-250 Pakistani Hindu migrants. Land will be allotted to them after a 25 per cent concession on reserved prices, "Urban Housing and Development (UDH) Minister Srichand Kriplani told PTI.&nbsp;

The department amended the policy after it received several memorandums seeking changes in it.&nbsp;

UDH Joint Secretary Rajendra Singh Shekhawat said the condition that residential plots would be allotted in only those districts where Pakistani Hindu migrants have been living at the time of acquiring citizenship has been relaxed.&nbsp;

The latest amendment allows eligible Pakistani Hindu migrants to apply for purchasing residential plots at concessional rates in any district.&nbsp;

The head of the family will have to cite reasons like close relatives reside in a different district, that the person or his family is engaged in a business in another district or he intends to set up a business there,? reads the circular.

The amendment also enables Pakistani Hindu migrants with Indian citizenship living in Rajasthan for a minimum of two years to apply for residential land.

Hindu Singh Sodha of Seemant Lok Sangathan, an NGO that works among the Pakistani Hindu migrants, said that there are nearly 5 lakh migrants in Rajasthan and around 1 lakh would be able to purchase land at concessional rates.&nbsp;

Rajasthan will go to polls on December 7. The poll code had come into force on October 6.&nbsp;

A day before the model code of conduct came into effect in poll-bound Rajasthan, the BJP-led state government relaxed its policy for allotting residential plots to Pakistani Hindu migrants.

A day before the model code of conduct came into effect in poll-bound Rajasthan, the BJP-led state government relaxed its policy for allotting residential plots to Pakistani Hindu migrants. The Urban Development and Housing department had rolled out a policy on allotment of land to Pakistani Hindu migrants in May, and a fresh circular was issued on October 5 to amend it. Under the amended policy, Hindu migrants from Pakistan would be able purchase land at a concessional rate anywhere in the state. "The state government will conduct a lottery to allot residential plots. It will benefit 200-250 Pakistani Hindu migrants. Land will be allotted to them after a 25 per cent concession on reserved prices, "Urban Housing and Development (UDH) Minister Srichand Kriplani told PTI. The department amended the policy after it received several memorandums seeking changes in it. UDH Joint Secretary Rajendra Singh Shekhawat said the condition that residential plots would be allotted in only those districts where Pakistani Hindu migrants have been living at the time of acquiring citizenship has been relaxed. The latest amendment allows eligible Pakistani Hindu migrants to apply for purchasing residential plots at concessional rates in any district. The head of the family will have to cite reasons like close relatives reside in a different district, that the person or his family is engaged in a business in another district or he intends to set up a business there,? reads the circular. The amendment also enables Pakistani Hindu migrants with Indian citizenship living in Rajasthan for a minimum of two years to apply for residential land. Hindu Singh Sodha of Seemant Lok Sangathan, an NGO that works among the Pakistani Hindu migrants, said that there are nearly 5 lakh migrants in Rajasthan and around 1 lakh would be able to purchase land at concessional rates. Rajasthan will go to polls on December 7. The poll code had come into force on October 6.

Rajasthan govt relaxes land allotment policy for Pak Hindu migrants day before before poll code kicks in

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday vowed to make Pakistan "cleaner than Europe" as he formally launched a campaign aimed at improving sanitary conditions in the country.

Khan planted a sapling and participated in the 'Clean and Green Pakistan' drive at the Model College for Girls in Islamabad, according to Radio Pakistan.

Speaking on the occasion, the prime minister urged the students and youth to lead the campaign as it is connected with the future of the country.

Khan vowed to make the country "cleaner than Europe" in five years.

"For this to happen, we will also have to bring a change in our mindset," he said.

He pointed out that "plantation is imperative to protect the environment and check global warming".

He said Pakistan is the seventh most vulnerable country to global warming. He mentioned that Lahore is among the cities where the pollution level is very high.

Khan claimed his party's government had planted a billion trees in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province.

He said his government has now set a target of planting 10 billion trees across the country which he said will change the weather pattern.

Khan said under the cleanliness drive, sewerage and sanitation systems will be improved not only in cities but also in slums and villages. He said as part of integrated solution, dumping sites would be identified from village to tehsil level for disposal of solid waste.

Khan said the country requires efforts from students to make Pakistan clean and green.

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday vowed to make Pakistan "cleaner than Europe" as he formally launched a campaign aimed at improving sanitary conditions in the country.

