Eight members of a family, including four women, were killed after being trapped inside their burning house in Pakistan's largest city on Monday.

Police officials said the eldest son of Gulzara Bibi, who had survived the blaze in Baldia Town area, told them his mother was mentally unstable and set a room on fire after locking the house from inside.

"The mother, her three daughters and four sons were in one room where Gulzara Bibi allegedly first set fire," one official said.

Neighbours of the family which resided in Malang Goth, a low income area in Baldia town, said Bibi was mentally unstable.

A rescue official said Bibi and her three daughters were killed in the fire in the blazing house while three of the sons died while being taken to hospital for treatment.

"One son expired in hospital while two other people were injured in the fire," he added.

Among the injured was the father who was sleeping in the porch and managed to escape the fire.&nbsp

Eight members of a family, including four women, were killed after being trapped inside their burning house in Pakistan's largest city on Monday

Eight members of a family, including four women, were killed after being trapped inside their burning house in Pakistan's largest city on Monday. Police officials said the eldest son of Gulzara Bibi, who had survived the blaze in Baldia Town area, told them his mother was mentally unstable and set a room on fire after locking the house from inside. "The mother, her three daughters and four sons were in one room where Gulzara Bibi allegedly first set fire," one official said. Neighbours of the family which resided in Malang Goth, a low income area in Baldia town, said Bibi was mentally unstable. A rescue official said Bibi and her three daughters were killed in the fire in the blazing house while three of the sons died while being taken to hospital for treatment. "One son expired in hospital while two other people were injured in the fire," he added. Among the injured was the father who was sleeping in the porch and managed to escape the fire.

8 killed in Pak fire

A shootout in Pakistan's southwestern Quetta city on Sunday evening left two police officers and two militants dead, officials said.&nbsp

The incident occurred around sunset when two gunmen riding a motorcycle opened fire, killing two traffic police.

Officers on patrol nearby heard the gunshots and rushed to the scene.

"They engaged the attackers in firing and killed them on the spot," Abdul Razaq Cheema, a senior police official in the city, told AFP.

He said that another militant on a separate motorcycle was wounded in the clashes before fleeing.

Ghulam Ali Baoch, home secretary of Balochistan province of which Quetta is capital, confirmed the incident and announced a reward of one million rupees ($8,644) for any information on the militants. &nbsp &nbsp &nbsp&nbsp

No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack.&nbsp

Islamist militants and separatist groups have waged violence in mineral-rich Balochistan, which borders Iran and Afghanistan, for more than a decade.

Balochistan is the largest of Pakistan's four provinces but its roughly seven million people have long argued they do not get a fair share of its vast gas and mineral wealth.

Officers on patrol nearby heard the gunshots and rushed to the scene

A shootout in Pakistan's southwestern Quetta city on Sunday evening left two police officers and two militants dead, officials said. The incident occurred around sunset when two gunmen riding a motorcycle opened fire, killing two traffic police. Officers on patrol nearby heard the gunshots and rushed to the scene. "They engaged the attackers in firing and killed them on the spot," Abdul Razaq Cheema, a senior police official in the city, told AFP. He said that another militant on a separate motorcycle was wounded in the clashes before fleeing. Ghulam Ali Baoch, home secretary of Balochistan province of which Quetta is capital, confirmed the incident and announced a reward of one million rupees ($8,644) for any information on the militants. No group immediately claimed responsibility for the attack. Islamist militants and separatist groups have waged violence in mineral-rich Balochistan, which borders Iran and Afghanistan, for more than a decade. Balochistan is the largest of Pakistan's four provinces but its roughly seven million people have long argued they do not get a fair share of its vast gas and mineral wealth.

Pakistan: Shootout kills 4 in Quetta

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/90000-foreigners-rescued-by-india-in-4-years-proof-of-our-humane-foreign-policy-sushma-swaraj-140366">When people are dying on the border, </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/90000-foreigners-rescued-by-india-in-4-years-proof-of-our-humane-foreign-policy-sushma-swaraj-140366">dialogue</a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/india-news/90000-foreigners-rescued-by-india-in-4-years-proof-of-our-humane-foreign-policy-sushma-swaraj-140366"> is not appropriate: Sushma Swaraj on Pakistan</a>

External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj addressed an annual press conference on Monday in which she highlighted the achievements made by the Modi government over the past 4 years.&nbsp

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/this-retired-english-teacher-made-corrections-to-a-letter-sent-by-trump-and-mailed-it-back--140397">This retired English teacher made corrections to a letter sent by Trump and mailed it back</a>

A retired English teacher from the United States did not give any consideration to the fact that the letter she had received, had come from the White House and after being astounded by the grammatical mistakes made the rightful changes and sent it back.&nbsp

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/ireland-abortion-law-may-be-termed-as-the-savitas-law-140367">Ireland abortion law may be termed as 'Savita's law'</a>

After Ireland welcomed the abortion vote, campaigners have said that they will be in full support if the new law will be named after the woman who died after miscarriage - Savita Halappanavar.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/iran-foreign-minister-urges-on-strengthening-relations-with-india-140375">Iran Foreign Minister urges on strengthening relations with India</a>

Iranian Foreign Minister Dr Mohammad Javad Zarif, who arrived here on Monday on a one-day visit, stressed upon the idea of strengthening relations shared by the two countries.

<a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-military-says-ex-spy-chief-will-not-be-allowed-to-leave-country-140413">Pakistan military says ex-spy chief will not be allowed to leave </a><a href="http://www.wionews.com/south-asia/pakistan-military-says-ex-spy-chief-will-not-be-allowed-to-leave-country-140413">country</a>

Pakistan's military Monday took the unprecedented step of preventing a former spy chief from leaving the country, after he ignited a storm by co-authoring a book that touches on Pakistan's alleged roles in Afghanistan and Kashmir.

When people are dying on the border, dialogue is not appropriate: Sushma Swaraj on Pakistan External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj addressed an annual press conference on Monday in which she highlighted the achievements made by the Modi government over the past 4 years. This retired English teacher made corrections to a letter sent by Trump and mailed it back A retired English teacher from the United States did not give any consideration to the fact that the letter she had received, had come from the White House and after being astounded by the grammatical mistakes made the rightful changes and sent it back. Ireland abortion law may be termed as 'Savita's law' After Ireland welcomed the abortion vote, campaigners have said that they will be in full support if the new law will be named after the woman who died after miscarriage - Savita Halappanavar. Iran Foreign Minister urges on strengthening relations with India Iranian Foreign Minister Dr Mohammad Javad Zarif, who arrived here on Monday on a one-day visit, stressed upon the idea of strengthening relations shared by the two countries. Pakistan military says ex-spy chief will not be allowed to leave country Pakistan's military Monday took the unprecedented step of preventing a former spy chief from leaving the country, after he ignited a storm by co-authoring a book that touches on Pakistan's alleged roles in Afghanistan and Kashmir.

News brief: Big stories of the day

Afghanistan and Pakistan held a meeting of senior military and intelligence officials on Sunday to discuss comprehensive bilateral mechanism on key areas.

The talks that&nbsp;majorly aimed at ensuring peace in the region were held at Pakistan army's headquarters in the garrison city of Rawalpindi.

Pakistan's Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa told the delegation that the two countries must develop trust that they will never try to intrude into other's territory nor they will allow their land to be used against the other.

Afghanistan has been putting pressure on Pakistan to stop the country from using its land for breeding terrorists against it.

This is the first time when a high-level official from Afghanistan has visited Pakistan after the two countries agreed on a comprehensive bilateral mechanism for dialogue on key areas.

The talks that majorly aimed at ensuring peace in the region were held at Pakistan army's headquarters in the garrison city of Rawalpindi

Afghanistan and Pakistan held a meeting of senior military and intelligence officials on Sunday to discuss comprehensive bilateral mechanism on key areas. The talks that majorly aimed at ensuring peace in the region were held at Pakistan army's headquarters in the garrison city of Rawalpindi. Pakistan's Army chief General Qamar Javed Bajwa told the delegation that the two countries must develop trust that they will never try to intrude into other's territory nor they will allow their land to be used against the other. Afghanistan has been putting pressure on Pakistan to stop the country from using its land for breeding terrorists against it. This is the first time when a high-level official from Afghanistan has visited Pakistan after the two countries agreed on a comprehensive bilateral mechanism for dialogue on key areas.

Afghan, Pakistani military officials held talks to push for peace

Pakistan cricket team were fined for maintaining a slow over-rate during their nine-wicket win over England in the opening Test of the two-match series at the Lord's on Sunday.

The fine was imposed after the Sarfraz Ahmed-led side was ruled to be three overs short of their target when time allowances were taken into consideration.

Sarfraz has been fined 60 per cent of his match fee, while his players have received 30 per cent fines.

If Pakistan commits another minor over-rate breach in a Test within 12 months of this offence with Sarfraz as captain, it will be deemed a second offence by Sarfraz and he will face a suspension.

Sarfraz pleaded guilty to the offence and accepted the proposed sanction, so there was no need for a formal hearing.

