Mumbai terror attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed's Jammat-ud-Dawah will contest the July 25 general elections on the platform of Allaha-u-Akbar Tehreek as the group's Milli Muslim League is yet to be registered as a political party, a senior member of the outfit said on Saturday.

Jamaat-ud-Dawah (JuD), a front for the Lashkar-e- Taiba militant group that carried out the deadly 2008 Mumbai attack, launched its political front Milli Muslim League, but it has not been yet registered by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP).

With general elections approaching, the group has decided to contest on the platform of the "dormant" political entity Allaha-u-Akbar Tehreek (AAT), which was registered in the ECP.

"It was a kind of dormant party registered by a citizen Ehsan. There are several such parties registered with the ECP and such an arrangement is made ahead of the general elections if any mainstream party or organisation faces any issue or complication," a member of the JuD told PTI.

"Since the Milli Muslim League (MML) fails to get registered with the ECP it is going for this arrangement (contesting the upcoming polls on AAT platform)," he said.

MML president Saifullah Khalid will make a formal announcement regarding this shortly, he added.

The AAT's election symbol is 'chair'.

"Now the JuD/MML candidates will contest on the 'chair' symbol across the country," the member said.

He said since the MML has hardly any chance to get registered with the ECP as it had announced the election schedule and issued election symbols, it had no other option but to contest the election on any 'dormant' entity like AAT or support the Mutahidda Majlis Amal (MMA), an alliance of mainstream religious parties of the country.

"But Saeed chose to contest independently," he said.

The MML has also confirmed contesting the July 25 election on the 'chair' symbol.

"We have decided to support the candidates of AAT in July 25 elections," MML President Saifullah Khalid told PTI.

"We will play a role in the victory of those contesting on the symbol of chair. To save Pakistan, patriotic people should be supported in the elections," he said.

Khalid said the MML had been denied registration in the ECP for the last 11 months but will take part in the polls by supporting the candidates of AAT.

"Meanwhile we will continue fighting our case (registration of MML) in the court and ECP," he added.

The MML president said over 350 political parties were registered with the ECP but there is objection regarding the MML.

"I ask the MML workers to get ready and make full preparations across the country to make the AAT candidates successful in the upcoming elections. We have to serve humanity and no one can stop us from our political struggle," he said.

Meanwhile, the MML has filed a contempt of court petition in the Islamabad High Court (IHC) against the ECP for using delaying tactics regarding its enlisting as a political party as per law. June 11 is fixed for the case hearing in the IHC.

The court in March had set aside the ECP order declining registration of the MML.

Justice Aamer Farooq of the IHC bench had referred the matter to the ECP, directing the electoral body to pass a speaking order.

The MML had challenged the October 11 order of the ECP declining registration to the MML as a political party allegedly on the behest of the interior ministry.

The interior ministry had opposed enlisting of the MML as a political party arguing it's an offshoot of the Jamaatud Dawa of Hafiz Saeed banned under a UN resolution.

The JuD formed MML at the time when Saeed was detained in Lahore. Saeed and his four aides - Abdullah Ubaid, Malik Zafar Iqbal, Abdul Rehman Abid and Qazi Kashif Hussain - were placed under house arrest in Lahore on January 30 under anti- terrorism act.

The JuD was declared as a foreign terrorist organisation by the US in June 2014. The JuD chief also carries a USD 10 million American bounty on his head for his role in terror activities.&nbsp;

Jamaat-ud-Dawah (JuD), a front for the Lashkar-e- Taiba militant group that carried out the deadly 2008 Mumbai attack, launched its political front Milli Muslim League, but it has not been yet registered by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP)

Mumbai terror attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed's Jammat-ud-Dawah will contest the July 25 general elections on the platform of Allaha-u-Akbar Tehreek as the group's Milli Muslim League is yet to be registered as a political party, a senior member of the outfit said on Saturday. Jamaat-ud-Dawah (JuD), a front for the Lashkar-e- Taiba militant group that carried out the deadly 2008 Mumbai attack, launched its political front Milli Muslim League, but it has not been yet registered by the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP). With general elections approaching, the group has decided to contest on the platform of the "dormant" political entity Allaha-u-Akbar Tehreek (AAT), which was registered in the ECP. "It was a kind of dormant party registered by a citizen Ehsan. There are several such parties registered with the ECP and such an arrangement is made ahead of the general elections if any mainstream party or organisation faces any issue or complication," a member of the JuD told PTI. "Since the Milli Muslim League (MML) fails to get registered with the ECP it is going for this arrangement (contesting the upcoming polls on AAT platform)," he said. MML president Saifullah Khalid will make a formal announcement regarding this shortly, he added. The AAT's election symbol is 'chair'. "Now the JuD/MML candidates will contest on the 'chair' symbol across the country," the member said. He said since the MML has hardly any chance to get registered with the ECP as it had announced the election schedule and issued election symbols, it had no other option but to contest the election on any 'dormant' entity like AAT or support the Mutahidda Majlis Amal (MMA), an alliance of mainstream religious parties of the country. "But Saeed chose to contest independently," he said. The MML has also confirmed contesting the July 25 election on the 'chair' symbol. "We have decided to support the candidates of AAT in July 25 elections," MML President Saifullah Khalid told PTI. "We will play a role in the victory of those contesting on the symbol of chair. To save Pakistan, patriotic people should be supported in the elections," he said. Khalid said the MML had been denied registration in the ECP for the last 11 months but will take part in the polls by supporting the candidates of AAT. "Meanwhile we will continue fighting our case (registration of MML) in the court and ECP," he added. The MML president said over 350 political parties were registered with the ECP but there is objection regarding the MML. "I ask the MML workers to get ready and make full preparations across the country to make the AAT candidates successful in the upcoming elections. We have to serve humanity and no one can stop us from our political struggle," he said. Meanwhile, the MML has filed a contempt of court petition in the Islamabad High Court (IHC) against the ECP for using delaying tactics regarding its enlisting as a political party as per law. June 11 is fixed for the case hearing in the IHC. The court in March had set aside the ECP order declining registration of the MML. Justice Aamer Farooq of the IHC bench had referred the matter to the ECP, directing the electoral body to pass a speaking order. The MML had challenged the October 11 order of the ECP declining registration to the MML as a political party allegedly on the behest of the interior ministry. The interior ministry had opposed enlisting of the MML as a political party arguing it's an offshoot of the Jamaatud Dawa of Hafiz Saeed banned under a UN resolution. The JuD formed MML at the time when Saeed was detained in Lahore. Saeed and his four aides - Abdullah Ubaid, Malik Zafar Iqbal, Abdul Rehman Abid and Qazi Kashif Hussain - were placed under house arrest in Lahore on January 30 under anti- terrorism act. The JuD was declared as a foreign terrorist organisation by the US in June 2014. The JuD chief also carries a USD 10 million American bounty on his head for his role in terror activities.

Hafiz Saeed's JuD to contest Pakistan general elections on AAT platform

Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) founder and exiled leader Altaf Hussain on Saturday announced his resolution to boycott the upcoming 2018 Pakistan General Elections, scheduled to be held on July 25, citing incidents of injustice meted out to the party workers at the hands of the Pakistan Army.

This came after the MQM on Friday announced a conditional boycott of the elections and the application for the same was forwarded to Hussain.

With the announcement of boycott, Hussain also appealed to the Mohajirs and MQM workers to stay at home on the day of polling and not be a part of the election proceedings.

Hussain made this announcement in an address from London. He cited incidents of various state-sponsored injustices like arbitrary arrests and extra-judicial killings of Mohajirs and MQM workers, the embargo against him, and closure of his party headquarters Nine Zero in Karachi as the reasons behind his decision.

He also mentioned that the party offices that have not been destroyed were occupied by the Pakistani military establishment, and in an attempt to eliminate the movement, thousands of MQM workers have been arrested and given life imprisonment.

While accusing the Pakistani military of suppressing the rights of the minority groups including Balochs, Pashtoons, and Mohajirs, Hussain said "MQM on participating in the country`s politics also accounts for the boycott as when the movement is allowed to do politics in Pakistan then how would it be possible for them to appoint candidates."

He also accused the army of assassinating Pakistan`s founder Mohammad Ali Jinnah and conducting atrocities on the women, as he said, "More than 250 women factory workers were kidnapped and had not been returned back to their families.

"Instead of repeated requests put forward by the Mohajirs to look into the incidents of disappearances of women, the Pakistani government, police, media, and the military remained silent on the issue, as claimed by Hussain.

Further, Hussain blamed former Pakistan`s military chief Ayub Khan for sending troops to kill numerous unarmed and innocent Mohajirs, and to rape women.

He then took on the government of former Pakistani president late Zulfikar Ali Bhutto for massacring Mohajirs and imposing biased quota system to suppress the minority and support the Sindhi community.

For the time being, Pakistan is governed by an interim government headed by former Pakistan Chief Justice Nasir-ul-Mulk.

Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) founder and exiled leader Altaf Hussain on Saturday announced his resolution to boycott the upcoming 2018 Pakistan General Elections, scheduled to be held on July 25, citing incidents of injustice meted out to the party workers at the hands of the Pakistan Army

Muttahida Qaumi Movement (MQM) founder and exiled leader Altaf Hussain on Saturday announced his resolution to boycott the upcoming 2018 Pakistan General Elections, scheduled to be held on July 25, citing incidents of injustice meted out to the party workers at the hands of the Pakistan Army. This came after the MQM on Friday announced a conditional boycott of the elections and the application for the same was forwarded to Hussain. With the announcement of boycott, Hussain also appealed to the Mohajirs and MQM workers to stay at home on the day of polling and not be a part of the election proceedings. Hussain made this announcement in an address from London. He cited incidents of various state-sponsored injustices like arbitrary arrests and extra-judicial killings of Mohajirs and MQM workers, the embargo against him, and closure of his party headquarters Nine Zero in Karachi as the reasons behind his decision. He also mentioned that the party offices that have not been destroyed were occupied by the Pakistani military establishment, and in an attempt to eliminate the movement, thousands of MQM workers have been arrested and given life imprisonment. While accusing the Pakistani military of suppressing the rights of the minority groups including Balochs, Pashtoons, and Mohajirs, Hussain said "MQM on participating in the country`s politics also accounts for the boycott as when the movement is allowed to do politics in Pakistan then how would it be possible for them to appoint candidates." He also accused the army of assassinating Pakistan`s founder Mohammad Ali Jinnah and conducting atrocities on the women, as he said, "More than 250 women factory workers were kidnapped and had not been returned back to their families. "Instead of repeated requests put forward by the Mohajirs to look into the incidents of disappearances of women, the Pakistani government, police, media, and the military remained silent on the issue, as claimed by Hussain. Further, Hussain blamed former Pakistan`s military chief Ayub Khan for sending troops to kill numerous unarmed and innocent Mohajirs, and to rape women. He then took on the government of former Pakistani president late Zulfikar Ali Bhutto for massacring Mohajirs and imposing biased quota system to suppress the minority and support the Sindhi community. For the time being, Pakistan is governed by an interim government headed by former Pakistan Chief Justice Nasir-ul-Mulk.

MQM will boycott Pakistan's 2018 elections, confirms exiled leader Altaf Hussain

India’s largest travelling film festival - Jagran Film Festival, which is in its 9th&nbsp;edition this year,&nbsp;has received movie entries across 116 countries.

The festival has received a total of 3,080 movie entries so far, wherein 967 are from India, 249 from Iran, 243 from the United States, 123 from Spain, 118 from Brazil, 118 from France and 107 from Turkey.&nbsp;

Besides these countries, other participating countries include - Pakistan, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Mexico, Belgium, Poland, Malaysia and many more.

Scheduled to be inaugurated in New Delhi from&nbsp;June 29th, 2018, the festival invites film entries from filmmakers across several categories.&nbsp;

All the films in the competition sections would be previewed by the pre-selection panels comprising of filmmakers and film critics.&nbsp;

This panel includes names like Shivani Pandey, Sujata Shiven, Vinod Kapoor, Manjula Shirodkar, Sanjay Dattani and Sharad Dutt.

The festival will begin in New Delhi in June this year and will continue to tour in Kanpur, Lucknow, Allahabad, Varanasi, Patna, Dehradun, Ranchi, Jamshedpur, Bhopal, Indore, Gorakhpur, Agra, Ludhiana, Hissar, Meerut, Raipur before concluding in Mumbai in&nbsp;September 2018.

9th edition Jagran Film Festival has incessantly carried the ‘Cinematic Culture’ from metro cities to smaller cities thereby spreading and promoting the appreciation of the cinematic art at the grass root level.&nbsp;

<img alt="ko.jpg" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="430" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/ko.jpg" width="770" />

<img alt="Untitled design_4.jpg" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="430" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/Untitled%20design_4.jpg" width="770" />

<img alt="ju_0.jpg" data-entity-type="" data-entity-uuid="" height="430" src="http://images.wionews.com/iniline-images/ju_0.jpg" width="770" />

The festival has already received a total of 3,080 movie entries from around the world

India’s largest travelling film festival - Jagran Film Festival, which is in its 9th edition this year, has received movie entries across 116 countries. The festival has received a total of 3,080 movie entries so far, wherein 967 are from India, 249 from Iran, 243 from the United States, 123 from Spain, 118 from Brazil, 118 from France and 107 from Turkey. Besides these countries, other participating countries include - Pakistan, United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Mexico, Belgium, Poland, Malaysia and many more. Scheduled to be inaugurated in New Delhi from June 29th, 2018, the festival invites film entries from filmmakers across several categories. All the films in the competition sections would be previewed by the pre-selection panels comprising of filmmakers and film critics. This panel includes names like Shivani Pandey, Sujata Shiven, Vinod Kapoor, Manjula Shirodkar, Sanjay Dattani and Sharad Dutt. The festival will begin in New Delhi in June this year and will continue to tour in Kanpur, Lucknow, Allahabad, Varanasi, Patna, Dehradun, Ranchi, Jamshedpur, Bhopal, Indore, Gorakhpur, Agra, Ludhiana, Hissar, Meerut, Raipur before concluding in Mumbai in September 2018. 9th edition Jagran Film Festival has incessantly carried the ‘Cinematic Culture’ from metro cities to smaller cities thereby spreading and promoting the appreciation of the cinematic art at the grass root level.