Prime Minister Imran Khan on Saturday vowed to make Pakistan "cleaner than Europe" as he formally launched a campaign aimed at improving sanitary conditions in the country. Khan planted a sapling and participated in the 'Clean and Green Pakistan' drive at the Model College for Girls in Islamabad, according to Radio Pakistan. Speaking on the occasion, the prime minister urged the students and youth to lead the campaign as it is connected with the future of the country. Khan vowed to make the country "cleaner than Europe" in five years. "For this to happen, we will also have to bring a change in our mindset," he said. He pointed out that "plantation is imperative to protect the environment and check global warming". He said Pakistan is the seventh most vulnerable country to global warming. He mentioned that Lahore is among the cities where the pollution level is very high. Khan claimed his party's government had planted a billion trees in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. He said his government has now set a target of planting 10 billion trees across the country which he said will change the weather pattern. Khan said under the cleanliness drive, sewerage and sanitation systems will be improved not only in cities but also in slums and villages. He said as part of integrated solution, dumping sites would be identified from village to tehsil level for disposal of solid waste. Khan said the country requires efforts from students to make Pakistan clean and green.

PM Khan vows to make Pakistan 'cleaner than Europe'

From cutting power subsidies to forcing currency devaluations that stoke inflation, the hard choices facing Pakistan as it seeks a bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) pose a major headache for populist new Prime Minister Imran Khan.

Pakistani officials met IMF representatives this week in Bali and formally requested Islamabad's 13th bailout since the late 1980s to give the economy breathing room, while they implement reforms aiming to end decades of boom and bust cycles.

On top of lending the nuclear-armed state billions of dollars to avert another balance of payments crisis, the IMF is this time expected to push Islamabad much harder to enact structural reforms needed to rebalance the economy, and rein in spending that has boosted growth but blown out the government budget.

Talks with the IMF have been launched and managing director Christine Lagarde has already said she would require "absolute transparency" of Pakistan's debts, including those owed to close ally China.

Any reforms prescribed by the IMF would threaten Khan's lofty campaign promises, like his vow to create 10 million jobs and establish an "Islamic welfare state" modelled on the ideas first voiced by the Prophet Mohammad in the holy city of Medina.

Khan was elected in July with the support of many poorer Pakistanis desperate for a change in a nation where the illiteracy rate hovers above 40 per cent, healthcare is shoddy, and joblessness or underemployment rife among the country's 208 million people.

Creating 10 million jobs would require the economy to grow at 8 per cent but that can only be achieved with economic shock therapy that in the short term will smother growth to far below the 5.8 per cent achieved in the year to June, economists say.

"The path to Medina is full of thorns, not roses," said one expert at an international donor agency, who declined to be identified as he is not authorised to speak on the issue.

"To get there, they have to go through these painful measures now."

The IMF predicted this week Pakistan's growth will slow to 4 per cent in 2019 and fall to about 3 per cent in the medium term.

A sharp increase in oil prices - Pakistan imports about 80 per cent of oil needs - has contributed to a current account deficit that widened 43 per cent to $18 billion in the fiscal year that ended June 30. The weakening Pakistan rupee also contributes to a rise in local energy prices.

On Wednesday, Khan blamed the previous government for the economic mess and urged Pakistanis to remain calm.

"I want to tell all of you to stay strong and not to panic. This is a very short period of time which will go away."

'FEND FOR OURSELVES'

As an opposition leader, Khan vowed to never "beg" for money from the IMF and swept to power on an anti-corruption platform that was coupled with a promise to enact badly needed reforms, including widening the nation's taxation net and reforming loss-making state-run enterprises.

But local and foreign investors have welcomed the bailout talks, saying Pakistan's economy needs the IMF's protective blanket because of rising oil prices and emerging markets turmoil. However, they also warned of tougher conditions compared to 2013, when Islamabad was given repeated wavers and avoided harsh reforms after receiving a $6.7 billion IMF loan.

&nbsp;''Better that we enter into a well-structured IMF programme than try to fend for ourselves," the Pakistan Business Council said in a statemen

In a nod to the IMF, which called the rupee "over-valued", Pakistan's central bank on Tuesday carried out its fifth devaluation since December, sending the rupee tumbling 7.5 per cent to take its losses to 26 per cent in the past 10 months. More devaluations are expected.

The bank has also hiked its main interest rate by 275 basis points since January, to 8.5 per cent, and analysts say more rises are on the horizon.