The charge was levelled by on-field umpires Paul Reiffel and Rod Tucker, third umpire Bruce Oxenford and fourth umpire Rob Bailey.&nbsp

The fine was imposed after the Sarfraz Ahmed-led side was ruled to be three overs short of their target

Pakistan cricket team were fined for maintaining a slow over-rate during their nine-wicket win over England in the opening Test of the two-match series at the Lord's on Sunday. The fine was imposed after the Sarfraz Ahmed-led side was ruled to be three overs short of their target when time allowances were taken into consideration. Sarfraz has been fined 60 per cent of his match fee, while his players have received 30 per cent fines. If Pakistan commits another minor over-rate breach in a Test within 12 months of this offence with Sarfraz as captain, it will be deemed a second offence by Sarfraz and he will face a suspension. Sarfraz pleaded guilty to the offence and accepted the proposed sanction, so there was no need for a formal hearing. The charge was levelled by on-field umpires Paul Reiffel and Rod Tucker, third umpire Bruce Oxenford and fourth umpire Rob Bailey.

Pakistan fined for slow over-rate in Lord's Test

Pakistan on Monday summoned India's Deputy High Commissioner J P Singh and issued a demarche over the Indian statement that 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.

Pakistan Cabinet on May 21 approved Gilgit-Baltistan Order 2018 which was also endorsed by the assembly for the region. The order is being seen as Pakistan's efforts towards incorporating the disputed region as its fifth province.

India on Sunday summoned Pakistan's Deputy High Commissioner Syed Haider Shah in New Delhi and lodged a strong protest over Islamabad's latest move, saying any action to alter the status of any part of the territory under its "forcible and illegal occupation" has no legal basis.

The Ministry of External Affairs said it conveyed to Shah that 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.

Commenting on India's remarks, Pakistan Foreign Office spokesman Dr Mohammad Faisal today said that Singh was summoned on the issue.&nbsp

Faisal, who is also the Director General (South Asia & South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) issued the demarche to Singh.

Singh was summoned "to register Pakistan's categorical rejection of the Indian statement on the Gilgit Baltistan Order 2018 and its baseless, fallacious claim" over Kashmir, according to a statement issued by Faisal's office.&nbsp

It said a written demarche to this effect was also handed over to Singh.

The Foreign Office spokesman in a statement on Sunday claimed that the "Jammu and Kashmir was a disputed territory".

"Pakistan categorically rejects India's protest against the Gilgit-Baltistan Order 2018 and its claim over Jammu & Kashmir as an 'integral part' of India. Everything from history to law to morality to the situation on the ground belies India's spurious claim," the spokesman said.

"These resolutions, pledging the right to self-determination to the people of Kashmir, were accepted by India, Pakistan and the international community," he said, referring to UN Security Council resolutions.

The spokesman said that Pakistan as a responsible member of the international community, had always taken steps consistent with UN Security Council resolutions on Jammu and Kashmir dispute.

"The latest measure is no exception, as its aim is to further empower the people of Gilgit and Baltistan. We will continue to abide by the UN Security Council resolutions until this dispute is finally resolved through peaceful means,"&nbsphe 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.&nbsp

China's controversial $ 50 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) passes through the disputed region.

It is believed that China's concerns about the unsettled status of Gilgit-Baltistan prompted Pakistan to change its status.

Pakistan Cabinet on May 21 approved Gilgit-Baltistan Order 2018 which was also endorsed by the assembly for the region. The order is being seen as Pakistan's efforts towards incorporating the disputed region as its fifth province

Pakistan on Monday summoned India's Deputy High Commissioner J P Singh and issued a demarche over the Indian statement that 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. Pakistan Cabinet on May 21 approved Gilgit-Baltistan Order 2018 which was also endorsed by the assembly for the region. The order is being seen as Pakistan's efforts towards incorporating the disputed region as its fifth province. India on Sunday summoned Pakistan's Deputy High Commissioner Syed Haider Shah in New Delhi and lodged a strong protest over Islamabad's latest move, saying any action to alter the status of any part of the territory under its "forcible and illegal occupation" has no legal basis. The Ministry of External Affairs said it conveyed to Shah that 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. Commenting on India's remarks, Pakistan Foreign Office spokesman Dr Mohammad Faisal today said that Singh was summoned on the issue. Faisal, who is also the Director General (South Asia & South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation) issued the demarche to Singh. Singh was summoned "to register Pakistan's categorical rejection of the Indian statement on the Gilgit Baltistan Order 2018 and its baseless, fallacious claim" over Kashmir, according to a statement issued by Faisal's office. It said a written demarche to this effect was also handed over to Singh. The Foreign Office spokesman in a statement on Sunday claimed that the "Jammu and Kashmir was a disputed territory". "Pakistan categorically rejects India's protest against the Gilgit-Baltistan Order 2018 and its claim over Jammu & Kashmir as an 'integral part' of India. Everything from history to law to morality to the situation on the ground belies India's spurious claim," the spokesman said. "These resolutions, pledging the right to self-determination to the people of Kashmir, were accepted by India, Pakistan and the international community," he said, referring to UN Security Council resolutions. The spokesman said that Pakistan as a responsible member of the international community, had always taken steps consistent with UN Security Council resolutions on Jammu and Kashmir dispute. "The latest measure is no exception, as its aim is to further empower the people of Gilgit and Baltistan. We will continue to abide by the UN Security Council resolutions until this dispute is finally resolved through peaceful means,"&nbsphe 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. China's controversial $ 50 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) passes through the disputed region. It is believed that China's concerns about the unsettled status of Gilgit-Baltistan prompted Pakistan to change its status.

Pakistan summons India's Deputy High Commissioner over 'Gilgit-Baltistan' issue

Pakistan Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has rejected the Opposition's protest against a new order relating to administrative control over Gilgit-Baltistan, saying he has no authority over the region after the devolution of all the powers to local representatives.

Pakistan's Cabinet on May 21 approved Gilgit-Baltistan Order 2018 which was also endorsed by the assembly of the region. The order is being seen as Islamabad's efforts towards incorporating the disputed region as its fifth province.&nbsp

Civil rights groups in Pakistan have criticised the order. A complete strike was observed across Gilgit-Baltistan on Sunday on the call of the joint Opposition to protest against the order.&nbsp

India on Sunday summoned Pakistan's Deputy High Commissioner Syed Haider Shah in New Delhi and lodged a strong protest over Islamabad's latest move, saying any action to alter the status of any part of the territory under its "forcible and illegal occupation" has no legal basis.&nbsp

The order has also sparked several protests in the region.&nbsp

Abbasi said that under the order, all the powers have been transferred to the people of Gilgit-Baltistan who will enjoy similar rights which the people of other provinces have without any discrimination.

He said his government was ready to accommodate more demands from the representatives of the area.&nbsp

Abassi said that he as well as minister for Kashmir Affairs had no authority over the region after the devolution of powers.&nbsp

"From today I as the prime minster and Barjees Tahir as federal minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan have become powerless as far as the affairs of Gilgit-Baltistan are concerned. All the powers have been shifted to the people of Gilgit-Baltistan and no one can abolish the powers which we have transferred to them,"Abassi said while addressing a joint session of the Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) Assembly and GB Council on Sunday.

He said once powerful GB Council would function as an advisory body only.

He said he was amazed that some opposition parties were protesting against the law.&nbsp

"If they had listened, they would have noticed that all powers had already been transferred to local representatives under the Gilgit-Baltistan Order 2018," he said.

Referring to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the premier expressed hope that the region would be the most prosperous and developed area of the country under the project.&nbsp

He said the international issues related to the region might go on, but it was a proud moment for the government as the people of Gilgit-Baltistan would have same rights which the people of other parts of the country enjoyed.

When Abbasi was about to start his speech, Leader of the Opposition in GB Assembly Mohammad Shafi Khan stood up from his seat and interrupted the CM to say Gilgit-Baltistan people had principally rejected the order. 
"How can GB be governed through orders"&nbsphe asked.&nbsp

Khan announced that the opposition parties had decided principally not to accept any order without constitutional protection.&nbsp

Other opposition members including Javed Hussain of Pakistan Peoples Party, Raja Jahanzeb of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf and Nawaz Naji of Balawaristan National Front stood up and shouted the slogan "orders not accepted". The opposition lawmakers also tore the copies of the agenda.

During the protest, a scuffle erupted between the opposition and ruling party members. The opposition parties later staged a walkout.

Following the walkout by the opposition, the prime minister began his speech.