India’s largest travelling film festival, Jagran to kickstart in June this year

<a href="http://wionews.com/south-asia/our-diplomatic-contact-with-the-us-is-almost-next-to-none-pak-foreign-minister-141433">Our diplomatic contact with the US is almost next to none: Pak foreign minister</a>

The minister blamed the US's failure to win the war in Afghanistan for being responsible for the deteriorating relations with the US.

&nbsp;

<a href="http://wionews.com/india-news/entertainment-sanju-trailer-did-you-spot-arshad-warsi-in-one-of-the-frames-141437">'Sanju' trailer: Did you spot Arshad Warsi in one of the frames?</a>

The film also boasts of gamut of Bollywood actors who play some very important roles.

&nbsp;

<a href="http://wionews.com/south-asia/positive-developments-with-india-on-granting-market-access-pakistan-141435">Positive developments with India on granting market access: Pakistan</a>

Khurram Dastagir Khan hoped for a new vigour in ties with India after the upcoming general election in Pakistan.

<h1>&nbsp;</h1>

<a href="http://wionews.com/sports/real-madrid-boss-zinedine-zidane-steps-down-as-manager-141338">Football: Zinedine Zidane steps down as Real Madrid manager</a>

After winning the competition, there were rumours over the exit of two players Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale.

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<a href="http://wionews.com/business-&-economy/india-fastest-growing-economy-now-with-77-per-cent-gdp-growth-rate-141360">India fastest growing economy now with 7.7 </a><a href="http://wionews.com/business-&-economy/india-fastest-growing-economy-now-with-77-per-cent-gdp-growth-rate-141360">per cent</a><a href="http://wionews.com/business-&-economy/india-fastest-growing-economy-now-with-77-per-cent-gdp-growth-rate-141360"> GDP growth rate</a>

http://wionews.com/business-&-economy/india-fastest-growing-economy-now-with-77-per-cent-gdp-growth-rate-141360

The minister blamed the US's failure to win the war in Afghanistan for being responsible for the deteriorating relations with the US.

Our diplomatic contact with the US is almost next to none: Pak foreign minister The minister blamed the US's failure to win the war in Afghanistan for being responsible for the deteriorating relations with the US. 'Sanju' trailer: Did you spot Arshad Warsi in one of the frames? The film also boasts of gamut of Bollywood actors who play some very important roles. Positive developments with India on granting market access: Pakistan Khurram Dastagir Khan hoped for a new vigour in ties with India after the upcoming general election in Pakistan. Football: Zinedine Zidane steps down as Real Madrid manager After winning the competition, there were rumours over the exit of two players Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale. India fastest growing economy now with 7.7 per cent GDP growth rate http://wionews.com/business-&-economy/india-fastest-growing-economy-now-with-77-per-cent-gdp-growth-rate-141360

Top-5 news stories of the day

Intensifying allegations of military interference threaten to cast a shadow over Pakistan's general election on July 25, a historic event that will mark only the country's second ever democratic transition of power.

On Friday the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party handed over to a technocratic caretaker administration after completing a full five-year term, another democratic milestone.

But as campaigning begins, tensions between the civilian politicians and the powerful military, which has ruled for about half of Pakistan's history since independence in 1947, are running high.

Four PML-N lawmakers told Reuters they had received threats and pressure to switch allegiance to rival parties, while newspapers are awash with accusations of military "engineering" and journalists and media houses complain of growing censorship.

"It is a chipping away. It's behind the scenes, under the covers, below the radar," PML-N's outgoing Privatisation Minister Daniyal Aziz told Reuters, using typically coded language to hint at meddling by the generals without naming them.

The military, which strongly denies interfering in politics, did not respond to a Reuters request for comment.

The political tensions come at a time of growing economic instability in the nuclear-armed nation of 208 million people. Islamabad's rapidly depleting currency reserves and a widening current account deficit have prompted many analysts to predict the next government will need to seek the country's second International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout since 2013.

PML-N founder Nawaz Sharif was ousted by the Supreme Court as prime minister in July and now faces corruption charges, events he has described as "pre-poll rigging" aimed at denying his party another term. He has cast the campaign as a battle to protect the "sanctity of the vote".

&nbsp

ANTI-CORRUPTION PLATFORM

PML-N's main challenge is expected to come from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party led by cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan, who is betting his anti-corruption message will propel him to power.

Khan has denied the generals have thrown their weight behind PTI, and accuses Sharif of hiding behind such allegations to avoid accountability.

In a statement, the PTI this week said: "Any deliberate or unconscious effort to compromise the sanctity of ballot could cause irreparable damage to national interests".

But analysts and Western diplomats who spoke to Reuters said the military was squeezing PML-N ahead of polls.

"This kind of interference has always been there, but this time it is so naked that everyone is seeing it and everyone is talking about it," said Ijaz Khan, a retired international relations professor at Peshawar University.&nbsp

A "Pre-Election Assessment Report" published this week by an independent think-tank, Pakistan Institute of Legislative Development and Transparency (PILDAT), deemed the pre-poll process to have been "unfair overall" in the 12 months before the election was called last week.

PILDAT said "surreptitious muzzling" of the media, a rise in bias from the military establishment and a "perceived partisanship in judicial and political accountability have nearly eroded the prospects of a free and fair election in 2018".

Pakistan's biggest TV channel, Geo, went off air for several weeks in April and only returned after its executives struck a deal with the military over their coverage of Sharif, two executives told Reuters.

Distribution of Dawn, the biggest English-language newspaper in the country, has been suspended from some military cantonment areas in several cities, a senior Dawn executive told Reuters. Many prominent columnists have put out statements about their work being censored, often by their own editors.

&nbsp

MENACING PHONE CALLS

A frequent complaint by Sharif, whose second term as prime minister was ended by a bloodless army coup in 1999, is that PML-N lawmakers are being intimidated.

Four PML-N lawmakers from the Punjab province described to Reuters a similar pattern of strange calls and visits from unknown men who would pretend to be well-wishers, but then make clear to them it would be in their interest to ditch Sharif.

None of the lawmakers wished to be identified. One recounted a recent, seemingly random, encounter with a man claiming to be a supporter that ended with the well-wisher telling him: "Your boss is a traitor. Traitors have no future in this country".

Three of the lawmakers are sticking with PML-N but one has defected to PTI. All four said they believed the calls were from intelligence agents, though they did not have any proof. Reuters could not independently corroborate the events they described.

In the last few months at least 15 National Assembly PML-N lawmakers have left the party, mostly to join PTI. PML-N officials say most were politicians who won their seats as independents in 2013 and joined PML-N afterwards.

Khan has dismissed PML-N accusations the lawmakers were pressured into switching sides, but predicted in a recent meeting with foreign media that many more would follow. He believes such defections will be vital to gaining a foothold in Punjab, long a PML-N stronghold that returns 141 of the 272 directly contested seats in the National Assembly.

&nbsp

IN THE DOCK

Several senior PML-N figures are currently facing court cases after a flurry of charges against them.

Among them, Sharif could be jailed for 14 years before the polls in a corruption trial he calls a "witch hunt", while Aziz, the former privatisation minister, is facing contempt of court charges that could bar him from standing in the election.

The judiciary has denied targeting, or favouring, any political party, and rejects allegations from PML-N of collusion with the military to weaken the party.

The Election Commision of Pakistan's code of conduct for the pre-poll campaign period is shaping up to be the next battleground.

Proposed new rules would prohibit anyone from criticising the military and the judiciary, while also banning politicians from talking about what they have achieved in government.

With PML-N's electoral campaign built around touting mega infrastructure projects and defending civilian rule, the party is no doubt who this would hurt the most.

On Friday the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party handed over to a technocratic caretaker administration after completing a full five-year term, another democratic milestone

Intensifying allegations of military interference threaten to cast a shadow over Pakistan's general election on July 25, a historic event that will mark only the country's second ever democratic transition of power. On Friday the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party handed over to a technocratic caretaker administration after completing a full five-year term, another democratic milestone. But as campaigning begins, tensions between the civilian politicians and the powerful military, which has ruled for about half of Pakistan's history since independence in 1947, are running high. Four PML-N lawmakers told Reuters they had received threats and pressure to switch allegiance to rival parties, while newspapers are awash with accusations of military "engineering" and journalists and media houses complain of growing censorship. "It is a chipping away. It's behind the scenes, under the covers, below the radar," PML-N's outgoing Privatisation Minister Daniyal Aziz told Reuters, using typically coded language to hint at meddling by the generals without naming them. The military, which strongly denies interfering in politics, did not respond to a Reuters request for comment. The political tensions come at a time of growing economic instability in the nuclear-armed nation of 208 million people. Islamabad's rapidly depleting currency reserves and a widening current account deficit have prompted many analysts to predict the next government will need to seek the country's second International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout since 2013. PML-N founder Nawaz Sharif was ousted by the Supreme Court as prime minister in July and now faces corruption charges, events he has described as "pre-poll rigging" aimed at denying his party another term. He has cast the campaign as a battle to protect the "sanctity of the vote". ANTI-CORRUPTION PLATFORM PML-N's main challenge is expected to come from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party led by cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan, who is betting his anti-corruption message will propel him to power. Khan has denied the generals have thrown their weight behind PTI, and accuses Sharif of hiding behind such allegations to avoid accountability. In a statement, the PTI this week said: "Any deliberate or unconscious effort to compromise the sanctity of ballot could cause irreparable damage to national interests". But analysts and Western diplomats who spoke to Reuters said the military was squeezing PML-N ahead of polls. "This kind of interference has always been there, but this time it is so naked that everyone is seeing it and everyone is talking about it," said Ijaz Khan, a retired international relations professor at Peshawar University. A "Pre-Election Assessment Report" published this week by an independent think-tank, Pakistan Institute of Legislative Development and Transparency (PILDAT), deemed the pre-poll process to have been "unfair overall" in the 12 months before the election was called last week. PILDAT said "surreptitious muzzling" of the media, a rise in bias from the military establishment and a "perceived partisanship in judicial and political accountability have nearly eroded the prospects of a free and fair election in 2018". Pakistan's biggest TV channel, Geo, went off air for several weeks in April and only returned after its executives struck a deal with the military over their coverage of Sharif, two executives told Reuters. Distribution of Dawn, the biggest English-language newspaper in the country, has been suspended from some military cantonment areas in several cities, a senior Dawn executive told Reuters. Many prominent columnists have put out statements about their work being censored, often by their own editors. MENACING PHONE CALLS A frequent complaint by Sharif, whose second term as prime minister was ended by a bloodless army coup in 1999, is that PML-N lawmakers are being intimidated. Four PML-N lawmakers from the Punjab province described to Reuters a similar pattern of strange calls and visits from unknown men who would pretend to be well-wishers, but then make clear to them it would be in their interest to ditch Sharif. None of the lawmakers wished to be identified. One recounted a recent, seemingly random, encounter with a man claiming to be a supporter that ended with the well-wisher telling him: "Your boss is a traitor. Traitors have no future in this country". Three of the lawmakers are sticking with PML-N but one has defected to PTI. All four said they believed the calls were from intelligence agents, though they did not have any proof. Reuters could not independently corroborate the events they described. In the last few months at least 15 National Assembly PML-N lawmakers have left the party, mostly to join PTI. PML-N officials say most were politicians who won their seats as independents in 2013 and joined PML-N afterwards. Khan has dismissed PML-N accusations the lawmakers were pressured into switching sides, but predicted in a recent meeting with foreign media that many more would follow. He believes such defections will be vital to gaining a foothold in Punjab, long a PML-N stronghold that returns 141 of the 272 directly contested seats in the National Assembly. IN THE DOCK Several senior PML-N figures are currently facing court cases after a flurry of charges against them. Among them, Sharif could be jailed for 14 years before the polls in a corruption trial he calls a "witch hunt", while Aziz, the former privatisation minister, is facing contempt of court charges that could bar him from standing in the election. The judiciary has denied targeting, or favouring, any political party, and rejects allegations from PML-N of collusion with the military to weaken the party. The Election Commision of Pakistan's code of conduct for the pre-poll campaign period is shaping up to be the next battleground. Proposed new rules would prohibit anyone from criticising the military and the judiciary, while also banning politicians from talking about what they have achieved in government. With PML-N's electoral campaign built around touting mega infrastructure projects and defending civilian rule, the party is no doubt who this would hurt the most.

Election to test Pakistan democracy amid allegations of military meddling

Intensifying allegations of military interference threaten to cast a shadow over Pakistan's general election on July 25, a historic event that will mark only the country's second ever democratic transition of power.

On Friday the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party handed over to a technocratic caretaker administration after completing a full five-year term, another democratic milestone.

But as campaigning begins, tensions between the civilian politicians and the powerful military, which has ruled for about half of Pakistan's history since independence in 1947, are running high.

Four PML-N lawmakers told Reuters they had received threats and pressure to switch allegiance to rival parties, while newspapers are awash with accusations of military "engineering" and journalists and media houses complain of growing censorship.

"It is a chipping away. It's behind the scenes, under the covers, below the radar," PML-N's outgoing Privatisation Minister Daniyal Aziz told Reuters, using typically coded language to hint at meddling by the generals without naming them.

The military, which strongly denies interfering in politics, did not respond to a Reuters request for comment.

The political tensions come at a time of growing economic instability in the nuclear-armed nation of 208 million people. Islamabad's rapidly depleting currency reserves and a widening current account deficit have prompted many analysts to predict the next government will need to seek the country's second International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout since 2013.

PML-N founder Nawaz Sharif was ousted by the Supreme Court as prime minister in July and now faces corruption charges, events he has described as "pre-poll rigging" aimed at denying his party another term. He has cast the campaign as a battle to protect the "sanctity of the vote".

ANTI-CORRUPTION PLATFORM

PML-N's main challenge is expected to come from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party led by cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan, who is betting his anti-corruption message will propel him to power.

Khan has denied the generals have thrown their weight behind PTI, and accuses Sharif of hiding behind such allegations to avoid accountability.

Also read: <a href="Pak court allows ex-foreign minister Khawaja Asif to contest elections">Pak court allows ex-foreign minister Khawaja Asif to contest elections</a>

In a statement, the PTI this week said: "Any deliberate or unconscious effort to compromise the sanctity of ballot could cause irreparable damage to national interests".

But analysts and Western diplomats who spoke to Reuters said the military was squeezing PML-N ahead of polls.