The devaluations have stoked inflation worries and are putting extra pressure on debt servicing, which is a major concern for the new government. Debt service costs are set to account for 35 per cent of the budget in the fiscal year to next June, according to forecasts from the previous government. Officials now expect the debt to GDP ratio to rise above 70 per cent.

"We really have to get out of this debt dependency trap," Muhammad Hammad Azhar, Pakistan's state minister for revenue, told Reuters.

He said the government was considering the possible restructuring of some foreign loans but did not give details.

Khan's government blames many of Pakistan's current economic woes on the previous administration's "strong rupee" policy, which rendered Pakistan's exports uncompetitive. The central bank also burnt through currency reserves defending the rupee.

Reserves have plummeted 41 per cent this year to stand at $8.3 billion, or about 1.6 months of import cover, despite China lending billions of dollars to Islamabad to prop up the currency. &nbsp;

CHINA LOANS

China has made Pakistan a flagship country in its vast Belt and Road infrastructure building programme, pledging about $60 billion in financing for ports, railways and roads. But rising debt levels have caused Islamabad to cut the size of the biggest Belt and Road project by about $2 billion.

US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has said there would be "no rationale" for an IMF bailout of Pakistan that pays off Chinese loans.

Khan's administration had also approached China and Saudi Arabia, Islamabad's other historical ally, for help to prop up the economy but they appear to have balked at coming to Pakistan's rescue on their own.

Though the size of any bailout is not clear, Khan this week suggested Pakistan needs $10-12 billion. On top of the IMF, the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank are expected to lend money, as they did in 2013. China and Saudi Arabia may also contribute.

The IMF last week commended Pakistan for curbing gas and electricity subsidies, raising interest rates and devaluing the currency. But it warned that Islamabad needs to go even further in all those areas.

Pakistani officials say they are braced for tough measures but hope to expand the tax base and raise more revenue rather than rely purely on austerity to patch up a budget deficit which hit 6.6 per cent of GDP in the fiscal year to end June. They also want to help further stimulate exports.&nbsp;

Azhar said Khan's party was elected on a reforms agenda and would push through changes "irrespective of any IMF bailout".

On Wednesday, Khan launched a programme aiming to construct five million homes for the poor, a top campaign promise. But he didn't explain how the government will pay for it.

From cutting power subsidies to forcing currency devaluations that stoke inflation, the hard choices facing Pakistan as it seeks a bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) pose a major headache for populist new Prime Minister Imran Khan.