Pakistan's Cabinet on May 21 approved Gilgit-Baltistan Order 2018 which was also endorsed by the assembly of the region. The order is being seen as Islamabad's efforts towards incorporating the disputed region as its fifth province

Pakistan Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi has rejected the Opposition's protest against a new order relating to administrative control over Gilgit-Baltistan, saying he has no authority over the region after the devolution of all the powers to local representatives. Pakistan's Cabinet on May 21 approved Gilgit-Baltistan Order 2018 which was also endorsed by the assembly of the region. The order is being seen as Islamabad's efforts towards incorporating the disputed region as its fifth province. Civil rights groups in Pakistan have criticised the order. A complete strike was observed across Gilgit-Baltistan on Sunday on the call of the joint Opposition to protest against the order. India on Sunday summoned Pakistan's Deputy High Commissioner Syed Haider Shah in New Delhi and lodged a strong protest over Islamabad's latest move, saying any action to alter the status of any part of the territory under its "forcible and illegal occupation" has no legal basis. The order has also sparked several protests in the region. Abbasi said that under the order, all the powers have been transferred to the people of Gilgit-Baltistan who will enjoy similar rights which the people of other provinces have without any discrimination. He said his government was ready to accommodate more demands from the representatives of the area. Abassi said that he as well as minister for Kashmir Affairs had no authority over the region after the devolution of powers. "From today I as the prime minster and Barjees Tahir as federal minister for Kashmir Affairs and Gilgit-Baltistan have become powerless as far as the affairs of Gilgit-Baltistan are concerned. All the powers have been shifted to the people of Gilgit-Baltistan and no one can abolish the powers which we have transferred to them,"Abassi said while addressing a joint session of the Gilgit-Baltistan (GB) Assembly and GB Council on Sunday. He said once powerful GB Council would function as an advisory body only. He said he was amazed that some opposition parties were protesting against the law. "If they had listened, they would have noticed that all powers had already been transferred to local representatives under the Gilgit-Baltistan Order 2018," he said. Referring to the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC), the premier expressed hope that the region would be the most prosperous and developed area of the country under the project. He said the international issues related to the region might go on, but it was a proud moment for the government as the people of Gilgit-Baltistan would have same rights which the people of other parts of the country enjoyed. When Abbasi was about to start his speech, Leader of the Opposition in GB Assembly Mohammad Shafi Khan stood up from his seat and interrupted the CM to say Gilgit-Baltistan people had principally rejected the order. "How can GB be governed through orders"&nbsphe asked. Khan announced that the opposition parties had decided principally not to accept any order without constitutional protection. Other opposition members including Javed Hussain of Pakistan Peoples Party, Raja Jahanzeb of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf and Nawaz Naji of Balawaristan National Front stood up and shouted the slogan "orders not accepted". The opposition lawmakers also tore the copies of the agenda. During the protest, a scuffle erupted between the opposition and ruling party members. The opposition parties later staged a walkout. Following the walkout by the opposition, the prime minister began his speech.

Pak PM rejects Opposition protest over Gilgit-Baltistan Order

Former Chief Justice of Pakistan Nasirul-ul-Mulk has been named the caretaker prime minister after the announcement of general elections to be held in July.

"No Pakistani can lift a finger (against) such a name," Abbasi told reporters, seated next to opposition leader Syed Khurshid Ahmed Shah.

Pakistan president's office had said on Sunday that general elections would be held in the country&nbsp;on July 25th.

The country faced a tumultuous last 12 months with Nawaz Sharif forced to step down as prime minister after the Supreme Court implicated him in corruption cases.

After Sharif's ouster, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi who belongs to Sharif's PML(N) was made the prime minister.

Earlier, A Pakistan court had disqualified Khawaja Asif for violating the country's election laws.

Nasir–ul–Mulk was the 22nd Chief Justice of Pakistan. He had also served as the acting&nbsp;chief election commissioner of Pakistan.

Nasir–ul–Mulk was the 22nd Chief Justice of Pakistan. He had also served as the acting chief election commissioner of Pakistan.

Former Chief Justice of Pakistan Nasirul-ul-Mulk has been named the caretaker prime minister after the announcement of general elections to be held in July. "No Pakistani can lift a finger (against) such a name," Abbasi told reporters, seated next to opposition leader Syed Khurshid Ahmed Shah. Pakistan president's office had said on Sunday that general elections would be held in the country on July 25th. The country faced a tumultuous last 12 months with Nawaz Sharif forced to step down as prime minister after the Supreme Court implicated him in corruption cases. After Sharif's ouster, Shahid Khaqan Abbasi who belongs to Sharif's PML(N) was made the prime minister. Earlier, A Pakistan court had disqualified Khawaja Asif for violating the country's election laws. Nasir–ul–Mulk was the 22nd Chief Justice of Pakistan. He had also served as the acting chief election commissioner of Pakistan.

Ex-Chief Justice of Pakistan Nasirul Mulk to be caretaker PM

The Baloch National Movement staged a protest in Germany's&nbsp;Göttingen against Pakistan on Sunday for conducting nuclear tests in 1998.

Five nuclear tests were conducted by Pakistan in Chagai area of Balochistan in 1998.&nbsp;

The protesters claim&nbsp;that the people in Balochistan are suffering from the adverse consequence of the nuclear test.

According to reports the inhabitants and the newborn in the region are born with serious disease due to the after-effects of the nuclear test.

With the code name Chagai-I, this was the first public test of nuclear weapons.

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;

&nbsp;

&nbsp;

The protesters from Baloch National Movement claim that the people in Balochistan are suffering from the adverse consequence of the nuclear test

The Baloch National Movement staged a protest in Germany's Göttingen against Pakistan on Sunday for conducting nuclear tests in 1998. Five nuclear tests were conducted by Pakistan in Chagai area of Balochistan in 1998. The protesters claim that the people in Balochistan are suffering from the adverse consequence of the nuclear test. According to reports the inhabitants and the newborn in the region are born with serious disease due to the after-effects of the nuclear test. With the code name Chagai-I, this was the first public test of nuclear weapons. 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".

Baloch National Movement stages protest in Germany against 1998 Pakistan nuclear test

China has agreed to roll over a loan of USD 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 USD 44 billion in loans in the past five years.

The Express Tribune reported that the People's Bank of China, through China's State Administration of Foreign Exchange (SAFE), had deposited USD 500 million with the SBP in June 2012.

The loan is going to mature in the first week of June this year, but China has agreed to roll it over for one more year, said sources in the ministry of finance.

Pakistan cannot use the USD 500 million Chinese deposit and its only purpose is to shore up foreign currency reserves.

According to sources, 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, they said.

During the week ended May 18, the SBP's gross reserves dropped USD 479 million to only USD 10.32 billion due to payments on account of external debt servicing. The reserves are barely enough for two months of imports and are below the International Monetary Fund's adequacy levels.

The USD 10.32-billion gross foreign currency reserves include loans of USD 6.13 billion the central bank has acquired from domestic banks to inflate the reserves.

Owing to the government's wrong policies, the external debt and liabilities swelled over 42 per cent to USD 92 billion by April this year, according to central bank data.

The current government has got foreign loans of USD 44.2 billion to repay maturing debt, provide cushion to foreign currency reserves and finance the import bill.

Sources said in addition to the USD 500-million loan rollover, China was expected to increase the SAFE deposit limit by USD 500 million to USD 1 billion. Apart from this, another USD 1 billion in Chinese foreign commercial loan is being negotiated.

Pakistan has already taken USD 2.2 billion in commercial loans from China in the current fiscal year. It is also holding negotiations to take USD 200-350 million in commercial loans from Gulf banks.

In January last year, Pakistan had returned USD 500 million to SAFE that had reached maturity. The loan in the form of deposits had been taken in January, 2009 due to weak current account situation at the time.

This week, Pakistan and China also extended the currency swap arrangement between the SBP and People's Bank of China for three years in respective local currencies. The swap limit has been increased from 10 billion to 20 billion Chinese yuan and from Rs 165 billion to Rs 351 billion.

Owing to the fast deteriorating fiscal and external accounts, the SBP on Friday increased key discount rate by 50 basis points to 6.5 per cent after putting off the increase twice earlier.

The balance of payments position, despite increase in exports and some deceleration in imports, has deteriorated due to a sharp increase in international oil prices and limited financial inflows, according to the central bank.

In its statement, the SBP added that twin deficits, the budget deficit and the current account deficit&nbsp;were depicting elevated aggregate demand and were adversely affecting near-term macroeconomic stability.

However, it seems that the federal government is deliberately destroying the economic fundamentals. It posted a record budget deficit of Rs 4.81 trillion for July-April of the current fiscal year, which is equal to 4.3 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP).

In spite of that, Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on Friday approved an honorarium equal to three basic salaries for federal government employees. This came despite opposition from the finance ministry that estimated its impact in the range of Rs 100 billion to Rs 125 billion.

The honorarium has been announced for all federal government employees and attached departments, including the armed forces.

A senior official of the finance ministry said the ministry would try to limit the damage and was not in a mood to fully honour the premier's decision. If the decision is implemented, the budget deficit for the current fiscal year would jump close to 7 per cent of GDP. This excludes the circular debt that has been parked outside budget books.