"This kind of interference has always been there, but this time it is so naked that everyone is seeing it and everyone is talking about it," said Ijaz Khan, a retired international relations professor at Peshawar University.&nbsp

A "Pre-Election Assessment Report" published this week by an independent think-tank, Pakistan Institute of Legislative Development and Transparency (PILDAT), deemed the pre-poll process to have been "unfair overall" in the 12 months before the election was called last week.

PILDAT said "surreptitious muzzling" of the media, a rise in bias from the military establishment and a "perceived partisanship in judicial and political accountability have nearly eroded the prospects of a free and fair election in 2018".

Pakistan's biggest TV channel, Geo, went off air for several weeks in April and only returned after its executives struck a deal with the military over their coverage of Sharif, two executives told Reuters.

Distribution of Dawn, the biggest English-language newspaper in the country, has been suspended from some military cantonment areas in several cities, a senior Dawn executive told Reuters. Many prominent columnists have put out statements about their work being censored, often by their own editors.

MENACING PHONE CALLS

A frequent complaint by Sharif, whose second term as prime minister was ended by a bloodless army coup in 1999, is that PML-N lawmakers are being intimidated.

Four PML-N lawmakers from the Punjab province described to Reuters a similar pattern of strange calls and visits from unknown men who would pretend to be well-wishers, but then make clear to them it would be in their interest to ditch Sharif.

None of the lawmakers wished to be identified. One recounted a recent, seemingly random, encounter with a man claiming to be a supporter that ended with the well-wisher telling him: "Your boss is a traitor. Traitors have no future in this country".

Three of the lawmakers are sticking with PML-N but one has defected to PTI. All four said they believed the calls were from intelligence agents, though they did not have any proof. Reuters could not independently corroborate the events they described.

In the last few months at least 15 National Assembly PML-N lawmakers have left the party, mostly to join PTI. PML-N officials say most were politicians who won their seats as independents in 2013 and joined PML-N afterwards.

Khan has dismissed PML-N accusations the lawmakers were pressured into switching sides, but predicted in a recent meeting with foreign media that many more would follow. He believes such defections will be vital to gaining a foothold in Punjab, long a PML-N stronghold that returns 141 of the 272 directly contested seats in the National Assembly.

IN THE DOCK

Several senior PML-N figures are currently facing court cases after a flurry of charges against them.

Among them, Sharif could be jailed for 14 years before the polls in a corruption trial he calls a "witch hunt", while Aziz, the former privatisation minister, is facing contempt of court charges that could bar him from standing in the election.

The judiciary has denied targeting, or favouring, any political party, and rejects allegations from PML-N of collusion with the military to weaken the party.

The Election Commision of Pakistan's code of conduct for the pre-poll campaign period is shaping up to be the next battleground.

Proposed new rules would prohibit anyone from criticising the military and the judiciary, while also banning politicians from talking about what they have achieved in government.

With PML-N's electoral campaign built around touting mega infrastructure projects and defending civilian rule, the party is no doubt who this would hurt the most.

Newspapers are awash with accusations of military 'engineering' and journalists and media houses complain of growing censorship. The elections are scheduled to take place on June 25

Intensifying allegations of military interference threaten to cast a shadow over Pakistan's general election on July 25, a historic event that will mark only the country's second ever democratic transition of power. On Friday the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PML-N) party handed over to a technocratic caretaker administration after completing a full five-year term, another democratic milestone. But as campaigning begins, tensions between the civilian politicians and the powerful military, which has ruled for about half of Pakistan's history since independence in 1947, are running high. Four PML-N lawmakers told Reuters they had received threats and pressure to switch allegiance to rival parties, while newspapers are awash with accusations of military "engineering" and journalists and media houses complain of growing censorship. "It is a chipping away. It's behind the scenes, under the covers, below the radar," PML-N's outgoing Privatisation Minister Daniyal Aziz told Reuters, using typically coded language to hint at meddling by the generals without naming them. The military, which strongly denies interfering in politics, did not respond to a Reuters request for comment. The political tensions come at a time of growing economic instability in the nuclear-armed nation of 208 million people. Islamabad's rapidly depleting currency reserves and a widening current account deficit have prompted many analysts to predict the next government will need to seek the country's second International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout since 2013. PML-N founder Nawaz Sharif was ousted by the Supreme Court as prime minister in July and now faces corruption charges, events he has described as "pre-poll rigging" aimed at denying his party another term. He has cast the campaign as a battle to protect the "sanctity of the vote". ANTI-CORRUPTION PLATFORM PML-N's main challenge is expected to come from the Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party led by cricketer-turned-politician Imran Khan, who is betting his anti-corruption message will propel him to power. Khan has denied the generals have thrown their weight behind PTI, and accuses Sharif of hiding behind such allegations to avoid accountability. Also read: Pak court allows ex-foreign minister Khawaja Asif to contest elections In a statement, the PTI this week said: "Any deliberate or unconscious effort to compromise the sanctity of ballot could cause irreparable damage to national interests". But analysts and Western diplomats who spoke to Reuters said the military was squeezing PML-N ahead of polls. "This kind of interference has always been there, but this time it is so naked that everyone is seeing it and everyone is talking about it," said Ijaz Khan, a retired international relations professor at Peshawar University. A "Pre-Election Assessment Report" published this week by an independent think-tank, Pakistan Institute of Legislative Development and Transparency (PILDAT), deemed the pre-poll process to have been "unfair overall" in the 12 months before the election was called last week. PILDAT said "surreptitious muzzling" of the media, a rise in bias from the military establishment and a "perceived partisanship in judicial and political accountability have nearly eroded the prospects of a free and fair election in 2018". Pakistan's biggest TV channel, Geo, went off air for several weeks in April and only returned after its executives struck a deal with the military over their coverage of Sharif, two executives told Reuters. Distribution of Dawn, the biggest English-language newspaper in the country, has been suspended from some military cantonment areas in several cities, a senior Dawn executive told Reuters. Many prominent columnists have put out statements about their work being censored, often by their own editors. MENACING PHONE CALLS A frequent complaint by Sharif, whose second term as prime minister was ended by a bloodless army coup in 1999, is that PML-N lawmakers are being intimidated. Four PML-N lawmakers from the Punjab province described to Reuters a similar pattern of strange calls and visits from unknown men who would pretend to be well-wishers, but then make clear to them it would be in their interest to ditch Sharif. None of the lawmakers wished to be identified. One recounted a recent, seemingly random, encounter with a man claiming to be a supporter that ended with the well-wisher telling him: "Your boss is a traitor. Traitors have no future in this country". Three of the lawmakers are sticking with PML-N but one has defected to PTI. All four said they believed the calls were from intelligence agents, though they did not have any proof. Reuters could not independently corroborate the events they described. In the last few months at least 15 National Assembly PML-N lawmakers have left the party, mostly to join PTI. PML-N officials say most were politicians who won their seats as independents in 2013 and joined PML-N afterwards. Khan has dismissed PML-N accusations the lawmakers were pressured into switching sides, but predicted in a recent meeting with foreign media that many more would follow. He believes such defections will be vital to gaining a foothold in Punjab, long a PML-N stronghold that returns 141 of the 272 directly contested seats in the National Assembly. IN THE DOCK Several senior PML-N figures are currently facing court cases after a flurry of charges against them. Among them, Sharif could be jailed for 14 years before the polls in a corruption trial he calls a "witch hunt", while Aziz, the former privatisation minister, is facing contempt of court charges that could bar him from standing in the election. The judiciary has denied targeting, or favouring, any political party, and rejects allegations from PML-N of collusion with the military to weaken the party. The Election Commision of Pakistan's code of conduct for the pre-poll campaign period is shaping up to be the next battleground. Proposed new rules would prohibit anyone from criticising the military and the judiciary, while also banning politicians from talking about what they have achieved in government. With PML-N's electoral campaign built around touting mega infrastructure projects and defending civilian rule, the party is no doubt who this would hurt the most.

Allegations of Army interference cast shadow over Pakistan general election

Pakistan's outgoing defence and foreign minister said today that positive developments had been made in giving India non-discriminatory market access (NDMA) on the pattern of most-favoured nation status but the decision was delayed due to the regional situation.

Khurram Dastagir Khan was addressing the media in the Foreign Office here on the last day of the current PML-N government. He was asked about reports on giving India MFN status.

"Negotiations were ongoing to grant India non-discriminatory market access (NDMA). In this regard, we had many positive developments. But in view of the developments in the region, it was decided that this would be dealt with at a time more congenial and appropriate for the two countries," he said.

He said the Indian leadership after the election of Prime Minister Narendra Modi started issuing "aggressive statements and postures against Pakistan" but Pakistan in reaction followed a measured approach to provocations.

"We believe that regional connectivity and enhanced regional cooperation is the panacea for all ills facing our region," he said, adding "Pakistan faces Indian aggressive posture on the LoC and WB with equal and proportionate equanimity".

He hoped for a new vigour in ties with India after the upcoming general election in Pakistan.

"With a new government in Pakistan in less than three months, and one to form in India next year, we hope that a fresh vigour and mandate will be brought to the relations between both countries," he said. 
At one point the minister said that Pakistan adopted "a future oriented approach" with India but "our gestures were not reciprocated".

"In return, we have received negativity and aggression from India, with no dialogue at any level. We really hope that the new governments in both Pakistan and India are able to instill a fresh impetus in the relations between both the countries," he said.

He, however also warned India over continued firing across the Line of Control.

"If India has an assessment that it can pressurise Pakistan by deliberately heating up the LoC and the WB (working boundary), they are mistaken. We are vigilant at our physical, as well as ideological and diplomatic borders and are fully prepared to defend and safeguard them," he said.

"A large number of population in the South Asian region lives below the poverty line. Therefore, it is very important that economic and regional connectivity takes place, as other regions have managed to do so. But there has been no reciprocity so far from the Indian side," he said.

The minister also welcomed the statement after the recent Indo-Pak DGMOs meeting to restore the 2003 ceasefire agreement.

"The agreement recently reached by the DGMOs is a welcome development. This is the same 2003 agreement that both sides have pledged to honour and uphold. With this, a working level understanding on ground has been established," he said.&nbsp;

Khan welcomed the statement after the recent Indo-Pak DGMOs meeting to restore the 2003 ceasefire agreement.

Pakistan's outgoing defence and foreign minister said today that positive developments had been made in giving India non-discriminatory market access (NDMA) on the pattern of most-favoured nation status but the decision was delayed due to the regional situation. Khurram Dastagir Khan was addressing the media in the Foreign Office here on the last day of the current PML-N government. He was asked about reports on giving India MFN status. "Negotiations were ongoing to grant India non-discriminatory market access (NDMA). In this regard, we had many positive developments. But in view of the developments in the region, it was decided that this would be dealt with at a time more congenial and appropriate for the two countries," he said. He said the Indian leadership after the election of Prime Minister Narendra Modi started issuing "aggressive statements and postures against Pakistan" but Pakistan in reaction followed a measured approach to provocations. "We believe that regional connectivity and enhanced regional cooperation is the panacea for all ills facing our region," he said, adding "Pakistan faces Indian aggressive posture on the LoC and WB with equal and proportionate equanimity". He hoped for a new vigour in ties with India after the upcoming general election in Pakistan. "With a new government in Pakistan in less than three months, and one to form in India next year, we hope that a fresh vigour and mandate will be brought to the relations between both countries," he said. At one point the minister said that Pakistan adopted "a future oriented approach" with India but "our gestures were not reciprocated". "In return, we have received negativity and aggression from India, with no dialogue at any level. We really hope that the new governments in both Pakistan and India are able to instill a fresh impetus in the relations between both the countries," he said. He, however also warned India over continued firing across the Line of Control. "If India has an assessment that it can pressurise Pakistan by deliberately heating up the LoC and the WB (working boundary), they are mistaken. We are vigilant at our physical, as well as ideological and diplomatic borders and are fully prepared to defend and safeguard them," he said. "A large number of population in the South Asian region lives below the poverty line. Therefore, it is very important that economic and regional connectivity takes place, as other regions have managed to do so. But there has been no reciprocity so far from the Indian side," he said. The minister also welcomed the statement after the recent Indo-Pak DGMOs meeting to restore the 2003 ceasefire agreement. "The agreement recently reached by the DGMOs is a welcome development. This is the same 2003 agreement that both sides have pledged to honour and uphold. With this, a working level understanding on ground has been established," he said.

Positive developments with India on granting market access: Pakistan

England reduced Pakistan to 68 for the loss of four wickets at lunch on the opening day of the second and final Test on Friday.&nbsp

Stuart Broad and Chris Woakes took two wickets each as changed their strategy for the game and bowled full-lengths. In a terrific opening spell, Broad removed Imam-ul-Haq (0), who edged to Joe Root at third slip, and Azhar Ali (2), who was trapped lbw, to leave Pakistan 17-2.

Woakes was the first change after 14 penetrating overs from Broad and James Anderson, and the recalled allrounder enticed edges from Haris Sohail (28) and Asad Shafiq (27) to the slip cordon.

Having won the toss, Pakistan was struggling to deal with England's swing movement under grey skies.&nbspDebutant Usman Salahuddin, in for injured batsman Babar Azam, was 3 not out and Sarfraz Ahmed was unbeaten on 6.

Broad had figures of 2-23 off nine overs, while Woakes had 2-17 off six overs.

Needing a victory to avoid a third straight series loss, England was without star all-rounder Ben Stokes because of a hamstring injury sustained in training on Wednesday.&nbsp

Sam Curran, a 19-year-old left-arm swing bowler, earned his first cap as a replacement.

Stuart Broad and Chris Woakes took two wickets

England reduced Pakistan to 68 for the loss of four wickets at lunch on the opening day of the second and final Test on Friday. Stuart Broad and Chris Woakes took two wickets each as changed their strategy for the game and bowled full-lengths. In a terrific opening spell, Broad removed Imam-ul-Haq (0), who edged to Joe Root at third slip, and Azhar Ali (2), who was trapped lbw, to leave Pakistan 17-2. Woakes was the first change after 14 penetrating overs from Broad and James Anderson, and the recalled allrounder enticed edges from Haris Sohail (28) and Asad Shafiq (27) to the slip cordon. Having won the toss, Pakistan was struggling to deal with England's swing movement under grey skies.&nbspDebutant Usman Salahuddin, in for injured batsman Babar Azam, was 3 not out and Sarfraz Ahmed was unbeaten on 6. Broad had figures of 2-23 off nine overs, while Woakes had 2-17 off six overs. Needing a victory to avoid a third straight series loss, England was without star all-rounder Ben Stokes because of a hamstring injury sustained in training on Wednesday. Sam Curran, a 19-year-old left-arm swing bowler, earned his first cap as a replacement.