From cutting power subsidies to forcing currency devaluations that stoke inflation, the hard choices facing Pakistan as it seeks a bailout from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) pose a major headache for populist new Prime Minister Imran Khan. Pakistani officials met IMF representatives this week in Bali and formally requested Islamabad's 13th bailout since the late 1980s to give the economy breathing room, while they implement reforms aiming to end decades of boom and bust cycles. On top of lending the nuclear-armed state billions of dollars to avert another balance of payments crisis, the IMF is this time expected to push Islamabad much harder to enact structural reforms needed to rebalance the economy, and rein in spending that has boosted growth but blown out the government budget. Talks with the IMF have been launched and managing director Christine Lagarde has already said she would require "absolute transparency" of Pakistan's debts, including those owed to close ally China. Any reforms prescribed by the IMF would threaten Khan's lofty campaign promises, like his vow to create 10 million jobs and establish an "Islamic welfare state" modelled on the ideas first voiced by the Prophet Mohammad in the holy city of Medina. Khan was elected in July with the support of many poorer Pakistanis desperate for a change in a nation where the illiteracy rate hovers above 40 per cent, healthcare is shoddy, and joblessness or underemployment rife among the country's 208 million people. Creating 10 million jobs would require the economy to grow at 8 per cent but that can only be achieved with economic shock therapy that in the short term will smother growth to far below the 5.8 per cent achieved in the year to June, economists say. "The path to Medina is full of thorns, not roses," said one expert at an international donor agency, who declined to be identified as he is not authorised to speak on the issue. "To get there, they have to go through these painful measures now." The IMF predicted this week Pakistan's growth will slow to 4 per cent in 2019 and fall to about 3 per cent in the medium term. A sharp increase in oil prices - Pakistan imports about 80 per cent of oil needs - has contributed to a current account deficit that widened 43 per cent to $18 billion in the fiscal year that ended June 30. The weakening Pakistan rupee also contributes to a rise in local energy prices. On Wednesday, Khan blamed the previous government for the economic mess and urged Pakistanis to remain calm. "I want to tell all of you to stay strong and not to panic. This is a very short period of time which will go away." 'FEND FOR OURSELVES' As an opposition leader, Khan vowed to never "beg" for money from the IMF and swept to power on an anti-corruption platform that was coupled with a promise to enact badly needed reforms, including widening the nation's taxation net and reforming loss-making state-run enterprises. But local and foreign investors have welcomed the bailout talks, saying Pakistan's economy needs the IMF's protective blanket because of rising oil prices and emerging markets turmoil. However, they also warned of tougher conditions compared to 2013, when Islamabad was given repeated wavers and avoided harsh reforms after receiving a $6.7 billion IMF loan. ''Better that we enter into a well-structured IMF programme than try to fend for ourselves," the Pakistan Business Council said in a statemen In a nod to the IMF, which called the rupee "over-valued", Pakistan's central bank on Tuesday carried out its fifth devaluation since December, sending the rupee tumbling 7.5 per cent to take its losses to 26 per cent in the past 10 months. More devaluations are expected. The bank has also hiked its main interest rate by 275 basis points since January, to 8.5 per cent, and analysts say more rises are on the horizon. The devaluations have stoked inflation worries and are putting extra pressure on debt servicing, which is a major concern for the new government. Debt service costs are set to account for 35 per cent of the budget in the fiscal year to next June, according to forecasts from the previous government. Officials now expect the debt to GDP ratio to rise above 70 per cent. "We really have to get out of this debt dependency trap," Muhammad Hammad Azhar, Pakistan's state minister for revenue, told Reuters. He said the government was considering the possible restructuring of some foreign loans but did not give details. Khan's government blames many of Pakistan's current economic woes on the previous administration's "strong rupee" policy, which rendered Pakistan's exports uncompetitive. The central bank also burnt through currency reserves defending the rupee. Reserves have plummeted 41 per cent this year to stand at $8.3 billion, or about 1.6 months of import cover, despite China lending billions of dollars to Islamabad to prop up the currency. CHINA LOANS China has made Pakistan a flagship country in its vast Belt and Road infrastructure building programme, pledging about $60 billion in financing for ports, railways and roads. But rising debt levels have caused Islamabad to cut the size of the biggest Belt and Road project by about $2 billion. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has said there would be "no rationale" for an IMF bailout of Pakistan that pays off Chinese loans. Khan's administration had also approached China and Saudi Arabia, Islamabad's other historical ally, for help to prop up the economy but they appear to have balked at coming to Pakistan's rescue on their own. Though the size of any bailout is not clear, Khan this week suggested Pakistan needs $10-12 billion. On top of the IMF, the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank are expected to lend money, as they did in 2013. China and Saudi Arabia may also contribute. The IMF last week commended Pakistan for curbing gas and electricity subsidies, raising interest rates and devaluing the currency. But it warned that Islamabad needs to go even further in all those areas. Pakistani officials say they are braced for tough measures but hope to expand the tax base and raise more revenue rather than rely purely on austerity to patch up a budget deficit which hit 6.6 per cent of GDP in the fiscal year to end June. They also want to help further stimulate exports. Azhar said Khan's party was elected on a reforms agenda and would push through changes "irrespective of any IMF bailout". On Wednesday, Khan launched a programme aiming to construct five million homes for the poor, a top campaign promise. But he didn't explain how the government will pay for it.

As it seeks IMF bailout, hard choices face Pakistan

Pakistan's Supreme Court on Friday rapped the accountability court for its delay to complete the trial of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif and his family in corruption cases and gave a final extension to it to conclude the hearings by November 17.

Three cases were launched against the Sharif family in September 2017 following his disqualification on July 28 the same year.

The Supreme Court had initially given a six-month deadline to the accountability court in Islamabad to wrap up the cases but subsequently extended the period on the demand of the trial court.

So far only one case was decided on July 6, whereas the trial in two cases are still on.&nbsp;

A three-member bench headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar on Friday heard the extension plea of the accountability court judge, Justice Muhammad Arshad Malik.

The apex court accepted the plea and directed that the trial should be completed by November 17.

Remarking that the accountability court judge will be questioned if the trial is not wrapped up during the given time, the apex court said it will not any grant further extension to conclude the trial if the cases are not concluded by the new deadline.&nbsp;

The trial in Al Azizia and Flagship corruption cases are on, while the Avenfield case was already decided.