When the government came to power in June 2013, the budget deficit was 6 per cent of GDP excluding circular debt payments.&nbsp;

The loan is going to mature in the first week of June this year, but China has agreed to roll it over for one more year, said sources in the ministry of finance

China has agreed to roll over a loan of USD 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 USD 44 billion in loans in the past five years. The Express Tribune reported that the People's Bank of China, through China's State Administration of Foreign Exchange (SAFE), had deposited USD 500 million with the SBP in June 2012. The loan is going to mature in the first week of June this year, but China has agreed to roll it over for one more year, said sources in the ministry of finance. Pakistan cannot use the USD 500 million Chinese deposit and its only purpose is to shore up foreign currency reserves. According to sources, 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, they said. During the week ended May 18, the SBP's gross reserves dropped USD 479 million to only USD 10.32 billion due to payments on account of external debt servicing. The reserves are barely enough for two months of imports and are below the International Monetary Fund's adequacy levels. The USD 10.32-billion gross foreign currency reserves include loans of USD 6.13 billion the central bank has acquired from domestic banks to inflate the reserves. Owing to the government's wrong policies, the external debt and liabilities swelled over 42 per cent to USD 92 billion by April this year, according to central bank data. The current government has got foreign loans of USD 44.2 billion to repay maturing debt, provide cushion to foreign currency reserves and finance the import bill. Sources said in addition to the USD 500-million loan rollover, China was expected to increase the SAFE deposit limit by USD 500 million to USD 1 billion. Apart from this, another USD 1 billion in Chinese foreign commercial loan is being negotiated. Pakistan has already taken USD 2.2 billion in commercial loans from China in the current fiscal year. It is also holding negotiations to take USD 200-350 million in commercial loans from Gulf banks. In January last year, Pakistan had returned USD 500 million to SAFE that had reached maturity. The loan in the form of deposits had been taken in January, 2009 due to weak current account situation at the time. This week, Pakistan and China also extended the currency swap arrangement between the SBP and People's Bank of China for three years in respective local currencies. The swap limit has been increased from 10 billion to 20 billion Chinese yuan and from Rs 165 billion to Rs 351 billion. Owing to the fast deteriorating fiscal and external accounts, the SBP on Friday increased key discount rate by 50 basis points to 6.5 per cent after putting off the increase twice earlier. The balance of payments position, despite increase in exports and some deceleration in imports, has deteriorated due to a sharp increase in international oil prices and limited financial inflows, according to the central bank. In its statement, the SBP added that twin deficits, the budget deficit and the current account deficit were depicting elevated aggregate demand and were adversely affecting near-term macroeconomic stability. However, it seems that the federal government is deliberately destroying the economic fundamentals. It posted a record budget deficit of Rs 4.81 trillion for July-April of the current fiscal year, which is equal to 4.3 per cent of gross domestic product (GDP). In spite of that, Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on Friday approved an honorarium equal to three basic salaries for federal government employees. This came despite opposition from the finance ministry that estimated its impact in the range of Rs 100 billion to Rs 125 billion. The honorarium has been announced for all federal government employees and attached departments, including the armed forces. A senior official of the finance ministry said the ministry would try to limit the damage and was not in a mood to fully honour the premier's decision. If the decision is implemented, the budget deficit for the current fiscal year would jump close to 7 per cent of GDP. This excludes the circular debt that has been parked outside budget books. When the government came to power in June 2013, the budget deficit was 6 per cent of GDP excluding circular debt payments.

China to roll over $500 million loan to Pakistan central bank

Pakistan Prime Minister Shadid Abbasi on Saturday inaugurated the first section of the 392-km Multan-Sukkur Motorway, which is the largest transportation infrastructure project under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC).&nbsp;

The superhighway is located in the country's eastern Punjab province, Multan. The six-lane superhighway will connect Karachi with Peshawar through the provinces of Punjab and Sindh.

The motorway, called M-5, will reduce the travel distance between Multan and Sukkur from 463 km to 392 km.&nbsp;

The project will be completed by August 2019 and will have 107 underpasses, 188 subways, 100 bridges.

Abbasi has branded the multi-billion dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as a "game changer" for the country.

Calling the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and CPEC "a transformative project representing economic cooperation between Islamabad and Beijing," Abbasi said that the BRI is "a truly global public good", which has been planned to benefit the people living in geographically distinct areas, the People's Daily reported.&nbsp;

Calling the CPEC project a "game changer" for Pakistan, Abbasi stressed that the initial phase of the economic corridor was progressing well and so, a network of roads and the infrastructure at Gwadar Port in Balochistan were being developed on a priority basis.

The Pakistan Prime Minister further said that the next stage of developing the CPEC project was to set up Special Economic Zones (SEZs), which would lead to the strengthening of the country's economy and creating employment opportunities.

Pakistan Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal also said that Pakistan would be the 'industrial hub' of the entire South Asian region soon, after the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project is built.

The superhighway is located in the country's eastern Punjab province, Multan. The six-lane superhighway will connect Karachi with Peshawar through the provinces of Punjab and Sindh

Pakistan Prime Minister Shadid Abbasi on Saturday inaugurated the first section of the 392-km Multan-Sukkur Motorway, which is the largest transportation infrastructure project under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). The superhighway is located in the country's eastern Punjab province, Multan. The six-lane superhighway will connect Karachi with Peshawar through the provinces of Punjab and Sindh. The motorway, called M-5, will reduce the travel distance between Multan and Sukkur from 463 km to 392 km. The project will be completed by August 2019 and will have 107 underpasses, 188 subways, 100 bridges. Abbasi has branded the multi-billion dollar China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) as a "game changer" for the country. Calling the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and CPEC "a transformative project representing economic cooperation between Islamabad and Beijing," Abbasi said that the BRI is "a truly global public good", which has been planned to benefit the people living in geographically distinct areas, the People's Daily reported. Calling the CPEC project a "game changer" for Pakistan, Abbasi stressed that the initial phase of the economic corridor was progressing well and so, a network of roads and the infrastructure at Gwadar Port in Balochistan were being developed on a priority basis. The Pakistan Prime Minister further said that the next stage of developing the CPEC project was to set up Special Economic Zones (SEZs), which would lead to the strengthening of the country's economy and creating employment opportunities. Pakistan Interior Minister Ahsan Iqbal also said that Pakistan would be the 'industrial hub' of the entire South Asian region soon, after the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) project is built.

Pakistan PM Shahid Abbasi inaugurates 1st section of CPEC's superhighway

Days after the Pakistan army disrupted the distribution of the Dawn newspaper in parts of the country post Nawaz Sharif's interview, the army&nbsp;has now summoned a former head of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) on May 28.

The Pakistan army has summoned former head of ISI Lieutenant General (retired) Asad Durrani to question him for his views on the book " Spy Chronicles:RAW, ISI&nbsp;and all the illusion of Peace", which he has co-authored with former Indian intelligence officer AS Dulat.

In the book, the former ISI General has claimed that the then Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gillani was well aware of the US Navy Seals operation against Osama Bin Ladin. He also said that Pakistan and US had struck a special deal in this regard.&nbsp;

After the release of the book, the ex ISI official was asked to justify his position for violating the military code of conduct that restricts any serving or retired military official from making remarks against the country's national security.

The Pakistan army has summoned former head of ISI Lieutenant General (retired) Asad Durrani to question him for his views on the book 'Spy Chronicles:RAW, ISI and all the illusion of Peace', which he has co-authored with former Indian intelligence officer AS Dulat

Days after the Pakistan army disrupted the distribution of the Dawn newspaper in parts of the country post Nawaz Sharif's interview, the army has now summoned a former head of the Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI) on May 28. The Pakistan army has summoned former head of ISI Lieutenant General (retired) Asad Durrani to question him for his views on the book " Spy Chronicles:RAW, ISI and all the illusion of Peace", which he has co-authored with former Indian intelligence officer AS Dulat. In the book, the former ISI General has claimed that the then Prime Minister Yousaf Raza Gillani was well aware of the US Navy Seals operation against Osama Bin Ladin. He also said that Pakistan and US had struck a special deal in this regard. After the release of the book, the ex ISI official was asked to justify his position for violating the military code of conduct that restricts any serving or retired military official from making remarks against the country's national security.

Pakistan army summons former ISI chief over 'Spy Chronicles' book

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on Saturday emphasized that the establishment of new provinces could only be done through national consensus.

Dialogue should be held over many issues, including the establishment of new provinces, Abbasi was quoted by the Express Tribune, as saying.

Abbasi made this remark while inaugurating the Multan-Shuja'abad section of the Sukkur-Multan Motorway (M-5).

He was accompanied by the Governor of Punjab province, Muhammad Rafiq Rajwana, and the Minister for Water Resources, Javed Ali Shah.

Referring to the forthcoming general elections in Pakistan, he said that, "Only a representative government, elected by the people, will be capable of overcoming challenges confronting the nation."

The Sukkur-Multan Motorway is part of Karachi-Lahore Motorway project and is being constructed under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). It is 394 kilometers long and will cost around Rs294 billion.

Abbasi made this remark while inaugurating the Multan-Shuja'abad section of the Sukkur-Multan Motorway (M-5)

Pakistan's Prime Minister Shahid Khaqan Abbasi on Saturday emphasized that the establishment of new provinces could only be done through national consensus. Dialogue should be held over many issues, including the establishment of new provinces, Abbasi was quoted by the Express Tribune, as saying. Abbasi made this remark while inaugurating the Multan-Shuja'abad section of the Sukkur-Multan Motorway (M-5). He was accompanied by the Governor of Punjab province, Muhammad Rafiq Rajwana, and the Minister for Water Resources, Javed Ali Shah. Referring to the forthcoming general elections in Pakistan, he said that, "Only a representative government, elected by the people, will be capable of overcoming challenges confronting the nation." The Sukkur-Multan Motorway is part of Karachi-Lahore Motorway project and is being constructed under the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC). It is 394 kilometers long and will cost around Rs294 billion.

National consensus required for new provinces: Pakistan Prime Minister

Pakistan expects to obtain fresh Chinese loans worth $1-2 billion to help it avert a balance of payments crisis, Pakistani government sources said, in another sign of Islamabad's growing reliance on Beijing for financial support. 
 