2nd Test: Pakistan limp to 68-4 against England at lunch

Pakistan's outgoing defence and foreign minister Khurram Dastagir Khan said relations with the US are going through a difficult phase but it is not at the lowest.

"I don't think that our relations with the US are at the lowest ebb. The lowest was in 2011 post-Osama bin Laden, Raymond Davis and the Salalah incidents," &nbsp;Khurram said at a press conference.

The minister blamed the US's failure to win the war in Afghanistan for being responsible for the deteriorating relations with the US. Khan said the Pakistan economy had incurred a loss of $1 trillion and lost several thousand soldiers in its fight against terrorists but there was no end in sight.

Khan said: "They(the US) are bound to pin their failures in Afghanistan on someone else and Pakistan is an easy target for them."

Khan said the&nbsp;lack of communication and mistrust was mainly because the working-level dialogue was not being carried out at the "leadership level" even though high-level meetings were taking place, most recently between Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and US Vice President Mike Pence.&nbsp;

"This desire to remain engaged has dwindled during the Trump administration, which is why our diplomatic contact and dialogue with the current US administration is almost next to none, he said.&nbsp;

Khan said the US had used sanctions as a means to "pressure Pakistan" but the government "tried not to overreact".

"We want continuous and sustainable dialogue at all levels of interaction with the US side," the outgoing foreign minister said.

<iframe allow="autoplay encrypted-media" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/W6W3He0OV9I" width="560"></iframe>

Pakistan's outgoing defence and foreign minister Khurram Dastagir Khan said relations with the US are going through a difficult phase but it is not at the lowest. "I don't think that our relations with the US are at the lowest ebb. The lowest was in 2011 post-Osama bin Laden, Raymond Davis and the Salalah incidents," Khurram said at a press conference. The minister blamed the US's failure to win the war in Afghanistan for being responsible for the deteriorating relations with the US. Khan said the Pakistan economy had incurred a loss of $1 trillion and lost several thousand soldiers in its fight against terrorists but there was no end in sight. Khan said: "They(the US) are bound to pin their failures in Afghanistan on someone else and Pakistan is an easy target for them." Khan said the lack of communication and mistrust was mainly because the working-level dialogue was not being carried out at the "leadership level" even though high-level meetings were taking place, most recently between Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi and US Vice President Mike Pence. "This desire to remain engaged has dwindled during the Trump administration, which is why our diplomatic contact and dialogue with the current US administration is almost next to none, he said. Khan said the US had used sanctions as a means to "pressure Pakistan" but the government "tried not to overreact". "We want continuous and sustainable dialogue at all levels of interaction with the US side," the outgoing foreign minister said.

Our diplomatic contact with the US is almost next to none: Pak foreign minister

Pakistan President Mamnoon Hussain today signed a landmark constitutional amendment bill to merge restive tribal region along the Afghan border with the northwestern province of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, bringing an end to the 150-year-old British-era arrangement.

The bill was passed by the National Assembly, the Senate and KP Assembly before being sent to the president for formal approval.

After signing the bill, the president congratulated the people of the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Geo TV reported.

The bill amends several Articles of the Constitution including Article 1 that defines the territory of Pakistani federation.

The law was signed on the last day of the present government as its five-year tenure will end at midnight.&nbsp;

President Hussain congratulated the people of FATA and said the merger would open up an era of prosperity and development for its people and help them progress in all spheres of life.&nbsp;

He said the nation needed to work together to fully benefit from this historic opportunity.

Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi who played a key role in bringing consensus to pass the amendment in the National Assembly had said that it will "change the 150-year-old system in the tribal areas." 
 
The Head of the FATA Reforms Committee Sartaj Aziz said following the constitutional amendment the people of the federally administered tribal areas were now mainstreamed and would enjoy equal rights like other citizens of the country.

He said all the agencies of FATA would now convert into districts and the assistant political agents would now serve as deputy commissioners.&nbsp;

He said Rs 1 trillion would be spent on the development of the area over a period of next ten years. Of the total amount, 25 per cent would be spent through the local bodies for the development of infrastructure in health, education, roads, communications and other projects.&nbsp;

The amendment abolished more than century old and the draconian law called Frontiers Crimes Regulation which prescribed collective responsibility of family and tribe for crimes committed by a single individual.

The semi-autonomous tribal region was created by British colonizer as a buffer zone to avoid direct conflict with Afghanistan.

It consists of seven districts - Bajaur, Khyber, Kurram, Mohmand, North Waziristan, Orakzai and South Waziristan - which stretch along the border with Afghanistan, and became known in the world due to the presence of militants who fled the porous border after US forces invaded Afghanistan post-9/11.

These seven districts are home to some eight million residents, mainly ethnic Pashtuns.

Pakistan forces launched repeated military operation to clear the area of rebels and dismantle their hideouts which were used to launch attack in the country and Afghanistan.

&nbsp;

The bill was passed by the National Assembly, the Senate and KP Assembly before being sent to the president for formal approval.

Pakistan President Mamnoon Hussain today signed a landmark constitutional amendment bill to merge restive tribal region along the Afghan border with the northwestern province of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, bringing an end to the 150-year-old British-era arrangement. The bill was passed by the National Assembly, the Senate and KP Assembly before being sent to the president for formal approval. After signing the bill, the president congratulated the people of the Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) and Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, Geo TV reported. The bill amends several Articles of the Constitution including Article 1 that defines the territory of Pakistani federation. The law was signed on the last day of the present government as its five-year tenure will end at midnight. President Hussain congratulated the people of FATA and said the merger would open up an era of prosperity and development for its people and help them progress in all spheres of life. He said the nation needed to work together to fully benefit from this historic opportunity. Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi who played a key role in bringing consensus to pass the amendment in the National Assembly had said that it will "change the 150-year-old system in the tribal areas." The Head of the FATA Reforms Committee Sartaj Aziz said following the constitutional amendment the people of the federally administered tribal areas were now mainstreamed and would enjoy equal rights like other citizens of the country. He said all the agencies of FATA would now convert into districts and the assistant political agents would now serve as deputy commissioners. He said Rs 1 trillion would be spent on the development of the area over a period of next ten years. Of the total amount, 25 per cent would be spent through the local bodies for the development of infrastructure in health, education, roads, communications and other projects. The amendment abolished more than century old and the draconian law called Frontiers Crimes Regulation which prescribed collective responsibility of family and tribe for crimes committed by a single individual. The semi-autonomous tribal region was created by British colonizer as a buffer zone to avoid direct conflict with Afghanistan. It consists of seven districts - Bajaur, Khyber, Kurram, Mohmand, North Waziristan, Orakzai and South Waziristan - which stretch along the border with Afghanistan, and became known in the world due to the presence of militants who fled the porous border after US forces invaded Afghanistan post-9/11. These seven districts are home to some eight million residents, mainly ethnic Pashtuns. Pakistan forces launched repeated military operation to clear the area of rebels and dismantle their hideouts which were used to launch attack in the country and Afghanistan.

Pakistan's tribal areas merges with Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa after constitutional amendment bill

Pakistan's former chief justice Nasirul Mulk will take over as the country’s caretaker PM on June 1 for less than two months, leading up to the elections on July 25. 
&nbsp; 
Mulk was born on August 17, 1950 in Mingora, Swat, in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. He worked as lawyer and judge for several years before his appointment as the 22nd Chief Justice of Pakistan in 2014.&nbsp; 
&nbsp; 
Mulk, 68, served as chief justice of Pakistan's Supreme Court for just over a year in 2014 he holds a reputation for being politically neutral. 
&nbsp; 
Mulk studied law from the United Kingdom and was selected after six weeks of consultations between Prime Minister Shaid Abbasi and Opposition leader Syed Khurshid Ahmed Shah. 
&nbsp; 
Mulk resigned as the head of the country's supirior judiciary after 13 month in 2015. During this time he gave four historical judgments, which was hailed by the media in Pakistan for strengthening democracy in the country. 
&nbsp; 
He was also head of the judicial commission which probed allegations made by Imran Khan’s Pakisan Tehreek-i-Insaaf (PTI) party that 2013 elections were rigged. He is also remembered for the way he conducted a contempt case against former prime minister Yousuf Raza Gilani. 
&nbsp; 
The now-retired Mulk practised as an advocate for more than 17 years until his elevation as a judge of the Peshawar High Court. He was later made the chief justice of the court and later his elevated to the Supreme Court. 
&nbsp; 
Justice Mulk is one of the seven judges who signed a restraining order on Nov 3, 2007, when retired Gen Pervez Musharraf imposed emergency and forcibly sent the judges home. 
&nbsp; 
The nomination of Justice Nasirul Mulk has understandably been hailed by all segments of the society throughout the country. He is popular for upholding rule of law and the Constitution. 
&nbsp; 
The role is largely ceremonial with caretaker governments constitutionally given limited decision-making power on major policy issues. 
&nbsp; 
Mulk’s primary responsibility now is to hold elections on time, and to ensure the day-to-day affairs of government continues unhindered.

Mulk was born on August 17, 1950 in Mingora, Swat, in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. He worked as lawyer and judge for several years before his appointment as the 22nd Chief Justice of Pakistan in 2014

Pakistan's former chief justice Nasirul Mulk will take over as the country’s caretaker PM on June 1 for less than two months, leading up to the elections on July 25. Mulk was born on August 17, 1950 in Mingora, Swat, in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province. He worked as lawyer and judge for several years before his appointment as the 22nd Chief Justice of Pakistan in 2014. Mulk, 68, served as chief justice of Pakistan's Supreme Court for just over a year in 2014 he holds a reputation for being politically neutral. Mulk studied law from the United Kingdom and was selected after six weeks of consultations between Prime Minister Shaid Abbasi and Opposition leader Syed Khurshid Ahmed Shah. Mulk resigned as the head of the country's supirior judiciary after 13 month in 2015. During this time he gave four historical judgments, which was hailed by the media in Pakistan for strengthening democracy in the country. He was also head of the judicial commission which probed allegations made by Imran Khan’s Pakisan Tehreek-i-Insaaf (PTI) party that 2013 elections were rigged. He is also remembered for the way he conducted a contempt case against former prime minister Yousuf Raza Gilani. The now-retired Mulk practised as an advocate for more than 17 years until his elevation as a judge of the Peshawar High Court. He was later made the chief justice of the court and later his elevated to the Supreme Court. Justice Mulk is one of the seven judges who signed a restraining order on Nov 3, 2007, when retired Gen Pervez Musharraf imposed emergency and forcibly sent the judges home. The nomination of Justice Nasirul Mulk has understandably been hailed by all segments of the society throughout the country. He is popular for upholding rule of law and the Constitution. The role is largely ceremonial with caretaker governments constitutionally given limited decision-making power on major policy issues. Mulk’s primary responsibility now is to hold elections on time, and to ensure the day-to-day affairs of government continues unhindered.

Nasirul Mulk to take over as Pakistan's caretaker PM on June 1

The Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA) on Thursday welcomed the reactivation of dialogue with the Indian Coast Guard (ICG).

A PMSA delegation was on an official visit to India to hold talks with their Indian counterparts on maritime issues of mutual importance.

The PMSA delegation was led by its Director General, Rear Admiral Zaka Ur Rehman. The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) team was led by its Director General Rajendra Singh.

Rear Admiral Zaka Ur Rehman said that both sides have agreed to take steps to ease the sufferings of fishermen, particularly those who cross the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) inadvertently.

Both sides called for enhanced cooperation with regard to responses to pollution and natural calamities.

Rear Admiral Zaka Ur Rehman also visited the Pakistan High Commission during his stay in New Delhi.

The last meeting between the PMSA and the Indian Coast Guard took place in Islamabad in July 2016.&nbsp

A PMSA delegation was on an official visit to India to hold talks with their Indian counterparts on maritime issues of mutual importance

The Pakistan Maritime Security Agency (PMSA) on Thursday welcomed the reactivation of dialogue with the Indian Coast Guard (ICG). A PMSA delegation was on an official visit to India to hold talks with their Indian counterparts on maritime issues of mutual importance. The PMSA delegation was led by its Director General, Rear Admiral Zaka Ur Rehman. The Indian Coast Guard (ICG) team was led by its Director General Rajendra Singh. Rear Admiral Zaka Ur Rehman said that both sides have agreed to take steps to ease the sufferings of fishermen, particularly those who cross the International Maritime Boundary Line (IMBL) inadvertently. Both sides called for enhanced cooperation with regard to responses to pollution and natural calamities. Rear Admiral Zaka Ur Rehman also visited the Pakistan High Commission during his stay in New Delhi. The last meeting between the PMSA and the Indian Coast Guard took place in Islamabad in July 2016.

Pakistan, India coast guards welcome reactivation of dialogue

The newsbreak of Indian and Pakistani Director General Military Operations (DGMOs) agreeing to "fully implement the 2003 ceasefire understanding in letter and spirit", through a special hotline talk comes as a pleasant surprise to affected population, more so after Indian Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj indicated that dialogue and terror cannot go together a day earlier.

The idea of resolving issues through hotline and flag meeting is not new and has failed many times in past, however, it may give a temporary relief to the affected innocent people on the borders/Line of Control, till Pakistan releases the existing temporary international pressure on it, to abrogate ceasefire again.

Why is Pakistan talking about peace?

It was well known to the entire global community that most of the terrorist organisations are based in Pakistan, and several reports have claimed that they are sponsored by Pakistani Army and ISI. The pressure, however, started building on them only after it fell out of step with US for not taking adequate actions against the Haqqani network and al-Qaeda. The list of UN declared global terrorists expanded, and US President Donald Trump declared new South Asia policy putting them under financial and diplomatic pressure.