Sharif, his daughter Maryam and son-in-law Muhammad Safdar were convicted and sentenced to prison for ten years, seven years and one year respectively in the Avenfield verdict.

However, the convictions were suspended by the Islamabad High Court and they were released from Adiala jail last month.&nbsp;

Pakistan's Supreme Court on Friday rapped the accountability court for its delay to complete the trial of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif and his family in corruption cases and gave a final extension to it to conclude the hearings by November 17.

Pakistan's Supreme Court on Friday rapped the accountability court for its delay to complete the trial of former prime minister Nawaz Sharif and his family in corruption cases and gave a final extension to it to conclude the hearings by November 17. Three cases were launched against the Sharif family in September 2017 following his disqualification on July 28 the same year. The Supreme Court had initially given a six-month deadline to the accountability court in Islamabad to wrap up the cases but subsequently extended the period on the demand of the trial court. So far only one case was decided on July 6, whereas the trial in two cases are still on. A three-member bench headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan Mian Saqib Nisar on Friday heard the extension plea of the accountability court judge, Justice Muhammad Arshad Malik. The apex court accepted the plea and directed that the trial should be completed by November 17. Remarking that the accountability court judge will be questioned if the trial is not wrapped up during the given time, the apex court said it will not any grant further extension to conclude the trial if the cases are not concluded by the new deadline. The trial in Al Azizia and Flagship corruption cases are on, while the Avenfield case was already decided. Sharif, his daughter Maryam and son-in-law Muhammad Safdar were convicted and sentenced to prison for ten years, seven years and one year respectively in the Avenfield verdict. However, the convictions were suspended by the Islamabad High Court and they were released from Adiala jail last month.

Pak Supreme Court unhappy with accountability court's delay in concluding graft cases against Sharif family

Your Story: India-Pakistan foreign ministers attend SCO meet

Pakistan is committed to combating terrorism in all its forms and offered to share with member states of the SCO the expertise it gained in fighting the menace, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said Friday.

Addressing a high-level meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) here in the Tajik capital, also attended by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, he said the world was in a "state of flux".

Qureshi said a global architecture for peace, security and development, that treats all sovereign states on the footings of equality and respect was required, Dawn quoted him as saying.

This was the second Council of Heads of Government (CHG) meeting attended by Pakistan after becoming a full member of SCO in June last year, Pakistan's Foreign Office said in a press release.

Qureshi highlighted the importance of the SCO as a vital platform to achieve the objectives of peace, security and stability across Eurasia.

In the context of SCO's Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) he pledged Pakistan's commitment in combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations.&nbsp;

He also offered to the SCO member states the sharing of expertise gained in fighting terrorism, the release said.

In her address, Swaraj told the SCO leaders that "terrorism remains the most overwhelming threat to our common goals of development and prosperity".

As the footprint of terrorism expands, governments must assume their national responsibility and cooperate with each other, she said.&nbsp;

Qureshi also underscored the need of upholding peace in an increasingly tense international environment.&nbsp;

While speaking on the issue of economic development through regional connectivity, Foreign Minister highlighted the importance of the USD 50 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).&nbsp;

The CPEC is the flagship project of the multi-billion dollar Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) aimed at enhancing Beijing's influence around the world through China-funded infrastructure projects.

The Foreign Minister also emphasised on Cooperation among SCO countries in the field of multilateral trade and removal of tariff and non-tariff barriers.

&nbsp;He also supported the initiative of establishment of SCO development bank and development fund.&nbsp;

Qureshi also expressed Pakistan's full support for peace and stability in Afghanistan and assured cooperation for the SCO's initiatives towards this.

Pakistan is committed to combating terrorism in all its forms and offered to share with member states of the SCO the expertise it gained in fighting the menace, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said Friday.