Lending to Pakistan by China and its banks is on track to hit $5 billion in the fiscal year ending in June, according to recent disclosures by officials and Pakistan finance ministry data reviewed by Reuters.

The ramp up in China's lending comes as the United States is cutting aid to Pakistan following a fracture in relations between the on-off allies. In February, Washington led efforts that saw Pakistan placed on a global terror financing watchlist, drawing anger in Islamabad amid fears it will hurt the economy. 
 
The new Chinese loans that are being negotiated will help bolster Pakistan's rapidly-depleting foreign currency reserves, which tumbled to $10.3 billion last week from $16.4 billion in May 2017. 
 
The talks come only weeks after a group of Chinese commercial banks lent $1 billion to Pakistan's government in April.

<iframe frameborder="0" height="1" id="google_ads_iframe_/1068322/NDTV_News_ROS_Native_Outstream_0" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" name="google_ads_iframe_/1068322/NDTV_News_ROS_Native_Outstream_0" scrolling="no" srcdoc="" title="3rd party ad content" width="1"></iframe>The reserves decline and a sharp widening of Pakistan's current account deficit have prompted many financial analysts to predict that after the general election, likely in July, Islamabad will need its second International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout since 2013. The last IMF assistance package was worth $6.7 billion. 
 
Beijing's attempts to prop up Pakistan's economy follow a deepening in political and military ties in the wake of China's pledge to fund badly-needed power and road infrastructure as part of the $57 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) - that passes through Pakistan Occupied Kashmir - a key cog in Beijing's vast Belt and Road initiative. 
 
"I think this month we will get that $1-2 billion," said a senior Pakistan government official, saying the funds will come from Chinese state-run institutions. 
 
A second government official confirmed Pakistan was in "sensitive" talks with Beijing over extra funding for up to $2 billion. 
 
Pakistan finance ministry officials did not respond to a request for comment. 
 
China's finance ministry and central bank, who were faxed questions about the loans, did not immediately respond to requests for comment. 
 
Although Pakistan's economic growth has soared to nearly 6 percent, the fastest pace in 13 years, the structural problems with the economy are coming to the fore. It is similar to 2013, when foreign currency reserves dwindled and Pakistan narrowly escaped a full-blown currency crisis. 
 
"The current situation appears to be a replica of what we experienced in 2013, albeit on a slightly larger scale," said Yaseen Anwar, who was the governor of the central bank, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), back in 2013. 
 
The darkening macroeconomic outlook prompted the IMF earlier this month to downgrade its economic growth forecast for Pakistan to 4.7 percent for the next fiscal year ending in June 2019, way below the government's own ambitious target of 6.2 percent. 
 
Over the past nine months Pakistan has enacted a series of measures to combat its ballooning current account deficit, including hiking tariffs on more than 200 luxury items and devaluing its currency by about 10 percent. 
 
In the six months to end of March, Pakistan took bilateral loans worth $1.2 billion from China, according to the Pakistan Finance Ministry document reviewed by Reuters. During this period the government also borrowed about $1.7 billion in commercial loans, mostly from Chinese banks, finance ministry officials added. 
 
In April, Pakistan's central bank borrowed another $1 billion from Chinese commercial banks to buffer its reserves, State Bank of Pakistan Governor Tariq Bajwa told the Financial Times (FT). A spokesman for the central bank told Reuters the FT report was accurate. 
 
The $1-2 billion under discussion would be in addition to that loan. 
So far, all the measures appear to have had a limited impact on Pakistan's economy and foreign exchange reserves continue to plummet. 
 
The collapse of the reserves is mainly due to the central bank's efforts to maintain an artificially strong rupee over the past few years, analysts say. The currency is now trading at about 115.50/116 to the U.S. dollar, down 9.8 percent in last six months after two separate devaluations since December. 
 
In the past three weeks, reserves have declined by $1.2 billion and now stand at two months worth of import cover. 
 
"This new (Chinese) money is a temporary bridge until August or September, when a new government will come into office and the country will likely opt for a new IMF programme," said Saad Hashmey, chief economist at brokerage house Topline Securities. 
Hashmey and several other economists are predicting another currency devaluation by the end of 2018. 
 
Pakistan may also seek help from Saudi Arabia. The Middle Eastern ally loaned $1.5 billion to Pakistan in 2014 to shore up its foreign currency reserves. 
 
The scale of the task facing Pakistan is huge as the current account deficit widened to $14 billion in the first 10 months of the current fiscal year, according to SBP data. Dollar-denominated debt repayments in 2018 are also expected to top $5 billion, analysts say. 
 
Part of the problem for Pakistan has been a multi-year consumer boom accompanied by huge imports of Chinese machinery for CPEC projects, which has piled pressure on the current account deficit. More recently, a jump in the oil price has compounded the problem as Pakistan is a fuel importer. 
 
One of the senior Pakistani government officials said the money from China should give the economy breathing space.

He said exports have shot up in the last two months, helped by the devaluation in the rupee, and that should help ease the current account deficit. 
 
However, Pakistan's central bank appears more nervous as oil prices climb, raising its main policy rate by 50 basis point to 6.5 percent on Friday and warning the "the balance-of-payments picture...has further deteriorated".

The new Chinese loans that are being negotiated will help bolster Pakistan's rapidly-depleting foreign currency reserves, which tumbled to $10.3 billion last week from $16.4 billion in May 2017

Pakistan expects to obtain fresh Chinese loans worth $1-2 billion to help it avert a balance of payments crisis, Pakistani government sources said, in another sign of Islamabad's growing reliance on Beijing for financial support. Lending to Pakistan by China and its banks is on track to hit $5 billion in the fiscal year ending in June, according to recent disclosures by officials and Pakistan finance ministry data reviewed by Reuters. The ramp up in China's lending comes as the United States is cutting aid to Pakistan following a fracture in relations between the on-off allies. In February, Washington led efforts that saw Pakistan placed on a global terror financing watchlist, drawing anger in Islamabad amid fears it will hurt the economy. The new Chinese loans that are being negotiated will help bolster Pakistan's rapidly-depleting foreign currency reserves, which tumbled to $10.3 billion last week from $16.4 billion in May 2017. The talks come only weeks after a group of Chinese commercial banks lent $1 billion to Pakistan's government in April. The reserves decline and a sharp widening of Pakistan's current account deficit have prompted many financial analysts to predict that after the general election, likely in July, Islamabad will need its second International Monetary Fund (IMF) bailout since 2013. The last IMF assistance package was worth $6.7 billion. Beijing's attempts to prop up Pakistan's economy follow a deepening in political and military ties in the wake of China's pledge to fund badly-needed power and road infrastructure as part of the $57 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) - that passes through Pakistan Occupied Kashmir - a key cog in Beijing's vast Belt and Road initiative. "I think this month we will get that $1-2 billion," said a senior Pakistan government official, saying the funds will come from Chinese state-run institutions. A second government official confirmed Pakistan was in "sensitive" talks with Beijing over extra funding for up to $2 billion. Pakistan finance ministry officials did not respond to a request for comment. China's finance ministry and central bank, who were faxed questions about the loans, did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Although Pakistan's economic growth has soared to nearly 6 percent, the fastest pace in 13 years, the structural problems with the economy are coming to the fore. It is similar to 2013, when foreign currency reserves dwindled and Pakistan narrowly escaped a full-blown currency crisis. "The current situation appears to be a replica of what we experienced in 2013, albeit on a slightly larger scale," said Yaseen Anwar, who was the governor of the central bank, the State Bank of Pakistan (SBP), back in 2013. The darkening macroeconomic outlook prompted the IMF earlier this month to downgrade its economic growth forecast for Pakistan to 4.7 percent for the next fiscal year ending in June 2019, way below the government's own ambitious target of 6.2 percent. Over the past nine months Pakistan has enacted a series of measures to combat its ballooning current account deficit, including hiking tariffs on more than 200 luxury items and devaluing its currency by about 10 percent. In the six months to end of March, Pakistan took bilateral loans worth $1.2 billion from China, according to the Pakistan Finance Ministry document reviewed by Reuters. During this period the government also borrowed about $1.7 billion in commercial loans, mostly from Chinese banks, finance ministry officials added. In April, Pakistan's central bank borrowed another $1 billion from Chinese commercial banks to buffer its reserves, State Bank of Pakistan Governor Tariq Bajwa told the Financial Times (FT). A spokesman for the central bank told Reuters the FT report was accurate. The $1-2 billion under discussion would be in addition to that loan. So far, all the measures appear to have had a limited impact on Pakistan's economy and foreign exchange reserves continue to plummet. The collapse of the reserves is mainly due to the central bank's efforts to maintain an artificially strong rupee over the past few years, analysts say. The currency is now trading at about 115.50/116 to the U.S. dollar, down 9.8 percent in last six months after two separate devaluations since December. In the past three weeks, reserves have declined by $1.2 billion and now stand at two months worth of import cover. "This new (Chinese) money is a temporary bridge until August or September, when a new government will come into office and the country will likely opt for a new IMF programme," said Saad Hashmey, chief economist at brokerage house Topline Securities. Hashmey and several other economists are predicting another currency devaluation by the end of 2018. Pakistan may also seek help from Saudi Arabia. The Middle Eastern ally loaned $1.5 billion to Pakistan in 2014 to shore up its foreign currency reserves. The scale of the task facing Pakistan is huge as the current account deficit widened to $14 billion in the first 10 months of the current fiscal year, according to SBP data. Dollar-denominated debt repayments in 2018 are also expected to top $5 billion, analysts say. Part of the problem for Pakistan has been a multi-year consumer boom accompanied by huge imports of Chinese machinery for CPEC projects, which has piled pressure on the current account deficit. More recently, a jump in the oil price has compounded the problem as Pakistan is a fuel importer. One of the senior Pakistani government officials said the money from China should give the economy breathing space. He said exports have shot up in the last two months, helped by the devaluation in the rupee, and that should help ease the current account deficit. However, Pakistan's central bank appears more nervous as oil prices climb, raising its main policy rate by 50 basis point to 6.5 percent on Friday and warning the "the balance-of-payments picture...has further deteriorated".