Pakistan temporarily sought China's help in withstanding the US pressure, but Beijing too not very happy with refueling of ETIM operating in Xinjiang by Pakistani militants, is carrying on with them due to heavy investment in CPEC, and with a condition that their men working on the project will be protected. During the BRICS Summit, China too reluctantly agreed to name LeT and JeM as terror groups. China, under international pressure of supporting radicalised Pakistan, felt the heat when the threat of Financial action Task Force (FATF) declaring it grey/black became evident. China has understood that CPEC cannot progress unless Pakistan sees some sense in peace and takes some concrete measures to showcase it. The biggest problem is that if Pakistan is declared grey/black by FATF in June then most of the investors for CPEC, including Chinese enterprises, may back out of the project. Despite Chinese denial, a possibility of them having advised Pakistan army to see sense is a reasonable possibility, otherwise expecting Pakistan army chief indicating to talk peace, and rumors of Chinese advice to move Hafiz Saeed to West Asia, cannot be without a pressure. Pakistan on the other hand finds the political cost of shifting Saeed too heavy and continues to try to give him back door entry into politics with LeT fully aligned to Pakistan Army and ISI.

Why Pakistan's adherence to ceasefire and peace is 'too good to be true'?

The peace between India and Pakistan is unfortunately marred with an inseparable historic baggage of animosity, military coups and resultant instability which continues even now. The 1971 war, besides dividing Pakistan and leading to creation of Bangladesh, resulted in 90,000 prisoners of war for the victorious Indian Army. Pakistan army could never forget it, and keeps trying to wipe this scar. Today the same generation of military is not in power, but the thought to avenge professional shame is alive with their military.

President Zia's 'Islamic Republic of Pakistan' became breeding ground for Islamic terrorism. With Taliban and Wahhabism on the rise, Pakistan witnessed a change in psyche and ideology through madrassas. Kashmir is an obvious target to avenge. The ethnic cleansing of people of Balochistan and Pashtuns makes Pakistan further unstable. Due to internal instability, Pakistan army could project itself as the only option available to protect their country against India hence they justify holding the reins of power. Their influence and relevance is due to 'Indian threat' and a 'boiling Kashmir valley'.

Pakkistan's former President Pervez Musharraf further nurtured militants, used them in proxy wars as 'strategic assets' and this reality has not changed. In this backdrop, every effort for peace is expected to fail. With Pakistan giving a ruling about Gilgit-Baltistan which is a sovereign territory of India, I do not see any peacefulness in Indo-Pak relations in near future.

Did Non Initiation of Combat Operations (NICO) have any impact on ceasefire?

The ideas like ceasefire and declaration of NICO were tried earlier in the year 2000, but failed. Pakistan neither reciprocated the gesture nor promised to hold fire. In fact they started the trans-border firing on the first day of Ramzan. It was expected that with development and 'Embracing Kashmiris' by suspending combat operations during Ramzan will alienate the population against militants trying to disturb peace. In the present declaration, the deployment and intelligence grid of security forces is not being disturbed, but they can take retaliatory action, only if militants fire at them. The fact that declaration was rejected by terrorist groups, who intend to continue their actions during the holy month of Ramzan, as well as separatist groups enjoying state protection, means that it is waiting to fail, as their narrative has been written by Pakistan. Let me analyse the possibilities under the present model of NICO:

<ul>
	<li>The expectation of peace through NICO is a misconception, because the militants, especially Pakistanis cause innumerable atrocities on innocent people of Kashmir, but no one lodges complaint/FIR against them, as they know that the entire family will be wiped out. Abu Dujana is a case in point.</li>
	<li>The militants can move freely, kill some informers and terrorise the rest, as they know that security forces cannot do anything till they actually fire at them. Terrorists are free to extort, launder money and muster enough funds for subsequent operations. They can carry out recruitment of young boys into their outfit by luring them or terrorising their parents.</li>
</ul>

How should India respond to changing realities?

As there are no easy answers for a lasting peace between India and Pakistan, India cannot afford to put its guard down on account of ceasefire. India should not be talking to Pakistan unless it shuns proxy war. India needs to declare a well thought state policy on the subject, because any wavering of stance can be construed as a weakness. War with Pakistan is not a worthwhile economical option, but India can look at overt and covert options against militants. While India expects the entire world to declare Pakistan a terror state, it is yet to scrap the 'Most Favored Nation' status accorded to it. India should also take up the issue of Balochistan in all world forums along with terrorism brewing in Pakistan. India needs to use the leverage of water sharing also with Pakistan. Internally, the decision makers need to have an honest intention to resolve it. The allurement of vote bank politics has to be subordinated to national interest.

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

The peace between India and Pakistan is unfortunately marred with an inseparable historic baggage of animosity, military coups and resultant instability which continues even now.

The newsbreak of Indian and Pakistani Director General Military Operations (DGMOs) agreeing to "fully implement the 2003 ceasefire understanding in letter and spirit", through a special hotline talk comes as a pleasant surprise to affected population, more so after Indian Foreign Minister Sushma Swaraj indicated that dialogue and terror cannot go together a day earlier. The idea of resolving issues through hotline and flag meeting is not new and has failed many times in past, however, it may give a temporary relief to the affected innocent people on the borders/Line of Control, till Pakistan releases the existing temporary international pressure on it, to abrogate ceasefire again. Why is Pakistan talking about peace? It was well known to the entire global community that most of the terrorist organisations are based in Pakistan, and several reports have claimed that they are sponsored by Pakistani Army and ISI. The pressure, however, started building on them only after it fell out of step with US for not taking adequate actions against the Haqqani network and al-Qaeda. The list of UN declared global terrorists expanded, and US President Donald Trump declared new South Asia policy putting them under financial and diplomatic pressure. Pakistan temporarily sought China's help in withstanding the US pressure, but Beijing too not very happy with refueling of ETIM operating in Xinjiang by Pakistani militants, is carrying on with them due to heavy investment in CPEC, and with a condition that their men working on the project will be protected. During the BRICS Summit, China too reluctantly agreed to name LeT and JeM as terror groups. China, under international pressure of supporting radicalised Pakistan, felt the heat when the threat of Financial action Task Force (FATF) declaring it grey/black became evident. China has understood that CPEC cannot progress unless Pakistan sees some sense in peace and takes some concrete measures to showcase it. The biggest problem is that if Pakistan is declared grey/black by FATF in June then most of the investors for CPEC, including Chinese enterprises, may back out of the project. Despite Chinese denial, a possibility of them having advised Pakistan army to see sense is a reasonable possibility, otherwise expecting Pakistan army chief indicating to talk peace, and rumors of Chinese advice to move Hafiz Saeed to West Asia, cannot be without a pressure. Pakistan on the other hand finds the political cost of shifting Saeed too heavy and continues to try to give him back door entry into politics with LeT fully aligned to Pakistan Army and ISI. Why Pakistan's adherence to ceasefire and peace is 'too good to be true'? The peace between India and Pakistan is unfortunately marred with an inseparable historic baggage of animosity, military coups and resultant instability which continues even now. The 1971 war, besides dividing Pakistan and leading to creation of Bangladesh, resulted in 90,000 prisoners of war for the victorious Indian Army. Pakistan army could never forget it, and keeps trying to wipe this scar. Today the same generation of military is not in power, but the thought to avenge professional shame is alive with their military. President Zia's 'Islamic Republic of Pakistan' became breeding ground for Islamic terrorism. With Taliban and Wahhabism on the rise, Pakistan witnessed a change in psyche and ideology through madrassas. Kashmir is an obvious target to avenge. The ethnic cleansing of people of Balochistan and Pashtuns makes Pakistan further unstable. Due to internal instability, Pakistan army could project itself as the only option available to protect their country against India hence they justify holding the reins of power. Their influence and relevance is due to 'Indian threat' and a 'boiling Kashmir valley'. Pakkistan's former President Pervez Musharraf further nurtured militants, used them in proxy wars as 'strategic assets' and this reality has not changed. In this backdrop, every effort for peace is expected to fail. With Pakistan giving a ruling about Gilgit-Baltistan which is a sovereign territory of India, I do not see any peacefulness in Indo-Pak relations in near future. Did Non Initiation of Combat Operations (NICO) have any impact on ceasefire? The ideas like ceasefire and declaration of NICO were tried earlier in the year 2000, but failed. Pakistan neither reciprocated the gesture nor promised to hold fire. In fact they started the trans-border firing on the first day of Ramzan. It was expected that with development and 'Embracing Kashmiris' by suspending combat operations during Ramzan will alienate the population against militants trying to disturb peace. In the present declaration, the deployment and intelligence grid of security forces is not being disturbed, but they can take retaliatory action, only if militants fire at them. The fact that declaration was rejected by terrorist groups, who intend to continue their actions during the holy month of Ramzan, as well as separatist groups enjoying state protection, means that it is waiting to fail, as their narrative has been written by Pakistan. Let me analyse the possibilities under the present model of NICO: The expectation of peace through NICO is a misconception, because the militants, especially Pakistanis cause innumerable atrocities on innocent people of Kashmir, but no one lodges complaint/FIR against them, as they know that the entire family will be wiped out. Abu Dujana is a case in point. The militants can move freely, kill some informers and terrorise the rest, as they know that security forces cannot do anything till they actually fire at them. Terrorists are free to extort, launder money and muster enough funds for subsequent operations. They can carry out recruitment of young boys into their outfit by luring them or terrorising their parents. How should India respond to changing realities? As there are no easy answers for a lasting peace between India and Pakistan, India cannot afford to put its guard down on account of ceasefire. India should not be talking to Pakistan unless it shuns proxy war. India needs to declare a well thought state policy on the subject, because any wavering of stance can be construed as a weakness. War with Pakistan is not a worthwhile economical option, but India can look at overt and covert options against militants. While India expects the entire world to declare Pakistan a terror state, it is yet to scrap the 'Most Favored Nation' status accorded to it. India should also take up the issue of Balochistan in all world forums along with terrorism brewing in Pakistan. India needs to use the leverage of water sharing also with Pakistan. Internally, the decision makers need to have an honest intention to resolve it. The allurement of vote bank politics has to be subordinated to national interest. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Opinion: Pakistan agreeing to ceasefire is a ploy to release international pressure

A US-based international nuclear proliferation watchdog on Wednesday said Pakistan's application to the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) should not be granted, mainly because of its ongoing illicit nuclear procurements abroad and its refusal to even minimally split its military and civil atomic programmes. 
 
A report by the Institute for Science and International Security (ISIS)— authored by David Albright, Sarah Burkhard, and Frank Pabian—said as it released latest satellite images of the Kahuta nuclear power plant site in Pakistan: “Pakistan's application to the Nuclear Suppliers Group should not be granted at the present time”. 
 
“Although there are many reasons to refuse its membership, some more obvious reasons include its ongoing illicit nuclear procurements abroad and its refusal to even minimally split its military and civil nuclear programs,” it said. 
 
The report discusses the purpose and size of the likely enrichment plant at Kahuta and estimates the amount of enriched uranium it could produce. 
 
“We could not determine if Pakistan is building one or two enrichment plants. We are certainly interested in learning more,” it said. 
 
While much of the world's attention has been directed to the nuclear programmes of Iran and North Korea, Pakistan has greatly expanded its nuclear complex dedicated to producing nuclear weapons, the report rued. 
 
One European official stated in an interview in late 2016 that in terms of instances of illicit nuclear-related procurements by the three countries, Pakistan has carried out the most, the report said. 
 
Over the last decade, Pakistan has renovated or expanded its uranium enrichment, plutonium production, and nuclear weaponisation capabilities, according to this official.&nbsp It has also been expanding the number of its nuclear power plants and the means to make fuel for these new reactors, it said.&nbsp 
 
In a detailed analysis of the latest satellite images it obtained, ISIS says Pakistan appears committed to building one or two large uranium enrichment plants.&nbsp Whether the plants will be exclusively for peaceful purposes is undetermined, it said. 
 
“Pakistan should be called upon by other states such as the United States, China, and major European powers to declare the purpose of its new enrichment plant(s),” ISIS said. “Based on assessing the construction project at Kahuta, which is likely an enrichment plant, it is difficult to know if this facility will lead to Pakistan expanding its supply of weapons-grade uranium or be limited to making only low enriched uranium for nuclear power reactors. Moreover, this enrichment facility could provide LEU to both military and civil nuclear programmes,” ISIS said. 
 
The report said, if the Kahuta site is indeed a centrifuge plant, it will require a great deal of equipment, much of which Pakistan does not make domestically. 
 
&nbsp“According to government sources, Pakistan has acquired many goods from abroad. As such, supplier governments should step up efforts to thwart Pakistan's purchases for this plant or any other centrifuge plant and consider applying sanctions on Pakistani entities and individuals involved in purchasing for its centrifuge programme,” ISIS said. 
 
&nbsp“Financial sanctions should also be applied on these entities and individuals. China should be told explicitly by other members of the NSG that the supply of goods to Pakistan's enrichment programme would violate China's NSG commitments,” said the report.&nbsp

The report discusses the purpose and size of the likely enrichment plant at Kahuta and estimates the amount of enriched uranium it could produce

A US-based international nuclear proliferation watchdog on Wednesday said Pakistan's application to the Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) should not be granted, mainly because of its ongoing illicit nuclear procurements abroad and its refusal to even minimally split its military and civil atomic programmes. A report by the Institute for Science and International Security (ISIS)— authored by David Albright, Sarah Burkhard, and Frank Pabian—said as it released latest satellite images of the Kahuta nuclear power plant site in Pakistan: “Pakistan's application to the Nuclear Suppliers Group should not be granted at the present time”. “Although there are many reasons to refuse its membership, some more obvious reasons include its ongoing illicit nuclear procurements abroad and its refusal to even minimally split its military and civil nuclear programs,” it said. The report discusses the purpose and size of the likely enrichment plant at Kahuta and estimates the amount of enriched uranium it could produce. “We could not determine if Pakistan is building one or two enrichment plants. We are certainly interested in learning more,” it said. While much of the world's attention has been directed to the nuclear programmes of Iran and North Korea, Pakistan has greatly expanded its nuclear complex dedicated to producing nuclear weapons, the report rued. One European official stated in an interview in late 2016 that in terms of instances of illicit nuclear-related procurements by the three countries, Pakistan has carried out the most, the report said. Over the last decade, Pakistan has renovated or expanded its uranium enrichment, plutonium production, and nuclear weaponisation capabilities, according to this official. It has also been expanding the number of its nuclear power plants and the means to make fuel for these new reactors, it said. In a detailed analysis of the latest satellite images it obtained, ISIS says Pakistan appears committed to building one or two large uranium enrichment plants. Whether the plants will be exclusively for peaceful purposes is undetermined, it said. “Pakistan should be called upon by other states such as the United States, China, and major European powers to declare the purpose of its new enrichment plant(s),” ISIS said. “Based on assessing the construction project at Kahuta, which is likely an enrichment plant, it is difficult to know if this facility will lead to Pakistan expanding its supply of weapons-grade uranium or be limited to making only low enriched uranium for nuclear power reactors. Moreover, this enrichment facility could provide LEU to both military and civil nuclear programmes,” ISIS said. The report said, if the Kahuta site is indeed a centrifuge plant, it will require a great deal of equipment, much of which Pakistan does not make domestically. “According to government sources, Pakistan has acquired many goods from abroad. As such, supplier governments should step up efforts to thwart Pakistan's purchases for this plant or any other centrifuge plant and consider applying sanctions on Pakistani entities and individuals involved in purchasing for its centrifuge programme,” ISIS said. “Financial sanctions should also be applied on these entities and individuals. China should be told explicitly by other members of the NSG that the supply of goods to Pakistan's enrichment programme would violate China's NSG commitments,” said the report.