Pakistan is committed to combating terrorism in all its forms and offered to share with member states of the SCO the expertise it gained in fighting the menace, Foreign Minister Shah Mehmood Qureshi said Friday. Addressing a high-level meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) here in the Tajik capital, also attended by External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj, he said the world was in a "state of flux". Qureshi said a global architecture for peace, security and development, that treats all sovereign states on the footings of equality and respect was required, Dawn quoted him as saying. This was the second Council of Heads of Government (CHG) meeting attended by Pakistan after becoming a full member of SCO in June last year, Pakistan's Foreign Office said in a press release. Qureshi highlighted the importance of the SCO as a vital platform to achieve the objectives of peace, security and stability across Eurasia. In the context of SCO's Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure (RATS) he pledged Pakistan's commitment in combating terrorism in all its forms and manifestations. He also offered to the SCO member states the sharing of expertise gained in fighting terrorism, the release said. In her address, Swaraj told the SCO leaders that "terrorism remains the most overwhelming threat to our common goals of development and prosperity". As the footprint of terrorism expands, governments must assume their national responsibility and cooperate with each other, she said. Qureshi also underscored the need of upholding peace in an increasingly tense international environment. While speaking on the issue of economic development through regional connectivity, Foreign Minister highlighted the importance of the USD 50 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The CPEC is the flagship project of the multi-billion dollar Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) aimed at enhancing Beijing's influence around the world through China-funded infrastructure projects. The Foreign Minister also emphasised on Cooperation among SCO countries in the field of multilateral trade and removal of tariff and non-tariff barriers. He also supported the initiative of establishment of SCO development bank and development fund. Qureshi also expressed Pakistan's full support for peace and stability in Afghanistan and assured cooperation for the SCO's initiatives towards this.

Pak committed to root out terrorism: Foreign Minister Qureshi at SCO meeting

The United States has said it will review Pakistan's bailout request to the IMF from all angles, including the country's debt position, as it appeared to have held the huge Chinese debt responsible for it.

"We understand that Pakistan has formally requested assistance from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). In all cases, we examine that closely from all angles of it, including Pakistan's debt position, in evaluating any type of loan programme," State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert told reporters at a news conference Thursday.

This is something the United States has been tracking fairly closely.&nbsp;

"The secretary had spoken about this a few months back, I know, in some interviews not that long ago. I think part of the reason that Pakistan found itself in this situation is Chinese debt, and the fact that there is debt that governments have incurred that they maybe thought wouldn't be so tough to bail themselves out of, but has become increasingly tough," Nauert said in response to a question.

The State Department response on Pakistan's IMF bailout request appeared to be in sync with the statement made by IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde.

Responding to questions on this issue in Bali, Indonesia, Lagarde said she would require absolute transparency on Pakistan's debts, including those owned by China.

"In whatever work we do, we need to have a complete understanding and absolute transparency about the nature, size, and terms of the debt that is bearing on a particular country," she said.

"To really understand the extent and composition of that debt, both in terms of sovereign, in terms of state-owned enterprises and the likes of it, so that we can actually really appreciate and determine the debt sustainability of that country, if and when we consider a programme, Lagarde said.&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

The United States has said it will review Pakistan's bailout request to the IMF from all angles, including the country's debt position, as it appeared to have held the huge Chinese debt responsible for it.

The United States has said it will review Pakistan's bailout request to the IMF from all angles, including the country's debt position, as it appeared to have held the huge Chinese debt responsible for it. "We understand that Pakistan has formally requested assistance from the International Monetary Fund (IMF). In all cases, we examine that closely from all angles of it, including Pakistan's debt position, in evaluating any type of loan programme," State Department spokesperson Heather Nauert told reporters at a news conference Thursday. This is something the United States has been tracking fairly closely. "The secretary had spoken about this a few months back, I know, in some interviews not that long ago. I think part of the reason that Pakistan found itself in this situation is Chinese debt, and the fact that there is debt that governments have incurred that they maybe thought wouldn't be so tough to bail themselves out of, but has become increasingly tough," Nauert said in response to a question. The State Department response on Pakistan's IMF bailout request appeared to be in sync with the statement made by IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde. Responding to questions on this issue in Bali, Indonesia, Lagarde said she would require absolute transparency on Pakistan's debts, including those owned by China. "In whatever work we do, we need to have a complete understanding and absolute transparency about the nature, size, and terms of the debt that is bearing on a particular country," she said. "To really understand the extent and composition of that debt, both in terms of sovereign, in terms of state-owned enterprises and the likes of it, so that we can actually really appreciate and determine the debt sustainability of that country, if and when we consider a programme, Lagarde said.

US will review Pak's bailout application to IMF, including debt position 

With a sharp eye for detail, Bilal Asif carefully labours over his quest for a pointedly unusual world record -- crafting the largest swing ever made from pencils.

Asif combs over his creation inside his studio in the southern megacity of Karachi, fine-tuning details with a razor blade and mulling new decorative additions.

"My main objective was not only to make the pencil swing but I aspired to make it with as much creativity as I could," said the artist.