Pakistan seeks economic lifeline with fresh China loans

Pakistan's Senate on Friday endorsed a Constitutional amendment seeking to merge the restive tribal region along the Afghanistan border with Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province in the northwest, a day after the historic move was overwhelmingly passed by the National Assembly.

The 31st constitutional amendment bill was moved in the 104-member Senate by Law Minister Bashir Virk to merge Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) with Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa after months of delays following disagreements between coalition partners and the opposition over its clauses.

The amendment was passed with a 229-1 vote in the National Assembly yesterday, bringing an end to 150-year-old British-era arrangement.

The bill which needed 69 votes was supported by 71 Senators while only five members opposed it. The opposition came from Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP).

Another party which opposed was Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F). It boycotted the voting on the bill by staging a walk out.

The bill will now be presented in the assembly of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province as it aims to change the territory of the province by merger of tribal region into it.

According to the Constitution, any change in the territory of a province must be passed with two-thirds majority by the assembly of the respective province.

It is a race against time as provincial assembly will complete its tenure on May 28 and the bill should be presented and passed before that.

Since Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI), which supported the bill in the national parliament, is in majority in the province and also has support of other parties, the merger law is expected to be passed easily.

Finally, the president will sign the bill passed by the federal parliament and provincial legislature to become part of the law.

The semi-autonomous tribal region was created by British government as a buffer between India and Afghanistan.

&nbspThe tribal areas currently consist of seven districts which stretch along the border with Afghanistan, and became known to the world due to presence of militants who fled the porous border after the US forces invaded Afghanistan after 9/11 attack.

Pakistan forces launched repeated military operation to clear the areas of rebels and dismantle their hideouts which were used to launch attacks in Pakistan and Afghanistan.

The 31st constitutional amendment bill was moved in the 104-member Senate by Law Minister Bashir Virk to merge Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) with Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa after months of delays following disagreements between coalition partners and the opposition over its clauses

Pakistan's Senate on Friday endorsed a Constitutional amendment seeking to merge the restive tribal region along the Afghanistan border with Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province in the northwest, a day after the historic move was overwhelmingly passed by the National Assembly. The 31st constitutional amendment bill was moved in the 104-member Senate by Law Minister Bashir Virk to merge Federally Administered Tribal Areas (FATA) with Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa after months of delays following disagreements between coalition partners and the opposition over its clauses. The amendment was passed with a 229-1 vote in the National Assembly yesterday, bringing an end to 150-year-old British-era arrangement. The bill which needed 69 votes was supported by 71 Senators while only five members opposed it. The opposition came from Pakhtunkhwa Milli Awami Party (PkMAP). Another party which opposed was Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam-Fazl (JUI-F). It boycotted the voting on the bill by staging a walk out. The bill will now be presented in the assembly of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa province as it aims to change the territory of the province by merger of tribal region into it. According to the Constitution, any change in the territory of a province must be passed with two-thirds majority by the assembly of the respective province. It is a race against time as provincial assembly will complete its tenure on May 28 and the bill should be presented and passed before that. Since Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf (PTI), which supported the bill in the national parliament, is in majority in the province and also has support of other parties, the merger law is expected to be passed easily. Finally, the president will sign the bill passed by the federal parliament and provincial legislature to become part of the law. The semi-autonomous tribal region was created by British government as a buffer between India and Afghanistan. &nbspThe tribal areas currently consist of seven districts which stretch along the border with Afghanistan, and became known to the world due to presence of militants who fled the porous border after the US forces invaded Afghanistan after 9/11 attack. Pakistan forces launched repeated military operation to clear the areas of rebels and dismantle their hideouts which were used to launch attacks in Pakistan and Afghanistan.

Pakistan's Senate votes to merge FATA with Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa

Ahead of the general elections in Pakistan which are scheduled to be held in July, the opposition parties in the country have failed to appoint a caretaker prime minister.

According to the law in Pakistan, a caretaker prime minister is appointed to fill in the temporary vacuum created after the conclusion of the existing government and appointment of the new government.

The current government will come to an end in Pakistan on May 31 while the elections will be held on July 25-27. The new goverment will therefore be formed within 60 days.&nbsp

The responsibility to appoint a neutral government lies with the leader of the house (Prime Minister) and leader of the opposition. The two are required to hold a consultation to suggest a name for the caretaker PM .

The leader of Opposition Party in Pakistan, Khursheed Shah who belongs to the Pakistan People's Party said he had held a discussion of five rounds with PM Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, but the two could not agree on a single name.

He added that now the speaker of the National Assembly will set a Parliamentary Committee to decide on the name of the Caretaker PM.

The Committee will include members from the two parties in Pakistan, the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz and Pakistan's People's Party. The two parties will send the name of their nominees to the committee.

If the Parliamentary also fails to agree on a single name for the post, the decision will rest on the Election Commission of Pakistan which will appoint the Caretaker PM from the list of the nominees.

According to the law in Pakistan, a caretaker prime minister is appointed to fill in the temporary vacuum created after the conclusion of the existing government and appointment of the new government

Ahead of the general elections in Pakistan which are scheduled to be held in July, the opposition parties in the country have failed to appoint a caretaker prime minister. According to the law in Pakistan, a caretaker prime minister is appointed to fill in the temporary vacuum created after the conclusion of the existing government and appointment of the new government. The current government will come to an end in Pakistan on May 31 while the elections will be held on July 25-27. The new goverment will therefore be formed within 60 days. The responsibility to appoint a neutral government lies with the leader of the house (Prime Minister) and leader of the opposition. The two are required to hold a consultation to suggest a name for the caretaker PM . The leader of Opposition Party in Pakistan, Khursheed Shah who belongs to the Pakistan People's Party said he had held a discussion of five rounds with PM Shahid Khaqan Abbasi, but the two could not agree on a single name. He added that now the speaker of the National Assembly will set a Parliamentary Committee to decide on the name of the Caretaker PM. The Committee will include members from the two parties in Pakistan, the ruling Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz and Pakistan's People's Party. The two parties will send the name of their nominees to the committee. If the Parliamentary also fails to agree on a single name for the post, the decision will rest on the Election Commission of Pakistan which will appoint the Caretaker PM from the list of the nominees.

Pakistan political parties fail to appoint caretaker PM

Pakistan on Friday said it expected India to release 54 Pakistanis who had completed their prison terms in several Indian jails.

The Foreign Office (FO) in Islamabad said Pakistan expects the friendly gestures it had extended towards India to be reciprocated.

During a press briefing here, FO spokesperson Muhammad Faisal said that Islamabad was pursuing the release of 54 Pakistani prisoners who he claimed were currently in Indian jails despite completing their sentences.

He said Pakistan was also waiting for India to respond to humanitarian proposals with regard to the exchange of prisoners above 60 and below 18 years of age.

"Pakistan has made positive gestures on the humanitarian track vis-a-vis India, as reflected in the release of civilian prisoners, fishermen, and the facilitation of visits of pilgrims to religious shrines. We expect our friendly gestures to be reciprocated," Faisal said.

He also raised the issue of the Kishanganga Dam in Jammu and Kashmir saying that a Pakistani delegation had met World Bank officials to discuss the issues under the Indus Waters Treaty.

He said Pakistan regretted Indian attempts to make the Indus Waters Treaty dysfunctional and that the inauguration of the Kishanganga Dam by India is a "flagrant disregard" of the commitments to the World Bank and an "utter violation" of the treaty.

Pakistan on Friday said it expected India to release 54 Pakistanis who had completed their prison terms in several Indian jails

Pakistan on Friday said it expected India to release 54 Pakistanis who had completed their prison terms in several Indian jails. The Foreign Office (FO) in Islamabad said Pakistan expects the friendly gestures it had extended towards India to be reciprocated. During a press briefing here, FO spokesperson Muhammad Faisal said that Islamabad was pursuing the release of 54 Pakistani prisoners who he claimed were currently in Indian jails despite completing their sentences. He said Pakistan was also waiting for India to respond to humanitarian proposals with regard to the exchange of prisoners above 60 and below 18 years of age. "Pakistan has made positive gestures on the humanitarian track vis-a-vis India, as reflected in the release of civilian prisoners, fishermen, and the facilitation of visits of pilgrims to religious shrines. We expect our friendly gestures to be reciprocated," Faisal said. He also raised the issue of the Kishanganga Dam in Jammu and Kashmir saying that a Pakistani delegation had met World Bank officials to discuss the issues under the Indus Waters Treaty. He said Pakistan regretted Indian attempts to make the Indus Waters Treaty dysfunctional and that the inauguration of the Kishanganga Dam by India is a "flagrant disregard" of the commitments to the World Bank and an "utter violation" of the treaty.