Pakistan must not be admitted to  Nuclear Suppliers Group: US nuke watchdog

Pakistan's&nbsp;Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has summoned a meeting of the National Security Committee (NSC) on Tuesday to discuss security and border issues.

The top&nbsp;civilian&nbsp;and&nbsp;military&nbsp;leadership, apart from discussing aforementioned issues, will review the implementation of Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) reforms, regional situation and matters pertaining to the eastern and&nbsp;western border of the&nbsp;country, Geo TV, reported citing sources, as saying.

The report, also quotes the sources, as saying that the NSC is likely to discuss the issue of the book 'Spy Chronicles: RAW, ISI and the Illusion of Peace' co-authored by former chief of Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Lieutenant General (retired)&nbsp;Asad Durrani.

Durrani, whose, name was placed on the&nbsp;country's Exit Control List (ECL)&nbsp;on Monday&nbsp;met with the senior officers of the Pakistan Army at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi to give an explanation for co-authoring a book with former Indian external intelligence chief A S Dulat.

His placement in the ECL comes hours after he was after the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said the former spy chief would be probed by a Court of Inquiry for views attributed to him in the book 'Spy Chronicles.'

Durrani and Dulat co-authored a book named 'Spy Chronicles: RAW, ISI and the Illusion of Peace' which has recently been published.

In the book, Lt. Gen. Durrani made certain observations, including a claim that then prime minister Yousaf Raza Gillani was aware of the US Navy Seals operation against Osama Bin Ladin in Abbottabad and that a special deal was struck between the US and Pakistani governments in this regard.

Post the book release, Lt. Gen. (retd.) Durrani was asked to clarify his position in the context of the&nbsp;military&nbsp;code of conduct that bars any serving or retired&nbsp;military&nbsp;official from making remarks that compromise the&nbsp;country's national security.

The Spy Chronicles which has been a maiden effort by two former chiefs of rival agencies had been all over the news even before the book was published.

Earlier, Lt. Gen. Durrani defended himself saying the literary collaboration was simply a case of two people with experience in Indo-Pak affairs joining hands to discuss their respective perspectives.

The top civilian and military leadership, apart from discussing aforementioned issues, will review the implementation of Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) reforms

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has summoned a meeting of the National Security Committee (NSC) on Tuesday to discuss security and border issues. The top civilian and military leadership, apart from discussing aforementioned issues, will review the implementation of Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) reforms, regional situation and matters pertaining to the eastern and western border of the country, Geo TV, reported citing sources, as saying. The report, also quotes the sources, as saying that the NSC is likely to discuss the issue of the book 'Spy Chronicles: RAW, ISI and the Illusion of Peace' co-authored by former chief of Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) Lieutenant General (retired) Asad Durrani. Durrani, whose, name was placed on the country's Exit Control List (ECL) on Monday met with the senior officers of the Pakistan Army at the General Headquarters (GHQ) in Rawalpindi to give an explanation for co-authoring a book with former Indian external intelligence chief A S Dulat. His placement in the ECL comes hours after he was after the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) said the former spy chief would be probed by a Court of Inquiry for views attributed to him in the book 'Spy Chronicles.' Durrani and Dulat co-authored a book named 'Spy Chronicles: RAW, ISI and the Illusion of Peace' which has recently been published. In the book, Lt. Gen. Durrani made certain observations, including a claim that then prime minister Yousaf Raza Gillani was aware of the US Navy Seals operation against Osama Bin Ladin in Abbottabad and that a special deal was struck between the US and Pakistani governments in this regard. Post the book release, Lt. Gen. (retd.) Durrani was asked to clarify his position in the context of the military code of conduct that bars any serving or retired military official from making remarks that compromise the country's national security. The Spy Chronicles which has been a maiden effort by two former chiefs of rival agencies had been all over the news even before the book was published. Earlier, Lt. Gen. Durrani defended himself saying the literary collaboration was simply a case of two people with experience in Indo-Pak affairs joining hands to discuss their respective perspectives.

Pakistan: PM Abbasi summons NSC meeting to discuss security

Marking the "Black Day" in Balochistan, the members of Free Balochistan Movement (FBM) on Monday organised simultaneous protests, rallies and awareness campaigns in different parts of the world.

The protests were held in UK, Germany, Austria, The Netherlands, Canada, Norway and Sweden.

The protesters highlighted the consequences faced by the people of Balochistan 20 year safter the nuclear test were conducted in Balochistan.

The people protested with large banners and placards inscribed with pictures and slogans of peopl eaffected by the tests.

The activists also distributed leaflets and explained the situation to the locals of the area.

They also got support and sympathy from the local people.

A leader of the Free Balochistan Movement claimed that Pakistan tested its nuclear weapons in the heart of Balochistan's Chaghai district without the will and consent of the Baloch nation.

He added, "The residual radiation impact resulting from the blasts in Raskoh mountain range have caused diseases like lung, liver, and blood cancer, skin diseases, typhoid, and infectious hepatitis, as well as serious effects on the nervous system, blood pressure, eyes, and throats, and on newborn babies."

He said on May 17, 1998, he warned that "weapons being tested in the name of the country's defence will prove to be a message of death for the people of Baluchistan. The droughts, increasing illness and continued suffering of the residents of Chaghai and surrounding districts are a reflection of our concerns in 1998."

"The civilised world remained silent on Pakistan's crime against the Baloch nation and Balochistan. They stood by with their lips sealed as Balochistan was burning before their eyes. Today, we as a nation continue to suffer the aftermath of Pakistan's nuclear weapons. Iran is also planning to make nuclear weapons and we have concerns that they will follow Pakistan's path and conduct its nuclear tests in occupied Balochistan," he added.

His statement further read, "We urge the world community, IAEA, and other international bodies to take notice of the effects of Pakistan's nuclear weapons in Balochistan. Nuclear experts should visit the region where nuclear bombs were detonated to investigate the causes of diseases that local people are suffering and remove all nuclear materials from Balochistan to save human lives and protect our precious environment."

"We also remind the world that Pakistan is an irresponsible state and its corrupt military institutions and politicians can do anything for money. That is why it is a possibility that the wealthy religious extremist will acquire nuclear weapons from Pakistan and use them against Western democracies. Hence, the world must make every effort to denuclearise Pakistan and strip it of its nuclear weapons before it is too late," the statement read.

Sami Baloch, an activist of Free Baloch Movement from Washington DC, urged the US government and people to stop supporting Pakistan as Pakistan supports ISIS, Taliban and other terrorist groups that are threat to world peace. He also said that Pakistan's nuclear weapons should be monitored because of the presence of religious groups in that country.

Five nuclear tests were conducted by Pakistan in Chagai area of Balochistan in 1998.&nbsp

The test was carried out immediately after India conducted its successful nuclear test at Pokhran on May 11 and 13, 1998.

Each year May 28 is celebrated by Pakistan as "the day of greatness" to mark the country's successful detonation of the nuclear device.&nbsp

The people of Balochistan's Chagai, however, observe it as "Black Day".

(With inputs from ANI)

Marking the 'Black Day' in Balochistan, the members of Free Balochistan Movement (FBM) on Monday organised simultaneous protests, rallies and awareness campaigns in different parts of the world. The protests were held in UK, Germany, Austria, The Netherlands, Canada, Norway and Sweden

Marking the "Black Day" in Balochistan, the members of Free Balochistan Movement (FBM) on Monday organised simultaneous protests, rallies and awareness campaigns in different parts of the world. The protests were held in UK, Germany, Austria, The Netherlands, Canada, Norway and Sweden. The protesters highlighted the consequences faced by the people of Balochistan 20 year safter the nuclear test were conducted in Balochistan. The people protested with large banners and placards inscribed with pictures and slogans of peopl eaffected by the tests. The activists also distributed leaflets and explained the situation to the locals of the area. They also got support and sympathy from the local people. A leader of the Free Balochistan Movement claimed that Pakistan tested its nuclear weapons in the heart of Balochistan's Chaghai district without the will and consent of the Baloch nation. He added, "The residual radiation impact resulting from the blasts in Raskoh mountain range have caused diseases like lung, liver, and blood cancer, skin diseases, typhoid, and infectious hepatitis, as well as serious effects on the nervous system, blood pressure, eyes, and throats, and on newborn babies." He said on May 17, 1998, he warned that "weapons being tested in the name of the country's defence will prove to be a message of death for the people of Baluchistan. The droughts, increasing illness and continued suffering of the residents of Chaghai and surrounding districts are a reflection of our concerns in 1998." "The civilised world remained silent on Pakistan's crime against the Baloch nation and Balochistan. They stood by with their lips sealed as Balochistan was burning before their eyes. Today, we as a nation continue to suffer the aftermath of Pakistan's nuclear weapons. Iran is also planning to make nuclear weapons and we have concerns that they will follow Pakistan's path and conduct its nuclear tests in occupied Balochistan," he added. His statement further read, "We urge the world community, IAEA, and other international bodies to take notice of the effects of Pakistan's nuclear weapons in Balochistan. Nuclear experts should visit the region where nuclear bombs were detonated to investigate the causes of diseases that local people are suffering and remove all nuclear materials from Balochistan to save human lives and protect our precious environment." "We also remind the world that Pakistan is an irresponsible state and its corrupt military institutions and politicians can do anything for money. That is why it is a possibility that the wealthy religious extremist will acquire nuclear weapons from Pakistan and use them against Western democracies. Hence, the world must make every effort to denuclearise Pakistan and strip it of its nuclear weapons before it is too late," the statement read. Sami Baloch, an activist of Free Baloch Movement from Washington DC, urged the US government and people to stop supporting Pakistan as Pakistan supports ISIS, Taliban and other terrorist groups that are threat to world peace. He also said that Pakistan's nuclear weapons should be monitored because of the presence of religious groups in that country. Five nuclear tests were conducted by Pakistan in Chagai area of Balochistan in 1998. The test was carried out immediately after India conducted its successful nuclear test at Pokhran on May 11 and 13, 1998. Each year May 28 is celebrated by Pakistan as "the day of greatness" to mark the country's successful detonation of the nuclear device. The people of Balochistan's Chagai, however, observe it as "Black Day". (With inputs from ANI)

Free Balochistan Movement demands denuclearisation of Pakistan

India's former Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) chief Amarjit Singh Dulat has come on record and defended the ex-ISI chief Asad Durrani, with whom he had co-authored a book which talked about the number of fronts concerning ties between India and Pakistan.

Backing Durrani over the content of the book, Dulat told news agency ANI, “Things written in book are his (Asad Durrani) memories. Even former foreign secretary of Pakistan, Riaz Mohammad Khan, said that 26/11 Mumbai attacks destroyed Pakistan's credibility in Kashmir. If a former foreign secretary can get away with it, why not ISI chief?”&nbsp;

Pakistan's spy agency ISI's former chief Lt Gen (retd.) Asad Durrani has been banned from leaving the country and will face a Court of Inquiry over a controversial book he recently co-authored with India's former intelligence head.

Daulat said that the Exit Control decision was rather "unfortunate" and that the book does not have anything that others don't know about. “His views are well-known. There are no new things in the book (The Spy Chronicles). This is very unfortunate that such things are being done to Asad Durrani,” he said.

Durrani, who headed the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) agency from August 1990 till March 1992, along with former RAW chief A S Dulat has recently published the book titled 'The Spy Chronicles: RAW, ISI and the Illusion of Peace' in India.

He was summoned to the General Headquarters (GHQ) today to explain his position on the book 'Spy Chronicles', said a statement issued today by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) - the Pakistan military's media wing.

Durrani was apparently summoned after ousted Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif demanded an urgent meeting of the high-powered National Security Committee (NSC) to discuss a recent book co-authored by former spy chiefs of Pakistan and India. 
&nbsp;

India's former Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) chief Amarjit Singh Dulat and ex-ISI chief Asad Durrani had written the controversial book together

India's former Research and Analysis Wing (RAW) chief Amarjit Singh Dulat has come on record and defended the ex-ISI chief Asad Durrani, with whom he had co-authored a book which talked about the number of fronts concerning ties between India and Pakistan. Backing Durrani over the content of the book, Dulat told news agency ANI, “Things written in book are his (Asad Durrani) memories. Even former foreign secretary of Pakistan, Riaz Mohammad Khan, said that 26/11 Mumbai attacks destroyed Pakistan's credibility in Kashmir. If a former foreign secretary can get away with it, why not ISI chief?” Pakistan's spy agency ISI's former chief Lt Gen (retd.) Asad Durrani has been banned from leaving the country and will face a Court of Inquiry over a controversial book he recently co-authored with India's former intelligence head. Daulat said that the Exit Control decision was rather "unfortunate" and that the book does not have anything that others don't know about. “His views are well-known. There are no new things in the book (The Spy Chronicles). This is very unfortunate that such things are being done to Asad Durrani,” he said. Durrani, who headed the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) agency from August 1990 till March 1992, along with former RAW chief A S Dulat has recently published the book titled 'The Spy Chronicles: RAW, ISI and the Illusion of Peace' in India. He was summoned to the General Headquarters (GHQ) today to explain his position on the book 'Spy Chronicles', said a statement issued today by the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR) - the Pakistan military's media wing. Durrani was apparently summoned after ousted Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif demanded an urgent meeting of the high-powered National Security Committee (NSC) to discuss a recent book co-authored by former spy chiefs of Pakistan and India.