<img alt="Image source: AFP" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="225a019b-1e91-4fcb-a4ea-e62529e27fcd" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design_0.jpg" />

By January, Asif plans to register his work for the Guinness Book of World Records. He has used up to 30,000 pencils in total, cut into more than 100,000 pieces.

The swing rests on massive posts resembling pencils, while colourful pastel designs give the structure a touch of South Asian flamboyance, drawing striking similarities to the artwork decorating the ubiquitous "jingle trucks" that barrel down roads across Pakistan.

<img alt="Image source: AFP" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="8f29a155-926d-4c31-9434-b2152d6ec896" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%281%29.jpg" />

Striving to break world records is the norm in neighbouring India, which holds a suite of peculiar Guinness plaudits including the largest number of people to sing a national anthem in unison.

But Pakistan, which split from India at independence from Britain in 1947 and has viewed it as an archrival ever since, has yet to match its neighbour's enthusiasm for quirky world record glory.

<img alt="Image source: AFP" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="7ed205cf-37fa-4967-87cb-9c8d82ce71e0" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%282%29.jpg" />

The achievement would cement a goal sketched out since Asif's youth, when he began collecting pencils from all over the world.

"Some people criticise my work but I don't react to them," he said.

<img alt="Image source: AFP" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="0fbac331-6ffc-4af8-a0f3-7b5a059e68eb" src="/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20%283%29.jpg" />

He likes to point out that the swing is not just about breaking records, drawing a line between his art and his quest to promote friendship abroad.

"This is not only a world record but this is a message of peace from the whole Pakistan to the other countries through this art," Asif adds. "This is my aim."

 
&nbsp;

&nbsp;

With a sharp eye for detail, Bilal Asif carefully labours over his quest for a pointedly unusual world record -- crafting the largest swing ever made from pencils.

With a sharp eye for detail, Bilal Asif carefully labours over his quest for a pointedly unusual world record -- crafting the largest swing ever made from pencils. Asif combs over his creation inside his studio in the southern megacity of Karachi, fine-tuning details with a razor blade and mulling new decorative additions. "My main objective was not only to make the pencil swing but I aspired to make it with as much creativity as I could," said the artist. By January, Asif plans to register his work for the Guinness Book of World Records. He has used up to 30,000 pencils in total, cut into more than 100,000 pieces. The swing rests on massive posts resembling pencils, while colourful pastel designs give the structure a touch of South Asian flamboyance, drawing striking similarities to the artwork decorating the ubiquitous "jingle trucks" that barrel down roads across Pakistan. Striving to break world records is the norm in neighbouring India, which holds a suite of peculiar Guinness plaudits including the largest number of people to sing a national anthem in unison. But Pakistan, which split from India at independence from Britain in 1947 and has viewed it as an archrival ever since, has yet to match its neighbour's enthusiasm for quirky world record glory. The achievement would cement a goal sketched out since Asif's youth, when he began collecting pencils from all over the world. "Some people criticise my work but I don't react to them," he said. He likes to point out that the swing is not just about breaking records, drawing a line between his art and his quest to promote friendship abroad. "This is not only a world record but this is a message of peace from the whole Pakistan to the other countries through this art," Asif adds. "This is my aim."

Sharpen up: Pakistani artist aims for Guinness record with largest swing made from pencils

A senior <a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pak-constitutional-body-recommends-removal-of-high-court-judge-over-remarks-against-isi-170946">Pakistani judge</a>, who was in line to become the chief justice of the Islamabad High Court next month, was sacked for his controversial statement that the country's powerful spy agency ISI was manipulating judicial proceedings to get favourable decisions.

The Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) had recommended to remove Justice Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui, who was facing a case of alleged misconduct over his speech targeting the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI).

He was sacked Thursday by Pakistan President Arif Alvi.

Justice Siddiqui while addressing the Rawalpindi District Bar Association on July 21 had alleged that the ISI was manipulating judicial proceedings to constitute panel of judges to get favourable decisions.

"Today the judiciary and media have come in the control of 'Bandookwala' (army). Judiciary is not independent. Even the media is getting directions from the military. The media is not speaking the truth because it is under pressure and has its interests...In different cases, the ISI forms benches of its choice to get desired results," he had said.&nbsp;

The army had asked the chief justice of Pakistan to take the notice of the remarks after IHC chief justice Anwar Kansi rejected the allegations against Siddique.

The matter was referred to the SJC, which is the body to take up complaints against judges of higher courts and also recommend punitive actions including removal from judiciary.