Pakistan seeks repatriation of prisoners in India

Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti hit out at Pakistan on Friday for continuously violating the ceasefire along the International border in the state.

She said she had expected that Pakistan would not indulge in ceasefire violation during the month of Ramzan.

She said,&nbsp;"All countries are coming together to achieve peace. But, I don't know when we (India and Pakistan) will achieve peace. We are working on forming an exclusive Border battalion in which people living closer to border areas will be included".&nbsp;

Over thousands of people across the International border in Jammu and Kashmir moved out of&nbsp;their homes in the last few days to escape heavy shelling by the Pakistan forces.

The settlements along the LOC has come to a standstill after the migration of the people from there.&nbsp;

"Arnia town is empty as most of its population has migrated. They have shifted either to their relatives or to shelter camps set up by the government", Additional District Magistrate (ADM) Jammu, Arun Manhas, told PTI.

In the wake of the Ramzaan, the Home Ministry had suspended any operation by state security forces against the militants.&nbsp;However, the forces had the right to respond to an attack in order to safeguard themselves.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the Jammu and Kashmir police along with the army have busted a terrorist hideout in Ramban district's Kalimasta forest area. The forces have also recovered huge stock of arms and ammunition.

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All countries are coming together to achieve peace. But, I don't know when we (India & Pakistan) will achieve peace. We are working on forming an exclusive Border battalion in which people living closer to border areas will be included: J&K CM Mehbooba Mufti. <a href="https://t.co/ICzJoUuH7I">pic.twitter.com/ICzJoUuH7I</a>
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Mehbooba Mufti said she had expected that Pakistan would not indulge in ceasefire violation during the month of Ramzan

Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti hit out at Pakistan on Friday for continuously violating the ceasefire along the International border in the state. She said she had expected that Pakistan would not indulge in ceasefire violation during the month of Ramzan. She said, "All countries are coming together to achieve peace. But, I don't know when we (India and Pakistan) will achieve peace. We are working on forming an exclusive Border battalion in which people living closer to border areas will be included". Over thousands of people across the International border in Jammu and Kashmir moved out of their homes in the last few days to escape heavy shelling by the Pakistan forces. The settlements along the LOC has come to a standstill after the migration of the people from there. "Arnia town is empty as most of its population has migrated. They have shifted either to their relatives or to shelter camps set up by the government", Additional District Magistrate (ADM) Jammu, Arun Manhas, told PTI. In the wake of the Ramzaan, the Home Ministry had suspended any operation by state security forces against the militants. However, the forces had the right to respond to an attack in order to safeguard themselves. Meanwhile, the Jammu and Kashmir police along with the army have busted a terrorist hideout in Ramban district's Kalimasta forest area. The forces have also recovered huge stock of arms and ammunition. All countries are coming together to achieve peace. But, I don't know when we (India & Pakistan) will achieve peace. We are working on forming an exclusive Border battalion in which people living closer to border areas will be included: J&K CM Mehbooba Mufti. pic.twitter.com/ICzJoUuH7I — ANI (@ANI) May 25, 2018 ×

J&K CM Mehbooba Mufti slams Pakistan for ceasefire violation

The Government of Pakistan has called for a temporary ban on the exhibition and screening of Indian films during Eid holidays next month.&nbsp

Indian films will be banned from two days before the Eid to until two weeks after the holidays, a notification issued by Pakistan's ministry of information and broadcasting noted.&nbsp

According to the officials, the move is an outcome of the requests received by the Pakistani film exhibitors, distributors and production houses.

"The notification says that the temporary ban is being imposed in order to promote local movies on the festivals, a time when usual than the larger audience is attracted towards cinemas," an official from the Pakistan Film Exhibitors' Association noted.

According to reports, the notification would also be applicable for the Eid-ul-Adha holidays that will fall around late August or September.

Pakistani film producers and artists have been facing stiff completion from the Indian and Hollywood movies. The limited number of screens in the country does not facilitate good business for most distributors and filmmakers in Pakistan.

Eid is also the time when a number of new Pakistani films are usually due for a release.

(With inputs from PTI)&nbsp

The exhibition and screening of Indian and foreign films will be banned from two days before the Eid to until two weeks after the holidays

The Government of Pakistan has called for a temporary ban on the exhibition and screening of Indian films during Eid holidays next month. Indian films will be banned from two days before the Eid to until two weeks after the holidays, a notification issued by Pakistan's ministry of information and broadcasting noted. According to the officials, the move is an outcome of the requests received by the Pakistani film exhibitors, distributors and production houses. "The notification says that the temporary ban is being imposed in order to promote local movies on the festivals, a time when usual than the larger audience is attracted towards cinemas," an official from the Pakistan Film Exhibitors' Association noted. According to reports, the notification would also be applicable for the Eid-ul-Adha holidays that will fall around late August or September. Pakistani film producers and artists have been facing stiff completion from the Indian and Hollywood movies. The limited number of screens in the country does not facilitate good business for most distributors and filmmakers in Pakistan. Eid is also the time when a number of new Pakistani films are usually due for a release. (With inputs from PTI)

Pakistan temporarily bans Indian films during Eid

China has given Pakistan a credit line worth $1.6 billion to stave off a balance of payments crisis, two Pakistani central bank sources said&nbsp;on Thursday, with cash earmarked for boosting fast-depleting foreign currency reserves.

Two State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) sources told Reuters the credit facility that accompanies a currency swap agreement between SBP and China`s central bank has been hiked to 20 billion yuan ($3.13 billion) from 10 billion yuan.

"This arrangement has been finalised," said one SBP source, who spoke on condition of anonymity. A second source confirmed the agreement and the figures.

China has given Pakistan a credit line worth $1.6 billion to stave off a balance of payments crisis

China has given Pakistan a credit line worth $1.6 billion to stave off a balance of payments crisis, two Pakistani central bank sources said on Thursday, with cash earmarked for boosting fast-depleting foreign currency reserves. Two State Bank of Pakistan (SBP) sources told Reuters the credit facility that accompanies a currency swap agreement between SBP and China`s central bank has been hiked to 20 billion yuan ($3.13 billion) from 10 billion yuan. "This arrangement has been finalised," said one SBP source, who spoke on condition of anonymity. A second source confirmed the agreement and the figures.

China gives Pakistan $1.6 billion credit line to boost currency reserves

The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Friday instructed Pakistan cricketers to stop wearing smart watches while playing. &nbsp

The issue came to light when Asad Shafiz and Babar Azam were seen wearing smart watches during the opening day's play of the first Test against England at Lord's on Thursday.&nbsp

As per reports, there was no suggestion of wrongdoing, but the council instructed the Pakistan team against wearing such watches as an anti-corruption measure.&nbsp

Pakistan ended the first day of this two-match series well-placed at 50 for one after bowling England out for just 184.

"I didn't know earlier that anyone was wearing one (a smart watch)," Pakistan's Hasan Ali, said after the end of Day 1.&nbsp

"But yes, an ICC anti-corruption officer came to us and told us this is not allowed. So next time nobody will wear them," he added.

In a bid to combat financial malpractice in cricket, players and match officials must hand over their mobile phones and other devices capable of electronic transmission before play to the appointed ICC anti-corruption officer present at every major international match.

The devices are returned after stumps.

Lord's was the venue where three Pakistan players, including Mohammad Amir, who is playing in this match, were involved in a spot-fixing scandal during a 2010 Test against England.

The English court sentenced Amir, fellow pace bowler Mohammad Asif and Salman Butt, Pakistan's captain in that match, to jail terms, with the trio also given five-year worldwide ban from cricket by the ICC. &nbsp

Lord's was the venue where three Pakistan players, including Mohammad Amir, were involved in a spot-fixing scandal in 2010 against England

The International Cricket Council (ICC) on Friday instructed Pakistan cricketers to stop wearing smart watches while playing. The issue came to light when Asad Shafiz and Babar Azam were seen wearing smart watches during the opening day's play of the first Test against England at Lord's on Thursday. As per reports, there was no suggestion of wrongdoing, but the council instructed the Pakistan team against wearing such watches as an anti-corruption measure. Pakistan ended the first day of this two-match series well-placed at 50 for one after bowling England out for just 184. "I didn't know earlier that anyone was wearing one (a smart watch)," Pakistan's Hasan Ali, said after the end of Day 1. "But yes, an ICC anti-corruption officer came to us and told us this is not allowed. So next time nobody will wear them," he added. In a bid to combat financial malpractice in cricket, players and match officials must hand over their mobile phones and other devices capable of electronic transmission before play to the appointed ICC anti-corruption officer present at every major international match. The devices are returned after stumps. Lord's was the venue where three Pakistan players, including Mohammad Amir, who is playing in this match, were involved in a spot-fixing scandal during a 2010 Test against England. The English court sentenced Amir, fellow pace bowler Mohammad Asif and Salman Butt, Pakistan's captain in that match, to jail terms, with the trio also given five-year worldwide ban from cricket by the ICC.