'The Spy Chronicles' co-author Amarjit Dulat defends former ISI chief

China on Monday refrained from making any direct comment on Pakistan's latest move on exercising administrative authority on Gilgit-Baltistan, but said the CPEC, which traverses through the disputed region, will not affect its stand that the Kashmir issue should be resolved between India and Pakistan.

Pakistan's Cabinet on May 21 approved Gilgit-Baltistan Order 2018 which was also endorsed by the region's assembly. The order is being seen as Pakistan's efforts towards incorporating the disputed region as its fifth province.

The move sparked anger in the region and drew strong reaction from New Delhi which said the entire state of Jammu and Kashmir, which also includes the so-called 'Gilgit-Baltistan' areas, is an integral part of India by virtue of its accession in 1947.

Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying told a media briefing that "Kashmir issue is a historical baggage between India and Pakistan and therefore shall be resolved between the two sides through dialogue and consultation".&nbsp;

Asked to comment on the Pakistan government's Gilgit-Baltistan Order, Hua reiterated Beijing's stand that the $50 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which goes through Gilgit and Baltistan, will not affect its stand that the Kashmir issue should be resolved between India and Pakistan.

"We have stressed many times that the CPEC is an initiative for economic cooperation. This is a cooperation framework which serves the purpose of economic development and the people's livelihood. This initiative does not affect our position on the Kashmir issue," she said.&nbsp;

Pakistan has bifurcated occupied Kashmir into two administrative parts - Gilgit-Baltistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Gilgit-Baltistan was treated as a separate geographical entity by Pakistan till now.

It is believed that China's concerns about the unsettled status of Gilgit-Baltistan prompted Pakistan to change the region's status.&nbsp;

China refrained from any direct comment on Pakistan's move on exercising administrative authority on Gilgit-Baltistan.

China on Monday refrained from making any direct comment on Pakistan's latest move on exercising administrative authority on Gilgit-Baltistan, but said the CPEC, which traverses through the disputed region, will not affect its stand that the Kashmir issue should be resolved between India and Pakistan. Pakistan's Cabinet on May 21 approved Gilgit-Baltistan Order 2018 which was also endorsed by the region's assembly. The order is being seen as Pakistan's efforts towards incorporating the disputed region as its fifth province. The move sparked anger in the region and drew strong reaction from New Delhi which said the entire state of Jammu and Kashmir, which also includes the so-called 'Gilgit-Baltistan' areas, is an integral part of India by virtue of its accession in 1947. Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying told a media briefing that "Kashmir issue is a historical baggage between India and Pakistan and therefore shall be resolved between the two sides through dialogue and consultation". Asked to comment on the Pakistan government's Gilgit-Baltistan Order, Hua reiterated Beijing's stand that the $50 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), which goes through Gilgit and Baltistan, will not affect its stand that the Kashmir issue should be resolved between India and Pakistan. "We have stressed many times that the CPEC is an initiative for economic cooperation. This is a cooperation framework which serves the purpose of economic development and the people's livelihood. This initiative does not affect our position on the Kashmir issue," she said. Pakistan has bifurcated occupied Kashmir into two administrative parts - Gilgit-Baltistan and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir. Gilgit-Baltistan was treated as a separate geographical entity by Pakistan till now. It is believed that China's concerns about the unsettled status of Gilgit-Baltistan prompted Pakistan to change the region's status.

China mum on Pakistan's Gilgit-Baltistan order, says CPEC will not affect its stand on Kashmir

A special hotline contact was established between the Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) of Pakistan and India on Tuesday, the Pakistan army said.

Both DGMOs reviewed the prevailing situation along the Line of Control and Working Boundary and mutually agreed to undertake sincere measures to improve the existing situation ensuring peace and avoidance of hardships to the civilians along the borders," the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the Pakistan Army, said in a statement.

They agreed to fully implement the ceasefire understanding of 2003 in letter and spirit and to ensure that the ceasefire agreement will not be violated by both sides from now on, it said.

The officials also agreed that in case of any issue, restraint will be exercised and the matter will be resolved through utilisation of existing mechanisms of hotline contacts and border flag meetings at local commander's level.

&nbsp

The DGMOs agreed to fully implement the ceasefire understanding of 2003 in letter and spirit and to ensure that the ceasefire agreement will not be violated by both sides from now on

A special hotline contact was established between the Director General of Military Operations (DGMO) of Pakistan and India on Tuesday, the Pakistan army said. Both DGMOs reviewed the prevailing situation along the Line of Control and Working Boundary and mutually agreed to undertake sincere measures to improve the existing situation ensuring peace and avoidance of hardships to the civilians along the borders," the Inter-Services Public Relations (ISPR), the media wing of the Pakistan Army, said in a statement. They agreed to fully implement the ceasefire understanding of 2003 in letter and spirit and to ensure that the ceasefire agreement will not be violated by both sides from now on, it said. The officials also agreed that in case of any issue, restraint will be exercised and the matter will be resolved through utilisation of existing mechanisms of hotline contacts and border flag meetings at local commander's level.

Pakistan, India DGMOs agree on no ceasefire violations in hotline contact: Army

Pakistan's liquid foreign exchange net reduced $ 5.8 billion to reach $10.3 billion, the country's state bank said.

The reserves are barely enough for two months of imports and are below the International Monetary Fund's(IMF) adequacy levels.&nbsp

The monetary committee of Pakistan's state bank while unveiling the report said the need for "deep-rooted structural reforms" to improve the country's competitiveness can hardly be overemphasized for medium to long-term sustainability of balance of payments.&nbsp

Meanwhile, China has agreed to roll over a loan of $ 500 million that it has placed with the State Bank of Pakistan as Islamabad's official foreign currency reserves remain in a precarious position despite taking $ 44 billion in loans in the past five years.

The Monetary committee said the currency swap arrangement between State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) and People's Bank of China (PBOC) has been extended for a period of 3 years in respective local currencies.&nbsp

Both the central banks have agreed to increase the amount from 10 billion yuan to 20 billion yuan and from 165 billion rupee to 351 billion rupee.&nbsp

Pakistan cannot use the $ 500 million Chinese deposit and its only purpose is to shore up foreign currency reserves. The loan has been rescheduled at the same old terms since the money could not be utilised, the interest rate was only 1 per cent.

During the week ended May 18, the SBP's gross reserves dropped $479 million to only $10.32 billion due to payments on account of external debt servicing.&nbsp

Pakistan has already taken $2.2 billion in commercial loans from China in the current fiscal year. It is also holding negotiations to take $200-350 million in commercial loans from Gulf banks.

The reserves are barely enough for two months of imports

Pakistan's liquid foreign exchange net reduced $ 5.8 billion to reach $10.3 billion, the country's state bank said. The reserves are barely enough for two months of imports and are below the International Monetary Fund's(IMF) adequacy levels. The monetary committee of Pakistan's state bank while unveiling the report said the need for "deep-rooted structural reforms" to improve the country's competitiveness can hardly be overemphasized for medium to long-term sustainability of balance of payments. Meanwhile, China has agreed to roll over a loan of $ 500 million that it has placed with the State Bank of Pakistan as Islamabad's official foreign currency reserves remain in a precarious position despite taking $ 44 billion in loans in the past five years. The Monetary committee said the currency swap arrangement between State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) and People's Bank of China (PBOC) has been extended for a period of 3 years in respective local currencies. Both the central banks have agreed to increase the amount from 10 billion yuan to 20 billion yuan and from 165 billion rupee to 351 billion rupee. Pakistan cannot use the $ 500 million Chinese deposit and its only purpose is to shore up foreign currency reserves. The loan has been rescheduled at the same old terms since the money could not be utilised, the interest rate was only 1 per cent. During the week ended May 18, the SBP's gross reserves dropped $479 million to only $10.32 billion due to payments on account of external debt servicing. Pakistan has already taken $2.2 billion in commercial loans from China in the current fiscal year. It is also holding negotiations to take $200-350 million in commercial loans from Gulf banks.

Pakistan's foreign exchange slides, China steps in

Philip Morris International Inc and British American Tobacco Plc lobbied Pakistan's government to not implement bigger health warnings on cigarette packs, in what officials say was part of an industry-wide campaign that successfully persuaded Islamabad to water down a proposal designed to save lives.

In Pakistan, where the government estimates tobacco kills more than 100,000 people a year, Philip Morris launched a lobbying campaign that included letters to and a meeting with the country's prime minister on blocking larger health warnings and controlling illicit trade of cigarettes. Reuters reviewed two such letters written by Philip Morris executives to the Prime Minister's Office in 2017, and internal company documents describing a meeting in 2015 at which executives discussed "protecting the pack" in Pakistan.

British American Tobacco, through its local subsidiary, also lobbied Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi with a letter and met Pakistani officials, according to government documents and a review of the October 2017 correspondence.

Two current, and one former, health officials said their ministry watered down a requirement to increase the size of health warnings to 85 per cent of the surface area due to industry lobbying. One of the current officials also cited pressure from Abbasi's office.

An official at the Federal Board of Revenue said the government took a sympathetic view towards tobacco industry lobbying because of the sector's hefty contributions to the nation's finances - more than $550 million in excise taxes during the 2016-17 fiscal year alone.

Instead of 85 per cent, the new rule, which comes into effect on June 1, requires warnings that cover 50 per cent of the pack - up from 40 per cent now - rising to 60 per cent in a year's time.

In a response to Reuters' questions, Philip Morris sent a statement from Moira Gilchrist, its vice president of scientific and public communications. "Like any global company, PMI regularly speaks with governments all over the world on a wide range of subjects, including our efforts to replace cigarettes with smoke-free products," Gilchrist said, referring to next-generation smoking devices that the company says significantly reduce the risk of disease by heating instead of burning tobacco.

A spokesperson for British American Tobacco (BAT) said in a statement: "like many companies, as part of our open and transparent engagement with governments, we regularly consult a wide range of representatives in health, trade, revenue, customs, agriculture and other relevant areas on a range of issues that affect our business. It's important that any legitimate business should be able to engage with regulators, and contribute to the development of policy that impacts it."

Extensive Lobbying

A Pakistan government survey in 2014 found some 24 million adults, or 19 per cent of the population 15 years and older, used tobacco. Of those, 15.6 million were smokers.

In February 2015, Pakistan's health ministry announced it was changing an ordinance to increase health warnings on the front and back of cigarette packs to 85 per cent. The graphic photographs currently on packs depict the effects of smoking, such as a close-up image of a person's mouth ravaged by tobacco use.

The initiative by Health Minister Saira Afzal Tarar was aimed at deterring tobacco use and would have put Pakistan, alongside India, near the top of global rankings for the size of such warnings, according to the Canadian Cancer Society.

The health ministry notification said the new warnings needed to be applied by March 30 that year.

On March 13, a delegation from a subsidiary of British American Tobacco, Pakistan Tobacco Company Ltd, called on the country's then-finance minister and "expressed its reservations about the notification issued" by the health ministry, according to government minutes of the meeting.

The tobacco representatives argued that the bigger health warning would lead to more smuggling of black market cigarettes and a "decrease in revenue", according to the minutes, which were reviewed by Reuters.

The industry argues that cigarette packs become indistinguishable by brand or promised quality when the packaging is covered by disturbing images. As a result, it says, consumers are incentivized to turn to alternatives without the graphic pictures. Health advocates say warnings on packs reduce tobacco consumption.&nbsp

The BAT statement to Reuters said: "We agree that all tobacco product packaging should feature appropriate health warnings which are bold, easily legible and ensure clarity of message."

However, the statement said: "Evidence suggests that drastic and large increases in the size" of health warnings "can result in a number of unintended consequences, including a rise in illegal cigarettes – with a corresponding decline in government revenues - and a rise in criminality. Additionally, there is still no credible evidence that graphic health warnings reduce smoking levels."

'Soft Corners' for Tobacco

Within a day of hearing from BAT, Pakistan's then-finance minister, Ishaq Dar, formed a review committee that was to examine the issue and present a report within seven days, according to the government document.

Dar told Reuters that the government's decisions were not influenced by Philip Morris or BAT.

Asked about the convening of the review committee, he said it was formed to ensure consultation between ministries on the issue, a move he described as "a fundamental requirement of good policy-making".

When provided with a copy of the government minutes showing the committee was put together just after his meeting with BAT, Dar responded that Reuters should contact the finance ministry for further comment, as he no longer held the portfolio. Requests for comment to the finance ministry were unanswered.

On March 27, as the review committee began deliberating, the health ministry issued a notification postponing the implementation date for the new 85 percent health warnings by two months.

During an interview with Reuters at her office, Health Minister Tarar said the tobacco industry was one of the biggest taxpayers in the country and so the finance ministry and the federal revenue board "definitely" have "some soft corners for them".

When Reuters relayed that characterisation to Dar, the former finance minister replied: "This is not true."

Health Minister Tarar said that in some of the meetings she had attended during that time, it was not easy to convince finance and revenue officials that people were dying because of smoking. She did not identify specific individuals.

Dar, the former finance minister, denied that his ministry's officials had challenged the link between smoking and mortality.

Muhammad Iqbal, a senior official at the country's Federal Board of Revenue, told Reuters that his agency "has no role in the matter of health warnings to be printed on cigarette packs. It is up to Ministry of Health to make regulations on this issue."

Still, Tarar defended the eventual outcome, telling Reuters the ministry had "stood firm" and that the increase in the size of health warnings to 50, and ultimately 60 percent, was significant. "We have undone the status quo," she said.

As BAT's Pakistan Tobacco Company launched its lobbying effort, Philip Morris also sprang into action: two internal documents related to an Asia corporate affairs meeting in Indonesia in 2015 said the company had devised a "campaign to roll-back" the stringent tobacco pack rules in Pakistan. It did not go into details.

When the government's inter-ministerial committee started to deliberate the health warning rules in 2015, Philip Morris and BAT representatives attended at least two of its meetings as industry stakeholders, according to records reviewed by Reuters.

During one meeting, a Philip Morris executive said the warning size was "too high", according to a record of the meeting held in May 2015, which was chaired by Health Minister Tarar.

In addition to Philip Morris and BAT, a constellation of smaller tobacco companies, growers and industry associations joined the lobbying effort, according to government records.

The panel's subsequent recommendation to roll back the increase in the size of health warnings, to 50 per cent and then 60 per cent instead of 85 per cent, was sent to the finance ministry for approval in August 2015.