A five-member SJC bench, headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Mian Saqib Nisar, was hearing the case.

The SJC after hearing the case issued its decision on Thursday, asking Prime Minister Imran Khan to remove Siddique as his conduct was unbecoming of a judge.

"The Council is unanimously of the opinion that in the matter of making his speech...Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui, Judge, Islamabad High Court, Islamabad had displayed conduct unbecoming of a judge of High Court and was, thus, guilty of misconduct and he is, therefore, liable to be removed from his office," the panel said.

The 39-page opinion of the SJC was penned by Justice Asif Saeed Khosa.

Later, the law ministry issued a notification that the President has removed Siddiqui as IHC judge in the light of recommendations of the SJC.

Siddiqui's lawyer Hamid Khan said that though there is no provision of appeal against the decision of the SJC but he will take the matter to the Supreme Court.

Siddiqui is the second judge removed by SJC since removal of Justice Shaukat Ali of Lahore High Court in 1973 for corruption.

Most of the judges have opted to tender their resignation to avoid an SJC inquiry. However, Justice Siddiqui opted to face the charges of misconduct. 
The proceeding of the case against judge Ali went on for 10 months.

Interestingly, cases of misconduct against chief justice Nisar and three other judges of Supreme Court have been with the SJC for a long time but no proceeding has taken place. But the case against Siddiqui was decided after preliminary hearing held in-camera.

Siddiqui is the second senior most judge of the IHC and was in line to become chief justice of IHC in November when incumbent Kansi is set to retire.&nbsp;

A senior Pakistani judge, who was in line to become the chief justice of the Islamabad High Court next month, was sacked for his controversial statement that the country's powerful spy agency ISI was manipulating judicial proceedings to get favourable decisions.

A senior Pakistani judge, who was in line to become the chief justice of the Islamabad High Court next month, was sacked for his controversial statement that the country's powerful spy agency ISI was manipulating judicial proceedings to get favourable decisions. The Supreme Judicial Council (SJC) had recommended to remove Justice Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui, who was facing a case of alleged misconduct over his speech targeting the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI). He was sacked Thursday by Pakistan President Arif Alvi. Justice Siddiqui while addressing the Rawalpindi District Bar Association on July 21 had alleged that the ISI was manipulating judicial proceedings to constitute panel of judges to get favourable decisions. "Today the judiciary and media have come in the control of 'Bandookwala' (army). Judiciary is not independent. Even the media is getting directions from the military. The media is not speaking the truth because it is under pressure and has its interests...In different cases, the ISI forms benches of its choice to get desired results," he had said. The army had asked the chief justice of Pakistan to take the notice of the remarks after IHC chief justice Anwar Kansi rejected the allegations against Siddique. The matter was referred to the SJC, which is the body to take up complaints against judges of higher courts and also recommend punitive actions including removal from judiciary. A five-member SJC bench, headed by Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Mian Saqib Nisar, was hearing the case. The SJC after hearing the case issued its decision on Thursday, asking Prime Minister Imran Khan to remove Siddique as his conduct was unbecoming of a judge. "The Council is unanimously of the opinion that in the matter of making his speech...Shaukat Aziz Siddiqui, Judge, Islamabad High Court, Islamabad had displayed conduct unbecoming of a judge of High Court and was, thus, guilty of misconduct and he is, therefore, liable to be removed from his office," the panel said. The 39-page opinion of the SJC was penned by Justice Asif Saeed Khosa. Later, the law ministry issued a notification that the President has removed Siddiqui as IHC judge in the light of recommendations of the SJC. Siddiqui's lawyer Hamid Khan said that though there is no provision of appeal against the decision of the SJC but he will take the matter to the Supreme Court. Siddiqui is the second judge removed by SJC since removal of Justice Shaukat Ali of Lahore High Court in 1973 for corruption. Most of the judges have opted to tender their resignation to avoid an SJC inquiry. However, Justice Siddiqui opted to face the charges of misconduct. The proceeding of the case against judge Ali went on for 10 months. Interestingly, cases of misconduct against chief justice Nisar and three other judges of Supreme Court have been with the SJC for a long time but no proceeding has taken place. But the case against Siddiqui was decided after preliminary hearing held in-camera. Siddiqui is the second senior most judge of the IHC and was in line to become chief justice of IHC in November when incumbent Kansi is set to retire.

Pak High Court judge sacked over remarks against ISI

Sushma Swaraj, Qureshi attend SCO meet

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