ICC orders Pakistan cricketers to stop wearing 'smart' watches

By Manish Shukla

Bangladeshi terror groups are trying to bring weapons into the country from Pakistan's Karachi, a BSF report has said.&nbsp

The BSF report says a meeting was recently called by members of the Jamat ul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) and the Neo-JMB in Dhaka. Security agencies say the Neo-JMB is an offshoot of the JMB, a banned militant outfit.

The report says the meeting discussed the possibility of bringing arms and ammunition into the country, via the sea route, from Karachi to Chittagong.&nbsp

The BSF report has been shared with the Indian Ministry of Home Affairs.&nbsp

Indian intelligence agencies say the JMB and Neo-JMB are active along the India-Bangladesh border.&nbsp

The agencies say the JMB is targeting teenagers studying in madrasas in the country's border districts to co-opt them into jihadist activities.&nbsp

The Neo-JMB is reportedly trying to regroup with the Sarwar Tamim faction of the JMB.

Indian intelligence agenices say the porous border between India and Bangladesh and the presence of a large number of illegal migrants from Bangladesh make it easy for terrorists to enter India. Furthermore, the numerous madrasas near the border provide a platform for the radicalisation of local youth.

The National Investigation Agency (NIA) says its probe into the Burdwan blast revealed JMB members would regularly visit the madrasas in the border districts. The agency added that documents seized at the site of the blast indicated the regular conduct of terror-training classes by the JMB in West Bengal.

The BSF report has been shared with the Indian Ministry of Home Affairs

By Manish Shukla Bangladeshi terror groups are trying to bring weapons into the country from Pakistan's Karachi, a BSF report has said. The BSF report says a meeting was recently called by members of the Jamat ul Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB) and the Neo-JMB in Dhaka. Security agencies say the Neo-JMB is an offshoot of the JMB, a banned militant outfit. The report says the meeting discussed the possibility of bringing arms and ammunition into the country, via the sea route, from Karachi to Chittagong. The BSF report has been shared with the Indian Ministry of Home Affairs. Indian intelligence agencies say the JMB and Neo-JMB are active along the India-Bangladesh border. The agencies say the JMB is targeting teenagers studying in madrasas in the country's border districts to co-opt them into jihadist activities. The Neo-JMB is reportedly trying to regroup with the Sarwar Tamim faction of the JMB. Indian intelligence agenices say the porous border between India and Bangladesh and the presence of a large number of illegal migrants from Bangladesh make it easy for terrorists to enter India. Furthermore, the numerous madrasas near the border provide a platform for the radicalisation of local youth. The National Investigation Agency (NIA) says its probe into the Burdwan blast revealed JMB members would regularly visit the madrasas in the border districts. The agency added that documents seized at the site of the blast indicated the regular conduct of terror-training classes by the JMB in West Bengal.

Bangladeshi terror groups trying to bring in weapons from Karachi: BSF report

American financial assistance to Pakistan is under review, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told lawmakers today and accused Islamabad of treating US diplomats "badly".&nbsp;

Pompeo was responding to questions from Congressman Dana Rohrabacher who said the US should stop providing any financial assistance to Pakistan until it releases Shakil Afridi, a doctor who helped the CIA hunt down Osama bin Laden in 2011.

"With respect to Pakistan, we released far fewer funds in 2018 than in the year prior. The remainder of the funds available are under review. My guess is that that number will be smaller still," he told members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee.

Rohrabacher said he sees no "reason" in giving any financial aid to Pakistan if it still keeps Afridi in jail.

Pompeo said he worked "diligently" on the issue of Afridi in his previous role as the CIA Director, but acknowledged that he has been "unsuccessful" so far.

"Please be aware that it's at my heart and I know it's important and we can do that. We can achieve that outcome," he said.

Rohrabacher intervened by saying that the situation is getting "worse" in Pakistan.&nbsp;

"These people in Karachi and the Sindhs and the others, they're now facing these people who are killing their leaders or killing their people who believe in certain things that are different than the radical Islamic philosophy of some of the people in the Pakistani government," he alleged.&nbsp;

Besides financial assistance issue, Pompeo said, the US also needs to take note of treatment meted out to American diplomats by Pakistan.

"Our State Department officials are being treated badly as well. Folks working in the embassies and in the consulates and other places are not being treated well by the Pakistani government either, a real problem that we need to take the measure of also," he said.

Congressman Brad Sharman hoped that the US State Department would reach out to the leaders of Pakistan about the "forced disappearances in Sind".

Pompeo was responding to questions from Congressman Dana Rohrabacher who said the US should stop providing any financial assistance to Pakistan until it releases Shakil Afridi, a doctor who helped the CIA hunt down Osama bin Laden in 2011

American financial assistance to Pakistan is under review, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told lawmakers today and accused Islamabad of treating US diplomats "badly". Pompeo was responding to questions from Congressman Dana Rohrabacher who said the US should stop providing any financial assistance to Pakistan until it releases Shakil Afridi, a doctor who helped the CIA hunt down Osama bin Laden in 2011. "With respect to Pakistan, we released far fewer funds in 2018 than in the year prior. The remainder of the funds available are under review. My guess is that that number will be smaller still," he told members of the House Foreign Affairs Committee. Rohrabacher said he sees no "reason" in giving any financial aid to Pakistan if it still keeps Afridi in jail. Pompeo said he worked "diligently" on the issue of Afridi in his previous role as the CIA Director, but acknowledged that he has been "unsuccessful" so far. "Please be aware that it's at my heart and I know it's important and we can do that. We can achieve that outcome," he said. Rohrabacher intervened by saying that the situation is getting "worse" in Pakistan. "These people in Karachi and the Sindhs and the others, they're now facing these people who are killing their leaders or killing their people who believe in certain things that are different than the radical Islamic philosophy of some of the people in the Pakistani government," he alleged. Besides financial assistance issue, Pompeo said, the US also needs to take note of treatment meted out to American diplomats by Pakistan. "Our State Department officials are being treated badly as well. Folks working in the embassies and in the consulates and other places are not being treated well by the Pakistani government either, a real problem that we need to take the measure of also," he said. Congressman Brad Sharman hoped that the US State Department would reach out to the leaders of Pakistan about the "forced disappearances in Sind".

Financial assistance to Pakistan under review: US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo

Former Test captain Alastair Cook played a superb knock and smashed a gritty 70 as England were165 for five at tea on the first day of the opening test against Pakistan at Lord's on Thursday.

Playing in a record-equalling 153rd consecutive test, Cook batted fluently. But wickets tumbled around him after England captain Joe Root had won the toss in overcast conditions at the home of cricket.

Mark Stoneman, Root and Dawid Malan fell cheaply to the Pakistan seamers in the morning, leaving England struggling at 43 for three before Cook and Jonny Bairstow steadied the innings with a partnership of 57.

Bairstow, however, was bowled after lunch for 27 by a fine delivery from&nbsp

Faheem Ashraf and Cook's three-hour vigil ended when Mohammad Amir produced an excellent ball that clipped his off stump.

Ben Stokes unfurled a few trademark attacking strokes to reach 36 not out at the tea interval with Jos Buttler on 13, but England have plenty of work to do as they look to move on from a heavy Ashes defeat in Australia and a rare loss to New Zealand.

Pakistan had dominated the first session of the two-match series.

Root, who could have been run out before he had scored, played carefully to get to four before driving rashly at a wide ball from Hasan Ali and nicking a catch to wicketkeeper Sarfraz Ahmed.

But Cook's hopes of a 33rd test century ended when he failed to get fully forward to a good-length delivery from Amir, leaving the left-hander to trudge slowly back to the pavilion to a standing ovation.&nbsp

Playing in a record-equalling 153rd consecutive test, Cook batted fluently

Former Test captain Alastair Cook played a superb knock and smashed a gritty 70 as England were165 for five at tea on the first day of the opening test against Pakistan at Lord's on Thursday. Playing in a record-equalling 153rd consecutive test, Cook batted fluently. But wickets tumbled around him after England captain Joe Root had won the toss in overcast conditions at the home of cricket. Mark Stoneman, Root and Dawid Malan fell cheaply to the Pakistan seamers in the morning, leaving England struggling at 43 for three before Cook and Jonny Bairstow steadied the innings with a partnership of 57. Bairstow, however, was bowled after lunch for 27 by a fine delivery from Faheem Ashraf and Cook's three-hour vigil ended when Mohammad Amir produced an excellent ball that clipped his off stump. Ben Stokes unfurled a few trademark attacking strokes to reach 36 not out at the tea interval with Jos Buttler on 13, but England have plenty of work to do as they look to move on from a heavy Ashes defeat in Australia and a rare loss to New Zealand. Pakistan had dominated the first session of the two-match series. Root, who could have been run out before he had scored, played carefully to get to four before driving rashly at a wide ball from Hasan Ali and nicking a catch to wicketkeeper Sarfraz Ahmed. But Cook's hopes of a 33rd test century ended when he failed to get fully forward to a good-length delivery from Amir, leaving the left-hander to trudge slowly back to the pavilion to a standing ovation.

1st Test: Alastair Cook's gritty 70 helps England reach 184

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