Appeal to Prime Minister

The health ministry continued issuing successive notices pushing back the start date of the 85 per cent requirement, which had been published in the nation's official gazette but never implemented.

Then, last October, Philip Morris International's global vice president for corporate affairs, Jon Huenemann, wrote to Prime Minister Abbasi asking him to nudge the health ministry to formally change its rules.

"We would kindly request your near term intervention to direct the concerned officials to enforce the steps mentioned in the IMC recommendation," Huenemann wrote in the letter dated October 2, referring to the inter-ministerial committee set up by the finance ministry.

BAT's unit, Pakistan Tobacco Company, whose brands include John Player Gold Leaf and Benson & Hedges, made the same specific request to the prime minister on October 18, according to a copy of the company letter.

In his letter, Philip Morris' Huenemann reminded Abbasi that the prime minister had spoken with his colleague the previous month at a meeting of the US-Pakistan Business Council in New York.

Prime Minister Abbasi's office did not reply to questions sent by Reuters.

Huenemann mentioned, also, that he had personally met twice with the previous Pakistani prime minister, Nawaz Sharif, to discuss the issue of illegal cigarette manufacturing.

A request for comment to a representative of Sharif, along with officials from his political party, was not answered.

Huenemann did not respond to an e-mail sent to his company account. Philip Morris, maker of Marlboro cigarettes and local brands such as Morven Gold, said the existence of the letter had previously been reported in Pakistani media, but made no other comment.

BAT said in a statement about the letter that, "regarding the use of the words 'advise' and 'instruct' in this letter, it is customary for the Prime Minister to use such language when addressing government departments, and as such, it is equally customary for businesses and other external stakeholders to use similar language when they are writing to the Prime Minister."

According to a government office memo, the prime minister's office forwarded letters from Philip Morris and BAT to the health ministry two days later. Within two months, the health ministry issued a notification for smaller warnings. 
&nbsp

Instead of 85 per cent, the new rule, which comes into effect on June 1, requires warnings that cover 50 per cent of the pack - up from 40 per cent now - rising to 60 per cent in a year's time

Philip Morris International Inc and British American Tobacco Plc lobbied Pakistan's government to not implement bigger health warnings on cigarette packs, in what officials say was part of an industry-wide campaign that successfully persuaded Islamabad to water down a proposal designed to save lives. In Pakistan, where the government estimates tobacco kills more than 100,000 people a year, Philip Morris launched a lobbying campaign that included letters to and a meeting with the country's prime minister on blocking larger health warnings and controlling illicit trade of cigarettes. Reuters reviewed two such letters written by Philip Morris executives to the Prime Minister's Office in 2017, and internal company documents describing a meeting in 2015 at which executives discussed "protecting the pack" in Pakistan. British American Tobacco, through its local subsidiary, also lobbied Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi with a letter and met Pakistani officials, according to government documents and a review of the October 2017 correspondence. Two current, and one former, health officials said their ministry watered down a requirement to increase the size of health warnings to 85 per cent of the surface area due to industry lobbying. One of the current officials also cited pressure from Abbasi's office. An official at the Federal Board of Revenue said the government took a sympathetic view towards tobacco industry lobbying because of the sector's hefty contributions to the nation's finances - more than $550 million in excise taxes during the 2016-17 fiscal year alone. Instead of 85 per cent, the new rule, which comes into effect on June 1, requires warnings that cover 50 per cent of the pack - up from 40 per cent now - rising to 60 per cent in a year's time. In a response to Reuters' questions, Philip Morris sent a statement from Moira Gilchrist, its vice president of scientific and public communications. "Like any global company, PMI regularly speaks with governments all over the world on a wide range of subjects, including our efforts to replace cigarettes with smoke-free products," Gilchrist said, referring to next-generation smoking devices that the company says significantly reduce the risk of disease by heating instead of burning tobacco. A spokesperson for British American Tobacco (BAT) said in a statement: "like many companies, as part of our open and transparent engagement with governments, we regularly consult a wide range of representatives in health, trade, revenue, customs, agriculture and other relevant areas on a range of issues that affect our business. It's important that any legitimate business should be able to engage with regulators, and contribute to the development of policy that impacts it." Extensive Lobbying A Pakistan government survey in 2014 found some 24 million adults, or 19 per cent of the population 15 years and older, used tobacco. Of those, 15.6 million were smokers. In February 2015, Pakistan's health ministry announced it was changing an ordinance to increase health warnings on the front and back of cigarette packs to 85 per cent. The graphic photographs currently on packs depict the effects of smoking, such as a close-up image of a person's mouth ravaged by tobacco use. The initiative by Health Minister Saira Afzal Tarar was aimed at deterring tobacco use and would have put Pakistan, alongside India, near the top of global rankings for the size of such warnings, according to the Canadian Cancer Society. The health ministry notification said the new warnings needed to be applied by March 30 that year. On March 13, a delegation from a subsidiary of British American Tobacco, Pakistan Tobacco Company Ltd, called on the country's then-finance minister and "expressed its reservations about the notification issued" by the health ministry, according to government minutes of the meeting. The tobacco representatives argued that the bigger health warning would lead to more smuggling of black market cigarettes and a "decrease in revenue", according to the minutes, which were reviewed by Reuters. The industry argues that cigarette packs become indistinguishable by brand or promised quality when the packaging is covered by disturbing images. As a result, it says, consumers are incentivized to turn to alternatives without the graphic pictures. Health advocates say warnings on packs reduce tobacco consumption. The BAT statement to Reuters said: "We agree that all tobacco product packaging should feature appropriate health warnings which are bold, easily legible and ensure clarity of message." However, the statement said: "Evidence suggests that drastic and large increases in the size" of health warnings "can result in a number of unintended consequences, including a rise in illegal cigarettes – with a corresponding decline in government revenues - and a rise in criminality. Additionally, there is still no credible evidence that graphic health warnings reduce smoking levels." 'Soft Corners' for Tobacco Within a day of hearing from BAT, Pakistan's then-finance minister, Ishaq Dar, formed a review committee that was to examine the issue and present a report within seven days, according to the government document. Dar told Reuters that the government's decisions were not influenced by Philip Morris or BAT. Asked about the convening of the review committee, he said it was formed to ensure consultation between ministries on the issue, a move he described as "a fundamental requirement of good policy-making". When provided with a copy of the government minutes showing the committee was put together just after his meeting with BAT, Dar responded that Reuters should contact the finance ministry for further comment, as he no longer held the portfolio. Requests for comment to the finance ministry were unanswered. On March 27, as the review committee began deliberating, the health ministry issued a notification postponing the implementation date for the new 85 percent health warnings by two months. During an interview with Reuters at her office, Health Minister Tarar said the tobacco industry was one of the biggest taxpayers in the country and so the finance ministry and the federal revenue board "definitely" have "some soft corners for them". When Reuters relayed that characterisation to Dar, the former finance minister replied: "This is not true." Health Minister Tarar said that in some of the meetings she had attended during that time, it was not easy to convince finance and revenue officials that people were dying because of smoking. She did not identify specific individuals. Dar, the former finance minister, denied that his ministry's officials had challenged the link between smoking and mortality. Muhammad Iqbal, a senior official at the country's Federal Board of Revenue, told Reuters that his agency "has no role in the matter of health warnings to be printed on cigarette packs. It is up to Ministry of Health to make regulations on this issue." Still, Tarar defended the eventual outcome, telling Reuters the ministry had "stood firm" and that the increase in the size of health warnings to 50, and ultimately 60 percent, was significant. "We have undone the status quo," she said. As BAT's Pakistan Tobacco Company launched its lobbying effort, Philip Morris also sprang into action: two internal documents related to an Asia corporate affairs meeting in Indonesia in 2015 said the company had devised a "campaign to roll-back" the stringent tobacco pack rules in Pakistan. It did not go into details. When the government's inter-ministerial committee started to deliberate the health warning rules in 2015, Philip Morris and BAT representatives attended at least two of its meetings as industry stakeholders, according to records reviewed by Reuters. During one meeting, a Philip Morris executive said the warning size was "too high", according to a record of the meeting held in May 2015, which was chaired by Health Minister Tarar. In addition to Philip Morris and BAT, a constellation of smaller tobacco companies, growers and industry associations joined the lobbying effort, according to government records. The panel's subsequent recommendation to roll back the increase in the size of health warnings, to 50 per cent and then 60 per cent instead of 85 per cent, was sent to the finance ministry for approval in August 2015. Appeal to Prime Minister The health ministry continued issuing successive notices pushing back the start date of the 85 per cent requirement, which had been published in the nation's official gazette but never implemented. Then, last October, Philip Morris International's global vice president for corporate affairs, Jon Huenemann, wrote to Prime Minister Abbasi asking him to nudge the health ministry to formally change its rules. "We would kindly request your near term intervention to direct the concerned officials to enforce the steps mentioned in the IMC recommendation," Huenemann wrote in the letter dated October 2, referring to the inter-ministerial committee set up by the finance ministry. BAT's unit, Pakistan Tobacco Company, whose brands include John Player Gold Leaf and Benson & Hedges, made the same specific request to the prime minister on October 18, according to a copy of the company letter. In his letter, Philip Morris' Huenemann reminded Abbasi that the prime minister had spoken with his colleague the previous month at a meeting of the US-Pakistan Business Council in New York. Prime Minister Abbasi's office did not reply to questions sent by Reuters. Huenemann mentioned, also, that he had personally met twice with the previous Pakistani prime minister, Nawaz Sharif, to discuss the issue of illegal cigarette manufacturing. A request for comment to a representative of Sharif, along with officials from his political party, was not answered. Huenemann did not respond to an e-mail sent to his company account. Philip Morris, maker of Marlboro cigarettes and local brands such as Morven Gold, said the existence of the letter had previously been reported in Pakistani media, but made no other comment. BAT said in a statement about the letter that, "regarding the use of the words 'advise' and 'instruct' in this letter, it is customary for the Prime Minister to use such language when addressing government departments, and as such, it is equally customary for businesses and other external stakeholders to use similar language when they are writing to the Prime Minister." According to a government office memo, the prime minister's office forwarded letters from Philip Morris and BAT to the health ministry two days later. Within two months, the health ministry issued a notification for smaller warnings.

Pakistan diluted proposed tobacco health warnings after Philip Morris, BAT lobbying

The Centre has asked the Separatists in Jammu and Kashmir, to play a major role in developing cordial ties between India and Pakistan, a media reported.

The government had earlier maintained that they were ready to talk to the Hurriyat conference if&nbsp;they were willing for a dialogue.

In an interview to a TV channel, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh had said,&nbsp;"If Hurriyat is ready to talk, we have no problem, we are ready to talk to anyone. Even if Pakistan comes for a dialogue, we are ready for it".

Days before the centre had also offered the separatists an opportunity for a dialogue to discuss measures to maintain peace and normality.

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The government had earlier maintained that they were ready to talk to the Hurriyat conference if they were willing for a dialogue

The Centre has asked the Separatists in Jammu and Kashmir, to play a major role in developing cordial ties between India and Pakistan, a media reported. The government had earlier maintained that they were ready to talk to the Hurriyat conference if they were willing for a dialogue. In an interview to a TV channel, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh had said, "If Hurriyat is ready to talk, we have no problem, we are ready to talk to anyone. Even if Pakistan comes for a dialogue, we are ready for it". Days before the centre had also offered the separatists an opportunity for a dialogue to discuss measures to maintain peace and normality.

Centre asks Separatists to play major role in developing cordial ties with Pakistan

On the anniversary of the detonation of its nuclear test, Pakistan's ousted prime minister Nawaz Sharif claimed that India's attitude towards Pakistan had changed after it conducted nuclear tests in 1998.

He said eight months after they conducted the test, the then Indian prime minister Vajpayee had visited Lahore by bus.&nbsp;

Sharif said, "India carried out nuclear tests in 1998 and it changed the language of its ministers towards us. But when Pakistan conducted the nuclear tests in its reply suddenly their attitude changed. Eight months after the nuclear tests, Indian prime minister Vajpayee visited Lahore by bus".

Sharif claims came when he was addressing a ceremony in Lahore on the 20th anniversary of the nuclear tests.

He further said, "It is because of my decision to conduct the nuclear tests that no one could challenge Pakistan".

He also said that he was asked by then US President Bill Clinton not to conduct nuclear tests and in return, he promised to give him $ 5 billion.

Sharif said Pakistan's defence had been made strong by an elected prime minister and not by a military dictator.&nbsp;

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Five nuclear tests were conducted by Pakistan in Chagai area of Balochistan in 1998.&nbsp;

The test was carried out immediately after India conducted its successful nuclear test at Pokhran on May 11 and 13, 1998.

Each year May 28 is celebrated by Pakistan as "the day of greatness" to mark the country's successful detonation of the nuclear device.&nbsp;

The people of Balochistan's Chagai, however, observe it as "Black Day".

&nbsp;

(With inputs from PTI)

Sharif said eight months after they conducted the test, the then Indian prime minister Vajpayee had visited Lahore by bus

On the anniversary of the detonation of its nuclear test, Pakistan's ousted prime minister Nawaz Sharif claimed that India's attitude towards Pakistan had changed after it conducted nuclear tests in 1998. He said eight months after they conducted the test, the then Indian prime minister Vajpayee had visited Lahore by bus. Sharif said, "India carried out nuclear tests in 1998 and it changed the language of its ministers towards us. But when Pakistan conducted the nuclear tests in its reply suddenly their attitude changed. Eight months after the nuclear tests, Indian prime minister Vajpayee visited Lahore by bus". Sharif claims came when he was addressing a ceremony in Lahore on the 20th anniversary of the nuclear tests. He further said, "It is because of my decision to conduct the nuclear tests that no one could challenge Pakistan". He also said that he was asked by then US President Bill Clinton not to conduct nuclear tests and in return, he promised to give him $ 5 billion. Sharif said Pakistan's defence had been made strong by an elected prime minister and not by a military dictator. × Five nuclear tests were conducted by Pakistan in Chagai area of Balochistan in 1998. The test was carried out immediately after India conducted its successful nuclear test at Pokhran on May 11 and 13, 1998. Each year May 28 is celebrated by Pakistan as "the day of greatness" to mark the country's successful detonation of the nuclear device. The people of Balochistan's Chagai, however, observe it as "Black Day". (With inputs from PTI)

India's attitude towards Pakistan changed after Islamabad's nuclear tests: Nawaz Sharif

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